Saturday, November 24, 2018

Traditional Stuffing


This is the recipe we use for holiday stuffing. Our nieces wanted the recipe, but of course, a simple list of ingredients and verbal instruction might leave them a little bewildered, so we decided to archive the recipe on the blog. Enjoy girls. :-)

Stuffing Ingredients
1 12 oz bag of toasted bread cubes
1/2 20 oz loaf of square store brand sandwich bread, hand cubed
2 sticks butter
1/2 medium onion, peeled, washed and finely chopped
5 stalks celery, trimmed, washed and finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning, split into (3) 1/2 tsp portions Link
4 c chicken stock Link

This is what the bread cubes and sandwich bread look like that we use. There are a variety of bread cube products on the market, but some of them have ingredients my wife can't have and they are generally very small portions that tend to be expensive. We want the toasted cubes to help add a little structure to the mix and the sandwich bread to add volume. The square sandwich bread is easier to cube with a long knife which is why we use it. I would like to point out that these two items only cost $3.00. If we used the same volume of other products specifically marketed for stuffing, it would cost over $10.00. If you are making a large quantity for a large family dinner, this can add up quickly.


Melt 1 1/2 sticks of butter in a saute pan. When the butter has melted, add the celery, onion and 1/2 tsp of poultry seasoning. Saute until the onions are translucent and then turn off the heat (about 10-15 minutes on medium heat).


Preheat the oven to 350 bake. In a large pot or bowl (in this order), add 1/3 celery and onion mixture and 1 cup of chicken stock. Add 1/2 toasted bread cubes, 1/2 cubed sandwich bread, 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning. Then add another 1/3 celery and onion mixture and 1 cup of chicken stock. Mix everything well. Then add remaining toasted bread cubes and cubed sandwich bread and top with remaining celery and onion mixture, 1 cup of chicken stock and remaining 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning. Mix well. At this point, if you need a little more moisture you can add some or all of the remaining chicken stock. The goal here is to add just enough moisture to keep everything together, but not create a soggy blob and to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.


Once the mixing is done, transfer to a 9" x 13" x 3" baking vessel. Take the remaining 1/2 stick of butter and put pats all over the top of the stuffing.


Cover the vessel with foil and bake for 1 hour on 350. Remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes more to add a little color to the top. Let cool a little and serve.

TTFN
B

Homemade Chicken Stock


Stock is one of those things that can be made in a variety of ways and as long as you end up with a flavorful liquid that compliments your recipe, then you have succeeded. I present here one method I use to make chicken stock. I use this in a variety of recipes, especially around the holidays.

Chicken Stock Ingredients
2 chicken breast halves or 2 chicken thighs with skin
2 tbsp butter (if no skin is present on the meat)
2 medium carrots, washed, skinned and cut into 2" lengths
5 stalks of celery, washed and cut into 4" lengths
1 medium onion, peeled, washed and quartered
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
2 tbsp of sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp of vegan chicken bouillon powder or 4 bouillon cubes (vegan chicken bouillon powder)
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning (optional) Link
2-3 quarts of water

Add all ingredients to a 4 quart (or larger) pot and bring to a boil. Stir well. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken and use for another recipe. Discard skin if present. Strain all the vegetables out of the liquid and puree in a food processor or blender. Add the puree back to the liquid and stir well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. The stock is ready to use at this point.

TTFN
B

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Backpacking Meals - Madras Lentils



Recipe Type: Scratch
Servings: 1
Calories: 526
Prep Time: Boil + 20 Min
Water: 2 c
Complexity: Medium
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $3.45

At Home:
Cook in Bag: Combine the following ingredients into a 25 oz OpenTip hot food preparation bag.
Cook in Pot: Combine the following ingredients into a ZipLock bag.

Amnt Ingredient
1/2 c Instant Rice (in a separate 16 oz OpenTip hot food preparation bag or for cook in pot preparation, use a small ZipLock bag.)
1/4 c Freeze Dried Lentils Link
1/4 c Freeze Dried Red Beans Link Link 
1 T Tomato Powder Link
1 T Freeze Dried Onion Link
1/2 t Freeze Dried Garlic Link
1/2 t Salt
1/2 t Cayenne
1/2 t Cumin
1/2 t Chile Powder
1/2 t Dehydrated Jalapeno Link
1 t Sour Cream Powder Link

Also add the following items to the bag.
1 Pkg 9 g CF Sauer Canola & Olive Oil Packet  Link
1 Pkg 6.5 g Thick and Easy Packet (Honey Consistency) Link
1 Pkg3-5 g Food Safe Desiccant packet Link

Print the following bag insert and include it in the bag for preparation instructions and other handy data. (Highlight everything within the dashed line, starting with the space above it and ending with the space directly below it. Then right click the highlighted area and select "Print".)

