Tag: nani’s cranny

Helen’s Eggplant Bake

Eggplant
Eggplant
This is an old favorite recipe that my Aunt Helen gave me at least 45 years ago. I have always enjoyed it and haven’t changed a thing about it over the years.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced in 1/2 inch slices
  • 3/4 cup melted butter
  • 3/4 to 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 2 Tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Layer eggplant, tomato, and onion. Drizzle with 1/4 cup butter, salt, and basil. Cover and bake for 20 minutes @ 400 degrees. Remove from oven, top with mozzarella cheese, mix the Parmesan, 1/2 cup butter, and breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top of mozzarella. Return to oven for 10 more minutes.

Corn Tomato Chowder

Corn Tomato Chowder
Corn Tomato Chowder
I got this favorite recipe from my dear friend, Carol. She is an amazing cook and eating at her house is always a treat. This is a nice easy soup for a cool fall evening.

Ingredients

  • 3 Teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 Teaspoon
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (plain or with chilies or with basil and garlic)
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions
Saute the onions, peppers, chicken, and Cajun seasonings until the the chicken is cooked through. Add tomatoes, broth and water, cover and bring to a boil. Stir in the corn and cream and heat through.

Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

As stated in an earlier post, I prefer homemade salad dressings over store bought dressings. Not only are they easy, but they are inexpensive, too. Here is one of my favorite recipes for a vinaigrette. It is not only good on a salad of fresh greens, but also on potato salad or a vegetable salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground pepper

Directions
Mix all ingredients together and blend well.

Easy Oven Chow Mein

This was an old favorite recipe of my family’s that I made a lot when the kids were young. It is easy and needs only a salad or vegetable to complete the meal.

Directions

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • pepper to taste
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup or 1 cup milk
  • 1 small can mushrooms (optional)

Directions
Brown ground beef, add remaining ingredients and place in a casserole dish. Cover and bake @ 350 degees for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove the cover for last 15 minutes of cooking.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This is truly an old family favorite recipe. I first had this dish in the 80’s at a friend’s house. It is so good and flavorful. Everytime I have served it for someone they have requested the recipe. It is easy and will not disappoint!

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken, baked and chopped (can use Chicken Breast or use a broasted chicken from the deli)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can chopped green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 9 corn tortillas (flour ones don’t work too well)

Directions

Saute onions in butter. Add soup, chilies, chicken, and cumin. In greased casserole, approx size 8×8, make 2 layers: tortilla,chicken mixture, cheese. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with salsa and/or sour cream, if desired. If you make this dish ahead and it is cold when you bake it, you will need to increase the baking time.

Southwest Black Bean Dip

Black Beans
Black Beans
This is a great recipe for dipping tortilla chips. It is a nice change from salsa. It’s super easy, too. It will surely become a favorite recipe to make for your next get-together.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tblsp lime juice
  • 2 tsps olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen corn, thaw and drain if using frozen
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped

    • Directions
    Mix the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt in bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss.

    Blue Cheese Spread Appetizer

    This is a really tasty cheese spread. It is the a great appetizer and is so easy to make. It has become one of my favorite recipes for entertaining ladies.

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
    • 2 ounces (1/2 cup) crumbled blue cheese, room temperature
    • 1 to 3 tbsp toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
    • 1 tbsp chives, chopped
    • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
    • Sourdough or French bread, thinly sliced

    Directions
    Mix together the cream cheese, blue cheese, walnuts, chives and parsley. Do not over-mix. Serve with sliced bread.

    Whole Wheat Pancakes

    Whole Wheat Pancakes
    Whole Wheat Pancakes
    This is an old favorite recipe of mine. I love whole grains and these pancakes are tasty, healthy and hearty. Of course, they are best with real maple syrup too!

    Ingredients

    • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
    • 2 tbsp wheat germ
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 1 egg, lightly beaten
    • 1 tbsp oil

    Directions

    1. Mix dry ingredients.
    2. Add milk, honey and oil, stirring just until moistened.
    3. Cook on preheated griddle.

    Mandarin Orange Chinese Salad

    Mandarin Oranges
    Mandarin Oranges
    This is always a crowd pleaser and so easy to make. It is one of my favorite recipes to make for potlucks. You will love it, too.

    Ingredients

    • 1 large bag shredded cabbage with carrots
    • 2 pkg ramen noodles (do not cook), beef flavored, crushed into small pieces
    • 2 small cans Mandarin oranges
    • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
    • 2 bunches green onions, sliced
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 1/4 cup white vinegar
    • 2 packages beef seasoning from noodles
    • 1/4 cup sugar

    Directions

    1. Mix together the cabbage, noodles, oranges, almonds, and onions in a large bowl.
    2. Mix the oil, vinegar, sugar and seasoning together.
    3. Pour dressing over dry ingredients in bowl.

    Let set at least one hour before serving