Mexican Pie

I’ve been rearranging and decluttering  the kitchen. I decided to look once again at my few cook books and see if I was using them or if any needed a new home. I came across this recipe I haven’t made in a few years. It was a family favorite and  seems it still is. It’s quick and easy to prepare, tastes yummy, and forms a nice thin corn bread on top. It’s good the next day too and freezes well. Enjoy!

( I used all Gluten Free ingredients)

(From Eat Well, Live Well The Canadian Diabetic Associations Guide to Healthy Eating, 1990)

 

Mexican Pie
1 Medium Onion
1 TBSP vegetable oil
1 can tomatoes (19 oz/540 ml)
1 can kidney beans (19 oz/540 ml) (I soaked and cooked the beans)
1 can corn (12 oz/341 ml) (I used frozen)
1 TBSP chili powder ( I suggest 2 TBSP or more)
¾ cup cornmeal
1 cup 2 percent milk (I used soy milk)
2 eggs
1 ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, or a mixture)
In a large skillet on medium high heat, cook onion in oil until transparent. Cut up tomatoes. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, corn and chili powder to skillet. Cook on low heat, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until slightly thickened, stir occasionally. (I used a masher and mashed the mixture a little to thicken the sauce). Pour into 9 X 13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle corn meal evenly over surface. In separate bowl, beat together milk and eggs. Pour evenly over corn meal. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 350 oven, 50 – 55 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

 

 

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30 Gluten Free Recipes

Here’s a link to 30 Gluten Free Dessert recipes. At first glance, they seem to be quick and simple. I’ll try them over the next while. Maybe you’ll find this link helpful too.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/desserts/gluten-free-desserts-00000000058813/index.html#11

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Curried Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup

Curried Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup

(From The Diabetes Choice Cookbook for Canadians, 2002, Pg 48)

I sure enjoy making and eating a good soup. This one is quick to make; high in fiber; and a good source of Vitamin A and C.

Ingredients

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 ½ minced garlic

1 ½ cups chopped onions

1 tsp curry powder (or more if you like)

4 cups chicken stock (add more stock if too thick)

4 cups broccoli florets

3 cups peeled diced sweet potatoes

2 TBSP honey

(I use gluten free ingredients)

Directions

• In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic, onions and curry.
• Cook for 4 min or until onions are softened.
• Add vegetable stock, broccoli and sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil.
• Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 min or until vegetable are tender.
• Transfer soup to food processor or blender. Purée. Add honey and serve.

I sometimes add soft tofu just before pureeing – for extra protein. Once served, I add a little ground flax seed to my bowl.(Flax seed is high in fibre; healthy fats and antioxidants).

Brown the onion, garlic and curry.

Add Stock, Sweet Potatos and Broccoli

Puree.

Freezes well.

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Homemade Household Disinfectant

With lots of bugs in the air, I’ve been using disinfectant a little more lately. I really like the mixture below and I’ve been using it for sometime now. I make a larger batch and keep the extra on hand until I have the time to make more. I use it in the bathroom; kitchen; on door knobs and any other place that needs a good cleaning. It is so easy to make; cost effective; and leaves fixtures very shiny. Give it a try; I’m sure you will be happy with it.

1 TBSP liquid dish soap

½ cup vinegar

½ cup rubbing alcohol

½ c water

Mix and put in spray bottles

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Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

I’m wondering if you’re making your own general purpose cleaner.  I’ve been using this mixture for sometime now and I really like it. I like to keep bottles in the kitchen, bathroom and shower.  It’s inexpensive; easy to make; smells nice; and cleans wonderfully. I think you’ll like it if you give it a try.

½ tsp baking soda

2 tsp Borax

½ tsp liquid dish soap

2 cups hot water

Mix and put in spray bottles

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Broccoli and Lentil Soup

Although I’ve had ‘The Diabetes Choice Cookbook’ for sometime, this recipe just recently caught my eye.  Broccoli and Lentil soup is easy; nutritious; tastes great and freezes well.   I like that the soup is pureed as my daughter Erin doesn’t like lentils – so I can disguise them. I double the recipe and freeze half for use later. I also blend in 1/2 – 350 g pack of tofu. (Soya products are effective in reducing bone loss, so I use tofu a fair amount in soups).

I hope you give this soup a try, I think you’ll like it.

