Shucking and Cooking Corn on the Cob

Image via Wikipedia A friend emailed this tip to me tonight.  I wish I had it while sweet corn was in season here in Michigan. I have been cooking it the way it shows in the video, but the trick is how to clean it easily without having the silks stuck to the corn. I also run some water on the corn to soak the husk and to create a little steam.


Watch the video and then you can thank me for finding it for all of us.

You can bet that I will be trying this trick! For those of us who love corn on the cob, this is an absolute must see!    No mess to preparing it, no silks to try to brush out of the corn, it comes out clean. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnBF6bv4Oe4  Enjoy The Old Guy

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Image via WikipediaWith Thanksgiving around the corner I started going through my files trying to figure out what I will cook this year.  I came across this recipe I found in 1996 that is as good today as it was then.  This recipe yields 16-20 servings.

Pumpkin Pie Squares
Crust
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Filling
2 cans (15 ounces each) pumpkin
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
4 large eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt

Topping
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl until crumbly; press into a greased 13-in x 9-inch x 2-inch baking pan.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, beat filling ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth; pour over crust.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Combine brown sugar, pecans and butter or margarine; sprinkle over the top.  Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool. Store in refrigerator.  When ready to serve, cut into squares.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

One Pot Spaghetti

Image via WikipediaFast, easy, cooks in one pot, about a half hour.  Nothing wrong with this picture.

One Pot Spaghetti
1-1/2 pounds ground beef (could use half mild Italian sausage)
1 small onion, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion)
1 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, pressed
1-1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 (6 ounce can) tomato paste
2-1/2 cups tomato juice
3-1/2 cups water (may need more)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (more of less to taste)
8 ounces regular spaghetti

In a 3 quart pot on the stove, mix together and brown the first six (6) ingredients over medium high heat. Drain any accumulated fat.
Add the tomato paste, tomato juice, water and brown sugar and mix well.

Bring to boil and simmer 20-30 minutes.  Add the spaghetti (uncooked) broken in  half if you prefer.  Mix well and cover,  Cook until spaghetti is done al dente and sauce has thickened.  Check and stir every few minutes to make sure spaghetti is not sticking together, and add more water if necessary.  Should be ready in about 20 minutes,

Enjoy
The Old Guy

If your rice gets gummy............

Image via Wikipedia I found the following tip in the September issue of Cooking Light. (great magazine) and just had to share it..  I never woulda thunk it but I tried the following and it really works well.

"When rice is cooked in the traditional way.....simmering in a lidded pot...the close-packed grains rub together and release starch, often leading to the dreaded sticky rice.  The solution is ratio-free ( no 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water).

Use more water.  Lots more, so you cook the rice like pasta until it reaches the proper consistency, then drain.  The pasta method keeps the rice from rubbing together too much as it cooks; draining ensures it won't suck up more water than it needs.

Check brown rice for doneness at around 25 minutes.
For white rice, which absorbs water more readily, try sauteing the grains before boiling, for about two minutes in a tablespoon of oil.  Then add roughly four times as much cold water as rice to the pan, and boil.  Check for doneness at around 15 minutes (timing starts when water boils)."

Hope this helps your rice cooking, and thanks to Cooking Light for the information.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Pizza Pancakes

Image via WikipediaCame across this recipe last may.  Found it on Google on a website called plainchicken.com. Check out the site and try this recipe. . Thanks  to palainchicken.com.  I really enjoyed it that thought I would pass it on.  Enjoy

The Old Guy.

2 cups Bisquick
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped peperoni
1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled with casings off)
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced.
pizza sauce (warmed)

In a large bowl, combine the the biscuit mix, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes (IF USED).  combine the eggs,and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.  Fold in cheese, pepperoni sausage and mushrooms.  Pour batter by 1/4 cupful's (could use a large cookie scoop) onto a lightly greased hot griddle.  Turn when bubble form on top; cook until the second side is golden brown. Serve with pizza sauce.

Enjoy
The old guy

Kugeli Potatoes

Image via WikipediaI LOVE church cookbooks.  The recipes you usually find there is my kind of cooking.  The following is similar to potato Kugel (or Pudding).  I found it in the First Presbyterian Church  Sesquicentennial Cookbook from 1986.

