Thursday, March 19, 2020

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!!!

24 comments:

  1. These are great ideas - thank you.
    I've been on a low carb eating plan but I have definitely topped up the carbs in the house now that my work has shut down for at least a couple of weeks and we are all practising "Social Distancing". I have buttermilk in the fridge so next week I plan on making some loaves of a yogurt loaf that I do with various different flavourings & fillings - it makes what we would call a "Tea Loaf" and it also freezes well.
    My challenge at the moment is not to spend so much time in the kitchen hat I have a ton of food to eat and over indulge! :-)

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    1. Glad you like the ideas. I love that people are trying different things. Oh my, that sounds so good. It is always nice to use what you have and then make enough for another day as well. Good job.
      Stay healthy!

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  2. The Navajo bread especially sounds good.

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    1. It is so yummy. Great with a hot bowl of soup as well!

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  3. Great bread recipes! And also the hummus!

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    1. Thanks. You know me, I like easy things. It is always fun to have options!

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  4. I like the flat bread recipe. The soup mix sounds good but I have never seen dried onion flakes or powder so googled it. Asda does sell the flakes on line. 50pence for 40 grams so don't know how much volume that is. I am all for simple recipes and do make hummus already but use a stick blender. Thank you for that.

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    1. I think you would like the flatbread, it is good. I always have dried onion flakes and powder on hand. They are sold at all the stores here. Great to have in case you have no fresh onion. They are also very good for a little seasoning to add to anything.
      Good idea to use the stick blender.
      Thanks.

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  5. Wow no sugar to feed the yeast/ I will have to try that recipe.

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    1. Easy-peasy. Just a quick and frugal recipe to have on hand.

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  6. Thank you. I now will be busier in the kitchen.

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  7. Thank you for these great ideas, much appreciated.
    Take care.
    Pam in Texas.x

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  8. Yes to simple recipes. Thank you. I can't do complicated recipes. I think this "new" era we will be in complicated recipes are going to be a thing of the past.

    Keep sharing simple recipes. :) I am dyslexic with numbers so when I see a complicated recipe I am bound to mess it up. Simple recipes like 1C Water, Package of yeast I can handle that. :)

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    1. I do believe you may be right. Simple is better. People will have basics and need ways to jazz them up!!!!!
      I will keep on with the simple life for sure.

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  9. Thanks for the recipes. They sound good. I love homemade bread, and I'm going to try making sourdough soon but your recipe sounds much easier. Thanks.

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    1. You are welcome. Nothing like homemade bread. Next bread I need, I am making it.

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  10. It has been years since I have made homemade bread...I keep thinking I will but never do. In the first recipe, can you taste or smell the beer in the bread after it is baked?

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    1. I am the same way Rose. I cannot taste or smell the beer, but that is just me. I have made that one several times. It is a more dense type bread and I like it toasted real well. Not so much for sandwiches.
      Hope this helps.

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  11. Thanks Cheryl, I had forgotten about beer bread! These are all great recipes. Thank you!
    xxx

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    1. You are welcome. I think we are all now looking for more simple ways to survive. Enjoy.

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  12. Thank you Cheryl,
    These look so yummy.😸
    Patti

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