Simple marinara

I know that it is so easy to just open up a can of sauce and viola you are done. I find it just as easy but way more delicious to make your own sauce. With this simple sauce recipe that I use myself it will surely be a hit in your home.

Ingredients:
2 large cans diced tomatoes
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
1 cup dry red wine (optional)
3 TBSPS fresh basil ( if you use dry cut back on this for it is way more powerful the fresh)
3 TBSPS fresh oregano (again if you use dry use less)
salt pepper to taste
1-2 TBSP sugar (varies on the totamto)
4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 large onion finely chopped
4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
2 TBSP crushed red pepper flakes
a pinch of cinnamon
1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Ramano cheese
1/2 cup asiago cheese 


Directions: 
In a large stock pot sweat onions in 2 TBSP olive oil. add garlic, tomatoes and 2 more table spoons of olive oil. Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, sugar, and salt and pepper. And simmer for 2-4 hours the longer you cook it the better it tastes. Add more basil or oregano if needed. Don't be afraid to add more.

**** I generally get 3 to 4 meals from this recipe****
**** Toss with any pasta****
**** And of course add any kind of meat you choose****

Tired of Water? Read This!

Tired of Water? Read This!

Burger wars

As usual the burger is always a topic for foodies. Who has the best burger? What is the best burger? etc.... Well here is an article on yet another burger war.................. http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/93937?fp=1I personally don't think you can find a better burger the Minnesota's own Juicy Lucy. What do you think?
Happy cooking,
Shannon

Fiber is your friend

I know that fiber doesn't always seem that appetizing but there are so many things that you can really do with it. Here is an article that will give you some new ways of getting your daily fiber. http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/PVN/start-roughing-it They are quick, simple, delicious, and nutritious.
Happy cooking,
Shannon

Great news update

I got an offer to write for the www.examiner.com as a cheap eats reviewer and article writer. I just need to find some great places to eat at in the Tacoma, Washington area. So If anyone knows of any please let me know so I can go and check them out. Thanks guys!
Happy cooking
Shannon

Foods for glowing skin.

This article gives you some delicious food options to give you radiant skin. I truly found this to be a great article and I will post some great recipes to use these wonderful ingredients in real soon. 

 http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/6-best-foods-healthy-skin

Happy cooking, 

Shannon 

Apples

Ever wonder what kind of apples are good for what? well here is a great chart for you to check out. http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/2010/07/know-your-apples-spectrum-of-apple.html

Happy cooking,
Shannon

Corn tortilla chips

Ingredients:
1 package of corn tortillas
16oz  of canola oil
Sea salt to taste

Directions:
Heat oil to 350. Cut tortillas into triangles with a kitchen shears. And fry until golden brown and sprinkle with sea salt while still hot. and let cool. Enjoy with your favorite salsa or guacamole.

Fresh Guacamole

Ingredients: 
2- Ripe avocados
1- Roma tomatoes
1\2- Onion ( you can use any kind you like I prefer sweet onions)
1\2- Lime
1\2- Lemon
Coarsely chopped cilantro to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Halve and remove the pit of the avocados and mash gently with a fork. Seed and Dice up tomato and add to avocado. Dice up onion and add to mixture. Juice the 1/2 of lemon and lime into mixture. Add cilantro and salt and pepper. Chill for 2 to 4 hours and serve with your favorite homemade tortilla chips or store bought tortilla chips.

Mango salsa

Ingredients:
2- Mangoes
1- Large red onion
1- Large Jalapeño
1- Roma tomato
1- Clove of garlic finely chopped
Cilantro to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Seed Jalapeño and then dice up mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, and tomato. Coarsely chop cilantro and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 3 to 4 hours and serve with homemade tortilla chips or your favorite store bought tortilla chips.

Article: Best Salsas

This article has inspired me the next posts i post will be of salsas, guacamole, and tortilla chips. http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/taste-test-the-best-salsa-2266347/

What is your favorite kind of salsa?

Mine is Mango salsa

Can't wait to hear from you.

Happy cooking,
Shannon

Article best Ice Cream Shops

Being summer and All I thought I would share this great article on The Best Ice Cream Shops  all over the US.
Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite place to get ice cream is. Mine is Ben and Jerry's or Cold stone Creamery .

I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy cooking,
Shannon

Small appliances

Coffee Makers:
Looking for a great coffee maker with a great price? For just your basic everyday run of the mill coffee maker I recommend the Black & Decker DE790B 8-Cup Thermal Carafe Coffeemaker, Black with stainless carafe. It brews fast, it is easy to use, and keeps your brewed coffee warm. I have used many coffee makers but this one is by far the best coffee maker I have used. And for the price you can't beat the durability, ease, and quality.

Blenders:
Blenders tend to be hit or miss, atleast for me. I have been through so many blenders in my time that I lost count. That is until I tried the Black & Decker BLC12600B 650W Cyclone 12-Speed Blender, Black. It crushes ice with ease, easy to use, and a breeze to clean. If you can afford this one because it is a little on the pricey side try Black & Decker BL10450HB Crush Master 10-Speed Blender with 42-Ounce Glass Jar, Black it is just as good as the cyclone but for a better price. The only bad thing about this one is it has less speeds, and doesn't blend things as fast, But other then that it is a very quality blender.

