Cool Things

I wanted to share something pretty cool with you...

Doesn't everyone love Williams-Sonoma??  I know I do.
They have great products, wonderful cooking demonstrations and technique classes...

and their recipes are AWESOME!

So Williams-Sonoma was kind enough to give me a little widget to share with you.  It's a Williams-Sonoma recipe of the day!

If you look to the right of this post right under my "About Me" section you will see it!  Each day they add a new recipe to the roll and you can scroll through them, backwards and forward drooling as you go.

Once you find one you like you just click on it and it will take you to that recipe so you can copy or print it out.

I've been eyeing the Cinnamon Sugar Pillows on there...might have to try that one!

It's that simple!

And it's all for you!!!

Isn't that cool???

Salisbury Steak in a Mushroom Gravy

Who doesn't love comfort food?

Sometimes comfort food is just what the doctor ordered...this dish is fits the bill. 

This is a recipe from way back.  My mom used to make this when I was growing up.  I also just learned that this was also a favorite of my Grandma and Grandpa's.  Mom has told me stories of them enjoying this dish so much that it makes me feel more comfort knowing they loved it so much.

It's pretty much all about the gravy.  The gravy is the BOMB!  So if you don't like mushrooms, leave them out, but make the gravy...you'll love me for it!
So here's an ode to Grandma and Grandpa Landon, and their love of Salisbury Steak in a Mushroom Gravy!


First, combine the ground sirloin, pepper, salt, and garlic.  Make patties, and place them in a heated skillet over medium high heat.  Cook about 4 minutes per side.

Remove from pan and keep warm.

Add butter to skillet and sliced mushrooms.  Saute 4 minutes until softened. 

Stir wine to the pan.  Cook 2 minutes. 

Stir beef broth and Wondra together.  Add to the skillet. 

Bring to a boil.  Cook for 5 minutes until reduced slightly and thickened.

Add patties back to the pan.  Add vinegar.  Cook for another 2 minutes.

Serve patties with mushrooms and sauce on top.

Oh boy!  Add a little mashed potatoes and some green beans...comfort galore!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for lovin' this dish...cause I love it too!

Salisbury Steak in a Mushroom Gravy
4 servings

1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 clover of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
8 oz mushrooms, sliced

1/3 cup dry red wine
1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or Wondra
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Combine beef, pepper, salt, and garlic. Shape into 4 patties. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned.  Remove from the pan and keep warm.

Melt butter in pan. Add mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes. Stir in wine cook 2 minutes. Combine broth and flour; add to pan, and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes or until thick. Add patties and vinegar to pan; cook 2 minutes.  Serve patties with mushrooms and sauce over them.


Linked To:  Hammock Tracks: Ground Beef Blog Hop

Banana Waffles with Maple Walnut Syrup

Happy Mother's Day!

Let's pay tribute to all the fantastic Mother's we've encountered in our lives, and especially our own!

Isn't Motherhood an amazing thing?  I mean, a mother, someone who guides us through life, teaches us right from wrong, someone who is an advisor, mentor, and a friend.

My mother is all this and more.  She is strong but soft.  A mix of oak wrapped in velvet.  She's kind, generous, and loving....always there for support or to listen.  She's also a great cook that's taught me my love of food.

 So here's to all the Mother's in the world...Hip Hip Hooray!

What better way to celebrate than with a Mother's Day Brunch?

Here is an outstanding recipe from a famous spa in Arizona, Canyon Ranch.  I'm so glad to have received this recipe and can share this with you!  These delectable waffles are heavenly, and the syrup is a delight.  Tangy and fruity, yet sweet with a hint of maple.

These are such a great addition to a Brunch, Sunday breakfast, or even for a late dinner.  They would go great with my Italian Scrambled Eggs.  (Click on the link to check them out.)

So let's make waffles!


First let's make the syrup.  Take some berry jam, I used a Olallieberry fruit spread from a local farm, add the maple syrup and orange juice concentrate.  Stir until combined.

On to the waffles.  Mash 2 ripe bananas in a medium bowl.

Add your oil, egg, milk, and vanilla to the mix and stir to combine. 

Add your dry ingredients:  a combination of whole wheat flour and all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Stir to combine well.  I use a measuring spoon to scoop the batter in to the waffle iron.

Now let the batter sit a minute and toast your walnuts in a skillet over medium heat.  Watch them or they will burn.  Toast for about 3 min.

Scoop your batter in to a pre-heated waffle iron and cook according to your waffle iron's directions.  Usually when they stop steaming they are done...golden brown.  Serve with the wonderful syrup and sprinkle with the toasted walnuts on top.


Oh my!  look at these babies!

A delectable waffle made for Mom!

Enjoy, and let me know what you are doing or making for Mother's day!

Banana Waffles with Maple Walnut Syrup

Adapted from : Canyon Ranch Cooking

Active Time:  20 Minutes

Total Time:  20 Minutes    

Makes 2 waffles, or 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

For the Syrup:

2 tablespoons all-fruit cherry or berry jam

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 1/2 teaspoon frozen orange juice 

For the Waffles:

2 medium ripe bananas, mashed

1-1/2 teaspoons corn oil

1 egg or ¼ c egg whites

3/4 cup low-fat (2 percent) milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup whole-wheat flour

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons toasted and chopped walnuts

                                                                                                                       

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE SYRUP:
Combine all the ingredients for the syrup, mix well, and set aside. Preheat a waffle iron.

FOR THE WAFFLES:
Combine the bananas, corn oil, egg whites, milk, and vanilla in a bowl and beat until blended. Add the flours, baking powder, and salt and mix well.

Spray the hot waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon 3/4 cup of the batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Cook until a golden brown, or until it stops steaming. Repeat with the remaining batter.

TO SERVE:
Halve each waffle and top each half with 1 tablespoon of syrup and 1 teaspoon of toasted walnuts.