LET'S COOK AGAIN

You probably decided I was never going to adding to my blog again - but lots has been going on! Shopped on Saturday for things I thought I needed for the Pilot Club's party we were hosting on Tuesday night, worked in yard and basically stayed busy all day. On Sunday - life took a very unwanted dramatic change --- my back had a horrible pain and all of the old suffering came back. But - remember I said there was a party planned for Tuesday night -- so I took the Celebrax - and went to work on Monday - shopping - for all things - napkins! Ever tried to find 20 wonderful napkins that don't wind up costing $200.00. Try it and you will get a leg workout that they won't forget for a few days. Finally found some wonderful (and cheap) bandanas that I was able to work with - and everyone thought they were perfect napkins!! So that is my first tip of the day - be creative -- find something inexpensive and make it work with all of your other accessories! On Tuesday the cooking began - we promised hamburgers - but didn't promise chips or french fries and beans. So - we had Cornbread salad, Pretzel salad, Brie with a sauce made with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Made me wish for hot biscuits!! Oh for an appetizer along with the brie, we also had watermelon and fresh berries. For dessert - it was homemade crepes with either strawberries or bananas, whip cream (the real thing),and apricot/rum sauce. I had tablecloths, silver, china, and crystal (even outside) so I think I met the challenge!!!

One of the most gorgeous dishes was the Baked brie with fruit sauce. I will share it now:

SO VERY BERRY BRIE

1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons waterBagel
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed (if frozen)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed (if frozen)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed (if frozen)
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespooons water
1 - 8 oz. round Brie cheese, halved horizontally
Bagel and/or pita chips

1) In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water until sugar is dissolved. Add the berries. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat ; simmer, uncovered for three minutes. Combine the cornstarh and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into pan until combined. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes to cool!

20 Place the bottom half of cheesw in an ungreased ovenproof serving dish (Pie pan works perfectly); pour 1/2 cup berry mixture over cheese. Top with remaining cheese and berry mixture on top.

3)Bake, uncovered at 4000 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is softened. Serve with chips.

This is so beautiful and really delicious. THe sauce tastes like a wonderful berry jam!!!

Have I told you that I am so excited? Last week I received a new cookbook, 'Quick and Easy Autumn' from Gooseberry Farms and - on page 209 my recipe for Shredded Pork Sandwiches is published. Has my name, Tyler, Texas is there with the byline: "Everyone will love these savory sandwiches. They're simple to fix, but that is your little secret!"

I know I published these a long time ago but here it is again!

Shredded Pork Sandwiches

3 to 4 thick-sliced boneless pork chops
1 onion, sliced
1 tomato, chopped
4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 tsp. chipotle seasoning
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp. salt
8 whole wheat buns, split

Place pork chops in slow cooker; top with onion, tomato and mushrooms. Stir chipotle seasoning into barbeque sauce and spoon over pork chops. Cover and cook on high setting for one hour. Reduce to low setting and cook for about 8 hours, until very tender. Remoove pork chops and shred with a fork; set aside. Pour juices and vegetables from slow cooker into a suacepan; stir in brown sugar and water. Stir in brown sugar and salt. Bring to a boil; simmer for several minutes, until slightly reduced. Stir in shredded pork; heat throughly. Serve on buns. Serves 6 to 8.

Here is a tip: Warm sandwich buns for a crowd...easy! Fill a roaster with buns, cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil and cut several slits in the foil. Top with several dampened paper towels and tightly cover with more foil. Place in 250 degree oven for 20 minutes. Rolls will be hot and steamy!! (from Gooseberry Farms)


Two good recipes. Now I will see if I can stand up! Have a great Thursday, bless someone else and God will bless you. Good night.