LOOSE MEAT SANDWICH WITH SHAVED HAM

      As we mentioned. Today is Football Saturday at our house, so we are whipping up a quick meal for half time.

      This is something my mother made when I was growing up. It was quick and inexpensive. And we loved it. I don't have the original recipe, but think I came up with a close replacement.

Here is all you need.

1/2 POUND SHAVED HAM

1/4 CUP ONION

1/2 CUP GREEN PEPPER

1 CLOVE GARLIC (CHOPPED FINE)

ENOUGH MARINARA SAUCE TO COAT THE HAM. (BUT NOT TOO MUCH)

      I used some home made sauce, but I guess you could get something in a jar. I like some of the RAGU sauces and used them for many years until I learned how to make my own.

And I will share that recipe soon.

      You should have all your ingredients ready to go BEFORE half time. Get the onion and green pepper all chopped and ready to go. I like to chop the garlic just before I use it, so hold off on that.

      Unless the game is exciting and close, I start getting the meal ready, while there are 2-3 minutes to go. Fortunately, my Big screen is close to the kitchen. I don't want to miss any of the excitement.

Here we go

SAUTE ONIONS AND PEPPERS IN PAN WITH EVOO

WHEN 'TRANSLUCENT', ADD GARLIC AND SIMMER BUT JUST A MINUTE.

ADD MEAT (I break it up, you do NOT want a big lump)

ADD SAUCE AND STIR

HEAT TO DESIRED TEMPERATURE

IF YOU GET TOO MUCH SAUCE, YOU WILL HAVE TO ADD MORE MEAT

SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE.

      Place a nice portion of the meat on a bun and you are off to the races....

      You can also use ground beef in place of the ham. It will be close to a Sloppy Joe.

      This can not get any easier. Serve with the Macaroni Salad you made this morning, and some chips of your choice.

    And, don't forget the beer.

      Glad to report that Ball State easily won their game. Florida had to resort to a 63 yard bomb as time ran out. 

     Such is life in the Gator Nation.

     Till next time, COOK IT YOURSELF !!!

MACARONI SALAD

It's football Saturday, and I am excited. The Gators take on Tennessee, and Ball State is hosting U.A.B.

For those of you in a vacuum, our state had a rough week, with a major hurricane riding up the peninsula and causing MAJOR damage. In preparation for this event, most of the football games were canceled last weekend. Needless to say, a half time meal was not on our radar.

I am happy to report that we weathered the storm well, and were without power for only 24 hours. A neighbor shared his generator with us, so at least we had hot coffee and a cold fridge. Many of our friends did not fair as well. It will be a long time before they all recover.

That being said, we all needed a fun day to take our minds off of the destruction. And in Florida, that means COLLEGE FOOTBALL !!

Today we have a 3 PM game, (BALL STATE) and of course the big one at 3:30 as Florida tries to bounce back from the Michigan loss two weeks ago.

SO we are doing two recipes. One for Macaroni Salad and the other for Loose Meat Sandwiches.

First, lets get the Salad ready. Here is what you need.

8 OZ ELBOW MACARONI

1/2 CUP CHOPPED CELERY

2 TBL CHOPPED ONION

1/3 CUP CHOPPED GREEN PEPPER

3 HARD BOILED EGGS (CHOPPED)

1 TBL PICKLE RELISH

1/4 TSP GROUND CELERY SEED

MAYO TO TASTE

Keep in mind, these amounts can be adjusted to the size of your crowd, and you individual tastes.

This recipe was more than enough for the two of us.

This is one of my favorite summer time meals and works well for a fall football afternoon. And it's easy as pie.

You should make this ahead of time, so it has time to get good and chilled by halftime.

BOIL THE MACARONI

CHOP ONIONS, PEPPERS, CELERY & EGGS

WHEN MACARONI IS DONE, DRAIN AND RINSE

MIX MACARONI WITH MAYO

ADD ONIONS, PEPPERS, CELERY, AND CELERY SEED

MIX.

