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One of my favorite restaurants is the SeeWee on Hwy.17 before you get to Charlston SC coming from Myrtle Beach……….Dad and i had lunch there this week and it was sooooooooooooooooooo good!
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Feeding America: “Feeding America: The Historic American Cookbook Project”
Smart Shopping
When you shop, shop the sales and buy extra. When you cook, cook more than you will need for one meal. Spaghetti Sauce? Make a gallon and freeze in containers. Meat loaf; prepare 2 and freeze the extra one (raw) for another meal. Whatever you do in the kitchen think of how you can make your life easier by buying sale items in bulk and cooking more than you need. The freezer is your friend. Use it! Be sure to read MORE INFO for recipes we will use over and over again, such as: Italian dressing, Making gravy, fact about all kinds of meat and poultry, how to save money and many more recipes and valuable hints!
ITEMS YOU SHOULD HAVE IN THE KITCHEN TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER
In alphabetical order
A–Apple corer, aluminum foil regular and heavy duty
B–Baster (turkey baster), basting brush, blender, bottle brush
C–Cake cooling racks (metal),
colander, cookie sheets with sides, can opener (electric and manual), cheese grater, upright chicken roasting rack, containers for storage, cake pans (assorted sizes)
F–Flame tamer (metal trivet) or heat diffuser
G–Garlic press, grapefruit knife
H–Heavy sauce pot
J–Jars with tight fitting covers
K–Good sharp knives, fillet knife, bread knife
L–Soup ladle, gravy ladle
M–Electric mixer, (try to buy a good one with adequate horsepower), mini food chopper, measuring cups and spoons
P–Food processor, 6 quart pressure cooker, potato peeler, good pots and pans, poultry shears, pie pans, old fashioned potato masher, plastic bags (all sizes), plastic wrap
R–Rubber spatulas, wooden lemon reamer
S–Strainers, flour sifter, a scale to weigh meats would be a wise investment, slotted spoons (large and small), skillets (non-stick), white string, skewers, spatulas, serving spoons (large and small), spaghetti rake
T–Toothpicks, timer
W–Wire whisk, wooden spoons, waxed paper
Z–Lemon zester
LOW FAT SUBSTITUTIONS
Look how easy it is to change a recipe without really changing the taste. Whenever possible substitute good fat for bad fat and low or no-cholesterol for high-cholesterol.
Here are some examples to help you along. Checking over the alternatives offered in my recipes will take you the rest of the way.
1—Substitute oil for butter whenever possible.
2—Substitute aerosol cooking spray for browning or sautéing.
3—Substitute applesauce for oil in cakes.
4—Use evaporated skim milk,(undiluted) or Land O Lakes fat-free half and half in place of cream or light cream.
5—Use fat-free sour cream and cream cheese or blend low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese with skim milk to desired consistency in place of cream or use Land O Lakes fat-free half and half
6—Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream in place of regular.
7—Substitute low-fat or fat-free cheese for all high-fat cheese.
8—Substitute low-fat or fat-free yogurt for sour cream.
9—Use light butter or a butter substitute such as Smart Balance in place of butter.
10–Use liquid margarine in place of regular solid margarine whenever possible.
Note: Solid margarine is higher in trans-fatty acids than liquid.
11–Substitute egg substitute or egg whites for whole eggs whenever possible. Egg yolks contain fat as well as cholesterol.
12–Brown meats and poultry on racks in the oven instead of in the frying pan.
13–De-fat all sauces and gravies.
14–Substitute cocoa powder for solid chocolate in baking. Cocoa has no fat. 3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa and 1/2 tbsp.butter=1 square of chocolate.
15–Use low-fat baking mixes, cookies, crackers, etc.
16–Don’t butter vegetables. Prepare them steamed if possible or with a little oil.
17–Substitute low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise for regular mayonnaise, especially when making salads where you really can’t taste the difference.
18–Beware of egg noodles, they are high in both fat and cholesterol because of the egg content. Use No-Yolk noodles instead.
SPECIAL HINTS
1–Every brand of canned chicken broth has different amounts of fat and cholesterol. Read the labels–you may not have to spend the extra money to buy those labeled “low-fat.”
