Casual Cooking Journal

Peach Bread

2010-11-08T20:00:00.003-05:00

- 3 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups sugar (1 brown, 3/4 white)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups diced canned peaches, drained
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Blend in the sugar, oil, and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; mix just to combine. Stir in the peaches and nuts. Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes: I made these for Eikaiwa and Shorinji. I use an oven the size of a microwave (actually, it IS a microwave) so the top of the bread got a littler burnt. I think I'll try to put tinfoil on top of the bread after it rises next time. (That's what they do for pie crust edges, right?)

Adapted from: Allrecipes's Peach Bread

Pancakes

2010-06-11T00:24:00.001-04:00

It was Katie's birthday so I made her pancakes with a side of Luffy.

French Toast

2010-05-31T23:52:00.002-04:00

Curry

2010-05-24T05:20:00.000-04:00

Sesame Bagels

2010-03-31T11:54:00.001-04:00

- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 Tbls sugar
- 1 1/2 tsps salt
- 1 Tbls vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tsps yeast
- 1 1/4 to 11/2 cups warm water

Directions:

1. Activate yeast with warm water and sugar (you do not need to do this if you are using instant yeast).

2. Mix together all ingredients, but with only 1/3 of the flour. Slowly incorporate as much of the rest of the flour as you can.

3. Need dough for ten minutes or until smooth. Divide into 8 pieces. Wait for 10-20 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 425 F. Roll bagels into shape. Let them rest for 20 minutes.

5. Bring a deep saucepan of water to boil. Boil each side of bagel for 1 minute. Let them dry.

6. Place bagels on well oiled tray. Bake for 10 minutes on each side.

Notes: Made these with my tutor

Adapted from: John D Lee's Homemade Bagel Recipe

Apple Raisin Bread

2010-03-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
- raisins

Directions:

1. In bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl, place oil, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla and apples. Stir into flour mixture. Stir the raisins in last.

3. Divided mixture between two greased 8-in. x 4-in. bread pans.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until bread test done. Cool for 10 minutes on wire rack before removing from pan.

Notes: Edibles to go with departing teacher's gifts.

Adapted from: All Recipe's Apple Bread

Chocolate Fudge

2010-03-29T11:06:00.002-04:00

- 1 cup instant cocoa mix
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat. Cook until it forms a ball when placed in cold water.

2. Remove from heat and beat for a few minutes. Pour into buttered square pan. Allow to set.

Adapted from: Cooks' Old Hard Fudge

Chocolate Brittle

2010-03-27T07:25:00.006-04:00

- 35 unsalted soda crackers, crushed
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Cover cookie sheet with foil. Spray foil with cooking oil spray.

2. Place crackers on foil in 5 x 7 inch rows.

3. Microwave butter on high for 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and stir. Microwave on high for 2 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

4. Pour over crackers. Mix. Pour onto sheet. Bake 17 - 20 minutes.

5. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crackers. Spread after 2 minutes (chips have softened). Sprinkle nuts on top.

6. Refrigerate 1 hour. Break into pieces.

Adapted From: All Recipe's Chocolate Brittle Surprise

762 hearts 103 elephants

2010-03-13T10:33:00.003-05:00

157 elephants

2010-03-10T10:37:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Yogurt Bread

2010-03-10T07:56:00.001-05:00

- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 2 cups yogurt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Beat eggs until foamy, add sugar, oil, yogurt, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix well. In a separate bowl sift together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add dry ingredients slowly to the yogurt mixture and mix until moist. Mix in half of the walnuts. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9x5x13-inch loaf pans. Sprinkle leftover walnuts onto tops of each loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Loaves should be golden brown on top.

Notes: It smelled really good, but it didn't really taste like anything after it came out of the oven. It was awesome the second day though.

Adapted from: Baked Perfection's Pumpkin Bread

99 elephants

2010-03-08T10:35:00.003-05:00

Walnut Pumpkin Yogurt Bread

2010-03-08T08:50:00.001-05:00

491 Cookies

2010-03-05T05:14:00.002-05:00

- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in vanilla; add flour and mix well.

3. Form cookies. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.

Notes: I made the cookies for the graduation grade six class at Tokiwa. I tried different ways of packaging the cookies. In the end, I chose the one on the right. My microwave has hot spots so some of the cookies came out brown. They tasted exactly the same but they weren't the pretty pale brown of shortbread cookies. I put those aside and brought them to church the next Sunday.

