Scrumptious Shortcut Cobbler

This recipe was inspired by a connoisseur of creative concoctions.  He brought to me a fabulous fruit fusion  to which the meager mind would appear lifeless, insipid, grotesque even in appearance, but to the creative mind, the imaginative mind, the visionary....if you will....there before me, was a superb synthesis of succulence eagerly awaiting inception.  Thus evolved the Scrumptious Shortcut Cobbler.......

Ingredients
Select one or any crazy combination of fruits......go crazy with the fruits!  Includes some scrumdelishous (honestly, they're just words, they don't control us) mix of many berries (straw, blue, black...), peaches fresh off my friends tree peeled and sliced all soaking in their own sweet juices for few days, a combination that is sure to please the palate.
You will need at least 1 and 1/2 cups (more or less depending on how fruit filled you prefer).
Note: In the freezer I found some Disaronno Italian Liquer which I added to the fruit mixture during the soaking process merely to enhance their essence.

Batter
1 stick of butter
1 self rising flour
(or 1 cup all purpose flour w/1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt)
1 cup sugar
1/2 evaporated milk
1/2 cup water

My seasoned southern friend supplied this shortcut batter recipe.  It is simply scrumptious.
Quite simply you.......
melt butter in a 2 quart casserole in 350 degree pre-heated oven (not too long....avoid overheating)
combine 1/2 cup evaporated milk with 1/2 cup water and 1 shot of liquer for you and one for the mix (just testing your attention to detail) or to taste (one cup liquid total.....use less water if you use liquer)
while butter is melting, mix dry ingredients together in large mixing bowl, hollow out the center and pour liquid mixture into dry mix gradually stirring to avoid lumpage until all ingredients are mixed well
remove casserole dish from oven carefully, it's hot!
drizzle batter into melted butter but DO NOT stir
drop fruit gently throughout batter but DO NOT stir
repeat after me...... don't stir! seriously, don't stir!
place into pre-heated oven and bake "until it looks good"....I know, these are the directions from a skilled surveyor.... I require minutes also so, bake for approximtely 30 minutes until sides are golden brown or sides are crispy.
Top with creamy vanilla ice cream..........it's simply scrumptious!

Peanut Butter Puddin' Pie

PEANUT BUTTER PUDDIN' PIE 
              sing and dance it out to the tune,  "It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time" 
                                                                    (click above for fun video!)

One particularly painstakenly long work week produced an insatiable sweet craving.  In hindsight I can recall that an enormous amount of caffeine was consumed that week to stabilize the sleep deprivation which could very well trigger a sweet hound attack.  That's what I call a sweet craving so strong one becomes compelled to sniff out any possible sugary substance in direct result of surrender to the sweet attack.  It's a sickness, I am fully aware.  I digress.....

This recipe was founded soley to satisfy the insatiable sweet cravings which flourished following a fantastically fun 'dance it out' stress relief session several Saturdays ago.  I'm finally getting around to posting these past ponderings. Life demands often take control of our time so sometimes we just have to hit the brakes, back the truck up and remember savor the simple substances that stir the soul.  

Crust

1/2 cup peanut butter captain crunch
2 tbsp butter
1 package hot cocoa mix

pour cereal into a baggie, be sure it is sealed well (you've been warned) and roll will rolling pin until you have created fine crumbs, add hot cocoa mix and blend ingredients together with butter until then press into the bottom of a pie plate or whatever bowl you feel a suitable for such delishesness.


Filling


1 package vanilla pudding
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 3/4 cup milk

pour pudding mix into mixing bowl, add milk and blend well until smooth then add the peanut butter and blend again until creamy smooth then pour into crust

Topping
2 tbsp peanut butter
chocolate syrup

mix peanut butter and chocolate syrup until you have reached a drizzly mix then do exactly what it sounds like you should do....drizzle that mixture over the top of the filling.  Let chill in fridge for 30 minutes and then dig in! :)

Simple Savory Summer Sandwiches and Salads

                                                                The possibilities are endless!

Spinach Turkey Provolone Wrap and Savory Spinach Tomato Mozerella Side Salad

What you will need:
Garlic Pesto Wrap
Deli Turkey  (on sale....gotta love it!)
Provolone Cheese slices
Fresh Spinach Leaves
Olive Oil
1 Small Clove of Garlic
Sea Salt
Italian Seasonings

For the salad:
Fresh Spinach Leaves
Fresh Tomatos
Mozerella Stick sliced
Balsalmic & Basil Vinegrette (Ken's Homestyle BOGO @ Publix this week!)