2–When I refer to grated Italian cheese such as parmesan or Romano, I am not referring to that stuff sold in containers in the supermarket. Check the Italian delis and meat markets in
your town; the real cheeses are usually much less expensive. There are two commonly used types of Romano cheese: Pecorino and Locatelli. I prefer Pecorino, it is not quite as sharp and much less expensive. Have it grated, keep some in the refrigerator and freeze the rest. Once you taste the difference you’ll never go back. Remember, grated cheese is high in fat–use it sparingly.
3–Buy store brand corn syrup, much better price.
4–When you have a lot of garlic cloves to peel, microwave them for about 7 seconds. The skin will come off easily.
5–The longer garlic cooks, the milder the flavor gets. When adding garlic to a recipe, save half for the last five
minutes of cooking to bring out the true garlic flavor.
6–When measuring flour, do not shake it or pack it down, just level it off by scraping a knife across the top of the measuring cup. If you’re using a larger measuring cup, put in flour and smooth the top, without packing it down.
7–Meat tenderizer is made from the vegetable enzyme of the papaya melon. Unless you eat it by the spoonfuls, it is not harmful.
8–Use parsley in everything possible. It contains vitamins and minerals, adds color but very little taste and besides, it will make people think you really know what you’re doing. I recommend Italian parsley only because it is more flavorful, but you can use either kind.
9–When cooking pasta or rice, wipe a little oil around the pot above the water line or spray with cooking spray. No boil over!
10-Buy store brands whenever possible. You can save a bundle.
FOODS AND SPICES YOU SHOULD HAVE ON HAND
in alphabetical order
NOTE: Spices are very expensive if you buy brand names. Buy off-brands at dollar stores, discount stores, etc.
I do not throw spices away after a year unless they have something in them that is either walking or growing except for baking powder or baking soda. If they have expired your baked goods may not rise properly.
A–Aerosol cooking spray (regular and olive oil), applesauce, almond extract
B–Butter (light), biscuit mix, baking soda, baking powder, bouillon (powdered: golden and brown)
C–Cake mixes, corn syrup, cocoa powder, canned chicken broth, canned clams, clam juice, cornstarch, canned vegetables, cheeses (especially low-fat and fat-free), carrots, celery, catsup
E–Eggs, egg substitute, evaporated milk (regular or skim)
F–Flour, shaker flour (in round cylinder; superfine for blending), fat-free products, frozen vegetables
G–Gravy Master, fresh garlic, chopped garlic, packaged or canned gravy
H–Horseradish, herbs and spices: basil, bay leaf, cayenne celery seed, crushed red pepper, cloves, curry, cream of tartar, cinnamon, chili powder, ginger, garlic powder, lemon-
pepper, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley flakes, seasoned salt, sage, thyme, rosemary
L–Lemon juice
M–Mayonnaise, mustard, dry mustard, macaroni and spaghetti (assorted), meat tenderizer, canned mushrooms
frozen mozzarella (low-fat or fat-free)
N–Noodles
0–Extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, onions
P–Pudding mixes, potatoes, black and white pepper
R–Rice
S–Salt, canned soups, dry onion soup mix, sherry
T–Tuna (in water), canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, tomato paste
V–Vanilla extract, vinegars (balsamic, cider, red wine, white), vegetables (fresh, frozen and canned)
W–Worcestershire sauce, frozen whipped topping, wines
1. Any sweet treat: “Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!”
2. A plate of cookies: “Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your “crummy” neighbors.
3. Barq’s Root Beer: “Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you’re “barqing” up the right tree!”
4. Any soda: “We’re “soda-lighted” to wish you a Merry Christmas!”
5. Popcorn: “We just “popped” in to wish you a Merry Christmas!”
6. Loaf of bread: “For being there when you were “kneaded.”
7. Bananas: “If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we’d go “bananas” trying to find a better “bunch” than you!”
8. Bear Shaped Honey: “Hoping our “honey” of a friend has a “beary” Merry Christmas”.
9. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: “Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!”
10. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: “To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer.”