Adapted from: All Recipe's Shortbread Cookies II

Okonomiyaki Sauce Meatloaf

2010-02-22T07:23:00.000-05:00

- 2 eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce
- 1 tsp each, ground ginger, salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 lb lean ground pork
- 1 lb chicken
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce

Directions:

1. In large bowl, whisk eggs. Mix in bread crumbs, carrots, garlic, 1/4 cup sauce, ginger, salt, pepper, and onions. Mix in meat.

2. Pack into two loaf pans, molding top. Spread okonomiyaki sauce over top; roast in 400F oven for about one hour.

Adapted from: If you’re only going to make one kind of meatloaf, this is the one you should make

Anko Mochi

2010-02-21T10:15:00.003-05:00

Mina Asobu Day - Every month at church, people in the community are invited to come and play. This month, we made mochi together.

Preparations before the children came: The week before, we sorted out all the bad grain from a big bag of rice. The rice had to be boiled, then drained. Anko (red bean) paste was rolled into little balls for filling.

The rice has to go through a mortar and pestle process to become sticky. First, two people with mallets slowly walk around the mortar and push the rice. Then, the rice is pounded with the hammers.

The sticky mochi is covered in flour. Uniform pieces are torn from the main glob and rolled until round.

Udon from scratch

2010-02-20T07:17:00.001-05:00

The pictures are pretty self explanatory.
Notes: Sayuri invited me to her church for an udon making event.

Pumpkin Yoghurt Pie

2010-02-19T10:26:00.003-05:00

- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups yoghurt
- 1 pie crust

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves. Mix well.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes or until pale. Add pumpkin puree and spice mixture and mix well. Add yoghurt and mix until well combined.

3. Pour batter into pie crust. Bake pie at 425° F for 15 minutes, then lower temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes, until pie is set in the center. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Notes: Made my own pie crust!

Adapted from: Mountain High's Pumpkin Yoghurt Pie

Apple Raisin Bread

2010-02-19T07:37:00.003-05:00

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
- raisins

Directions:

1. In bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl, place oil, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla and apples. Stir into flour mixture. Stir the raisins in last.

3. Divided mixture between two greased 8-in. x 4-in. bread pans.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until bread test done. Cool for 10 minutes on wire rack before removing from pan.

Notes: I ended up with 4 cups of apples. I really wanted to use it all. I cut the second two cups very small. Then I microwaved it and mashed it up and added it to the batter. I was able to put in twice the amount of apples (healthier?) and it didn't even taste different!

Adapted from: All Recipe's Apple Bread

Chicken Okonomiyaki

2010-02-13T12:55:00.003-05:00

- 1 1/2 cup okonomiyaki flour
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/4 of a cabbage

Heart Shaped Jello

2010-02-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Puree

2010-02-13T12:22:00.000-05:00

Raisin Apple Bread

2010-02-13T12:04:00.002-05:00

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
- raisins

Directions:

1. In bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl, place oil, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla and apples. Stir into flour mixture. Stir the raisins in last.

3. Divided mixture between two greased 8-in. x 4-in. bread pans.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until bread test done. Cool for 10 minutes on wire rack before removing from pan.

Notes: The bread tastes SO much better after a few days. The spices really sink in and the raisins get sweeter.

Adapted from: All Recipe's Apple Bread

Apple Bread

2010-02-13T11:31:00.004-05:00

Marble Pancakes

2010-02-13T11:08:00.002-05:00

Personalized Pancakes

2010-02-13T11:04:00.001-05:00

Notes: It looks like a big bow, but it's supposed to be H for Heidi!

Apple Marble Pancakes

2010-02-13T10:59:00.003-05:00

Heart Shaped Pancake

2010-02-13T10:55:00.002-05:00

Notes: I mixed in some leftover chocolate batter. Along with artificial lighting, the pancake looks like cardboard. It tasted really good though!

Double Batter Pancakes

2010-02-13T10:45:00.003-05:00

Notes: The trick is to make the inside batter thicker than the outside.

Chocolate Drizzled Shortbread Cookies

2010-02-13T10:35:00.004-05:00

Shortbread Cookies

2010-02-13T10:20:00.004-05:00

Apple Tart

2010-02-13T10:14:00.002-05:00

Filling
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Apples
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 apple, sliced

Directions:

1. Slice apples and season. Arrange in pie crust.

2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix well. Blend in the egg and vanilla extract and process until smooth.

3. Pour mixture evenly around apples.

4. Bake at 450 F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400 F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and filling is almost set. Remove from oven and cool. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and serve at room temperature.