Slow cookers:
Not all slow cookers are the same. I really like the Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. It even comes with a probe thermometer. It programs with ease and shuts down to warm when food is done to prevent over cooking. Has many settings and different cooking options, you can time cook, temperature cook, or just place it on high and go. Cleans with ease and clear digital read out this is the perfect addition to any kitchen.

Stand mixers: 
I have used a couple of different stand mixers in my time. The Cuisinart SM-55BC 5-1/2-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer, Brushed Chrome is a good stand mixer but really in my eyes and my experience not worth the price. If you want a great stand mixer with a smaller price tag I personally recommend the KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer, White. Not only is it a better price but it truly works wonders. It kneads dough with ease, it mixes with speed, and they are durable. Also clean up is a true snap.

Food Processors: 
In my hunt for the perfect food processors I did find some more expensive ones that worked great, but in these hard times I have found that the Giada Food Processor is quite a steal. It is obviously more expensive then other options out there but quality and performance out weigh the lower price tag of the others. It is fast, easy to use, clean up is a snap, and chops/slices with ease.

If you have these few greatly priced items in your kitchen you will be running like a professional kitchen in no time.
Happy cooking,
Shannon

Pans

Looking for great cookware for a great price? After searching and searching I have found that you just can't beat stainless steel. A great stainless steel set is the Giada De Laurentiis™ for Target® 10-pc. Stainless Steel Cookset now I realize that the price is a little steep compared to some of the other sets that are out there. But, take it from me those cheaper sets do not compare in quality, heating, and cooking. They are also very versatile. So take it from me if you want all clad quality cookware without the all clad price tag invest in some Giada De Laurentiis™ for Target® 10-pc. Stainless Steel Cookset.
Happy cooking,
Shannon

Knives

For any beginning cook I recommend starting  out with a quality cheaper knife.

Chefs knife: 
For your chef's knife I would recommend Dexter-Russell International Cutlery 10-Inch Cook's Knife or Dexter-Russell International Cutlery,Cook's Knife 8''. A 10 inch knife will give you a better range of motion but if you feel uncomfortable with a knife of that size an 8 inch knife will do just fine.

Paring knives: 
almost any good paring knife will do the job but I would personally recommend Dexter Russell Sani Safe Paring Knife 3 Piece Set. Dexter is a sturdy knife for a good price.

Fillet knife: 
This knife isn't an essential knife but they do come in handy. Because you can save money by fabrication your own chicken and filleting your own fish. So for this knife I would recommend Sani-Safe Commercial Cutlery, Filet Knife 7''. Great quality knife that is easy to work with.

Knife sharpener: 
Every good cook needs a knife sharpener and also needs to know how to use it. I would recommend using Dexter-Russell DDS-12 12" Knife Sharpener - Sani-Safe Series. It is a great price for the beginner but a must have for all cooks.

If you have these things in your kitchen you are ready to start learning how to cook like a professional chef.

Happy cooking,
Shannon

Great references for cooks of all kinds

Professional Chef  is a great reference book used by a lot of culinary students, chefs, and everyday people. It is full of recipes, cooking techniques, tools, and useful information about food and food products.

Professional chef is very useful in nutrition, recipe conversions, and classical cooking techniques.

I recommend this peace of material for any foodie or everyday cook.

Another great book that goes hand in hand with Professional chef is Professional Cooking This is more of an entry level book. It is jam packed with recipes, cooking techniques, tools, and food products.

It is also full of recipe conversions and other useful culinary math. I personally turn to both Professional cooking and Professional Chef quite frequently.

Enjoy and Happy cooking
Shannon

Condiments

I found this really great site that helps you know what condiments go bad and when. This is useful in all kitchens no matter how much you cook, or in some cases don't cook. http://www.allthepages.org/images/blog/badcondiment-lg.jpg

Brasa Premium Rotisserie

Brasa Premium Rotisserie Minneapolis, Minnesota--- http://www.brasa.us/

Brasa Premium Rotisserie is comfort food with flair, inspired by Creole cooking traditions from the Americas and the Caribbean.  Using scratch cooking, local, and all natural ingredients; has a fun casual dining experience for the whole family. With their menu items ranging from roasted chicken to vegetarian bean fritters. . With their wonderful array of beverages from homemade soda to wine and beer,   Brasa Premium Rotisserie is a sure hit for everyone. Do you have food allergies? Not a problem they even feature gluten free menu items. Are you on a tight budget? Brasa Premium Rotisserie is affordable, two people can eat for around $25.00, and their daily specials are a true steal. With great, friendly, fast, personal service Brasa Premium Rotisserie truly makes you feel at home. Their rotisserie chicken with its' flavorful Creole dry rub and melt in your mouth texture is a great pairing with their spicy yet sweet yams and andoulle sausage. Are you a vegetarian? Try their vegetarian bean fritter with fresh mozzarella, lettuce and guacamole with the romaine and tomato salad is a flavorful experience you will never forget.  So if you are ever in Minneapolis, Minnesota and want some good down home cooking in a warm friendly environment head on down to Brasa Premium Rotisserie located off of East Hennepin Avenue NE.  