Kugeli Potatoes
6-8 potatoes, grated*
2 eggs, well beaten
6 tablespoons butter (melted)
3/4's of a small onion, grated
1 cup hot milk
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well to combine.  Place in a square 8 inch x 8 inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
* Grate potatoes into a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning dark, and then squeeze dry using a kitchen towel)

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Hot Dog Casserole

Image via WikipediaMy grandson Wes loves Hot Dogs.  The following recipe is sure to be a kid pleaser for most kids and kids at heart too.
7-9 hot dogs, sliced bit size
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 can baked beans
3/4 cup cooked rice

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl and place in a casserole dish.  Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes or until bubbly.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Flavored Coffees

Image via WikipediaDo you love flavored coffees?  Now you can make your own mixes with these simple recipes.....

Cafe' Vienna
1/2 cup instant coffee powder or granules (your favorite brand)
2/3 cup Sugar
2/3 cup non-fat dry milk solids
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Stir ingredients together.  Process in a blender until powdered.  Use two teaspoons to one cup water.
Store unused powder in a tightly sealed container.

Italian Mocha Espresso
1 cup instant coffee powder or granules
1 cup sugar
4-1/2 cups nonfat dry milk solids
1/2 cup cocoa powder

Stir all ingredients together.  Place in blender and process until powdered.  Use 2 teaspoons to one small cup of hot water.  Serve in demitasse cups.

Instant Cappuccino
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer (plain or flavored)
1 cup powdered chocolate milk mix
2/3 cup instant powdered or granulated coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Mix all ingredients together.  Place in blender and process until powdered.  Use 1 heaping tablespoon per cup of boiling water.  Store in airtight container.

Mocha Fireside Coffee
2-1/2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
2 cups hot cocoa mix
1 cup instant coffee granules
1 cup Ovaltine chocolate drink mix
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Place in blender and blend until powdered. Use 1 tablespoon mix to 3/4 cup Boiling water.  Store in airtight container.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

"Magic" Butter

Image via WikipediaThis recipe came to me from a friend who lived in Colon, Michigan, the "Magic Capital Of The World", birthplace of Harry Blackstone.

1 pound margarine at room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
2 drops yellow food coloring

Have Margarine at room temperature.  Heat buttermilk but, DO NOT BOIL.  Put margarine in a mixing bowl.  Using an electric mixer, slowly whip warmed buttermilk into margarine along with the food coloring.  Place in a resealable container and place in refrigerator.
You may never buy butter again!
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Ham Crouquettes

Image by dklimke via FlickrIn an earlier post, I had a recipes for Bill Knapp's Escalloped Potatoes.  The following recipe is the perfect "go with"

Ham Croquettes

Ingredients


3 tablespoons butter

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup milk

2 to 3 teaspoons prepared mustard

1 teaspoon grated onion

2 cups coarsely ground fully cooked ham

2/3 cup dry bread crumbs

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons water

Oil for deep-fat frying



CHEESE SAUCE:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Dash pepper

1-1/4 cups milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in curry powder and flour. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in mustard and onion; add ham and mix well. Cover and chill thoroughly.

With wet hands, shape mixture into 10 balls. Roll balls in bread crumbs; shape each into a cone. Whisk together egg and water. Dip cones into egg mixture; roll again in crumbs.

Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer to 375°. Fry croquettes, a few at a time, for 2 to 2-1/2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels; keep warm.

For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add cheeses; stir until melted. Spoon over croquettes. Yield: 5 servings.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Potato Puff

Image via WikipediaI've been making this recipes for many years.  It looks fancy, but is very easy to prepare.
It puffs up like a soufle', but will deflate very quickly so serve it straight from the oven so it looks it's best. 

Potato Puff
1-Box Instant Mashed Potato for 8 servings

1-cup cottage cheese

1-cup sour cream

¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced

1 (2-ounce) jar pimentos, drained and chopped

2 teaspoons salt

1 clove garlic, minced

3 eggs, separated

2 tablespoons butter



Prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions using an electric mixer. Add cottage cheese, sour cream, onion, pimento and egg yolks. Beat until fluffy. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold egg whites into potato mixture. Turn into a buttered 1-1/2 quart casserole. Dot with butter. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Sock-It-To-Me Cake

Image by Rachel from Cupcakes Take the Cake via FlickrI found this recipe on the back of a box of Duncan Hines Cake Mix about 30 years ago.  It is a wonderful sour cream pound cake.

