Tuesday, July 10, 2007

SILLSALLAD (Herring Salad in Sour Cream Sauce)

One of the finest seafood treats of Scandinavia is smoked Baltic herring, and nowhere is it quite so delicious as on the Danish island of Bornholm. Here the herring are caught, cleaned and smoked on the same day, and then shipped by fast boat to Copenhagen, often arriving still warm, with juices and flavor intact. It is their tender fragility, however, that is the "Bornholmers" greatest drawback, for they do not travel well and must be sampled in Denmark or not at all.(recipe from the book,The Cooking of Scandinavia - Time Life Books)



SILLSALLAD


1 cup finely chopped herring (salt, matjes, pickled, Bismarck)

1/2 pound finely chopped cooked tongue or veal (optional)

1/2 cup finely chopped cold boiled potatoes

3 cups finely chopped apple, cored and peeled

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickle

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper


DRESSING

3 chilled hard-cooked eggs

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream


SAUCE

1 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons beet juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice


In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped herring, optional meat, potatoes, beets, Apple, onion and pickle. Mix three tablespoons of the dill with the vinegar, and add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the salad ingredients and toss gently with a wooden spoon.

DRESSING: Remove the yolks from the hard-cooked eggs. Mince the whites and set them aside. Force the yolks through a sieve into a small bowl with the back of a large spoon, then mash them to a paste with the tablespoon of prepared mustard. Gradually beat in the vinegar and oil, then the cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce has the consistency of heavy cream. Pour over the salad, mix lightly but thoroughly, cover, and chill for at least two hours.

Just before serving, transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or platter and sprinkle it with the minced egg whites and the remaining chopped dill.

SAUCE: Stir the beet and lemon juice into the sour cream until it is smooth and well blended. Pass this sauce separately.



Monday, July 9, 2007

FLAESKEAEGGEKAGE (BACON AND EGG CAKE)



Scandinavia. Ahhh. This is where my roots are. My grandmother Singne Olivia Nordberg Vivians family is from Sweden. So anything Scandinavian, is near and dear to my heart.




Egg cake, a traditional Danish favorite, is cooked slowly on top of the stove until it has set to a custard like consistency. It is served with a topping of crisp bacon and chopped chives.



1/2 pound bacon, preferably Danish

6 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

3 tablespoons chives, finely cut



Cut the long strips of bacon in half crosswise and fry them over moderate heat in a heavy 10 to 12-inch skillet. Do not let them get to crisp. Drain the strips on paper towels and set them on an ovenproof platter or baking dish and keep warm in a 200 degree oven. Remove all but a tablespoon of the clear bacon fat from the skillet.

In a mixing bowl, beat the flour and salt into the eggs only long enough to combine them, and then slowly beat in the milk. Warm the fat in the skillet over moderate heat and pour in the egg mixture. Turn the heat down to low and without stirring let the eggs set into a firm custard. Since this will take about 20 minutes, an asbestos pad placed under the skillet will help to prevent the bottom of the egg cake from burning. Arrange the bacon slices and chives over the top of the finished cake. Serve directly from the pan, as a first course, brunch or late-supper dish.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

COOKING METHODS FOR FISH

Fish cooks very quickly; it should be cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time. No tenderizing is necessary...all fish is naturally tender!

BAKING: Bake fish uncovered in a 450 degree oven for 10 minutes per inch of thickness. If baking a fillet that is thin at one end and thick at the other, tuck the thin end under itself so that the fish is about the same thickness overall when it bakes. Fish is done when it turns form translucent to opaque and just begins to flake.

PAN-FRYING, SAUTEING: On medium heat, add fish to oil or butter, and turn halfway through the cooking process. Or "pan-broil", using a non-stick skillet and no oil.

MICROWAVING: Place fish in a shallow dish, and cover with plastic wrap with one corner left open for venting. Microwave on High power for only 3 minutes per pound of fish. Remove and let stand; the fish will continue to cook for a minute or two.

BROILING: Broil fish 2 to 5 inches from heat source. The thinner the fish, the closer it should be to the heat for quick cooking. Broil for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning once halfway through cooking time.