Notes: The tart pan I had was relatively small so I halved the recipe for the filling. I took the picture under the kitchen light and the tart looks really brown and burnt but it's actually not!

Adapted from: Joy of Baking's Apple Tart

Pie Crust

2010-02-13T09:11:00.005-05:00

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. Combine all ingredients. Stir together with fork. Pat mixture into bottom and up the sides of the pan. Poke holes in bottom and side of crust.

3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown. Use as directed in pie recipe.

Adapted from: All Recipe's Easy Pie Crust

Sesame Bagels

2010-02-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 Tbls sugar
- 1 1/2 tsps salt
- 1 Tbls vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tsps yeast
- 1 1/4 to 11/2 cups warm water

Directions:

1. Activate yeast with warm water and sugar (you do not need to do this if you are using instant yeast).

2. Mix together all ingredients, but with only 1/3 of the flour. Slowly incorporate as much of the rest of the flour as you can.

3. Need dough for ten minutes or until smooth. Divide into 8 pieces. Wait for 10-20 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 425 F. Roll bagels into shape. Let them rest for 20 minutes.

5. Bring a deep saucepan of water to boil. Boil each side of bagel for 1 minute. Let them dry.

6. Place bagels on well oiled tray. Bake for 10 minutes on each side.

Notes: I made this with some children of Kurushima Club members in an international foods cooking contest.

Adapted from: John D Lee's Homemade Bagel Recipe

Maple Soy-Glazed Salmon

2010-02-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz/175 g each)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- pinch of pepper

Directions:

1. Place salmon in shallow dish. In bowl, combine maple syrup, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic and pepper; pour half over salmon and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning once.

2. Place salmon on foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast in 450°F (230°C) oven, brushing halfway through with remaining marinade, until fish flakes easily when tested, about 10 minutes. Broil for 3 minutes.

Notes: I made this with some children of Kurushima Club members in an international foods cooking contest.

Adapted from: Canadian Living's Maple Soy-Glazed Salmon

Bread Pudding

2010-02-07T13:04:00.001-05:00

- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 pieces of thick bread, torn into small pieces
- 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.

2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.

3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

4. Sprinkle with raisins or berries if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

Notes: I made this with some children of Kurushima Club members in an international foods cooking contest.

Adapted from: Stephanie Stout's Bread Pudding Recipe

Raison Bread Pudding

2010-02-06T12:50:00.001-05:00

- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 pieces of thick bread, torn into small pieces
- 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.

2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.

3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

4. Sprinkle with raisins or berries if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

Adapted from: Stephanie Stout's Bread Pudding Recipe

Chicken Mushroom Gratin

2010-02-06T12:27:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Puree

2010-02-03T23:41:00.002-05:00

Notes: I decided to keep the shell of this (Japanese) pumpkin because it gets soft when it is boiled. I mashed it up along with the flesh and used it in the bread too.

Honey Soy Salmon

2010-02-03T12:44:00.004-05:00

- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz/175 g each)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- pinch of pepper

Directions:

1. Place salmon in shallow dish. In bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic and pepper; pour half over salmon and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning once.

2. Place salmon on foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast in 450°F (230°C) oven, brushing halfway through with remaining marinade, until fish flakes easily when tested, about 10 minutes.

Adapted from: Canadian Living's Maple Soy-Glazed Salmon

Walnut Pumpkin Bread

2010-02-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

2. Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly. Stir in the nuts.

3. Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.

Adapted from: Simply Recipes' Pumpkin Bread

Raisin Pumpkin Bread

2010-02-03T12:32:00.002-05:00

- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

2. Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly. Stir in the raisins.

3. Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.

Adapted from: Simply Recipes' Pumpkin Bread

Plain Bagels

2010-02-02T01:56:00.004-05:00

Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 Tbls sugar
- 1 1/2 tsps salt
- 1 Tbls vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tsps yeast
- 1 1/4 to 11/2 cups warm water

Directions:

1. Activate yeast with warm water and sugar (you do not need to do this if you are using instant yeast).

2. Mix together all ingredients, but with only 1/3 of the flour. Slowly incorporate as much of the rest of the flour as you can.

3. Need dough for ten minutes or until smooth. Divide into 8 pieces. Wait for 10-20 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 425 F. Roll bagels into shape. Let them rest for 20 minutes.

5. Bring a deep saucepan of water to boil. Boil each side of bagel for 1 minute. Let them dry.

6. Place bagels on well oiled tray. Bake for 10 minutes on each side.

Notes: I entered an International cooking contest with children. I needed to test out the recipe before contest day. These bagels turned out fantastic! It was easy to make and quick in the oven.

