Kombucha Tea

We have always loved kombucha and luckily for us our cousin, Christina, started brewing it. All you need is a friend and their extra scoby to start brewing your batch. We found it easiest to start with a 4 quart glass jar since it gives you enough to really enjoy after all the time you put into it. Note: All supplies can be purchased at a brewing supply store. If in Portland, FH Steinbart. Pop the bottle and enjoy it!…

Dutch Oven No Knead Bread

Rainy weekends make baking homemade bread a delightful treat! One of my favorites is grilled cheese sandwiches made with fresh baked bread and served with hot tomato soup. We usually jazz up our grilled cheese sandwiches with bacon and avocado. 3 cups all purpose flour 1 3/4 tsp Kosher salt 1/2 tsp active dry yeast 1 1/2 cups water room temperature 1. Mix flour, salt and yeast in a big bowl. Using a wooden spoon add water to the bowl and mix until…

Marinated Chèvre Topping

This is tasty holiday crowd pleaser for those crazy lactose intolerant relatives, yes this is me. It's one of my favorite creations by my dearest sister-in-law, Jocelyn Woods. Serving size: 4 1/4 c green onion 1/2 c golden raisins 1/3 c diced dates 3/4 c cranberries 1/3 c sliced figs 1/2 c sliced apricots 1/2 lemon (zest and juice) 1 small clove garlic 1 T fresh thyme 1/4 c honey 1/4 c olive oil 1/4 c canola/vegetable oil salt and pepper 1.

Stollen bread

Weihnachtsstollen is a traditional German fruit bread that has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions. The Wisconsin Electric Power Company would publish an annual holiday cookbook. This recipe was from their 1966 edition. Stollen dates back to the 14th century when Germans baked loaves at Christmas to honor princes and church dignitaries, and to sell at fairs and festivals for holiday celebrations. It can be enjoyed at anytime of day! Soften active dry yeast in warm water or compressed yeast in…

Cucumber and Feta Salad

This recipe is from a dear friend, Brad Thomas. It is a great appetizer for any occasion. It's so good even the kids will beg more. Typically for a smaller gathering we'll half the recipe below. Cut the cucumber into long strips and dice into ¼” pieces. Place in a medium mixing bowl. Add the dill, green onions and garlic. Toss with olive oil until saturated. Add the juice from 1 lemon and about 1 tsp. of lemon zest. Add the…

Best Meatloaf

Serving Size: 4Ingredients1/2 cup ketchup or chili sauce1/4 cup brown sugar4 teaspoons cider vinegar2 teaspoons vegetable oil1 medium onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon thyme1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon pepper2 teaspoons dijon mustard2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce1/4 teaspoon hot sauce1/2 cup milk1 lb. ground beef1/2 lb. ground veal1/2 lb. ground pork2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs1/2 cup parsley, chopped2 each eggsDirectionsPreheat oven to 350° Sauté the onion and garlic Make the glaze Combine the ingredients and make a free form shaped meat loaf.

Tom & Jerry Batter

While living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin our good friend, Charlie, got me hooked on a fantastic Christmas cocktail, Tom & Jerry. It's a very midwestern drink with the batter only available November through February. Early November I start staking the liquor and grocery stores for the pre-made batter. I can plow through a pre-made pint quickly and soon discovered how easy it is to make at home. The batter turns out the best when made when the temps are below zero to quick freezing of…

Mexican Chocolate Tart with Spiced Pecans

 Serving size: 8 - 10IngredientsPecansNonstick vegetable oil spray1 large egg white2 tbsp sugar1 tbsp golden brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper1 1/2 cups pecan halvesCrust1 cup chocolate wafer cookie crumbs (about half of one 9-ounce package cookies, finely ground in processor)1/4 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon salt5 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedFilling1 cup heavy whipping cream4oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped1 (3.1oz.) disk Mexican chocolate (such as Ibarra), chopped1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 4…