Meatloaf

One of my family's favorite meal is meatloaf. Yes, meatloaf. It is not a pretty dish. It is actually scary looking. Yes, it is the perfect recipe to post for October. This is the meatloaf recipe my Mom made us as a kid. It is simple. It is fast and my husband makes it often for us. My Mom told me that she had found the recipe in a woman's magazine when we were little. The recipe was for the microwave and it was not shaped as a loaf but as a ring. I still make it in a ring since I actually think it cooks better that way. We always eat it with ketchup, mashed potatoes, and carrots. We normally have this meal at least twice a month. Simple is sometimes better.

Meatloaf aka bones and flesh
1 lb. hamburger
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 slices of bread, torn
1 large egg
2 Tbsp Poultry seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the hamburger, onion, bread, egg, and poultry seasoning. 
3. Mix just until incorporated.
4. Place in a baking dish and form a ring. 
5. Cover and bake the meatloaf for 1 hour or until thoroughly cooked through.
6. Serve warm. 

Recipe provided by Jen's Mom.

Two years ago...........................I made Two Tone Halloween Cookies.
Three years ago.........................I made Chocolate Cookies.
Four years ago...........................I made Sloppy Joes.

Did you already know...........................
-Since 5th century A.D., the Romans have made meat with fillers.
-During the Depression, meatloaf was a popular way to stretch a meal containing meat.
-Meatloaf is versatile recipe which ingredients vary by region and diners.

Buttermilk Waffles

Do you prefer waffles over pancakes? My daughter does. I prefer pancakes. When we are at a hotel, my daughter normally will make some waffles. My son just wants to use the waffle maker but he prefers eggs. Well, I surprised the kids by making some waffles. This recipe I created about twenty years ago. I didn't use the internet to look up recipes. I would use the cookbooks I had. Well, I wanted to make some buttermilk waffles but there were none listed in the cookbooks I had. So, I created this one. I served the waffles with whip cream, raspberries, and maple syrup. To serve waffles for breakfast is the best way to make my daughter a happy girl. My daughter even helped to cook some. She told me her Mickey waffles looked a little scary. I thought her Mickey waffles looked like they had been in a fight. I called her Mickey waffles: scrappy.

Buttermilk Waffles aka Bodiless Mickey
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus to coat waffle iron
2 1/2 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Heat the waffle iron. 
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy.
3. Add the flour, oil, buttermilk, brown sugar, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 
4. Mix just until smooth. 
5. Carefully brush the waffle iron lightly with some vegetable oil. 
6. Carefully, add some batter to the waffle iron. 
7. Bake until golden brown or waffle iron signals done. 
8. Carefully, remove and serve hot.

Recipe by Jen of Sweet Morris.

Two years ago.................................I made Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup.
Three years ago...............................I made Roasted Vegetable Panini.
Four years ago................................I made Black Forest Cherry Torte.

Did you already know....................
-On November 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse made his first official film debut in "Steamboat Willie". 
-Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks.
-Until 1947, Mickey Mouse was first voiced by Walt Disney.

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

     When we were in Maine, my son took school a little serious. He has always found school easy. Why? It is because he is very competitive. If his sister could do it, then he was going to make sure he could do it. He would try to help her with her homework in which she would get really angry about. She didn't need his help because he is two grades lower than her. Is he any smarter than her? No but boy he really likes to win. In school, he was fortunate to have teachers who would push him. If he found a subject easy, they seemed to make his learning a little more challenging. When we moved to North Carolina, he did slack. Before, he had never even missed a spelling word. Now, he was missing a lot of words. Did he still make honors? Of course but the effort was not there. I've told my kids that what is important is there effort and not the grades. They really need to work as hard as they can. I really feel that is what makes someone go far in life. Well, my son is taking his school a little more serious again. Maybe it is because his sister really does? Whatever the reason, I am glad.
     Now to these cupcakes-my daughter loved them. I think she ate the majority of them. My two guys liked them too. It could have been the peanut butter frosting I used. I did try placing a mini peanut butter cup in a few of the cupcakes. Don't do it. The peanut butter cup sank to the bottom and burned. The guys didn't care since they just peeled the peanut butter cup away and ate the rest. Good thing I only had done it to a couple.These are some dark cupcakes. They are as dark as an October night!