Adapted from: John D Lee's Homemade Bagel Recipe

Chocolate Bread Pudding

2010-01-31T02:08:00.004-05:00

Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 bar of milk chocolate
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 pieces of thick bread, torn into small pieces
- 1/2 cup raisins or berries (optional)

Directions:

1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk just until film forms over top. Combine butter and chocolate with milk, stirring until butter and chocolate is melted. Cool to lukewarm.

2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.

3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

4. Sprinkle with raisins or berries if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

Notes: I couldn't find baker's chocolate so I tried to make chocolate bread pudding with regular milk chocolate. I reduced the sugar by half but it ended up not being sweet enough.

Adapted from: Stephanie Stout's Bread Pudding Recipe

Banana Bread

2010-01-31T01:39:00.002-05:00

Ingredients
- 3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix.

3. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour.

Notes: I'm using a microwave that's also an oven so the heat is trapped in a much smaller area. The recipe called for an hour in the oven, but it was a little too much in my small microwave so the top burnt a little. I should remember to trust my nose the next time I bake.

Adapted from: Simply Recipes' Banana Bread

Bread Pudding

2010-01-27T01:48:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 pieces of thick bread, torn into small pieces
- 1/2 cup raisins or berries (optional)

Directions:

1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.

2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.

3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

4. Sprinkle with raisins or berries if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

Notes: Stephanie gave me this recipe. She was on this particular food kick for three weeks! I don't think I'll try another recipe for bread pudding. This one is awesome.

Adapted from: Stephanie Stout's Bread Pudding Recipe

Mac and Cheese

2010-01-26T01:28:00.001-05:00

Notes: I went over to Chen's to learn how to knit. It was too cold to buy ingredients for food so we scrounged around our kitchens to see what we could make. This is what we came up with.

Toasted Tuna Sandwich

2010-01-26T01:23:00.003-05:00

Notes: I went over to Chen's to learn how to knit. It was too cold to buy ingredients for food so we scrounged around our kitchens to see what we could make. This is what we came up with.

Stirfry

2009-12-05T05:38:00.000-05:00

Fruit Yogurt

2009-12-04T01:32:00.002-05:00

Black Sesame Icecream

2009-12-03T01:29:00.001-05:00

Sweet Potato Salad

2009-11-30T11:32:00.001-05:00

- sweet potato, potato
- egg, mayonnaise
- apple, cucumber, carrots
- vinegar

Stir Fry Rice Noodles

2009-11-30T11:23:00.001-05:00

- rice noodles
- chicken
- vegetables (onions, carrots, cucumbers)

Stir Fry Chicken Balls

2009-11-30T11:15:00.001-05:00

- seasoned ground chicken
- vegetables (onions, carrots, cucumbers)

Apple Crisp

2009-11-21T11:40:00.002-05:00

Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

2. Place apples in prepared dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Pour water over all. In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Blend in flour. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until apples are tender and crust is golden.

Notes: I used my microwave to bake for the first time! The settings were a bit tricky. It took so long to preheat that I just put the cobbler in and waited until it looked ready. It took around an hour.

Adapted from: All Recipe's Apple Crisp III

Chocolate Banana Pancake

2009-11-20T12:12:00.001-05:00

Notes: It was SO moist and thick!

Chocolate Heart Pancake

2009-11-20T12:05:00.003-05:00

Notes: I saw this done in a cook book I flipped through at the library. My pancake failed, but I'm not sure why. The heart was too liquidy and got broken up by the pancake mix when I poured it on the pan. Next time, I'll draw the picture, and then put the pan on the stove. Maybe I'll use chocolate from a tube instead of melting my own.

