Fig & Olive Tapenade

Fig & Olive Tapenade
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 1 c. dried figs, chopped
  • ½ c. water
  • ⅔ c. Kalamata olives, chopped
  • ⅓ c. toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine figs & water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil & cook until tender, and liquid has reduced.
  2. Remove from heat & stir in the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, & cayenne.
  3. Add olives & garlic, & mix well. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  4. Cover & refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
  5. Unwrap cream cheese block & place on a serving platter. Spoon tapenade over cheese, & sprinkle with walnuts. Serve with slices of French bread or crackers.

Photo Courtesy of Meal Makeover Moms on Flickr

Michelle’s Classic Salsa

Michelle Says: Use real apple cider vinegar – the flavored stuff is not the same.  Make sure to have plenty of tortilla chips on hand, as the salsa is even better fresh than canned!  Wear rubber gloves when handling the peppers.

Michelle's Classic Salsa
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Condiment
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 12 c. tomatoes
  • 6 c. onions
  • 2-10 jalapeno peppers (to taste)
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 c. green bell peppers
  • 3 tbsp non-iodized salt
  • ¼ c. sugar
  • 1 c. apple cider vinegar
Instructions
  1. Chop each ingredient with a food processor, being careful not to chop too finely or chop by hand. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Test for degree of "hotness" by adding chopped jalapenos one at a time.
  3. Pack in hot, clean canning jars; seal & water bathe can for 25 minutes for pints & 30 minutes for quarts.

Photo Courtesy of Cowgirl Jules on Flickr

 

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 3½ - 4 lb. chicken, cut up
  • ½ c. flour
  • ½ c. olive or cooking oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1 green pepper, finely diced
  • 2 c. diced tomatoes
  • ¼ lb. mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp oregano
Instructions
  1. Dredge pieces of chicken with flour. Heat oil in large skillet.
  2. Brown chicken on all sides in oil. Add remaining ingredients.
  3. Cover; simmer 1 hour or until tender.
  4. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti & grated Parmesan cheese.

Photo Courtesy of Peter Sejersen on Flickr

Pioneer Stew

Pioneer Stew
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs. beef or lamb stew meat
  • 4 tbsp oil or Crisco
  • ½ c. flour
  • 2 c. chicken or beef bouillon
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 carrots. cut in 2" pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
  1. In a heavy saucepan with cover, melt Crisco (or heat oil). Dredge beef or lamb meat & brown in hot oil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat.
  2. Add onions & garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add bouillon, bay leaf, thyme, salt, & pepper. cover & simmer for 1½ hours. Add potatoes & carrots.
  4. Cover & simmer for 30 more minutes or until meat & vegetables are tender. Stir in vinegar. Add more salt & pepper as needed.

Photo Courtesy of Jules Morgan on Flickr

Fiesta Burritos

Submitted by Monica Fawver
Serves 8

Ingredients

4 tbsp oil 8 10″ flour tortillas
2 tbsp garlic 4 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded
3 c. cooked chicken, cubed 1½ c salsa, divided
1 can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese soup 1 box Spanish rice, prepared
16 oz. black beans

Directions

  1. In a large frying pan, saute the garlic in the oil.  Add the chicken, 1 c. salsa, Spanish rice, & black beans.  Simmer for about 5 minutes or until filling is hot.  
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 1 minute.  Roll ¾ c. filling and ½ c. cheese in each tortilla. 
  3. Place the burritos in a baking dish. Combine the cheddar cheese soup & ½ c. salsa. Pour over burritos. 
  4. Bake in 350°F oven for 20 – 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Chef’s Note: You can also use Monterey Jack cheese or a blend – either work great.