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Farm Fresh in Dover

FarmFresh

 

I have fallen madly in love… with a farmstand called Tendercrop Farm.

Let’s back up. About three years ago, I wrote a story about a youth movement – a younger generation of farmers emerging in agriculture, growing more farm fresh produce (Read Here). This was at Tuttle Farm, just down the road in Dover.

Since then, the farm has been sold, revamped, and a new farmstand/store has come into existence inside the big red barn. I’ve been ever curious, but without time in my busy schedule, had yet to stop by to investigate. That is, until this weekend.

On my way back from working an afternoon shift, I pulled in. And I’m so glad I did. Inside was fresh baked bread, made-on-site ice cream, fresh veggies, and smoked meats. Like a little oasis of garden heaven, and all within the prices of the grocery store – some even better!

I spent a good 45 minutes wandering the farm fresh fruits and vegetables, looking at the ripe strawberries, bundled carrots, and massive heads of cabbage. I wanted to buy it all, but stopped myself, leaving with some of those carrots, a ring of kielbasa, and green peppers.

The best part? At the register my cashier told me there was a promotion going on – free strawberries for every customer. No joke!

Let’s just say they got my vote, I may be heading there before the grocery store from now on…

FarmFresh2

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Food, Savory

Spicy Cheesy Layered Bean Dip

photo 2 (4)

It’s bonfire season again! And you know what that means? It means I get to make party food. Lots of appetizers and dips.

And while I love taking the opportunity to painstakingly make a dish, sometimes, I just don’t have the time. So I’ve come to find making layered dips an art, and something that often makes it look like I spent hours slaving over the stove and cutting board, when in fact, I only spent about 15 minutes of prep time and threw it in the oven.

So for a go-to, last minute party offering, might I suggest a Spicy Cheesy Layered Bean Dip?

Spicy Cheesy Layered Bean Dip

Gather
1 8-oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1 16-oz can of spicy refried beans
1 and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Cumin
Black pepper

Preheat oven to 350.

In a small rectangular pan, evenly spread out cream cheese. Sprinkle garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper over this layer, enough to lightly coat the layer.

photo 1 (4)

Top with a can of refried beans. Evenly spread out. Top with diced tomatoes and green peppers. Cover with cheese.

Use aluminum foil to cover the top of the pan. Place in oven and heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and starts to brown.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. It will be hot. Serve with tortilla chips.

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Food, Sweet

Butterfinger Brownies

butterfinger brownies

 

The sweet tooth fairy attacked today. Seems I was craving not only chocolate, but also something extremely sweet. I told myself that if I made it myself that it couldn’t be as bad as eating a candy bar.

Yeah, that went over well. Particularly the moment when I put a candy bar into the brownie batter that I made. Guess I just came up with my own version of Butterfinger brownies. Super simple, super sweet, and probably gave myself a cavity just by inhaling the chocolate fumes coming from the oven.

So… we’re starting that diet next week, right?

Butterfinger Brownies

Gather:
1 10.25 oz Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of water
1 egg
2 Butterfinger minis

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, oil, water, and egg. Take a rolling pin, and while Butterfingers are still in their package, lightly tap until broken into small bits. Add one of the mini Butterfingers to the mix. Stir.

Pour brownie batter into a greased baking pan, preferably an 8×8 pan. Smooth and the evenly sprinkle the remaining Butterfinger on the top of the batter. Place pan in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick in the brownies and it comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes. Remove from pan, slice, and serve.

For more sweet recipes, visit my Recipe Index.
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Food, Savory

Recipe: Easy Herbed Pasta and Shrimp

I love shrimp. I especially love pasta and shrimp. I love shrimp stuffed in wonton wrappers and often tossed in a taco for a more seafood-inspired Mexican dish. Living 15 minutes from the ocean, you’d think I would eat it more often.

I have memories of shrimp, that quite honestly, might frighten some people. You see, when I was younger and visiting my grandparents in Florida, I remember going to the fish market to get fresh shrimp for dinner. Now, when I say fresh shrimp, I don’t just mean it was pulled out of the ocean that day, I mean they still had their heads on and were nowhere close to looking like those curled pink gems you find on a Sunday brunch buffet. I blame my grandmother for the next part. Mostly because she had the confidence in me not to freak out and needed a kitchen assistant when no one else would aid her. I would cut the heads off the shrimp, then, as swift as a samurai, I’d devein the little devils.

At least I knew my food was fresh, right?

So the other night I was hungry, and to be honest, I didn’t want to spend too much time making anything, so I went to the seafood counter, purchased a quarter pound of shrimp and a box of Pasta-Roni Angel Hair Pasta and Herbs and started my pasta and shrimp mea.

I sauteed the shrimp in garlic and butter, made up the Past-a-Roni and voila, dinner was served in less than 15 minutes!.

Easy Herbed Pasta and Shrimp

Gather
1 box of Pasta-Roni Angel Hair Pasta and Herbs (plus 1 and 1/3 cup of water, 2/3 cups of milk, and 2 tablespoons of margarine)

For shrimp:
1/4 pound of medium size shrimp
1 tablespoon of butter
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Black pepper to taste

Prepare Pasta-Roni according to box.

Unshell and devein shrimp. In a small skillet, melt butter. Add shrimp and garlic powder. Let shrimp cook on either side until pink, should take about a minute on each side. Remove from pan and add to pasta. Sprinkle with black pepper.

Serve.

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