Some assembly required:
Place pesto wrap on flat surface (clean counter top or cutting board), layer cheese slices, turkey then pack the spinach leaves in there and gently fold sides of wrap over tucking in that spinach snuggly. Cut in half.
In small skillet, saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat cook for 30 seconds or until you're feeling it's the right moment and then carefully place assembled wrap halves into pan. Using a spatula, press gently, let cook for 1 min, then flip over and repeat pressing.  Sprinkle with seasonings suitable to your taste and serve with a side of the Balsalmic & Basil Vinegrette dressing for dipping and some fresh fruit.  Juicy red grapes and the balsalmic & basil vinegrette really compliment the flavors in the wrap.  Delish!

Banana Bash

BANANA BASH

Have you ever wondered what to do with those bruised and banished bananas? 

I say, look beyond the blemishes and discover their disguised dividend. 

We all have a few blemishes we'd prefer to keep hidden, covered up or removed, but for all things there is a time and a season.....even for the most minute morsel.

Ingredients Needed:

2 big red delicious apples, peeled and sliced

4 tbsp real butter (no substitutes....trust me)

2 tbsp honey

melt butter in small sauce pan, once melted, add honey and let it reach a small simmer

add sliced apples and cook on low until apples are no longer crispy to a fork's poke

smash with potatoe smasher and combine until smooth

stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp brown sugar

and cinamon at your discretion

I know what you're thinking.....I thought this was about banana's and this seems like a bunch of work.  Why not just use applesauce?!  These are valid observations. If you are pressed for time, as most of us are, then applesauce (with cinamon already in it) would be a fine substitute, but there is no substitute for the scrumptious aroma of blissfully blending flavors brewing.  Deep inhale....ahhhhhh! Tastebud teasing begins!  :)

Ok, now that you've procured the core of your mixture, you may begin to compliment the mix by introducing new fun flavors.  Calling all bananas, cranberries and walnuts....oh my!

Now this is where the poor girls pantry reveals its hidden treasures.  From the pantry I produced 2 browning bananas clinging limply to life, 1 and 1/2 packs of Ocean Spray instant oatmeal with cranberries and some leftover dried cranberries and chopped walnuts from a really great salad mix.  A quick glance in the refrigerator revealed a short supply of milk, which happens frequently with a growing boy around, so some creative spark created a quick component of compromise.....yogurt!  Greek yogurt, at that, which will add an even healthier element to the muffin mix with it's generous amount of protien. 

So, remaining ingredients, are as follows......

1 egg

(borrowed from a generous and patient neighbor who humors my nocturnal nature and peculiar pantry ponderings ....thank you!)

1 cup flour (more or less as needed)

1 tsp baking powder

Commence banana bashing, mix in egg or egg beaters if you prefer and yogurt.  Mix well until combined, but stop before it gets too mushy....that's overkill ....bananas behave better with benevolent blending. :) Next, sprinkle in the flour, oatmeal and baking powder, blend well.  Cranberries and walnuts require mildly managed mingling.  Mix is ready to be scooped into the muffin pan which should already be buttered and properly positioned at the ready.  If not, get on it....time's a wastin!  Preparing the pans and pre-heating the oven are pretty much a given in any baking recipe so no blaming me on this one! ;)

Ok, last but not least, the tantilizing topping!

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup melted butter

remaining walnuts

secret ingredient:  crumbs from the bottom on the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. 

No kidding here.....pour into a small baggie (make sure baggie closure is secure.....just a head's up to assist in fending off a frustrating moment) and roll with rolling pin until properly pressed. Stir into above mix until crumbly and then add to top of muffins. 

Place lovingly in oven and bake for 12-15 minutes

Marvel at the magnificant melding of mouthwatering muffins!  Enjoy! ;)

Post From A Pal

Kathy's poor girls pantry moment... January 10, 2010

Trying to decide what to make for dinner, I scan the fridge to see what I want to get rid of. Ok, there's some ham and some mashed potato left overs. Bright idea.... potato soup! This is what I did......cut up onion and a few more potatoes that I had, chopped in a few carrots, covered them with water and brought to a boil, then simmered adding one chicken bouillion at a time to taste. Chop up ham and put in pot, then add mashed potatoes (helps to thicken and adds flavor). Let cook til tender. Add a can of evaporated milk and salt and pepper to taste. I baked a nice loaf of bread to accompany this masterpiece. Great for our Florida winter arctic blast!

Life, Love, Laughter

January 23, 2010  Random Thoughts.........

LIFE has taught me many valuable lessons about myself and through these lessons I am able to stand firmly in the knowledge of what I can live with and let go of what I cannot.

LOVE comes in many forms. We all seek its sustenance even though it is alluring yet abominable, immeasurably awe-inspiring yet curiously confounding, exhilarating yet exhausting while all the while suprisingly soulfully sustaining.