GRILLING: Start with a clean and oiled grill grid. Thicker, firmer pieces of fish work best (for example: halibut, tuna, swordfish and salmon steaks). Preheat gas grill for about 10 minutes and prepare charcoal fire about 30 minutes in advance. Grill fish 4 to 6 inches above coals at Medium to High heat. Cook until fish turns opaque, about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.

DEEP-FRYING: Use a wok or a large skillet. Heat oil first, then add small pieces of fish, tossing carefully until fish turns opaque. Remove to plate, stir-fry vegetables until crisp-tender, add fish back to pan to combine, and serve. Any sauce should be added to the vegetables before the fish is added back in.

POACHING: Start with the poaching liquid (wine, stock, water, or a combination) and any flavorings such as herbs or garlic. Bring liquid to a boil; reduce heat to Low so that liquid is barely simmering. Carefully lower fish into liquid and cook for 10 minutes per inch of thickness. A large wide patula will help you remove fish from poaching liquid.

STEAMING: Use a steamer rack in a saucepan, or a bamboo steamer, and about 1 inch of water in the bottom of the pan. Cover and steam fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.

Friday, July 6, 2007

TARRAGON CHICKEN AND RICE STUFFING

I clipped this Tarragon Chicken & Rice Stuffing recipe from a magazine. It is dated June 1975. I can not recall the magazine though. It had a plethora of marvelous recipes as I have many from this magazine in the same batch. When I pick a recipe to add here, I sort through them and see what peeks my interest and what may be good & useful for you to use as well. This recipe seemed easy, yet has flavor. ENJOY!



TARRAGON CHICKEN & RICE STUFFING


1 egg

2 cups cooked rice

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken cut in 1/2 inch chuncks

1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup olive oil

1 3/4 teaspoons tarragon leaves, crushed

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl lightly beat egg; add rice, chicken, tomatoes, oil, tarragon, salt & pepper, stirring until combined. Spoon into desired vegetables. Bake, uncovered, until vegetables are tender and stuffing is hot, about 25 minutes. Bake any extra stuffing in a small covered baking dish along with the stuffed vegetables. Makes 4 portions.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

PLATE-SIZE YEAST PANCAKES (From the Loban Family)






Here is another Tombstone Epitaph recipes from days gone by. A hearty pancake indeed. Breakfast is important. Did you eat breakfast today?





6 eggs, lightly beaten

2 pounds flour (8 cups)

1/2 gill yeast (1/4 cup)

1 teaspoon salt

Milk to make thick batter (about 6 cups)


Stir flour, yeast, salt and milk into the eggs. Drop the batter by large spoonfuls onto a hot griddle. When bubbles appear, turn the cakes. Cook until golden brown. Butter them and send them hot to the table after the family is seated. Serve with a topping such as greengage plum preserves.

These pancakes can be served for breakfast or made later in the day for serving at an afternoon tea.


When I used to make pancakes for my children, I would take a bananna and some honey or maple syrup and mix it well in a blender, then add this mixture to the pancake mix. They loved it. :)

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

KOLIO FOURNO (BAKED MACKEREL)


I am posting another GREEK RECIPE from the Greek Cook Book. This one is for Mackerel and it tastes so scrumptous. I had made this one time for a small get together and ended up writing the recipe down 3 times for 3 different women friends. Hope you and yours enjoy it. :0)


DONT FORGET TO JOIN MY FOOD FORUM, IT IS NEW, BUT I AM HOPING IT WILL GROW. :) IT IS CALLED RECIPES FROM THE WORLD OVER http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=112623



KOLIO FOURNO (BAKED MACKEREL)


3 lbs mackerel

salt & pepper to taste

1 lemon

4 tea. chopped garlic

4 tea. chopped onion

2 tbl. chopped parsley

2 tea. chopped green pepper

1 cup oil

1 lb. ripe tomatoes, peeled & strained

1/2 cup white wine


Clean & wash the fish; season with salt & pepper. Place in a pan. Squeeze the lemon over the fish, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Sprinkle the garlic over the fish, then the onion, parsley, and green pepper. Pour the oil over it, then add the tomatoes. Bake in a preheated 250 degree oven for 15 minutes. Add the wine. Baste the fish with the pan sauce, and bake 30 minutes longer, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Serves 6