Inside out burgers

serves 4 
Ingredients: 
4- Slices of bacon chopped
2 LBS.- Ground beef
1 cup- Shredded sharp cheddar (or any other preferred cheese)
1- Medium onion thinly sliced
2- Cloves of garlic chopped
2 TBSP- Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 
Chop up bacon and garlic. Cook bacon until crispy in a small sauté pan. Thinly slice onions and caramelize onions and garlic in a medium sauté pan with 2 TBSP olive oil. make make 8 1/4 pound hamburger patties place shredded cheese, caramelized onions and garlic, and bacon into the middle of 4 of the patties. Place another Pattie on top of each of the other patties and pinch the edges closed nice and tightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pan fry each burger in a large (hot) sauté pan until they each form a nice crust on both sides. Then place on tinfoil and make a pouch and finish in a preheated oven (400) until desired temperature. I prefer mine medium rare to medium well and mine usually cook 10 to 15 minutes. serve on a large lightly toasted bun with any preferred fixings.

Potato salad

Ingredients: 
Serves 4 people
8- Small red potatoes
4- green onions finely sliced
1/4 cup- White wine vinegar
1/2 cup- Olive oil
2 TBSP- Sugar
2 TBSP- Dijon mustard
2 TBSP- Fresh dill
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Quarter the potatoes and place in to cold salted water and bring to a boil, cook until fork tender. In a large mixing boil mix oil, vinegar, sugar, Dijon, salt and pepper (to taste), Coat the potatoes and onions and then add chopped dill. Cover and chill for about 4 hours stirring every hour or so.

Pulled Pork sandwiches topped with Cole Slaw

Pulled pork-
Heat crock pot on high 
Ingredients:
1- Pork roast ( any cut you prefer)  
2 cups- Apple juice
1/2- Of a beer any kind you choose ( I prefer spotted cow)
6 TBSP- Franks red hot (hot sauce)
6 TBSP- Chili powder
6 TBSP- brown sugar
6 TBSP- salt
6 TBSP- pepper
6 TBSP- garlic powder
6 TBSP- Cumin
Olive oil
In a small bowl mix chili powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. coat roast with olive oil and coat with spice rub. In a frying pan put 2-3 table spoons olive oil and heat. Place roast in pan and cook to form a nice crust. Place roast in crock pot. Add apple juice, beer, and 1/2 cup of water and cook on high for 6 hours. Remove roast and shred in a large bowl add 2-4 cups of the cooking liquid and more of the spice mixture and return to the crock pot and continue to cook on high for 30 to 45 minutes. Serve topped with Cole slaw.



Cole slaw-
Ingredients:
1- Small head of green cabbage
4-Medium carrots
1/3 cup- Apple cider vinegar
1 TBSP- Dijon mustard
2/3 cup- Olive oil
2 TBSP- Sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 
Chop cabbage and shred carrots with grater. Mix oil, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss in cabbage and carrots.Cover and chill for 2-4 hours before serving. 

Bacon wrapped Jalapeños

makes 12
Ingredients: 
6- fresh Jalapeños
8oz- Cream cheese
2 TBSP- Milk
2 TBSP- Blue cheese crumbles
6 pieces- Thick cut apple wood smoked bacon
2 TBSP- Olive oil
1 TBSP- Salt
1 TBSP- Pepper
12- Toothpicks

Directions:  
preheat oven to 400
Halve and seed Jalapeños. Stick jalapeños  on cookie sheet cover with olive oil and salt and pepper place in the oven for 15 minutes. In a small bowl mix cream cheese, milk, blue cheese crumbles, salt and pepper and set aside. Cut bacon in half and in a pan fry until slightly crisp but still malleable. Cool jalapeños and bacon. Once cool fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture and wrap with (1) half slice of bacon and secure with tooth pick. Return to oven until bacon is desired crispness and cheese is hot and bubbly.

Money saving tips for summer 2010

Hey guys,
I know it has been awhile since my last post but i thought I would share some good ideas for buying fresh ingredients on budget.
1. Buy local:
Summer is a great time to hit up the local farmers market. With great variety of ingredients this is truly the best place to get great prices for great quality local products.
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2. Buy in season:
The advice I can give is if at all possible buy in season ingredients. Not only will you get the best prices, but you will also get the best product. This is also true for flavor.

3. Shop around: 
Don't be afraid to shop around. This is true for all ingredients but especially fresh produce. A lot of places have specials weekly and sometimes even daily.

During these rough times take my advice it never hurts to take your time and pay attention to price, availability, and location.
Happy shopping,
Shannon