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Cheese Ball

Cheese Ball

Cheese balls became particularly popular in American home entertaining during the mid-20th century. They were a festive and relatively easy way to create an impressive-looking appetizer for holiday parties and potlucks. While their exact origin is a bit fuzzy, the idea of combining cheese with 

Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread

The Aroma That Brings Everyone to the Table I have vivid memories of my grandmother making garlic bread. The moment that warm, garlicky aroma would start wafting through the house, you knew something special was about to come out of the oven. It was never 

Crispy Shredded Potatoes

Crispy Shredded Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This has to be the ultimate comfort food for me. My dad used to make this for breakfast, he was much more of a morning person. When I make this it is usually for dinner.

Ingredients

Potatoes – I like to use yellow potatoes. 

Cheddar cheese – shredded

Vegetable oil

Equipment

Stove – I suppose you could use a hot plate. 

Non stick skillet – I have tried using a cast iron skillet but the potatoes tend to stick unless the cast iron is very, very well seasoned. 

Spatula – Something to turn the potatoes over

Peeler – Some way to peel the potatoes

Grater – Something to shred the potatoes.

Instructions

  1. Shred the potatoes using a grater or food processor.
  2. Preheat the pan with vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the shredded potatoes to the hot skillet and spread them out evenly.
  4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Turn potatoes over, quarter potatoes if you need to
  7. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Turn potatoes over again
  9. Cook for 5 minutes
  10. Place on a plate – Add Boom Boom to taste.

Crispy Shredded Potatoes

Craving comfort food? These crispy shredded potatoes are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack. Get the simple recipe now!
Course Breakfast, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Breakfast, Easy

Ingredients

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Boom Boom
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

Instructions

  • Shred the potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the shredded potatoes to the hot skillet and spread them out evenly.
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
  • Turn potatoes over, quarter potatoes if you need to
  • Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
  • Turn potatoes over again
  • Cook for 5 minutes
  • Place on a plate – Add Boom Boom to taste.

Notes

  • For extra crispy potatoes, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes before cooking.
  • Adjust cooking time based on your stove and desired level of crispiness.
  • Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or Gruyère.
  • You can also add other ingredients to the potatoes, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or bacon.
Mexican Dish

Mexican Dish

This easy-to-make Mexican style casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines ground beef, taco sauce, cream of chicken soup, and enchilada sauce for a rich and savory flavor. The casserole is topped with shredded cheese and baked to perfection.

Sheepherder Potatoes

Sheepherder Potatoes

This hearty dish combines potatoes, ham, and a flavorful broth for a comforting meal. The potatoes are simmered with onions, garlic, and a variety of seasonings until tender. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Porcupine Meatballs

Porcupine Meatballs

Easy and comforting Porcupine Meatballs recipe! Ground beef and rice simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. A simple and satisfying family favorite.

Looking for a dinner that’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make? These classic Porcupine Meatballs are a long-time family favorite! The unique texture from the rice “quills” and the savory tomato sauce make this a dish that disappears quickly. It’s the perfect solution for a fuss-free and satisfying meal.

Anecdote/Historical Tidbit: The name “Porcupine Meatballs” comes from the way the rice grains stick out of the meatballs as they cook, resembling the quills of a porcupine. This dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a simple and economical way to stretch ground meat and incorporate grains into a meal.

Make it Easier (Shortcuts):

  • Use pre-chopped onions from the grocery store to save on prep time.
  • Instead of shaping individual meatballs, you could gently drop spoonfuls of the mixture directly into the simmering sauce for a more rustic (and quicker) approach, though they might not be perfectly round.

Add More Flavor (Enhancements):

  • Brown the meatballs: For a deeper, more complex flavor, lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the tomato sauce.
  • Add herbs: Stir in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or a tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley or basil to the sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Serving Suggestions/Drink Pairings:

  • Serve over your favorite rice.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
  • A simple side salad with a vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the meatballs.
  • Pair with a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is refreshing.

Interesting Variations:

  • Cheesy Porcupine Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella cheese to the center of each meatball before shaping for a melty surprise.
  • Mushroom Porcupine Meatballs: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms and add them to the ground beef mixture for an earthy flavor.
  • Spicy Porcupine Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a little heat.

Porcupine Meatballs

Easy and comforting porcupine meatballs in a tangy tomato sauce, perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword Dinner, Easy, Rice, Savoury
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  • – 450 grams ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • – 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • – 1/3 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • – Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • – 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion OR 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
  • – 1/4 cup water
  • – 2 10.75 ounce cans condensed tomato soup
  • – 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • – 1 cup water

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, salt, pepper, chopped or flaked onion, and 1/4 cup of water. Do not overmix.
  • Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs.
  • In a medium pot or Dutch oven, whisk together the condensed tomato soup, chili powder, and 1 cup of water until smooth.
  • Bring the tomato soup mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring gently occasionally.
  • Serve hot with the sauce.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
Baked Chicken and Rice

Baked Chicken and Rice

Looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner idea? This baked chicken and rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

Pearl Couscous

Pearl Couscous

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? This vibrant pearl couscous is the answer. Golden-brown and fluffy, it’s the perfect canvas for bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley. Serve it alongside your favorite main course for a truly satisfying meal.

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a beloved Filipino stew considered the national dish of the Philippines. It features chicken pieces marinated in a savory and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper. The chicken is browned and then simmered in the marinade until tender, resulting in a flavorful and slightly thickened sauce. This dish is known for its versatility and can be enjoyed with white rice for a comforting meal.

Chicken Adobo

Course Main Course
Keyword Asian, Chicken, Dinner, Rice, Savoury
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 10 Chicken Thighs (Boneless)
  • Cup Vinegar
  • ½ Cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Whole Black Pepper
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 3 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 2-3 Garlic Cloves
  • 5 Bay Leaves
  • 4 Medium Potatoes Peeled and Diced

Instructions

  • Put everything in a pot except potatoes.
  • Bring to a boil for 20 minutes or until the meat is tender.
  • Add potatoes and boil for another 20 minutes
  • Add ½ cup of water if a little dry.
  • Remove from heat and let set for 5 minutes. Serve with rice.
Pizza Crust

Pizza Crust

The pizza crust is the foundation of any great pizza. It can be thin and crispy, thick and chewy, or somewhere in between, depending on your preference. A well-made crust is golden brown on the outside and has a slightly bready texture on the inside.