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Another Greek Recipe- Psari Vrasto Me Patates (Boiled Fish with Potatoes)


Fish is very good for you, especially if you can get it fresh. Here is another Greek recipe and this one is from the book THE GREEK COOK BOOK BY SOPHIA SKOURA Translated and adapted from the Greek by Helen Georges. copyright 1974. (NOT SELLING IT, I AM KEEPING MY BOOK). But you can find one by clicking the title link above and search the books title.



PSARI VRASTO ME PATATES


3 lbs fatty fish (1 large or 2-3 small)

1 1/2 lbs small, round potatoes

2-3 onions, thickly sliced

2-3 carrots, sliced

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 cup oil

water as needed

salt & pepper to taste

1-2 lemons, juice only


Clean and peel potatoes; leave them whole. Put the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery in a wide pot; add the oil and 1 cup water. Simmer over medium heat 30-45 minutes.

Clean the fish. Cut it into 6 portions, season with salt & pepper. When the vegtables are almost tender, add the fish to the pot, laying it on the potatoes. Add the lemon juice. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed but the oil remains. Serves 6.

Monday, July 2, 2007

GREEK RECIPES SOUPA FAKEZ (LENTIL SOUP)

Today I thought I would try some Greek recipes. I have always been interested in old recipes and collect as many as I can. There is a book called 'The Greek Mama's Kitchen, it is a celebration of the fascinating and diverse culinary traditions from different Greek communities as continued by families today. Focusing on the mother of the household, it catches a glimpse of how the old and new worlds meet and marry. Rosemary Barron shares her favorite everyday recipes and those popular for special occasions as they have been passed down through the generations. She records the cooking skills she learned from her mother and grandmother, and divulges family secrets that give certain dishes an extra zest to set them apart.

You can find it here: http://www.discountbeautyproductgiftwagon.com/shop/amazon_products_feed.cgi?Operation=ItemLookup&ItemId=1592234216 I don't know how to make a link right.

SOUPA FAKEZ

3 cups lentils
12-15 cups hot water
1 cup oil
4-5 cloves garlic
1 onion, minced
2 stalks celery
2 medium carrots, minced
1 sprig rosemary
1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, peeled & strained (or 1 - 1lb 14 oz. can of tomatoes)
Salt & Pepper to taste
vinegar (optional)

Soak the lentils overnight in cold water. Rinse and place in a large pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil. Drain off this water and replace it with the 12 to 15 cups hot water. Add the remaining ingredients except the tomatoes and salt and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes, then add the tomatoes and cook for about 20 minutes longer (until the lentils are soft). Season. Serve hot. Serves 6-8.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

PEPPERMINT "COUGH DROPS"

I got this recipe from the Tombstone Epitaph. Foods teh Western Way newspaper. They print old recipes from the American Frontier days.
Sorry about being 3 days late. I had a cold. :(

1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons water
5 drops peppermint (or other flavor)
A few drops of beet juice (or similar, for color)

Stir sugar and water over a low fire until the sugar is melted. Continue stirring for five minutes, no less, and add mint. Drop by 1/2 teaspoon onto waxed paper and allow to cool.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

RANCH STYLE MEXICAN BEANS

Beans are a very important staple in your diet. I have seen many a times Mothers giving their children beans to eat and the child won't eat them but beg for a treat or cake. Then they continue to throw a fit until the Mother gives in. Start your children out young to eat the things that are good for them and this will not be a problem. When mine were growing up, candy and treats were just that, TREATS. They grew up on fresh vegetables and learned to love them cooked in many different ways. You always hear youngsters saying how they love Grandma's cooking, because that is what Grandma does, she COOKS. She doesn't open a box or can that often and she makes a good, pleasant meal that is appeasing to the eyes and the smells while cooking or baking, work up a childs appetite to eat and get those saliva glands working. So here is a tasty bean meal your whole family will love. Let your children help you out and they will also be proud of the meal, as well as love eating it.