Madras Lentils with Rice

Recipe Type: Scratch
Servings: 1
Calories: 526
Prep Time: Boil + 20 Min
Water: 2 c
Complexity: Medium
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $3.45


Cook In Food Bag Directions: Remove desiccant, rice bag, Thick & Easy and oil packet from the food bag. Open oil package and add contents to food bag. Add 1 ½ cups of boiling water to food bag. Mix well. Seal food bag and place in bag cozy for 15 minutes. Add ½ cup of boiling water to the rice bag. Mix well. Seal rice bag and place in bag cozy with the food bag for 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, add Thick & Easy to food bag. Mix well. Place food bag in bag cozy for 5 minutes. Stir well. Serve over rice.

Cook All In Same Pot Directions: Remove desiccant, rice bag, Thick & Easy and oil packet from the storage bag. Add 2 cups of water to your cooking pot. Add rice, oil and dry food ingredients to the pot. Bring to a boil. Stir often. At this point, either simmer covered for 10 minutes or place covered pot in to a pot cozy for 15 minutes. Stir. Add Thick & Easy. Stir well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Eat. (Note: The rice can be prepared separately using .5 cups of boiling water in another container. In this case, only use 1.5 cups water for pot preparation.)




TTFN
B

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Backpacking Meals - Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Oatmeal with Craisins


Recipe Type: Scratch
Servings: 1
Calories: 390
Prep Time: Boil + 10 Min
Water: 1 c Boiling
Complexity: Easy
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $0.94

At Home:
Cook in Bag: Combine the following ingredients into a 25 oz OpenTip hot food preparation bag.
Cook in Pot: Combine the following ingredients into a ZipLock bag.

AmntIngredients
1/2 cRolled Oats
2 TBrown Sugar
1 tCinnamon
1/4 cCraisins (raisins and dried apples work well too)
pinchSalt
1 cBoiling Water

Also add the following items to the bag.
1 Pkg3-5 g Food Safe Desiccant packet Link

Print the following bag insert and include it in the bag for preparation instructions and other handy data. (Highlight everything within the dashed line, starting with the space above it and ending with the space directly below it. Then right click the highlighted area and select "Print".)


Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Oatmeal with Craisins
Recipe Type: Scratch
Servings: 1
Calories: 390
Prep Time: Boil + 10 Min
Water: 1 c Boiling
Complexity: Easy
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $0.94


Cook In Food Bag Directions: Remove desiccant from the food bag. Add 1 cup of boiling water to food bag. Mix well. Seal food bag and place in bag cozy for 10 minutes. Mix well. Serve.

Cook In Pot Directions: Remove desiccant from the food bag. Boil 1 cup of water in pot. Add food bag contents to the pot. Stir well. Let stand covered for 5-10 minutes in a pot cozy. Mix well. Serve.




TTFN
B

Monday, August 28, 2017

Backpacking Meals - Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup Add On Recipe



Recipe Type: Add On
Servings: 1
Calories: 258
Prep Time: Boil +  20 Min
Water: 2 c
Complexity: Easy
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $2.14



At Home:
Cook in Bag: Combine the following ingredients into a 25 oz OpenTip hot food preparation bag.
Cook in Pot: Combine the following ingredients into a ZipLock bag.

Amnt Ingredient
1/4 Pkg Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup Link
1/4 c Freeze Dried Potatoes Link
1/2 t Salt
Dash Pepper

Also add the following items to the bag.
1 Pkg6.5 g Thick and Easy Packet (Honey Consistency)  Link
1 Pkg9 g CF Sauer Canola & Olive Oil Packet  Link
1 Pkg3-5 g Food Safe Desiccant packet Link

Print the following bag insert and include it in the bag for preparation instructions and other handy data. (Highlight everything within the dashed line, starting with the space above it and ending with the space directly below it. Then right click the highlighted area and select "Print".)

Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup

Recipe Type: Add On
Servings: 1
Calories: 258
Prep Time: Boil +  20 Min
Water: 2 c
Complexity: Easy
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $2.14


Cook In Food Bag Directions: Remove desiccant, Thick & Easy and oil packet from the food bag. Open oil package and add contents to food bag. Add 2 cups of boiling water to food bag. Mix well. Seal food bag and place in bag cozy for 15 minutes. Add Thick & Easy to food bag. Mix well. Place food bag in bag cozy for 5 minutes. Mix well. Serve.

Cook In Pot Directions: Remove desiccant, Thick & Easy and oil packet from the food bag. Add 2 cups of water to cooking pot. Add contents of food bag to the pot. Mix well. Bring to a boil. Stir often. Add oil to the pot. Mix well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Let stand covered for 15 minutes in a pot cozy. Add Thick & Easy to the pot. Mix Well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve.



TTFN
B

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Backpacking Meals - 3 Cheese Mac With Spam




Recipe Type: Scratch
Servings: 1
Calories: 694
Prep Time: Boil + 17 Min
Water: 2 c Boiling
Complexity: Medium
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $3.81

At Home:
Cook in Bag: Combine the following ingredients into a 25 oz OpenTip hot food preparation bag.
Cook in Pot: Combine the following ingredients into a ZipLock bag.