ADD EGGS AND MIX GENTLY

 

ADD MORE MAYO , IF NEEDED

REFRIGERATE

Now, you should have a beer.

See how easy that was? Why buy that salad made at the store? Full of sugar, salt and preservatives?

No, I say MAKE IT YOURSELF !!!

Next up, LOOSE MEAT !!!!!

GO CARDS AND GATORS !!!!   SEE YOU AT HALF TIME

MOTHERS CHILI – MODIFIED

MOTHERS CHILI – MODIFIED

In looking back over my life, I have eaten many wonderful things. As a kid, my mothers chilli was one of my favorites. Thanks to my sister in law, I was able to score a copy of the recipe a few weeks ago. I should have asked for it years ago.

I have to admit, my mother never spiced up her food. This was due to my fathers hatred for spices and GARLIC. Of course over the years his two sisters and my wife fed him garlic all the time. But we never told him. It was one of the family secrets. Besides, it was HYSTERICAL !!

I grew up the same way. “I hate garlic”, I always said. That is until my wife fed me the greatest chicken dinner I had ever consumed. Then she told me it had a WHOLE HEAD of garlic.

This changed my tune forever.

In looking over the recipe, I had to admit that it was the poster child for BLAND. It needed to be fixed.

Now don't get me wrong. As a “super taster” I am not a fan of HOT SPICY foods. So this is NOT hot. But feel free to spice it up as you go along.

What I loved about this recipe was the texture. And it turned into the best chili I have eaten in years.

SO, with college football in full swing, let's cook up a batch of chili for half-time.

Here is mom's original, recipe....

2 TBL FAT

1 POUND GROUND BEEF

1 CUP CHOPPED ONIONS

1 CUP CHOPPED PEPPERS (Bell or Cubanelle)

1 CLOVE GARLIC (optional)

2 TSP SALT

2 ½ CUPS TOMATOES (# 2 CAN)

2 ½ CUPS KIDNEY BEANS

1 TSP CHILI POWDER

MELT FAT IN HEAVY FRY PAN. BROWN MEAT. ADD ONION & PEPPERS. SAUTE ON MEDIUM HIGH. ADD OTHER INGREDIENTS. TURN TO HIGH. WHEN STEAMING TURN TO LOW AND SIMMER ONE HOUR. IF NOT THICK ENOUGH, SIMMER MEDIUM LOW.

O.K. That's how she did it. Now, let's fix it.

2 TBL FAT – (NO … Use a layer of EVOO in bottom of pan)

1 POUND GROUND BEEF (NO, use 2 ½ pounds – MORE BEEF !!!)

1 CUP CHOPPED ONIONS

1 CUP CHOPPED PEPPERS

1 4 oz can of HATCH CHILLIS

1 CLOVE GARLIC (optional) (are you kidding? Garlic is NOT Optional – use 3 or 4 cloves)

2 TSP SALT (only use a pinch or two – The beans may add enough salt)

1 CAN TOMATO SAUCE (28 OZ.

1 CAN  (4.5 OZ) OF MUIR GLEN FIRE ORGANIC ROASTED TOMATOES

2 ½ CUPS KIDNEY BEANS - DRAINED

1 TSP CHILI POWDER

add:

½ TSP CUMIN

½ bottle of BEER !!!!! (Use that crazy beer your wife bought that you won't drink. Don;t waste the good stuff)

Use a BIG POT. ADD EVOO and heat until “shimmering”. Add onions and chopped Peppers and saute until translucent. You will add the Hatch chilli's later.

Add a “pinch” of salt and the Garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes, then add the meat and brown it off. Don't just throw a glob of meat in the pot and start smashing it up... Break it up with your fingues and let the pieces fall into the pot.

While the meat is browning, have a beer.

When meat is “browned”, you can add the rest of the ingredients. Bring it to a boil then turn to SIMMER.