Sock-It-To-Me Cake

For Cake:
1 package Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Golden Cake Mix
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 cup Crisco Oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
4 large eggs

For Filling:
1 cup chopped pecans
2tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a large bowl, blend cake mix sour cream, oil, 1/4 cup sugar, water and eggs.  Beat at high speed for 2 minutes.  Pour 2/3 of the batter in a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or fluted pan.  Combine filling ingredients and sprinkle over batter in pan.  Spread remaining batter evenly over filling mixture in pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched lightly.  Cool right side up for about 25 minutes, then remove cake from pan.
Glaze: Blend 1 cup confectioners sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.  Drizzle over cake.

Enjoy
The Old Guy










 

Onion-Wurst Pate'

Image via WikipediaThis recipe makes a great appetizer.  It comes from my friend Joe and is sure to be a hit.

Onion-Wurst Pate'
1 cup finely chopped Sweet Spanish onion
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 pound Liverwurst
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon milk
Chopped fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Sweet Spanish onion ring (for garnish)
Sweet paprika

Combine onion, half the cream cheese, liverwurst and Worcestershire sauce, and blend well.  Place in a plastic-lined bowl and chill until firm.  To serve, unmold on a serving plate.  Combine remaining cream cheese and milk.  Mix until smooth and "frost" the pate'.  Sprinkle with chopped parsley.  Garnish with onion rings dipped in paprika.  Serve with a choice of crackers or Melba toast.
Yield is about 2-1/2 cups.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Three of my favorite Salad Dressings

Image via WikipediaThe following three salad dressings are sure to please your salad palate.  Use your favorite greens and fixin's and enjoy.

"Just like the Olive Garden" Salad Dressing

1 bottle of Paul Newman's Vinegar and Oil Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons Wishbone Italian Original Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
2 teaspoons Sugar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix well. Pour over your greens and toss well.  Add more dressing if desired.
Placed in sealed container and store in refrigerator.

French Dressing

1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup minced dry onions
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 can Tomato Soup (undiluted)

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on medium.  Add 1 cup tomato soup.  Blend on high to mix well.
Put in sealed container and stores for weeks in the refrigerator.

Poppy Seed Dressing

1 cup Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 onion, grated
1-1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and using a whisk, mix well.  Place in sealed container.  Keep refrigerated.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Triple Decker Strawberry Stuff (Hungarian Pastry)

Image via WikipediaThis recipe appeared in the "Tast of Home" magazine in the February/March 2007 issue.  I got it from my Mom, who got it from my cousin Mickey Freidman.
It is not for the inexperienced baker.  The dough must be worked quickly after it comes out of the fridge as it becomes soft.  I got banned from my sister-in-law Linda's kitchen after I made a bit of a mess from the flour "flying" everywhere.  But I will tell you this....all the trouble is worth it!  This IS my all time favorite dessert.
Anyone I make it for knows they are loved alot for me to prepare this Strawberry Hungarian dessert for them. 

Triple Decker Strawberry Stuff
2 pounds Strawberry Jam

5 cups Flour

1-Cup Sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

4 egg yolks

½ pint Sour Cream

1-teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of salt

½ pound margarine plus 2 tablespoons Crisco

Topping

2-1/2 cups ground walnuts

½ cup sugar

Sift dry ingredients together. Add Crisco and butter. Mix as for piecrust. Add egg yolks, sour cream and vanilla. Mix well. Divide dough into 3 portions. Place in plastic wrap and chill well.

Roll out first portion of dough as for piecrust and place in a 15” x 1” x 12” jellyroll pan.

Sprinkle with ½ sugar and nut mixture.

Roll out second portion of dough and place on top of first layer.

Spread with Jam and remaining nut mixture.

Roll out third portion of dough and cut into lattice strips. Weave lattice strips over jam and nut mixture-sealing strips on the edges.



Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.



Cool and cut into squares.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Tuna Salad Coney's

Image by MI SHPO via FlickrAbout 20 years ago, I helped compile and edit a cookbook for the Chamber of Commerce in Sturgis, Michigan as a fundraiser.  We called it "A Taste Of Sturgis". We asked community members to submit their favorite recipes.  We ended up with a cookbook that contained over 600 recipes and 320 pages. This recipe comes from that book.