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes aka Dark, very dark Cupcakes
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
8 oz. unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside. 
3. Heat the milk for 1 minute until warm. 
4. Mix the milk with the dark cocoa powder. Set aside. 
5. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. 
6. Add the vanilla and the eggs to the butter mixture. 
7. Stir in the dark cocoa powder mixture.
8. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until incorporated. 
9. Bake the cupcakes for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack before frosting.

Recipe by Jen of Sweet Morris.

Two years ago...................................I made Apple Crisp.
Three years ago.................................I made Mace Crumb Muffins.
Four years ago...................................I made Cheesy Basil Stuffed Chicken.

Did you already know........................
-The darkest time of the night is half way between dusk to dawn. 
-In October, the constellations Aquarius and Pegasus are easy to view.
-Before dawn tomorrow, Jupiter and Venus can be viewed above the moon.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada

Do you ever watch scary movies? How about old scary movies? The old movies tend to be pretty funny. I grew up watching scary movies with my Dad so they tend not to scare me. I know what to expect especially when the scary movie starts or it is unusually quiet. I have a knack for predicting who will make it till the end. My husband does not watch scary movies with me. My husband is a big tough man and I love to scare him during the movie. He doesn't find this to be funny even if I do. One time, my paternal family members were visiting and they attempted to scare him. I guess it must be a paternal trait.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada aka creepy creature
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb. chicken breast, cut into bit size pieces
1 medium onion, chopped fine
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray. 
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat.
4. Add the chicken and onion. Cook until the chicken is browned.
5. Divide the cooked chicken evenly between the tortillas.
6. Sprinkle a little cheese over the cooked chicken.
7. Roll the enchiladas with the sides tucked into and tortilla.
8. Place the enchiladas into the baking dish with the seam side down.
9. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
10. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute. 
11. Whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. 
12. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. 
13. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas. 
14. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
15. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. 

Recipe adapted from Food.com.

One year ago.......................................I made Homemade Croutons.
Two years ago.....................................I made Brown Butter Funfetti Cookies.
Three years ago..................................I made Stromboli.

Did you already know..................
-In 1954, the movie The Creature of the Black Lagoon was released.
-The creature in the water was played by professional diver Ricou Browning. 
-Ricou Browning had to hold his breath under water since the costume did not have a air tank.

Black Rice

Have you ever heard of black rice? We ate at a friend's place and they made this dish. I kept wanting to remake it but black rice isn't the easiest thing to find. I did find it at Whole Foods. I think black rice tends to be more chewier and nuttier than white rice. This recipe is served as a dessert. It is sweet with a coconut flavor. I really think it is a perfect dish to serve at Halloween since it is so different.

Black Rice aka Emperor's Rice
2 cups black rice
1 (14 oz.) can of coconut milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice to clean.
2. In a medium bowl, soak the rice in water overnight.
3. Drain the rice and cook according to the package.
4. In a medium saucepan, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat.
5. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the coconut mixture simmer. 
6. When the rice is ready, place the rice in a bowl.
7. Gently mix the coconut mixture into the rice. 
8. Allow the rice to rest for 15 minutes before serving. 
9. Serve the rice in mounds with sprinkled coconut on top.

Recipe adapted from Temple of Thai. 

Two years ago..................................I made Meringue Ghost.
Three years ago................................I made Vanilla Dream Cupcakes.
Four years ago..................................I made Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. 

Did you already know................
-Black rice was historically known as the forbidden rice.
-During the Ming Dynasty, black rice was grown only for the emperor's consumption.
-Rice can be found in a variety of color including white, yellow, brown, purple, red, and black.

Sauerkraut

Sometimes I have crazy thoughts like I should try making some sauerkraut. Why did I ever think to make sauerkraut? I have no idea. The kids thought it was strange. My husband just humored me and avoided the bag. To have a large plastic bag of cabbage sitting on your counter does seem a little strange. I guess it is perfect to make in time for Halloween. We did compare my sauerkraut with a can of store bought. My sauerkraut was a little sweeter. Plus my sauerkraut was chopped and not shredded. Will I make sauerkraut again? Who knows?

