Dilled Salmon Recipe

Heather says: I have updated this dilled salmon from an old baked salmon recipe that used mayonnaise.  Those who know how much I dislike mayonnaise are not the least bit surprised.  Fish is much more delicate than chicken, pork, or beef.  I will not be giving a specific cook time as oven temperatures vary and …

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Chicken Picante

Heather says: Way back, a hundred years ago, I used to work for a Spanish restaurant. Yes, Spanish as in Spain. One of our top selling lunch dishes was very simple and not exactly Spanish, it was a variation on fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and sweet peppers. My husband requested this dish so often that …

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Fisherman’s Pie

Heather says: I’m not going to lie. The original name for this classic turns my stomach. There is something about the idea of “fish pie” that brings up all sorts of unspeakable concoctions, rather than the simple and classic combination of fish, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. This makes for a simple meal of comforting flavors …

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Pot Roast: Back to Basics

Pot roasting beef is a great way to get a tender dish from a fairly tough cut of meat. Pot roast typically refers to tougher cuts of beef: chuck, rump, or brisket cooked by braising. Braising simply means a wet, slow cook. Slow cookers and Crock-Pots® work well for this type of cooking, but the …

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Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Heather says: File this meal under pretty good comfort food. Mr. Heather filed it under “should make again” but he’s from Minnesota and used to consider “hotdish” its own food group. Relax, I’m just teasing to pick on my in-laws. Everyone say hi to Nan and Gramps. Back to the food, it’s important to remember …

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Zucchini, Sauteed

Heather says: The ability to sauté, or cook over high heat with a small amount of fat, is a great method for bringing out great flavors in simple foods.  Typically zucchini is a summer vegetable, but there was a bag in the marked down produce for a dollar.  Who can pass that up? Sautéed Zucchini …

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Pizza Sauce Recipe

Heather says: This pizza sauce can be simmered on the stove or made with a slow cooker (Crock-pot® folks, Crock-pot®). Pizza night’s order of operations are as follows: I start the sauce, begin a crust, chop the veggies, roll out the dough, and finally add all the toppings. The kids help by eating all my …

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Tomato Gravy Recipe

tomato gravy over white rice in the foreground on a black plate in the background on the left are pinto beans and on the right is sautéed greens

Heather says: Digging through old cookbooks you may come across some strange ideas, especially concerning gelatin. However, there are many classic recipes forgotten or replaced by new convenience items. A perfect example is tomato gravy. Sure, the name doesn’t invoke images of glamour or haute couture, but not everything in life has to. Tomato gravy …

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