1/4 pound American cheese, cut into small cubes
3 hard cooked eggs, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons onion, chopped
2 tablespoons stuffed green olives, chopped
2 tablespoons sweet pickle, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
6 hot dog buns

In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients, except buns, and stir to combine.
Fill hot dog rolls with tuna mixture.  Wrap individually in aluminum foil and place in oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes and serve hot.

Enjoy
The Old guy

Dottie's Lemon Cake

Image via WikipediaI got this recipe from my good friend Dottie.  This cake is moist and light and is one of my favorites.  Hope you enjoy..............
Dottie's Lemon Cake

 For the Cake:
1 box Lemon cake mix (not the kind with pudding in the mix)
1 (3.4 ounce) box Jello Lemon Instant pudding
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
4 large eggs

For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Place all cake ingredients in the bowl of your electric mixer with the paddle attached, and mix for 8 minutes.

Pour into a 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray and place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about 1 hour or until sides of cake pull away from the sides and top springs back when lightly touched.  Remove from oven, and while cake is still hot, poke holes in the top using a fork.

In a medium size bowl, place all glaze ingredients, and mix well to combine.  Pour evenly over hot cake.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Passover Apple Fritters

Image via WikipediaI just looked in the cigar box I got from my Mom (La Corona Belvederes) that contains her recipes, some handwritten.  As April 19, 2011 is the first day of Passover, I would like to share Mom's recipe for Apple Fritters, my favorite Passover dessert. It really brings back warm memories.

Apple Fritters

3 tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup Matzo Meal
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons melted chicken fat (Schmaltz)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix all ingredients except apples, together in a large bowl.  Mix well.  Add apples.
Drop by large spoonfuls about the size of a Potato Latke,  in hot oil, heated to 375 degrees and fry until golden brown.  Drain on brown paper (or paper towels)

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally, on both sides of warm fritters.
 Good warm, good cold.  Happy Passover (Pesach)

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole

Image via WikipediaI love Casseroles!  They are truley comfort food, and they last a couple- three days,  This one is a favorite.  It's quick, and inexpensive.

Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole

6 servings

50 minutes 15 mins prep

2 lbs lean ground beef

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can cheddar cheese soup, undiluted

1 package frozen French fries, any style

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded



Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Scramble fry ground beef until cooked.

Drain off grease.

Then add salt, pepper and garlic.

Add both soups and stir until well blended.

Heat through on stove and then transfer to 9 X 13 glass pan.

Cover beef mixture with the french fries.

Bake for 30 minutes, until fries are crispy.

Sprinkle cheese over top of casserole and return to oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Tuna Zucchini Patties

I seem to be stuck on a tuna kick, but, with the Lenten season, this will be a good Friday dinner.



Tuna Zucchini Cakes


½ cup finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon butter

1 can (6-1/2 ounce) water-packed Tuna, drained and flaked

1 cup shredded zucchini

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided

2 tablespoons canola oil



In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Remove from heat. Add the tuna, zucchini, eggs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings and ½ cup bread crumbs. Stir until well combined. Shape into six ½ inch thick patties; coat with remaining bread crumbs.

In a large skillet, heat oil. Cook the patties for 3m minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Triple Chocolate Mess (my Version)

Image via WikipediaBake in a crockpot?  Who'd a thunk it?  Wow, it's good.  A combination of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and chocolate mousse.  What could be bad?

My Version of Triple Chocolate Mess


1 package chocolate cake mix

1 pint sour cream

1 small package instant chocolate pudding

1 bag mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup oil

4 eggs

1 cup milk

Spray crock pot with non-stick spray. Mix all ingredients until smooth, about 2 minutes with mixer. Mix in chocolate chips. Pour into crock pot.



Cover top with paper towel to catch condensation. Then put on glass cover. Check and change paper towels once or twice as needed.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Serve in a bowl with ice cream. Best when served warm.
This one is a keeper.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Milky Way Pain Au Chocolat

Image via WikipediaOne of the best things about writing a Food Blog is sharing recipes from other Bloggers, who found recipes from other Bloggers who found recipes etc. etc.
This recipe I found on my new friend's blog,  jam-hands.blogspot.com.  She has some wonderful recipes you should look at, and become a follower of her blog.

I made these today, and they were "killer".

You might even experiment with other cut-up candy bars too.

Milky Way Pain Au Chocolat

2 Milky Way candy bars (2.05 ounces each)
1 package (8's) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

for the glaze
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.  Cut the candy bars into 1/4 inch slices.

