Food

Yams Topped with Pecan Streusel

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food for Sharing: Yams Topped with Pecan Streusel! One of the advantages of being married is the blending of traditions, especially when it comes to family recipes. “My mama always put marshmallows on our sweet potatoes,” my husband volunteered as I sat planning my holiday menu. I’d heard of it, but had no idea why people raved about it. ‘Til now. OMG! This yam dish is about as close as you can get to eating dessert throughout the meal. Seconds, please.

YAMS TOPPED WITH PECAN STREUSEL

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 1/2 pound can of yams; drained, cut into 1″ cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup natural honey

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Streusel Topping:

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 cup glazed pecans, chopped*

1 3/4 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9″ round casserole dish with one tablespoon unsalted butter. Arrange cut yams evenly. Drizzle the yams with olive oil, natural honey, and pure maple syrup. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, sea salt, and white pepper. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix well. Add melted butter. Stir until the liquid is absorbed and topping resembles small peas. Spread over the top of the yams. Sprinkle pecans over all. Bake 25 minutes. Remove and carefully arrange miniature marshmallows around the perimeter of the casserole dish. Return to the oven and additional 5 minutes until marshmallows appear toasted. Watch carefully. Serve warm.

*Glazed Pecans can be referenced at the following link.

http://Snapshotsincursive.com/2015/11/18

Xanthous Deviled Eggs

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food for Sharing: Xanthous Deviled Eggs! Farm-to-Table deviled eggs are growing in popularity at family owned restaurants. Don’t believe me? Check out the appetizer menu for starters. Deviled eggs are not just for picnics and pitch-ins any more. You may find them filled with everything from meat or seafood to cheese, nuts, and hot peppers. Which brings me to today’s version: Jalapeño & Cilantro. The kick of spice mellows nicely with the creamy yolk filling. You determine the heat factor. If you decide to omit the caper liquid, you may want to substitute with salt to taste.

XANTHOUS DEVILED EGGS

Ingredients:

6 hard boiled eggs, cooled and peeled

1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño peppers, minced

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon pickled jalapeño juice or white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon caper liquid (optional)

Pinch of Cajun seasoning

Pinch of sugar

1 fresh jalapeño pepper, slices for garnish

Instructions:

Halve the eggs lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks and place in a small bowl. Gently place white portions in a deviled egg platter. Mash egg yolks with a fork. Add pickled jalapeño peppers, mayonnaise, cilantro, Dijon mustard, pickled jalapeño juice, caper liquid, Cajun seasoning, and sugar. Stir until combined. Spoon mixture into hollowed out egg white shells. Garnish with a fresh jalapeño slice. Refrigerate for one hour before serving. Store leftovers in a covered container.

Whole Roasted Chicken

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food for Sharing: Whole Roasted Chicken! Go nontraditional this Thanksgiving. Scale things back a bit for an intimate dinner for two. By choosing a free-range whole chicken for roasting, you still afford classic results in each juicy bite. Prepare this succulent bird in half the time. Then go crazy with your favorite sides.

WHOLE ROASTED CHICKEN

Ingredients:

3-pound chicken, whole

3 fresh rosemary sprigs

3 tablespoon butter, sliced

1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper

5 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place chicken in a shallow roasting pan. Season cavity with sliced butter. Insert rosemary sprigs. Generously sprinkle outside of bird with Herbs de Provence, onion powder, celery seed, sea salt, and black pepper. Brush skin with melted butter. Bake uncovered 1 1/2 hours. Skin will be golden and internal temperature should read 180°. Juices should run clear. Remove from heat. Baste with drippings. Cover. Let rest 20 minutes to allow juices to absorb before serving.

Voodoo Potatoes

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food for Sharing: Voodoo Potatoes! The magical power of the potato ranks as a good source of potassium, vitamin C, niacin, and dietary fiber for starters. It’s been around for thousands of years. Noted as an inexpensive staple, the potato is popular throughout the entire world. Discover the magic!