LAUGHTER...without it my soul would be an empty shell because without laughter, the first two would be unbearablely difficult to endure! :)

Splendid Superiority

January 15, 2010

We all have something inside that ignites our spirit.  I call it splendid superiority.  We find it when we least expect it,  sometimes not even grasping that a soul stirring situation silently transpired.  Situations present themselves, our innate survivor mechanisms surge, supressed splendid superiority reveals itself and suddenly the problem is solved....show over.  Splendid superiority reigns! ;) 

Some of the most amazing creations have resulted from the inspiration which comes from these soul stirring moments. Recently some of my splendid sista's shared some of their stirring stories as they uncovered their own ability to peer past their present problem and ponder the possibilies beyond the peril.  They found that there is  power in pursuing the plentiful possibilities life presents.  There is superior strength that is gained from the pursuit and glorious grace that is generated in the undertaking. It is this grace which governs the  groundwork for future endeavors.  

 Poor Girls Pantry was established as the result of a soul stirring state of affairs.  Painstakenly obvious became the growing desire to proclaim the ability within, of which we are each equipped, to posess peace.  Sanctioned by the splendid superiority straining against adversity, the writer inside sprang to life fueled by the postively poignant power gained from hurdling the seemingly ceaseless obstacles life has continually presented.  The search for self sustenance surprisingly paved the way to simplicity.  Perceived peril perished under the wave of positive power the creative energy emitted.  Surprising tranquility emerged giving way to the glorious grace that guides, generating a beacon of strength sustaining and saturating the soul.  Silent, splendid superiority significantly reigns within us all.  Give yours permission to SHINE.

Payday......Party in the Pantry!

January 6, 2010   

Payday.....Party in the Pantry!!

Every two weeks, a fiesta breaks out in the pantry!  Sometimes I swear I can hear the muffled rattling of maracas as I walk past.  I'm certain that there is a top shelf macaroni Macarena materializing.  :)

Speaking of Macarena......while wandering the aisles of the local grocery store seeking sustenance, I suddenly became aware of the swagger which I developed in response to the salsa tunes seeping from the ceiling speakers.  Ironically, at the checkout line I discovered that not only did the music manipulate my meandering, but it also maneuvered my meal mind set.  I stood bemused as  I observed the conveyor carrying items characteristic of a Columbian family friend's feast.  A perfect pork roast paved the way for the frejoles negros and arroz amarillo . Yummy yucca strode silently aside the fresh plaintains all eager to join together for a festive feast. A kelly green lime rolled along beside the cervezas while the cilantro, garlic and saltry seasonings joined forces with a jar of olive oil to bring up the rear.  It seems that the theme for this week's mind boggling menu had musically materialized.  Step aside flamenco dancers, the new tenants of this poor girls pantry are in Macarena motion!
Resulting Recipe:  Black Beans & Yellow Rice (add pork or chicken - your choice)
Ingredients needed:  (add more or less depending on how many mouths you are feeding)
2 whole tomatoes or a dozen (or so) grape tomatoes
(any variety will do, but I used grape tomatoes because they make stew style sauce) ($1.99)
1/2 red onion
1 garlic clove
splash of olive oil 
1 bag Safron yellow rice ($.72)
1 can Goya freoles negros ($.59)
Tyson fajita chicken strips (already seasoned - easy and delish!) ($7.99)
2 Green Plaintains ($1.29)
1 can Goya yucca ($.89)
Saute tomatoes, garlic and slices of red onion and cilantro in olive oil, open can of yucca, drain and add to mix, simmer. In separate pan, boil water, add 1 tbsp. olive oil, and rice (follow time on bag - easy breezy)
Once rice is finished, mix black beans (drained) into the rice then lay chicken on top, cover and cook on low for about 15 minutes.  While these are cooking, peel and slice the plaintains in diagonal slices.  Saute in olive oil, add salt to taste.  Once chicken and rice mix is done, drizzle the tomatoe mixture over the top of it all.  Mmmmmmmm, muy delicioso!  Pop open a cerveza, add slice of lime.....fiesta begins! Fabulous feast for lest than $15.00..... Enjoy! ;)

Chili today.....gone Tamale!

 January 4, 2010

Chili today.......gone Tamale! 
My father has a notorious nack for peculiar puns.  Regardless of my ability to forecast their arrival at the slightest seasonal shift, my amusement greets them with delight  as effortlessly as his delivery.  His token cold weather claim, "It's chili (chilly) today and hot tamale (tomorrow)!" is as much expected as the wind is windy.  

