Thursday, March 10, 2011

Homemade "Refried" Beans

1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1 1/2 t jalapeno, finely chopped (pickled or fresh - remove the seeds and veins if fresh)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin seed
9 cups water

Place the onion, beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. Pour in the water and stir to combine. Cook on High for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. Once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. Put the beans in a mixer and mix until mashed to desired consistency. Add some liquid if needed.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Chicken Nuggets Two Ways

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c buttermilk

Either:
10 Ritz crackers, crushed
1 c coconut

Or:
20 Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 t black pepper

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-1/2 inch chunks. Mix egg and buttermilk together in a shallow pan (I find pie plates work great). Mix your choice of breading (crackers and coconut or crackers and Parmesan cheese) together in another shallow pan. Cover the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then in the breading. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 20 minutes (I do it on convection, 400, for 15 minutes). Serving with your choice of dipping sauces ... we like honey mustard or a mixture of honey and peach jam.

To crisp up chicken, place a wire rack (like those you cool cookies on) to cook. You can bake the nuggets for five minutes less, then broil for 5 minutes for a little added crispiness.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Chocolate Chip Muffins

My friend made these this evening for the BCS Championship Game (WAR EAGLE!!! And can I take a moment to say I have a happy husband today?), and they were absolutely delicious. I was surprised when she gave me the recipe, all stuff I love, just not what I would have imagined would make the yumminess I partook of.

1 box chocolate cake mix (she likes to use Devil's Food)
1 can pumpkin
3 eggs
chocolate chips

Mix together the cake mix, pumpkin and eggs. Fold in chocolate chips. Separate into muffin tins and bake as directed on box.

She says it is also yummy to use a spice cake mix.