Monday, January 30, 2012

More Cooking than Crafting

I used to think making risotto took a lot of time and effort.  If you listen to chefs on tv, that would seem to be the case.  The other night, I decided to make mushroom risotto, no recipe necessary.
I sauteed mushrooms in a bit of butter, added the risotto and stirred until coated, then began to add vegetable stock in stages.  It doesn't really take constant stirring or watching.  Cook over medium-low heat, let the liquid cook out, stir, add more liquid, and continue the process until the risotto is soft.  Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parmesan cheese and some black pepper finished it off.  Delicious!

I also tried out a Lunchbox Muesli Bar recipe that I am sure I saw on someone's blog but unfortunately did not write that bit of information down when I copied the recipe.
 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup coconut, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 stick of butter melted, 2 TBS honey.  Mix, press into greased pan, bake, cool, cut.  (I didn't have dried apricots and substituted dried cranberries for the raisins but think I'll try the original recipe next time.)

We've had mild weather for several days now.  Jingles likes hanging out on the balcony on days like this.
 But she doesn't like it when hubby closes the screen door while she is still out there.
Hope your week is off to a great start!

26 comments:

La Tea Dah said...

Your food looks SO yummy! The bars are much like ones my mother made. We called them matrimonial bars. Funny name, huh! And Jingles --- is precious. I love the cute expression on his face!

Mild weather here too, with sunshine and brisk breezes. But much cooler yet, though, than yours, I'm sure.

Enjoy a blessed day!

Beverly @ My Sew Sweets Studio said...

Your risotto looks delicious. It would go great with about anything, and so easy.
I will have to try the bars with the kids. They would love the dried cranberries instead of raisens too.
It's great that your weather is mild enough for Jingles to be outdoors.

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

This all looks so delicious! blessings,Kathleen

Linda said...

I don't think I've ever even had Risotto. :) Seems like cooking is all I ever do.

Jingles is adorable. It's mild here too but windy. It's been a very odd winter in Illinois and a lot of places I think.
Linda

SusanLotus said...

Looks like a yummy dish! And the bars too.
I can imagine Jingles like being outdoors more now when it is not so hot weather.
I hope your week will be a terrific one!
Blessings!

michelle said...

Those bars are from my blog :-). They are a good recipe. I really like risotto in cooler weather too, it is very warming and satisfying. Happy cooking!

Anonymous said...

How cute Jingles is :) She wants the door open so she has the option of being in or out - I don't blame her one bit. Glad your weather is being nice and mild for all concerned.
Mmm, Meusli bars and risotto!

crafty cat corner said...

What I want to know is how you stay so slim with all this lovely food you make, don't you eat it or are you one of the lucky one's that doesn't put on weight.

Briony
x

Shane Pollard said...

Hello dear Tammy
Ooo wish I lived in your house - so many yummy things - your family is soo spoilt!

Dear Jingles just wants to be where you all are - he's not happy on the balcony!

I just visited Jane's blog for the first time - what a dreadful loss for her - thanks for the 'heads up'.

Did you have Friday off?
Have a wonderful week
Shane x

Gayle said...

Loved the cat pics!

Mimi said...

Nothing like a cat picture to make you smile. Of course a dish of risotto makes me smile too.
Mimi

Journeyin' Lady... said...

The risotto sounds SO good - I love mushrooms!
Cats are the coolest!

Diane said...

Sounds yummy. You make the best sounding food! Very cute pictures of Jingles, she's a little cat doll! Diane

Nancy said...

that risotto looks and sounds yummy :) as do the squares, I have to try them, thanks for the recipe :)

June said...

Oh why oh why did I come here tonight Tammy. Now I want to raid my frig and cupboards! But does this ever look good. I bet your family feels blessed to be yours.
Have a great week dear one.
hugs...

Pam said...

Both recipes look and sound delicious. So glad you too are having great weather. Jingles looks very comfortable on the balcony. Our weather is also very nice (70s). We have the front door open in the afternoons with only screen door. Our little Cody loves to lay by the door and keep guard over the neighborhood.

What would be do without those pets. Cody had his annual visit to the vet today and he was declared healthy. We were cautioned that he shouldn't "gain another ounce". So no nibbling at the table for him.

Susan said...

Looks good, Tammy.

Have to laugh at Jingles. Soooo adorable. No way is he going to hang out on the balcony with the door closed.

Thanks for all your visits and comments. Oh, Tammy, by the way, did you ever get my Christmas "Santa" card? Just curious. Susan

Createology said...

Me here...always catching up in my Jumbled January. Yum to your mushroom risotto. The bars also look delicious. I think Jingles wants you to cook some fish cakes for her. :o) Happy week dear...

Fruitful Fusion said...

Yum! I think that's lunch sorted at our end! :)

Helen Philipps said...

Both your recipes sound and look delicious! Thank you for sharing them. I love bar cakes and cookies and yet haven't made any for a while so thank you for reminding me! How cute Jingles looks there, almost like a drawing by Beatirx Potter!
Have a lovely week.
Helen x

Heather - The Good Life said...

Your new recipes sound wonderful. We've had a very gray January, I'm looking forward to some sunshine. Take care Tammy.

Angela Richardson said...

Mmm... mushroom rissoto is a favourite of mine, I use dried porchini mushrooms,soaked until soft then use the liquid in the stock,
You've inspired my dinner tonight!!
Hugs to you and Jingles,
Angela.

Astri said...

Yummy, Tammy! I love the idea of the making your own bars. Must be healthier and they can be customized to your tastes. Thanks for the idea.

Serena Lewis said...

Jingles is too cute. lol

Thanks for the recipes, Tammy. Both look delicious!

Unknown said...

Oh jingles you're so cute! :) thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm now youre newest follower...can't wait to check out the rest of your blog!

Catherine said...

Jingles ~ you make me smile!
Kisses!
xo Catherine

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