Sauerkraut aka shark teeth
5 lbs, green cabbage, shredded
3 Tbsp pickling salt
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp caraway seeds

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, salt, bay leaves, and caraway seeds.
2. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the cabbage mixture into a large plastic storage bag. 
4. Place a lid on top of the cabbage mixture. 
5. Place a clean, heavy sealed container on top of the lid to weigh down the cabbage.
6. Allow to rest overnight.
7. The cabbage should have released some water to emerge the cabbage. 
8. Continue to allow the cabbage to rest at room temperature for a couple of weeks but check on it every day. If any scum appears, then skim the scum away. (I never saw any scum on mine.)
9. Continue to allow the cabbage to rest at room temperature for a month before transferring to the refrigerator.

Recipe adapted from Alton Brown.

One year ago...........................I made Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits.
Two years ago.........................I made Asparagus Soup.
Three years ago.......................I made Sauerbraten Roast.
Four years ago.........................I made Hamburger.

Did you already know..............
-In German, sauerkraut means sour cabbage.
-Sauerkraut is salted cabbage that is allowed to ferment.
-German immigrants would bring barrels of sauerkraut on their ships to America.

Pretzels

I haven't made pretzels from scratch for a long time. I made the dough. Then the kids and I made our own. The kids did a pretty good job. It was a lot of fun to watch them shape their pretzels. My son made tiny ones. My daughter made her pretzel bigger than her head. Of course, she dipped her pretzel into sugar cinnamon for her liking. I brought mine to work for my lunch. My children had to bring theirs into school for snack.The pretzels are soft and filling. I didn't make a dip since my daughter wanted her pretzel to be sweet.

Pretzels
8 cup all purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1 (.25 0z.) package of dry active yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm milk
5 Tbps butter, melted
2 Tbsp salt
3 Tbsp baking soda
1 egg white
1 Tbsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. 
2. Combine 1 cup of flour with the water, yeast, and sugar. Cover loosely and set aside for 5 hours.
3. In a large bowl, combine the remaining flour, yeast mixture, milk, butter, and salt. 
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. 
5. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick baking spray. 
6. Set aside to rise for 1 hour or until double in size. 
7. Punch down the dough. 
8. Shape the pretzels into the desired shape. 
9. Set the shaped pretzels onto the cookie sheet. 
10. Allow the dough to rise for 30 minute. 
11. Bring a large pot of water to boil. 
12. Add the baking soda to the boiling water.
13. Gently, add one pretzel to the boiling water at a time. 
14. Allow the pretzel to boil until they float to the top about 30 seconds. 
15. Remove the pretzel with a slotted spoon. 
16. Place onto the cookie sheet. 
17. Brush with the egg white and sprinkle with the sea salt.
18. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. 
19. Bake the pretzels for 12 minutes or until golden brown. 
20. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Recipe adapted from BBC Good Foods.


Two years ago..........................I made Tomato Salad.
Three years ago.........................I made German Pancakes.
Four years ago...........................I made Apple Strudel.

Did you already know........................
-In the 6th century, Italian monks created pretzels to reward children for their prayers.
-Pretzels may have been on the Mayflower.
-It is believed the hard pretzel was created when a baker fell asleep and his pretzels were cooked crispy.

Whose pretzels did you like the best? My daughters? My sons? Or the first ones which were mine?

Brotchen Bread

Since I am making German foods, I had to make some bread. I will admit this is one of my favorite German foods I've made this year. I love bread so of course it is one of my favorite dishes. I will probably make these again at Thanksgiving. They taste like a roll that is served at a nice restaurant. Also, I wanted to give you a list of other German foods I have made:

Black Forest Cherry Torte

German Apple Pancakes

Pretzel buns with Bratwurst

Sauerbraten

Apple Strudel

German Red Cabbage
German Honey Cookies
German Potato Salad 
Jaegerschnitzel
Rindsouladen
Spaetzle

Brotchen Bread (German Bread)

1 ( .25 oz.) package of active dry yeast package
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water
3 cups of all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp olive oil

1 egg white
1 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a cup, combine the yeast with the water and sugar. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes. 
3. In a large mixer, add 2 1/2 cups of flour, salt and oil.
4. Add the yeast mixture with the flour. 
5. Knead for 8 minutes or until the dough is smooth.
6. Cover with plastic wrap which had been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
7. Allow to rest for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. 
8. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 sections.
9. Shape the dough into oval shapes. 
10. Place the dough onto the lined cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. 
11. Allow the rolls to rise for 30 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
13. Gently make a horizontal cut on the top of each roll.
14. Gently brush with the egg white and sprinkle with some sea salt.
15. Bake the rolls for 15 minutes or until golden brown. 