COOK FOR TWO HOURS, stirring occasionally so the bottom does not burn.

If you want this for half time, start this process about 2 hours before game time. DO NOT add the Beans until the game starts. (The longer the basic chili cooks, the better)

Check it during the game after each touchdown. (If your watching the Florida Gators, or the Cleveland Browns, just do it every half hour. Don't wait for touchdowns.)

Now you can salt to taste. I do not put pepper in my chili until I serve it. Penny adds hot sauce.

Just before half time, set the table and get the griddle out.

Don't worry about missing the half time stuff. They just talk about what you just saw and play “arm chair” coach.

Butter some bread and throw those puppies on the griddle.

Sprinkle some cheese or cheeses of your choice and cook until the cheese is nicely melted. Serve with chips of your choice. DON'T FORGET THE BEER.

Hopefully, your team wins. Oh, we were watching the Gators. 

President Grover Cleveland enjoyed the game more that I. 

Maybe next week I can watch Ball State.

BAKED BEANS

College football is my favorite time of the year. I consider it a pre season and prepares me for College BASKETBALL season. Hey, I'm from Indiana. What do you expect? 

And it is just around the corner. That being said, we are going to explore some cool foods that you can make for Game Day. Take 'em to the 'Tailgate'  or to your living room.

One of the easiest is baked beans. They go well with just about anything. And they are so easy to spruce up. Here is my version 

1 - 28 OZ CAN OF BUSHES ORIGINAL BAKED BEANS

2 - TEASPOONS BROWN SUGAR

¼ - CUP CHOPPED ONIONS

2 -3 STRIPS OF BACON CUT TO 1” STRIPS

1 – DASH OF TABASCO SAUCE

2 – TABLESPOONS CATSUP     (YOU DID MAKE YOUR OWN, RIGHT ??)

PLACE BEANS IN 8 X 8 ALUMINUM PAN. DO NOT DRAIN (I USE DISPOSABLES)

ADD BROWN SUGAR, ONIONS,BACON, TABASCO SAUCE AND CATSUP.

STIR

Cover with foil, and place in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes. 

 I hope your team wins. (Unless it is Florida State)

FRIED HOT DOGS

Friends,

     I was going through some files and found a couple that I wrote about six months ago, and never posted. I guess I got busy with retirement and they slipped my mind. This and the last two posts are from this forgotten file.  ENJOY.

FRIED HOT DOGS

Hot Dogs. American food. We eat 'em at picnics and ball games. Fast and easy to make, most guys throw them in boiling water or the microwave.

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING ????

You can do better than a stinking microwave !!

Guys love fried food or all kinds, and there is not a better game day treat than fried up Doggies !!!

And your cardiologist will love you.

PUT 2 OR 3 PATS OF BUTTER IN FRYING PAN AND BRING TO SIZZLE (Bacon fat also works !!)

CUT HOT DOGS DOWN THE CENTER ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH

OPEN THEM UP AND PLACE IN PAN

COOK UNTIL BROWN THEN TURN OVER AND REPEAT

Before done, place ½ slice of cheese (folded in half) on the inside of the hot dog. (American or Mozzarella. )

Cover pan with lid and remove from heat. Allow cheese to melt

PUT ON PAPER TOWEL TO DRAIN GREASE.

PLACE ON BUN WITH CONDIMENTS OF YOUR CHOICE. 

I used chopped lettuce, chopped onion, & mustard.

All done !!! Add some chips and beer and go turn on the ball game.

BAKED UP SKETTI

I love sketti. Plain and simple, it's my favorite food. I am a true PASTA lover. With this in mind you will find some really good recipes here for sketti. We'll do plain sketti, sketti with meatballs and sketti with meat sauce. We do it as many ways as we can.

This one is easy. Left Overs !!!!.

We have a Greek restaurant in Ocala named LAKIS that we have been eating at for well over twenty five years. http://places.singleplatform.com/lakis-greek-and-italian-restaurant/menu

They make all kinds of things Penny loves, and one thing for me. BAKED SPAGHETTI !!! 

