The Cooking Gypsy

Savory Crescent Chicken Squares

I tried this recipe for Savory Crescent Chicken Squares many years ago after seeing it in a woman’s magazine.  It was a $10,000 winner in a Pillsbury contest.  You be the judge if it is worth that much money.

Thanks to the internet, I was able to find it again online to enjoy once more.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:147]

This recipe works well too when substituting crab meat for the chicken.

Climate Change will change the way we eat

On the ground, climate change is hitting us where it counts: the stomach — not to mention the forests, plants and animals.

A new United Nations scientific report examines how global warming and land interact in a vicious cycle. Human-caused climate change is dramatically degrading the land, while the way people use the land is making global warming worse.

Eat Like You Give A Fork

Eat Like You Give a Fork – The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive

Yes, I choose bottles of wine with a pretty label.  Books with a colourful cover or catchy title jump off the shelf at me too.

I was sent a copy to review and this one is definitely a keeper.

The author, Marya Ibrahim, is a nutritionist, the signature chef and meal plan designer for the bestselling diet book The Daniel Plan, and host…

Chile en Nogada – Traditional Independence Day Meal

Mexicans celebrate Independence Day in September, Mes Patrio (Country Month).

The most traditional dish to eat in any restaurant September 15 and 16 is Chile en Nogada with the colours representing the national flag.

Here is the recipe courtesy of Mavi Graf

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:1]

This cold cantaloupe soup is a refreshing change on sizzling summer days.

Sweet and fragrant, it can be enjoyed any time of day.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:31]

Creamy Lime Avocado Dressing

It’s too hot to cook.  All I want for lunch is a salad but the salad dressing bottles are down to the last drop.  I need a recipe for something “creamy”.

To the rescue is Stuart O’Keeffe’s new cookbook, “The Quick Six Fix” that I received recently to review.  It’s 100 no-fuss, full-flavour recipes — 6 ingredients, 6 minutes prep and 6 minutes cleanup.

Okay, I forgot to time myself but it was…

Day of the Dead Bread

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an ancient Aztec ritual celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of Central America and the U.S.

On November 1 and 2, skull masks are donned and people dance in honor of their deceased relatives.

While holiday traditions vary from place to place, food always plays an important role. The sweet, rich, glazed egg bread, Pan de Muerto, is always served, though…

Gravy good enough to drink

I’ve never been a big fan of gravies and sauces but this turkey gravy with Madeira stole my heart.

Feeling obligated to attempt gravy once again for a holiday dinner, I came across this recipe in Bon Appetit about ten years ago.  It might be the Madeira that made the difference.  Maybe the Madeira sampling during the cooking process was a big help too  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeira_wine

[…

Ole! Make your own Guacamole Dressing

Make this guacamole dressing better than anything store-bought with your own desired spiciness.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:25]

A spicy mango salad that is more of a salsa that goes so well with pork dishes.  It is a combination of sweet and spicy.  Served hot or cold, it almost tastes like dessert.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:27]

Make your own self-rising flour

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:55]

Tips for Making a Roux

While there is as many roux as there are cooks, here are some simple guidelines to help along the way:

Be patient

Keep stirring

Heat the oil thoroughly before whisking in flour

If using a cast-iron pan, remember that the roux will continue cooking after removed from the heat

Roux can be frozen up to six months

  Roux Types

WHITE ROUX

No coloration and very little flavour, this is a superb…

Besh Big Easy: 101 Home Cooked New Orleans Recipes

NOLA celebrity chef, John Besh, must know something about cooking.  He has two television shows, four cookbooks, and nine restaurants.  Besh Big Easy: 101 Home Cooked New Orleans Recipes is something I want to try.

“Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans” as Harry Connick, Jr. asks, then you will want this cookbook to bring back memories of culinary adventures in the Crescent City.

This…

Aaron Franklin Teaches Texas-Style BBQ

Here comes summer.  Are you a Master of Texas-Style BBQ?  Do you want to be?

Can you think of a better Father’s Day gift?

  In 16 lessons, Aaron Franklin teaches you how to fire up flavor-packed Central Texas barbecue, including his famous brisket and more mouth-watering smoked meat.

Once a backyard hobbyist, Aaron Franklin is now the James Beard Award-winning owner of Franklin Barbecue, where…

A doctor offers tips to avoid illness while traveling

How to avoid illness & other medical problems while traveling 

Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. For travelers, this can happen on long haul trips where you are not moving.

Dr.…

I had yeast that I bought in bulk and failed to use before the marked expiry date.

Not wanting to waste many ingredients, I searched for a simple recipe for pizza dough. Being out of sugar too, I substituted a packet of Stevia.

If it fails it will turn into croutons or breadcrumbs.

  [amd-zlrecipe-recipe:146]

But it was fabulous.  It was a soft thick crust.  I’ll be making this weekly for sure…

Mother’s Day Contest – Win $1,000

Raising a toast to my fellow mamas – these women are the real deal! For a chance to treat yourself or another deserving mama, enter Reed’s 100% REAL sweepstakes for a $1,000 real experience of your choice. Check it out at http://bit.ly/2Ycudyl.