Cinnamon Apple Hot Cake

2009-11-20T12:02:00.002-05:00

Stir Fry with Noodles

2009-10-29T22:51:00.000-04:00

Ham and Egg Toast with Granola and Yogurt

2009-10-20T22:50:00.000-04:00

Vegetable Curry

2009-10-19T07:40:00.000-04:00

Breakfast

2009-10-19T07:38:00.000-04:00

Chestnut Fried Rice

2009-10-12T07:41:00.000-04:00

Ham and Egg Sandwich

2009-09-28T15:32:00.000-04:00

Cooking in Bulk

2009-09-27T16:04:00.002-04:00

Stirfry

Curry

Pasta Sauce

Rice

PB, Honey & Banana Toast

2009-09-25T15:29:00.000-04:00

Frozen Stirfry

2009-09-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

Frozen Curry Dinner

2009-09-24T15:12:00.000-04:00

Yakisoba

2009-09-18T14:56:00.001-04:00

Curry Tonkatsu

2009-09-16T14:58:00.000-04:00

Freezer Pasta

2009-09-11T02:14:00.005-04:00

Yakisoba

2009-09-08T02:25:00.002-04:00

Scrambled Omelet

2009-09-07T02:16:00.003-04:00

Cold Pasta

2009-09-02T06:50:00.002-04:00

Ham and Egg English Muffins

2009-09-02T06:46:00.004-04:00

Egg English Muffin

2009-09-01T06:45:00.002-04:00

Chicken Fried Rice

2009-08-26T06:40:00.000-04:00

Cheesecake From a Box

2009-08-25T04:27:00.001-04:00

Pork Cutlet Curry

2009-08-24T10:59:00.003-04:00

Pork Cutlet was on sale because I went to the grocery store close to closing time. Carrots were three giant ones for 99 yen. I decided to make Pork cutlet curry. I found curry cubes in the sauce aisle. The instructions were all in Japanese but you don't need to know any to understand pictures.

Creamy Seafood Noodles

2009-08-22T10:53:00.002-04:00

Noodles and Shrimp

2009-08-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

Noodles and Shrimp

2009-08-20T10:49:00.000-04:00

First Homecooked Meal in Japan

2009-08-19T11:51:00.010-04:00

I didn't think I would cook so soon, but I saw udon on sale for 38 yen. Tuesday is also produce sale day so I knew I could get cheap veggies. I bought this bunch for 50 yen. I decided on shrimp for protein.

Check out my gas stove!

Apple Empanadas

2009-07-21T21:46:00.003-04:00

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fruit preserves
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling
- 4 apples (2 gala, 2 granny smith)
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

DAY BEFORE: Cream butter and cream cheese together until smoothly blended. Beat in the flour. Shape dough into a smooth ball, wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.

FILLING: Peel, core and chop apple into thin slices. Bring all ingredients to a rolling boil. Stir until most of the liquid has evapourated and sauce has thickened.

1. Remove dough from refrigerator 30 minutes before using. Start heating oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. Roll chilled dough thin. Cut with 3 or 4 inch round cookie cutter. Place small spoonful of jam in center of each round, moisten edges with water.

3. Fold round over and press edges together. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 15 to 20 minutes. Immediately roll in sugar mixed with cinnamon (traditional) OR in confectioners' sugar if preferred.

Notes: Dough can be frozen or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Adapted from: All Recipes Empanadas

Chicken Enchilladas

2009-07-21T19:17:00.009-04:00

- 1 1/2 cups cubed chicken breast meat
- 1/2 package fajita mix
- 4 large flour tortillas

Cream Mixture
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cooking onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 4 ounce can chipotle peppers, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa, divided
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/8 cup milk

Directions:

1. Cook chicken breasts on medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle on fajita mix and 1 tablespoon of water. Remove from heat when there is no more sauce.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the onions until tender (about 3 to 4 minutes). Add the spices, then stir in the peppers, cream of chicken soup, sour cream and 1/4 cup salsa. Mix well.

4. Combine 1/4 mixture and 1/2 cup cheese with chicken, set aside. Add remaining salsa and milk to mixture.

5. Fill each flour tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll up. Place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.

6. Spoon cream mixture over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

Adapted from: All Recipes Chicken Enchiladas II

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2009-07-21T02:42:00.006-04:00

Yield: 8 pancakes

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Let the egg and milk sit at room temperature.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the egg, melted butter and then milk; mix until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium high heat. Pour the batter onto the pan, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Sprinkle on chocolate chips. Flip pancake when bubbles appear. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Adapted from: All Recipes Good Old Fashioned Pancakes

Blueberry Cobbler

2009-07-20T21:41:00.013-04:00

Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, halved
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. Melt 1/2 cup butter in 10 inch baking dish; set aside.

2. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar melts; set aside.

3. Place flour in a mixing bowl; cut in remaining butter until fine crumbs form. Add milk, stirring with a fork until dough leaves sides of bowl. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead three or four times.

4. Roll dough out into two squares. Place first piece of dough in the butter; sprinkle dough with cinnamon and sugar. Spread berries over dough. Place second piece of dough on top of berries; sprinkle with cinnamon.