 

I always wanted to try my hand at it. And the other night the opportunity arose.

We had friends over to celebrate my recent retirement from the work force. (I was in Broadcasting for almost 50 years. But I digress.) 

Penny made her famous Spaghetti & Meat Balls.

Don't worry. We will get around to that recipe (or something similar) when I can figure out how it's done.

Any who, I thought what a great way to use the leftovers. Let's bake it !!

In a casserole dish, put in a ungodly amount of pasta (cook it first). Then add a bunch of sauce, and a gaggle of meatballs. Then add 8-10 ounces of mushrooms (pre cooked). You can get small cans of mushrooms at the grocery. There are lots of choices. Top it all off with about three pounds of mozzarella cheese. (Just kidding, amounts are to taste) I USED 8 OZ

I am showing one serving PRIOR to adding the cheese for viewing clarity. Now add the damn cheese.

It's also a good idea to throw a couple rolls on a cookie sheet as well. I used Pepperidge Farms.

 

Make sure you have some garlic butter on hand.

Throw it all in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Check the temp with your handy dandy Thermo gadget. The hotter the better.

This made for a great dinner for Penny and me. AND I had enough left over for lunch the next day. 

RECIPE

½ POUND of you favorite PASTA

Left over sauce and meatballs

1 can Mushrooms

1 8 oz. bag of shredded whole milk Mozzarella Cheese

Place sketti in serving dish, then add sauce, meatball and mushrooms. I suppose you could stir it a bit if you so desire, I just did the 'layered' thing.

Add cheese on top, and bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or so. If it starts to brown on the edges, check the internal temperature. It should be about 150-160 degrees.

Using POT HOLDERS, place the baking dish on top of another dish and serve.

(I tried scooping it onto a dish, and it ruined the presentation. So eat it out of the baking dish.

BUT BE CAREFUL , THAT DISH IS FRICKIN' HOT

The rolls are best served with garlic butter. Everything is better with Garlic Butter....

Enjoy

JELL-O PARFAIT

There are two things in this world I love. (Actually three counting the wife) Deserts and Jello.

For the last sixteen years I worked, I took some sort of Jell-O dish in my lunch. (I always ate at my desk, in case a customer called) Any who, I do love Jell-O.

This is one I found on line at 

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/floating-fruit-parfaits-57651.aspx

It's my favorite Jell-O desert. Jell-O Parfait !!!

It is easy to make, so lets get the ingredients together.

½ cup sliced fresh strawberries

¾ cup of boiling water

1 pkg of JELL-O Strawberry Sugar Free

½ cup COLD water

¾ cup ICE

1 cup COOL WHIP LITE WHIPPED TOPPING

4 Tablespoons COOL WHIP for topping – (Top just before serving)

Wash and cut up some berries

Place berries into 2 parfait glasses. 

Add boiling water to gelatin mix in medium bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add cold water and ice cubes; stir until ice is melted. Pour 3/4 cup evenly over berries.

Refrigerate 20 min. or until gelatin is set but not firm. Meanwhile, let remaining gelatin stand at room temperature until cooled and ready to be used.

Add 1 cup COOL WHIP to remaining gelatin; stir with whisk until blended. Spoon over gelatin in glasses.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

Serve topped with COOL WHIP.

I had some trouble getting the Cool Whip into the glasses without smearing it on the glass. Put it into plastic bag, cut the corner and squeeze it in.

This made two good servings.

If you use fresh strawberries, sprinkle them with a sugar substitute. Even then, mine were a bit sour..

You could also use frozen berries, or Peaches, or even fruit cocktail. How about Peaches with Peach Jell-O ? or Cherries with Cherry Jell-O ? Oh, and Raspberries with Raspberry Jell-O.

The list goes on and on and on and on.

You know what the Coz says. “There's Always Room For Jell-O.”