11. Eggnog: “Have an “udderly moovalous” holiday!”
12. Ice Cream: “Have a cool yule!”
13. Hershey’s Kisses in a Wire Wisk: “We “whisk” you a merry “kiss” mas.
14. Paper Towels: “Blot out your troubles, “absorb” the Christmas spirit!”
15. Candle: “Hope your Christmas is full of light”
16. Pencil and notepad: “Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!”
17. Matches: “To our matchless friends”
18. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: “May your holidays “bubble” over with fun!”
19. 7Up: “7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season” (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)
20. Sprite: “May your Christmas be Merry and “Sprite”!”
21. Rootbeer: “We’re “rooting” for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!”
22. Any Pop: “We’re “soda-lighted” to have you as our friends!”
23. Popcorn: “We’re “popping” by with a holiday HI!”
24. Chocolate Covered Cherries: “Wishing you a very “cherry” Christmas”
25. Mints: “We “mint” to wish you a Merry Christmas”
26. Snickers Candy Bar: “Don’t “snicker” – just be glad you got something!”
27. Cookie Dough – “Here’s a little extra “dough” for Christmas”
28. Jar of Jam: “Hoping your Christmas is “jam” packed with cheer”
29. Veggies & Dip: “Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!”
30. Pasta: Have a “pasta-tively” happy holiday!”
31. Muffins or Muffin Mix: “You’re gettin’ “muffin” for Christmas!”
32. Grater & Cheese: “To a “grate” neighbor”
33. Seasoning Mix: “Seasoned with love – Happy Holidays!”
34. Any Sweet Treat: “Wishing you a season full of sweetness!”
35. Whisk Broom: “Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares Away!”
36. Basket of Bath Items: “When you feel like a basket case, take a break…and slow your pace”
37. Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: “Have a honey of a Christmas”
38. Hershey’s Kisses: “Merry “Kiss”mas”
39. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: “The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!”
40. Soup mix: You’re “souper” – Merry Christmas”
41. Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: “Not a creature was “stirring”…”
42. Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: “We have to ad-“mitt” you’re a great neighbor!”
43. Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: “Bake up some Christmas cheer!”
44. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: “Spice Up Your Christmas!”
45. Bag/Box of Whoppers: “Hope you have a “whopper” of a Christmas”
46. M&M’s: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!”
47. Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: “Warm up to a wonderful holiday season “topped” with Christmas cheer!”
48. Apples and Hershey’s Hugs: A teacher can’t live by apples alone…she needs hugs too!”
49. Popcorn Balls: “Hoping you have a “ball” this Christmas season”
50. Jolly Ranchers: “Have a holly “jolly” Christmas”
51. Chex Party Mix: “Remember Santa “chex” his list twice to see who’s been naughty or nice…so be good for goodness sake!!!
52. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho’s:” Hope a merry “Ho-Ho-Ho” fills your heart the whole year through!”
53. Jar of Jelly: “Jelly is like love — you can’t spread it around without getting some on yourself!”
54. Christmas Tray: “We “tray”sure your friendship!”
55. Bell: “With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!”
56. Yule Log: “We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning”
57. Potpourri: “May this weet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses long ago!”
58. Cleaners: “You add sparkle and make our life brighter!”
59. Nuts: “We’re nuts about you!”
60. Lifesavers: “You’ve been a life saver!”
61. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: “We pitcher you raising a little “cane” during the holidays”
62. Broom or Feather Duster: “You’re “dust” the finest neighbors we know!”
63. Measuring Cup or Spoons: “Wishing you a joy beyond “measure”!”
64. Star ornament: “Remember the reason for the season!”
65. Chocolate Mousse Mix: “Merry Christmousse to our “deer” friends!”
66. Wooden Spoon: “Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You’ll find this sppon useful in so many ways. But whatever it’s use, it says, “Merry Christmas from us to you!”
67. Flower: “If friends were flowers, we’d pick you!”
68. Heart Ornament: “May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day”
69. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: “May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!”