Break open the crescent roll container.  The dough will be in 2 halves.  Unroll the dough and divide on the middle portion, taking care not to tear the diagonal perforations.  There will be 4 rectangles of dough.

Place all four rectangles of dough on the cookie sheet with the narrower edges towards you.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sliced candy pieces on top of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch border on both sides and a 1 inch border on the farthest end from you.

Roll up the dough jellyroll style, beginning with the edge closest to you.  If the diagonal perforations tear when rolling, gently pinch them together.

Repeat with the remaining rectangles.  Space them 3 inches apart.  Bake 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.

In a double boiler, or in your microwave, melt the chocolate chips.  Stir in the butter and mix until smooth.

Drizzle over the pastry and serve warm.  Yummmmmmmm.
Enjoy
The Oldguy and jam-hands.blogspot.com

Scalloped Carrots

Image via WikipediaEver since I discovered this recipe, it has become a holiday "must have" at our table.

Scalloped Carrots

1/4 cup butter
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
1 (10-2/4 ounce) can Cream of Celery soup, undiluted
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
2/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup milk
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add carrots and onion and cook, stirring constantly for approximately 15 minutes.  Stir in soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream and milk.  Spoon into a lightly greased 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter, stirring well.  Sprinkle evenly over the carrot mixture.  Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is browned and carrots are bubbly.
Enjoy
The Oldguy

Tuna Patties

Image by The Hamster Factor via FlickrI like salmon patties, but I hate picking the bones and cartilage from the canned Salmon. Sooooo.........How about Tuna Patties.  No bones to pick and after making this recipe, I found that I like it better than Salmon.

Tuna Patties
1 (16 ounce package) chicken flavored Stove Top Stuffing Mix
1 (10-3/4 ounce can) Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup (undiluted)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 (9 ounce can) Chicken of the Sea Tuna, drained (or use the large 6 ounce pouch)
2 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 can baby peas (optional)

Prepare Stove Top Stuffing Mix as directed on package.  Stir in 1/2 can soup, the eggs, and tuna.  Form into patties.  Heat margarine in fryng pan over medium heat.  Brown patties on both sides and heat through.
Heat remaining soup with the 1/4 cup milk and serve as a sauce. (I like a lot of sauce so I use an extra can of soup diluted with a 1/2 can water.) I like mixing a can of baby peas with the soup for my sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes and a salad for a complete, easy, and inexpensive lunch or dinner.

Enjoy
The Old Guy`

Bill Knapp's Au Gratin Potatoes

Image via WikipediaThose of you located in Michigan and Florida will remember Bill Knapp's Resturants.  They were popular for the free chocolaste cake they gave you on your birthday, plus your discount equal to the number of years you were old. (50 years olds = 50% discount).  That's probably a contributing factor for why they had to close the Florida stores. (80 years old=80% discount). OMG.

My favorite meal at Bill Knapp's was their Ham Croquettes and Au Gratin Pototoes.  Here is a "copy cat" recipe I came across that comes REAL close.

Bill Knapp's Au Gratin Potatoes

6 cups potatoes- diced, boiled til tender, and chilled
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules
6 ounces Velveeta cheese

Prepare potatoes.  Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add flour and blend. (you are making a roux, so after mixing, cook a few minutes to get the flour taste out of the roux)
Gradually add the milk and cook until thickened.  If it gets too thick, add a little more milk.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir until cheese melts.  Add potatoes and stir well.  Pour into a greased casserole dish.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until top is browned.
For best results, use whole milk and real butter.  No substitutes.  Can top with buttered bread crumbs if desired.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

"Good For You" Meatballs

Image via WikipediaHere's a good way for the kids (and grown ups too) to eat their vegetables.

"Good For You" Meatballs

1 large egg
1/3 cup shredded carrot
2/3 cup shredded potato
1/3 cup shredded zucchini
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10-3/4 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounce) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1-1/4 cup milk
Mashed potatoes, or cooked egg noodles, or rice

In a large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.  Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls.  In a large skillet, brown meatballs in oil in small batches; drain.  Transfer to a greased 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch baking dish.  In a large bowl, combine soups and milk; pour over meatballs.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.  Serve over mashed potatoes, or cooked egg noodles, or rice.  Add some crusty bread and a salad for a quick and inexpensive dinner or lunch.

Enjoy
The Old Guy