Recipe adapted from Food.com.

One year ago....................................I made Pork Chops in a mushroom sauce. 
Two years ago..................................I made German Potato Salad.
Three years ago................................I made Plum Cake.
Four years ago.................................I made German Red Cabbage.

Did you already know.............................
-Brotchen translates to bun.
-German breads tend to be dense like pumpernickel and Volkornbort.
-Many German breads are made from rye, spelt, millet, and wheat.

Rindsouladen Beef and Pickle Steak

Recently, I was discussing German dishes with my Uncle and Aunt. My Uncle told me I should make this dish. He really likes it when my Aunt makes the dish. I had seen it but never had it before. They told me how they made it. They used ham instead of bacon. The majority of the recipes used bacon. Of course, I used Black Forest ham. I really didn't know what to think. It really isn't an attractive looking dish. Since the dish cooks awhile, I could hardly taste the pickle. I did use the pickles from the refrigerator aisle since those are the ones we eat. Also, I couldn't taste the mustard at all. If you like beef, then you should try the dish. If I had to pick, I like Sauerbraten better but this is an easier to dish to make.

Rindsouladen
4 (4 oz.) top round steaks
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp Spicy mustard
4 thin slices of deli ham
2 dill pickles, chopped
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups beef/chicken broth

Directions:

1. Trim any excess fat from the outside of the steak. Beat the steaks thin. 
2. Salt and pepper the steaks.
3. Spread some mustard on top of the steaks.
4. Spread a piece of the ham on top of the mustard.
5. Spread an even layer of chopped pickle on top of the ham.
6. From one side, tightly roll the steak up and secure with a toothpick. 
7. On a plate, evenly spread the flour over it. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Roll the steak into the flour to coat evenly. 
9. In a large skillet, melt the butter. 
10. Add the onion and saute the onion until brown. 
11. Brown the rolled up steak on each side. 
12. Add the broth and cover.  
13. Allow to simmer for one hour. 
14. Remove the beef rolls from the broth.
15. Whisk a little flour into the pan to thicken the sauce. 
16. Serve the beef rolls with the gravy. 

Recipe adapted from Through the Garden Gate.

Two years ago......................................I made German Honey Cookies.
Three years ago.....................................I made Chocolate PB Cupcakes.

Did you already know................................
-In 1820, Oktoberfest was from Oct. 12th to Oct. 17th to celebrate the Bavarian Prince wedding.
-Oktoberfest was moved into September for the warmer weather but always ends in October.
-In Munich, the locals call Oktoberfest Die Wiesn since the fairgrounds are named after the Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildurghausen who Prince Ludwig married.

Spaetzle

For the past five years, my husband goes with his best friend to the Dallas/Eagles game. While he is gone, I always think I will have extra time. How wrong I am. It is all the little things he does which I have to do. Can you tell I am missing him? Also five years ago, we went to Oktoberfest in Munich. It was a lot of fun so I try to make something Germany this time of year. While he was gone, I thought I would make this for the kids. They loved it very much. I guess I'll be making it again when my husband gets back since they told him all about it. I have made Spaetzle before but it was rather plain. This recipe is far from being plain-anything cheesy is a winner with me.

Spaetzle with Swiss Cheese and Caramelized Onions
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups Swiss cheese, grated
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, milk, and eggs. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt the water generously. 
5. Working in batches, press the batter through a spaetzle maker (or a colander with large holes) into the boiling water.
6. When the spaetzle floats to the top of the water, remove with a slotted spoon. 
7. Place the spaetzle into the prepared dish in a single layer.
8. Top the spaetzle with cheese. 
9. Continue pressing the batter into the boiling water then adding to the prepared dish. Then top with cheese.
10. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
11. Add the onion and saute until golden brown.
12. Top the onions over the spaetzle. 
13. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
14. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Roland Radler. 

One year ago.................................I made Apple Cider Doughnut Glaze.
Two years ago...............................I made Stuffed Pork Chops.
Three years ago.............................I made Rocket Focaccia Bread.

Did you already know........................
-In 2015, the 182nd Oktoberfest began on Sept. 18th until Oct. 4th.
-To enter a beer tent it is free but arrive early to secure a seat. 
-Reservations can be made since once a tent is full then no more entries.