Let's Play......With Food

I like to try new things and I like having options.  Now is the time to play around a little and try some new and simple recipes that may make life a little brighter!

Today I am going to give a few 'recipes' for items that we normally buy.  So many things can be made from the ingredients we have on hand and they can be quite simple to make.
You guys know I like simple!  I don't go for too much that is all complicated.  So I will share a few ideas with you today, and hopefully they may come in handy - if you need something and just want to stay home.
Let's PLAY!!!!!!!!


BEER BREAD
3 C self rising flour
3 Tb. granulated sugar
1 - 12 oz. bottle or can of beer (cheap is fine)
Preheat oven 350.  Grease a 9 x 5 pan.
In a large bowl mix together all ingredients until just blended.  Transfer into pan and smooth the top.  Bake 30 minutes until risen.  Reduce temperature to 325 and bake 15 minutes longer.
Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.
I have made this many times and it is yummy.
(I still have a few beers in the frig from hubby)


NAVAJO FLATBREAD

This is sooooooo good.  It is great served with a meal instead of bread, served with hummus or salsa, or even used to make a fun sandwich.  I like to spread with seasoned cream cheese and eat for a lunchtime meal.

HERB DRESSING MIX

1 C dried parsley

1/2 C dried basil

1/2 C dried thyme

1/2 C dried savory

1/2 C dried marjarom

Mix these ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

For DRESSING - mix 1 Tbsp. of herb mix with 3/4 C oil and 1/4 C vinegar.

*****This is a lot of herbs - so remember you can cut this down by 1/2 or 1/4 to adjust to what you have on hand.  Still blend the same with oil and vinegar.

HUMMUS

A great dip for chips or even flatbread or tortillas

2 C cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas) ***basically 1 regular can

3 cloves of garlic chopped

2 Tbsp. Tahini (sesame oil) - or use any flavored olive oil

juice of 1/2 lemon  (I have used a splash of apple cider vinegar before)

1 generous pinch of salt

2 Tbsp. water, plus more, if needed

Pulse beans and garlic in food processor until totally blended, then add remaining ingredients and process until smooth.

Store in frig in airtight container for up to 3 days.

For a variation - think about adding peppers or roasted tomato or parmesan  cheese to the mix.

I have even blended up cooked navy/pinto beans with a bit of oil, garlic, salsa, etc. to make a quick dip.  There are no real rules.  Have fun and PLAY.

DRY ONION SOUP MIX

1 1/2 C dried onion flakes

1/2 C onion powder

2 Tbsp. celery seed

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

Mix all ingredients together until combined.  Store in airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 - 12 months.

To use  - 1/4 C of mix is equal to one packet of soup mix.

To make soup - 1/4 C to 1 cup boiling water.

POTATO CHIPS

2 whole firm potatoes

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. sea salt (or what you have)

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika (optional)

Preheat oven to 400.  Line a large flat baking pan with parchment paper.

Wash and dry potatoes.  Thinly slice them (I use a mandolin - a knife is fine) about the thickness of a penny

Drizzle and toss with the oil

Lay potatoes in a even layer on pan and bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown (not burnt).  Remove from baking sheet and let them cool thoroughly - they will continue to crisp up.

Sprinkle with seasonings and enjoy.

Super easy and fairly low fat way to have your chips and eat them too!!!!  

SUPER EASY BREAD

Great way to have fresh bread all the time.  It is so easy.

There is no reason not to have fun with food.  Experiment a bit and never get bored.
If pantry items get short or the family just gets bored - stay in and away from fast food and make some yummy treats right at home.
Hope you find something you can enjoy!!!