VOODOO POTATOES

Ingredients:

3 white potatoes, cubed

1/3 cup sweet onion, chopped

1/4 cup green pepper, chopped

1 teaspoon pimento, diced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon natural honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 green onions, snipped

Instructions:

Place potatoes in a 2.5 quart pan with enough water to cover. Add sea salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Cook potatoes until tender, approximately 20 minutes. Drain in colander. Transfer to a large bowl. Microwave sweet onion and green pepper for 1 1/2 minutes on High. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Fold in diced pimento. Once cool, add to potatoes. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Pour dressing over potato mixture. Gently stir to cover all. Garnish with green onion snips. Serve warm or chilled.

Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse in Nashville, Tennessee

Dining Outside the Home: Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse in Nashville, Tennessee! The name alone is a mouthful, which means this place is a nonstop party all day long. The music is loud, the steak is amazing, and the drinks are icy cold. Since the entertainment can be heard a half a block away, it draws thrill-seekers like moths to a flame. From street level to rooftop, five floors, four stages, and six bars make this joint the biggest, baddest honky tonk downtown. Grab a seat and settle in for awhile.

Uvetta Apple Chutney Grilled Cheese

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food for Sharing: Uvetta Apple Chutney Grilled Cheese! When I was a kid, the word “chutney” meant something yucky with raisins and spices. That was before my taste buds matured and I acquired an exotic palate. Nowadays I appreciate the characteristics of fancy foods filled with specialized ingredients. By adding a spoonful of apple chutney to a grilled cheese sandwich, it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. You should try it.

UVETTA APPLE CHUTNEY GRILLED CHEESE

Ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped

1 candied ginger disc, chopped

2 teaspoons pineapple juice

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon cognac (optional)

2 tablespoons raisins

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cumin powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon natural honey

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

Instructions:

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil, sweet onions, and candied ginger. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat. Add pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, cognac, and raisins. Cook on low another 2 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and honey. Mix well. Add chopped apples. Coat with sauce. Simmer 10-15 minutes until apples are soft and sauce is like syrup. Remove from heat. Serve as a condiment on your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.

Scoreboard Bar and Grill in Nashville, Tennessee

Dining Outside the Home: Scoreboard Bar and Grill in Nashville, Tennessee! For a winning Nashville tradition, this must-see hotspot grabs your attention. The bar food is over-the-top with seafood appetizers, loaded burgers, smoked barbecue, and specialty pizzas made fresh-to-order. But there’s way more on the menu. Live music on the deck highlights bluegrass, rock, karaoke, and organic country. Wet your whistle, chow down, and be entertained at The Scoreboard.

Tasty Tomato Jam

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food for Sharing: Tasty Tomato Jam! Crank up your taste buds a bit with this savory sweet jam that is bursting with flavor. Spread it on toast or grilled cheese. Think of it as a condiment for meatloaf, fish, hamburgers, or grilled shrimp. Serve it on a charcuterie board with cured meats and gourmet cheeses. One of my favorite combos is Pear Camembert Flatbread.* It’s all the rage! Decide for yourself what the fuss is about. I did. And now tomato jam is a “must have” at my house.

TASTY TOMATO JAM

Ingredients:

1 small red onion, finely diced

28-ounce can Roma tomatoes, cut-up with sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon candied ginger, minced

1/2 cup garlic red wine vinegar

1/4 cup natural honey

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Pinch of ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon Mexican tarragon, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave red onion on High setting for two minutes. Using a reduction pan over medium heat, combine diced onions and Roma tomatoes. Add olive oil, garlic powder, candied ginger, garlic red wine vinegar, natural honey, brown sugar, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, Mexican tarragon, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down and liquid is evaporated. This will take 60-75 minutes. Ladle the tomato jam into sterilized jars while hot. Store in the refrigerator.

*For the recipe, click the following link. http://Snapshotsincursive.com/2016/11/15

McNamara’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee

Dining Outside the Home: McNamara’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee! For authentic Gaelic food in homey surroundings, McNamara’s friendly atmosphere feels as though you stepped into a local pub in Ireland. Inhale the aromas of savory shepherds pie, tender corned beef, buttery cabbage, or crispy fish and chips. Popular draft beers, aged Irish whiskeys, and after-dinner libations move the meal along toward Happy Hour and live entertainment. Prepare yourself for a great time where everyone is treated like family.