As I stepped outside this morning into the bone chilling weather conditions, his quirky quote resonated in my ears instantly inspiring me to prepare a piping hot pot of chili.  Chili has always been one of my favorite meals.  It has an extended life.  I much prefer it's flavor after the second day and even more so after a third.  It is the gift that keeps on giving.  Pardon the pun.  Go ahead, let go of that immature giggle you are attempting to suppress.  It happens.  But seriously, a shameless plug for Beano should be inserted here.  :) 

While the chili is simmering overnight in the crock pot,  I am googling the creation of these cornmeal characters called, Tamales.  They are a Mexican dish made of minced and seasoned meat packed in cornmeal dough, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed.  I'm finding the process to be slightly more time consuming than I would prefer.  Tomorrow I will ponder the prep time while I pick up some much needed produce to fill the empty spaces in this poor girls pantry.   Perhaps there may be a pearl of wisdom that my new Publix friend can provide.

This time honored play on words offers a creative way to mix up the menu and stretch the sensational flavors while simultaneously saving the budget by using the seasoned chili meat and sauce to create Chili Tamales. So, in essence we are actually going to be experiencing chili today and hot tamales the next.  Dad will be proud.  :)

Leftover Recipe Idea passed on by a pal:  pour chili into casserole dish with lid, mix cornbread mixture and pour on top of chili, cover and cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  It is really good.  The cornbread mixture is so moist and full of the chili flavor.  Add a dollop of sour cream and it's a done deal! Delish! :)

Life is an adventure.....meatballs are momentous!

January 3, 2010

My sister is constantly pressing me to utilize my gifts.  We don't always see our situations as prosperous until someone else points out their perspective.  So, in answer to her inquisitive insistance, I will begin the journey with the first of many momentous meals of 2010.

Meatballs Are Momentous
With ten dollars in  my pocket and 3 days until payday, I wandered into my local Publix store in search for fine cuisine suitable for feeding four hungry mouths four meals.  A quick mental scan of the poor girls pantry revealed 4 sandwich rolls nearing the stale date therefore must be consumed soon, a box of angel hair pasta, a clove of garlic, remnants of pesto, roughly a tablespoon or two of olive oil occupying the only jar on the top shelf and an abandoned hunk of dough that never developed into the delicate danishes desired for the Christmas feast.  My first thought? Meatballs!  Never ask questions, just go with what you feel.  Great advice from my son, Aaron. Trust me and him....it never fails!

On the way over to the meat section, I calculated and compared the cost of cheeses, scoured the stores sales ads for this week's BOGO deals. If you are not familiar with this term, you soon will find it a godsend.  (BOGO = Buy One Get One....like I said, a godsend.)  Spaghetti sauces were on special so I selected two jars of tomatoe basil, snagged a pack of provolone cheese and headed to the meat counter only to discover an empty space in the cooler which the pre-made meatballs typically occupied.   I choose the pre-made meatballs because it cuts down on prep time, uses their spices, not mine and includes a lovely spinach garnish.  Seriously, get the most out of your resources, there is a two for one deal in itself.

If you have never asked for what you want, you will never get it. 
At first I was disappointed and resigned to have to make my own, but a quick glimpse through the window met an inquisitive employee eager to accomodate. He explained the holiday crunch was to blame for the missing meatballs so I asked how long it would take to make some more of those delish delights. Customers are always right and ten minutes later I was greeted with freshly made meatball masterpieces and a new friend in the meat department who will be a great resource for future endeavors. So, with 60 cents left in my pocket, and a menu brewing in my mind, I headed home to deliver delishesness to the eagerly expectant mouths of the members of my household. 

4 MEALS PREPARED - cost $9.40 plus poor girl pantry items
Meatball Subs on toasted roll with melted cheese
Angel hair pasta with meat sauce served with garlic breadsticks
Pizza with tomatoe sauce, garlic, spinach and cheese
Leftovers :)

Preparation/Cook Time: 30 -45 minutes (including chat time and taste testing with family)

Directions:  saute olive oil, pesto and garlic slices, add meatballs w/spinach and seasonings to taste. Cover and cook on low simmer.  If you have any leftover wine, add a splash! 
In separate sauce pan, cook sauce over low heat.  When meatballs are done, add to sauce, cover and cook on low.  Fill large pasta pan half full of water, add olive oil and pesto. Bring to boil then add angel hair pasta, stirring occassionally so they don't stick to each other (hate that!). 
While this is all cooking, break off piece of dough, roll out into rectangle shape using flour on counter and rolling pin as needed.  Cut into strips.  Twist strips and place on baking sheet.  Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic seasonings. Bake top rack on 350 for 8 min.
Roll out remaining dough for pizza.  Place on round pizza pan, add sauce, spinach and shred remaining cheese.  Brush crust with remaining melted butter/garlic seasonings. Bake low rack on 350 for 20-25 min.