70. Christmas music: “May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!”
71. Filled Basket: “Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings”
72. Salsa: “Add a little spice to your holidays”
73. Stocking or Filled Jar: “Have a fun filled Christmas this year!”
74. Candle: “May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!”
75. Calendar: “Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!”
76. Sugar Cookies: “Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!”
77. Cherry 7-Up: “Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!”
78. Sparkling Cider: “Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!”
79. Warm casserole or bread: “Bundled up with warm wishes”
80. Eggbeater: “Have an “eggstra” special holiday!”
81. Pie: “Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas”
82. Oranges: ” Orange” you glad we’re Friends!?” Merry Christmas!!
83. Chocolate Orange: “Orange” you glad it’s Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!
84. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: “Here’s some packaged”snowball” treats – Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!…Enjoy!!”
85. Box of Light Bulbs: “Have a bright and radiant Christmas”
86. Anything Santa: “Ho – Ho – Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!”
87. Anything Angel: “Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!”
88. Gingerbread House: “Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you’ll nibble at this house!” Merry Christmas!!
89. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: “To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!”
90. Cocoa Mix: “Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!”
91. Gum: “By Gum, You’re a great Neighbor!! “Have a Merry Christmas”
92.Christmas Shaped pasta: “Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!”
93. Jar of Jam: “Hoping your Christmas is “Jam-packed” with Christmas Cheer!!”
94. Homemade Frozen Rolls – “Here’s a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can’t be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that’s all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you”
95. Brownie Mix: “Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a “rich” Holiday Season!!” (Attatch the recipe!)
96. Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a “Rich” and “wonderful” Holiday!!”
97. Pie: “Just a “Holiday Hi” and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!”
98. Divinity: “May your Christmas be “Devine” and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!”
99. Rice Krispie Treats: “Snap, Crackle, Pop” We think You’re really Tops! ”
100. Toffee or Brittle: “Any way you break it, We think you’re the greatest!”
101. Fudge: “Fudge” a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!”
102. Cheese Ball and Crackers: “We don’t mean to sound “Cheesey”, we just hope you have a “Ball” this Holiday Season! Or “Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!”
103. Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): “Sending you a “Bushel” of love this holiday Season!!” Or ” You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!”
104. Banana Bread: “Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do… We also love you a whole “Bunch” too! Merry Christmas!”
105. Cinnamon Rolls: “Here’s a sweet treat “Rolled” up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!”
106. Homemade Chocolates: “You’re so sweet…having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!”
107. Cake or Cupcakes: “You take the “Cake” neighbor, We think you’re first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!”
108. Cornbread or Mix: “We’re not trying to be “Corny” we just want you to have Merry Christmas!”
109. Carrot Cake: ” I Really “Carrot” alot about you!! Merry Christmas”
110. Spiced Drink Mixes: “Hoping your Holidays are “Spiced” Just right!”
111. Recipe: “Just like you friend…it’s tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!”
112. Pizza – “Hope your Holiday has a touch of “Pizza – z!!” Merry Christmas!!”
113. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
114. Plant: “The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!”
115. Stuffed animal: “Pawsing” to wish you a Merry Christmas!”
116. Donuts: “Donut” you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!”
117. Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree: “Hope your Christmas is “tree-mendous”!”
118. Payday candy bar: “It’s the “nutty” time of the year again, so please don’t lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy yule!”
119. Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey’s Kiss: “Here’s a “squeeze and a “kiss”, to remind you you’re loved all through the year!”
120. Salsa & Tortilla Chips: “Have a hot and spicy Christmas!”
121. Scouring pad/sponge: “I scoured the earth for a friend like you!”
Whole Stuffed Camel
Stuffed Camel
1 whole camel, medium size
1 whole lamb, large size
20 whole chickens, medium size
60 eggs
12 kilos rice
2 kilos pine nuts
2 kilos almonds
1 kilo pistachio nuts
110 gallons water
5 pounds black pepper
Salt to taste
Skin, trim and clean camel (once you get over the hump), lamb and chicken. Boil until tender. Cook rice until fluffy. Fry nuts until brown and mix with rice. Hard boil eggs and peel. Stuff cooked chickens with hard boiled eggs and rice. Stuff the cooked lamb with stuffed chickens. Add more rice. Stuff the camel with the stuffed lamb and add rest of rice. Broil over large charcoal pit until brown. Spread any remaining rice on large tray and place camel on top of rice. Decorate with boiled eggs and nuts. Serves friendly crowd of 80-100.
Shararazod Eboli Home Economist, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