Broccoli and Lentil Soup

Serves 4-6

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp crushed garlic
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 1/2 cups chopped broccoli
• 3/4 cup dried green lentils
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

(I use gluten free ingredients)

Directions :

1. In a large nonstick saucepan, heat oil; sauté garlic, onion, celery and carrot until softened, approximately 5 minutes
2. Add stock, broccoli and lentils; cover and simmer for 30 minute, stirring occasionally, or until tender
3. Puree in food processor until creamy and smooth
4. Serve sprinkled with parmesan

Nutrition Information Per Serving :

• 1 starch Choice
• 1 Protein Choice
• Calories 139
• Fat, total 3 grams; saturated 1 gram
• Carbohydrate 20 grams
• Fibre 4 grams
• Protein 10 grams
• Sodium 999 milligrams
• Cholesterol 2 milligrams

Source : “The Diabetes Choice Cookbook for Canadians”, Katherine Younker

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Mirror and Glass Cleaner – Homemade

I really enjoy cleaning the glass and mirrors in my home weekly. I feel the house looks so much brighter with the added shine.  I also use glass cleaner on fixtures in the bathrooms for a nice sparkle.  I have made my own glass cleaner for many years. It is so simple; convenient; and inexpensive. Here is what you need:

¼ tsp of liquid detergent

3 tablespoons of vinegar

2 cups of water

Mix and pour into spray bottle

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Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

Ladies, it is so easy to have your jewelry looking nice all the time. Just soak it in jewelry cleaner for a few minutes; scrub with a very soft toothbrush; rinse with cold water; and dry with a soft clothe. Jewelry looks so much nicer when it is clean .  Here is a recipe that I have been using for over 20 years. Use it on gold, silver and costume jewelry. I have been told not to put gemstones in homemade cleaner.  I make a new batch about once a year. Give this cleaner and try, I am sure you will like it.  Shine on. Linda

2 TBSP liquid dish soap

½ tsp ammonia

1 cup water

Mix and store.

Once a year, at Christmas time,  I take my wedding rings to the jewelers for a professional cleaning – it a free service.

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Leek and Sweet Potato Soup

The newest addition to my list of favorite soups is ‘Leek and Sweet Potato Soup’. A leek is a root vegetable in the onion family that is very mild tasting. If you don’t know what it looks like, you can see it in the photo above. The recipe below is from the Simply Great Food Dieticians of Canada cookbook (one of my favorite cookbooks). The recipe is quick to make and the soup is tasty; nutritious; and colorful.

Leek and Sweet Potato Soup

2 TBSP vegetable oil

4 cups chopped leeks (white and light green parts only)

4 cups diced peeled large sweet potatoes

4 cups reduced sodium chicken and vegetable broth

1 can (14oz/398ml) evaporated milk

1 tsp dill week

Salt and pepper freshly ground

( I use gluten free ingredients)

1. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat,. Sauté leeks for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Add potatoes and broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Remove from heat.
2. Working in batches, transfer soup to blender and puree until smooth.
3. Return soup to saucepan and add evaporated milk and dill. Heat over low heat (do not boil or milk could curdle). Season to taste with salt and pepper

–         For blending, I use a stick blender and blend right in the saucepan.

–         I substitute soft tofu for evaporated milk

–         Slow cooker 8 hours on low – add milk and dill just before serving

–        Double the recipe and freeze some for later

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Easy Black Forest Cake

One of my favorite cake recipes is Easy Black Forest Cake. I acquired the recipe many years ago while volunteering at a children s summer camp. I have just started making the recipe again as it is so easy. It freezes well too. I like to have one (or part of one) in the freezer for convenience. My daughter Erin just loves this cake. I make this for all occasions.  Enjoy. Here is the recipe….

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Chili Bar

I thought I would share this easy entertaining idea that I have tried and really enjoy preparing for and serving to my family and friends. I like it because it is easy and stress free. It is a chili bar. I read about this first in Real Simple magazine last year. Start by making a large pot of chili (you can make this ahead and freeze). Then fill small bowls of toppings to put on the chili. I have used: chopped romaine, chopped radishes, chopped scallions, chopped black olives, chopped tomato, avocado, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and other similar items.  I also fill a bowl with tortilla chips. My guests first put tortilla chips on their plate, then chili on top, then whatever toppings they like on the chili.  By using tortilla chips you can eliminate cutlery.  I am not able to fit everyone around a table.  Therefore I provide each guest with a decorative t-towel for his or her lap.  To decorate my buffet table I first put down a white tablecloth, then I scatter cards/photos  (or whatever theme you like) on the table. I then cover the table with a clear plastic table protector. This keeps the tablecloth clean and the cards in place. I put a center piece in the middle. Next I put the chili on the table in a nice serving dish with the toppings around it.  I keep dessert simple – an apple crisp or easy black forest cake.  We invite 3-4 couples over for a casual evening – usually on a weeknight. We also play a game like jeopardy (homemade and theme based).   This evening is so simple and stress free. It is also easy to tweak. I hope you give it a try. Linda

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