Amnt Ingredient
1/2 c Elbow Macaroni (I use whole wheat. Store in a small ZipLock bag.)
6 T Cheese Blend Powder Link
3 T Freeze Dried Shredded Colby Jack Cheese Link
.5 t Salt

Also add the following items to the bag.
1 Pkg2.5 oz  Spam Single Lite  Link
1 Pkg6 g Kraft Parmesan Cheese Packet  Link
1 Pkg6.5 g Thick and Easy Packet (Honey Consistency)  Link
1 Pkg9 g CF Sauer Canola & Olive Oil Packet  Link
1 Pkg3-5 g Food Safe Desiccant packet Link

Print the following bag insert and include it in the bag for preparation instructions and other handy data. (Highlight everything within the dashed line, starting with the space above it and ending with the space directly below it. Then right click the highlighted area and select "Print".)

3 Cheese Mac With Spam

Recipe Type: Scratch
Servings: 1
Calories: 694
Prep Time: Boil + 17 Min
Water: 2 c Boiling
Complexity: Medium
Rating: 4.5/5
All In Cost: $3.81


Cook In Food Bag Directions: Remove desiccant, Thick & Easy, oil packet, Kraft Cheese, Spam Single and separate macaroni bag from the food bag. When water is close to boiling, empty macaroni bag in to water pot. Continue to cook macaroni for 2 minutes after water boils. Stir often. Open oil packet and Kraft Cheese and add contents to food bag. Add 2 cups of boiling water with macaroni to food bag. Mix well. Open Spam Single and cut in to bite sized pieces and add them to the food bag. Seal food bag and place in bag cozy for 10 minutes. Add Thick & Easy to food bag. Mix well. Place food bag in bag cozy for 5 minutes. Stir well. Serve.

Cook In Pot Directions: Remove desiccant, Thick & Easy, oil packet, Kraft Cheese, Spam Single and separate macaroni bag from the food bag. Add 1.5 cups of water to cooking pot. Add pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil stirring often. Add .5 cup of water to the food bag to rehydrate the cheese powder. Mix well. Boil pasta for 2-3 minutes after initial boil. Add rehydrated cheese mixture to the pot. Add chucks of Spam, oil packet and cheese packet to the pot. Mix well. Let stand covered in a pot cozy for 10 minutes. Add Thick & Easy to pot. Mix well. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve.



TTFN
B

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Backpacking Meals - Bear Creek Gumbo Add On Recipe




Recipe Type: Add On
Servings: 1
Calories: 615
Prep Time: Boil + 15 Min
Water: 2 c Boiling
Complexity: Easy
Rating: 5/5
All In Cost: $4.81

At Home:
Cook in Bag: Combine the following ingredients into a 25 oz OpenTip hot food preparation bag.
Cook in Pot: Combine the following ingredients into a ZipLock bag.

Amnt Ingredients
1/4 Pkg Bear Creek Gumbo Link
1/4 c Freeze Dried Chicken Link
1/4 c Freeze Dried Pork sausage Link
1/4 c Instant Rice
4 Pcs Freeze Dried Okra Link
1/2 Pc Bay Leaf

Also add the following items to the bag.
1 Pkg1.2 g  Savory Choice Chicken Broth Stick  Link
1 Pkg7 g Texas Pete Packet  Link
1 Pkg6.5 g Thick and Easy Packet (Honey Consistency)  Link
1 Pkg9 g CF Sauer Canola & Olive Oil Packet  Link
1 Pkg3-5 g Food Safe Desiccant packet Link

Print the following bag insert and include it in the bag for preparation instructions and other handy data. (Highlight everything within the dashed line, starting with the space above it and ending with the space directly below it. Then right click the highlighted area and select "Print".)

Bear Creek Gumbo

Recipe Type: Add On
Servings: 1
Calories: 615
Prep Time: Boil + 15 Min
Water: 2 c Boiling
Complexity: Easy
Rating: 5/5
All In Cost: $4.81


Cook In Food Bag Directions: Remove desiccant, broth stick, Texas Pete, Thick & Easy and oil packet from the food bag. Open broth stick, oil and Texas Pete packages and add contents to food bag. Add 2 cups of boiling water to food bag. Mix well. Seal food bag and place in bag cozy for 10 minutes. Remove food bag from cozy and add Thick & Easy to food bag. Mix well. Place food bag in bag cozy for 5 minutes. Stir well. Serve. (Remove the Bay Leaf)

Cook In Pot Directions: Remove desiccant, broth stick, Texas Pete, Thick & Easy and oil packet from the food bag. Add 2 cups of water to cooking pot along with food bag contents. Open broth stick, oil and Texas Pete packages and add contents to pot. Mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Let stand covered in a pot cozy for 10 minutes. Add Thick & Easy to pot. Mix well. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir and serve. (Remove the Bay Leaf)


TTFN
B