1 cup cooked kidney beans
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 tomatoes minced
2 buttons of garlic diced
3 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
1 small onion (diced)
Pinch of salt

Mix beans with chili sauce, onion, tomatoes and garlic, cook for 25 minutes. Add cinnamon and cloves, lemon juice and olive oil and cook another 20 minutes. Salt to taste. Serve with tortillas or Mexican cornbread.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

HOMINY CASSEROLE

Now we will get into some vegetables. This recipe calls for hominy. It is not something many people eat, but we eat alot of hominy here at our house. My husband loves it. You would be surprised at some of the different ways you can cook hominy. Give it a chance and try it out at your table. You will see kids and family REALLY love it. :)

2 - No. 2 can size canned hominy
1 cup scalded milk
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons hot chili sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in order given & place in buttered casserole, reserving some crumbs for top. Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

Monday, June 25, 2007

CHEESE NACHOS, SALSA CRUDA AND HOT SAUCE (3 MORE RECIPES)

I am including 3 quick and easy recipes from my Mexican Cookin' postcard cookbook. Let me know if anyone likes it or has a recipe to add.

CHEESE NACHOS

Tortillas
Cheddar Cheese
Jalapenos
Cooking Oil

Cut toritillas in quarters and cook until crisp in one-half inch of hot cooking oil. On a cookie sheet, arrange crisp tortilla triangles and on each one place a thin slice of cheese. Top with a small slice of jalapeno- and put under broiler until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

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SALSA CRUDA (uncooked tomato sauce)

2 very ripe large tomatoes, peeled and chopped fine
2 or more canned serrano (Green) chilies, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
Salt & pepper
Pinch of sugar

Mix all ingredients, taste for seasoning and serve cold. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

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HOT SAUCE

4 green chilies (chopped fine)
1 clove garlic (chopped fine)
1 tablespoon cooking oil1 can (14 1/2 oz.) tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt

Saute chilies & garlic a few minutes in about one tablespoon cooking oil and add cut-up tomatoes. Add salt and simmer about 5 mintues. Serve cold.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

GUACAMOLE & NACHOS

How about some Guacamole and Nachos.


GUACAMOLE


3 avocados

1 - 41/2 oz. can Taco Sauce

1 tablespoon onion (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon green chili (peeled & minced)

1/2 teaspoon salt


Mash peeled and seeded avocados in Taco Sauce; add remaining ingredients, minced very fine. Mix and serve on lettuce leaves.


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NACHOS


12 torillas

1 - 10 oz. can jalapeno Peppers

1 - 15 oz. can refried beans

1/2 lb. sliced cheddar cheese


Cut tortillas into quarters. Fry in deep fat until crisp. Drain. Spread refried beans on ech tortilla quarter. Cut jalapeno peppers crosswise into circles. Place one round slice of jalapeno pepper on top of beans, cover with a triangle of cheese. Place in oven and heat until cheese is melted. Salt to taste. ( You can actually rearrange these any way you like to)

Saturday, June 23, 2007

AVOCADO SALAD & AVOCADO-CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Here are two avocado recipes from my little postcard cook book called 'Mexican Cookin'. Enjoy.

AVOCADO SALAD

1 large avocado
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
Dash of cayenne pepper2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Cream avocado; add remaining ingredients and chill.

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AVOCADO-CAULIFLOWER SALAD

4 cups fresh or frozen cauliflowerets
4 large ripe avocados
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook and drain cauliflower. If necessary, break in bite-size pieces; cool. Cut avocados in halves, remove pits and peel off skins. Cut in bite-size cubes. Cover with remaining ingredients.

Friday, June 22, 2007

MEXICAN POTATO SALAD


Here is a tasty potato salad they will all love. This is from my postcard 'Mexican Cookin' booklet. Enjoy!


3 cups diced cooked potatoes

2 tablespoons chopped onions

1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper

3/4 cup finely diced celery

1 hard-boiled egg

1 tablespoon hot chili sauce

5 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper


Combine ingredients in the order given. Chill and serve on lettuce leaf. Serves. 6.