5. Pour sugar syrup on top of dough (syrup will be absorbed). Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over top and bake 15 minutes more. Serve warm or cold.

Notes: We put in an extra 1/2 cup of berries than the original recipe called for. Yum!

Adapted from: All Recipes Blackberry Cobbler

Banana Bread

2009-07-19T01:10:00.007-04:00

Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 mashed overripe bananas
- nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

Notes: Smelled good, but not enough banana taste.

Adapted from: All Recipes Banana Banana Bread

Indonesian Cho Cho

2009-07-19T00:40:00.008-04:00

Ingredients
- 4 chayote
- 1 tsp salt
- olive oil
- 1 cooking onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 tsp of trassi - 8 chili
- 1 slice of dried galangal
- 1 package of shrimp
- 1 can of chicken broth
- half a small can of coconut milk

Directions:

1. Peel chayote, cut in the middle, and take out seed. Slice chayote intro strips. Marinate chayote with 1 tsp of salt.

2. Thinly slice garlic, onions and chili. Cut shrimp into 1 cm bits.

3. Fry onion, garlic, chili, trassi and galangal. Then fry the shrimp.

4. Boil chicken broth and chayote. (but not for too long) Pour in coconut milk. Boil for a bit more.

Notes: The cho cho was too spicy, I would probably only use 4-6 peppers next time. May use red paprika for colour. Should use less coconut milk than more.

Adapted from: Grandma Brata's Cho Cho Recipe

Fried Perch Fillet Sandwiches

2009-07-16T14:10:00.006-04:00

- fresh perch fillet
- salt and garlic powder to marinate
- Cajun seasoning mix
- sliced bread

Broccoli Chicken Divan

2009-07-14T21:00:00.009-04:00

Ingredients
- 4 stalks fresh broccoli
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 can condensed cream of broccoli soup
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons dried bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

2. Cook chicken, chop into cubes. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder and garlic.

3. Chop broccoli, place in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain.

4. Place the cooked broccoli in a 9 inch baking dish. Top with the chicken. In a bowl, mix the soup, milk, and half of the cheese. Pour mixture over the chicken (may mix a little). Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Mix the melted butter with the bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the cheese.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly brown.

Adapted from: All Recipes Broccoli Chicken Divan

Indonesian Lemper Ayam

2009-07-11T01:35:00.006-04:00

Rice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 2 400ml cans coconut milk

Filling
- 1/2 pound chicken breast
- 1/2 stalk of lemongrass
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

1. Soak rice overnight in water. Drain. Wash rice.

2. Boil chicken until cooked.

3. Bring rice with 1 1/2 can coconut milk, 1 cup water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Rolling boil for 5 minutes, then steam rice for 30 minutes.

4. Shred cooked chicken. Finely chop garlic and lemongrass.

5. Fry garlic and lemongrass until browned. Add chicken, fry for 3 minutes, then add 1/2 can of coconut milk. Simmer until filling is dry. Season with salt, pepper and ground cumin.

Montreal Smoked Meat Baguette

2009-07-10T11:19:00.003-04:00

- Baguette
- Montreal Smoked Meat
- Red onions
- Tomatoes
- Romain lettuce
- Havarti cheese
- Honey Mustard

Hot Dog Omelette

2009-06-29T07:37:00.001-04:00

Notes: We had a cousins sleepover at the cottage and this is what I made them for breakfast.

Eggs in a Basket

2009-06-29T07:35:00.001-04:00

Notes: We had a cousins sleepover at the cottage and this is what I made them for breakfast.

Spinach Omelette

2009-06-19T11:16:00.003-04:00

Walnut Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad

2009-06-19T01:31:00.004-04:00

- spinach
- strawberries
- feta cheese
- walnuts

Chicken Souvlaki

2009-06-19T01:09:00.006-04:00

- pita rounds
- Tzatziki Sauce
- cucumbers
- tomatoes
- red onion
- red peppers

Souvlaki Marinade
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions: In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinaigrette, juice from 1/2 lemon, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Marinate chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Adapted From: All Recipes Chicken Souvlaki Gyro Style

Mother's Birthday Breakfast

2009-06-18T10:05:00.002-04:00

Spinach Chicken Roll

2009-06-17T21:11:00.004-04:00

- 4 chicken breast halves
- salt and pepper to taste
- flour
- 1 egg
- breadcrumbs
- toothpicks

Filling
- 1/2 container ricotta cheese (425g)
- 1/2 1 package frozen chopped spinach (300g), thawed and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 stick grated mozzarella cheese (100g)