Smile And Say "Cheese"

(Published on iSurf News on April 14, 2011)


I've always wondered why I can only buy egg nog and boiled custard during the holidays.

Maybe we are just not allowed to drink it at anytime except between the months of November and January. Another “holiday dish” that doesn't get much attention at any other time of the year is the cheese ball. With the exception of a bridal or wedding shower, it's rare to find a cheese ball on a lovely platter, surrounded by an assortment of crackers at any other time, but each year, April 17 is set aside to bring awareness to this wonderful snack.


SWEET CHEESE BALL RECIPE

●2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
●1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
●2/3 cup flaked coconut
●8 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
●3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
●Assorted fresh fruit

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the coconut and cherries. Shape into a ball; roll in pecans. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with a sweet cracker or fruit slices.

Knick-Knack Paddy Whack, Give Your Dog A Bone

(Published on iSurf News on March 31, 2011)

April is Dog Appreciation Month, so you will want to let your favorite pooch know just how much you love them. Some hotels provide “Puppy Packages” during this month, which can include a pet massage, dog toys, special walks and donations to local animal shelters in your dog's name. Now, maybe you are like me and just cannot afford such a vacation at the moment, but still want to find ways to honor your pup this month. How about buying your little princess a new collar with a little bling-bling, making her feel special. Maybe Rover would like an extra long walk through the neighborhood to provide him a little extra exercise, which would also be good for you.
You could also make your pet a special dinner to let them know you care. Check out these “Dog Gone” Recipes. I threw in a few tasty recipes for you dog lovers as well!
 

“Tricky” Recipes and Other Pranks

(Published on iSurf News on March 31, 2011)

I remember when growing up, my brother and I always tried to “out do” each other when it came to our April Fool's Day jokes. The best one that sticks out in my mind was played on me, so I'll have to give props to my brother for coming up with it.

I was probably about 16 or 17 years old and my brother was seven years younger. One morning, right at 4:00, I was awaken to what I thought was a beeping sound. I was still in that “sleep paralysis” state, you know, when you are not really awake but you are not really asleep either. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or if I was really hearing something. After a while longer, I became more awake and realized that surely, I was hearing a beeping sound. I sat up in bed and listened to see where the sound was coming from. The beeping was under my bed and I knew it was bomb!! I started pulling things out from under my bed (because we all know that every teenager keeps things under their bed). Then, I saw it. A small, square, battery-powered alarm clock. I turned it off and wondered why there was an alarm clock set for 4:00 am hidden up under my bed. Then, the light bulb came on! I rememberd that it was April Fool's Day. And I also knew that I had a little brother that just loved to get one on his big sister. I remember walking down the hall to his bedroom, thinking that I was going to get him. Then I saw him sleeping soundly, so I closed the door, thinking that I'd pay him back later. Come to think of it, I never did.

Enjoy some of these fun & “tricky” recipes.

I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

(Published on iSurf News on March 24, 2011)
 

March 29, is the anniversary of the invention of Coca-Cola. In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton formulated the recipe after Atlanta and Fulton County passed prohibition legislation. It was first sold at a pharmacy in Atlanta as a patent medicine when it was believed that carbonated water was good for your health. Over the years, Coca-Cola has seen many different flavors and even changed the formula of the drink with “New Coke” in 1985. The company soon gave into the many protests and returned to the old formula, calling it “Coca-Cola Classic”.

Hello Spring…I Sure Have Missed You!

(Published on iSurf News on March 17, 2011)

 The arrival of spring is very bittersweet to me. The older I get, the more I appreciate watching the new birth of the trees, the green grass and the beautiful flowers.

At the same time, the first day of spring, March 20, is the anniversary of the death of my maternal grandmother. Anyone that knew my Granny, Goldie, knew that she was more fun than a barrel of monkeys but she was so forgetful, she couldn't remember two times around the broomstick.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

(Published on iSurf News on March 10, 2011)
 

Top of the morning to you!! (Said in my best Irish accent) St. Patricks Day is coming up next week! Why do we celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17th? Some believe this is the day that St Patrick, the man who brought the Catholic Church to Ireland, died during the fifth century. For over a thousand years, the Irish traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. This holiday became more important in the US in the late 1800's as thousands of Irish immigrants came to America.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez - Let the Good Times Roll!

(Published on iSurf News on March 3, 2011)

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday”, refers to the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Part of the fun of Mardi Gras include wearing masks and costumes, dancing, parades, tossing beads and attending parties and balls.

Every year at Mardi Gras there are thousands of King Cakes sold in the New Orleans area. You can find many places online where you can order a King Cake and have it shipped to you. Or you can follow this recipe to make your own. Just don't forget to tell everyone about the baby. You don't want anyone to get choked!

KING CAKE

Cake:
●1/2 cup warm water (100-115 F)
●2 tablespoons yeast
●1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 teaspoons
●3 1/2 - 4 cup flour
●1 teaspoon nutmeg
●2 teaspoons salt
●1 teaspoon lemon zest
●1/2 cup warm milk
●5 egg yolks
●1/2 cup butter
●2 teaspoons cinnamon
●1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for egg wash

Icing:
●3 cups confectioner's sugar
●1/4 cup lemon juice
●3-6 tablespoons water
●additional sugar & food coloring for decoration

►1 tiny 1" baby doll (see notes above)

Sprinkle yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar over warm water in a small, shallow bowl. Allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, then mix thoroughly. Set bowl in a warm, draft-free place until yeast starts to bubble up and mixture almost doubles in volume, about 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, mix 3 1/2 C flour, 1/2 cup sugar, nutmeg, lemon zest and salt. In mixing bowl of a heavy duty electric mixer or food processor, combine yeast , milk and egg yolks. Gradually add dry ingredients, and softened butter, adding additional flour, as necessary to achieve a medium-soft ball. Knead dough, again adding flour if necessary, until smooth, shiny and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place dough in a covered, buttered bowl , in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

In the meantime, butter a large baking sheet and set aside.

When dough has risen, remove and punch down. Sprinkle with cinnamon and form into a cylinder, then twist this cylinder into a circle. Pinch the ends together to complete the circle. Once again, cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 375° F. Brush top and sides of cake with egg wash and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack completely before hiding baby doll inside or icing and decorating.

Icing:
Mix sugar, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of water until mixture is smooth, adding more water as necessary to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Spread icing over cake and immediately sprinkle colored sugar in alternating color rows of yellow, green and purple.



CHICKEN OR HAM JAMBALAYA

●2 tablespoons oil
●1 1/2 cups chopped onion
●1 green bell pepper, chopped
●2 medium cloves garlic, minced
●2 cups cubed cooked ham or chicken
●1 cup long-grain white rice
●l/2 teaspoon thyme
●l/2 teaspoon salt
●3-4 drops hot pepper sauce
●1 16-ounce can tomatoes
●l/2 cup ham broth, water, or chicken broth if using chicken

Heat oil in a large pot. To the hot oil add chopped onions, green pepper, and garlic; cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add ham or chicken and rice; cook and stir until rice is well coated with oil. Add thyme, salt, pepper sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, 20-25 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper sauce if needed.



GARLIC CHEESE GRITS