Merrrrrrrry Christmas

Here is wishing you and your entire household a very very merry Christmas and an Amazing New Year in Advance.
Have fun today with your family and put a smile on somebody's face...Cheers

Groundnut Soup and Pounded Yam

I have been craving Groundnut Soup for a very long time now and it is very funny because i have only had it once when i was very little over 18 years ago so i was surprise at how much i felt like just having it. I decided to put the crave to rest and made it for dinner today and i have been asking myself how come it is not a regular in my kitchen because it taste unbelievable GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!! I licked all my fingers like it was my last meal...Found a new soup i love bet you would too...If you love Egusi, you would love it. It is made exactly same way you make Egusi, i bet you know there are several ways to make Egusi, you can either fry or not fry, i try avoiding frying so the process i will be sharing is exactly how i made mine tonight...Let me know when you make yours...Wink

Ingredients 

• fresh groundnut (peanut) 
• tomatoes (fresh)
• meat (assorted)
• onions - chopped
• garlic (minced)
• ginger (minced)
• salt
• seasoning 
• stock fish
• prawns (optional)
• periwinkle
• cow skin (Kpomo) - clean very well and cut into cubes
• bitter leaf - washed
• pumpkin leaf (Ugu) - chopped
• crayfish
• curry
• thyme
• palm oil

Lets Cook:
1. Wash the meat very well, Put in a pot. Add onions, garlic, ginger, curry, thyme, salt, pepper and seasoning. Boil your meat according to toughness, i.e. boil the intestines (shaki, abodi, fuku,e.t.c) first, when it cooks for a while add the beef, allow cook for some time and then add the chicken or turkey.
2. Soak the stock fish in hot water and set aside. It will not only soften the fish but also help clean it and rid it of insects if there is any in it.
3. Check the meat. Add the Cow Skin (Kpomo), periwinkle. If the meat is cooked to your desired preference. Pour in palm oil. Pour in the prawns. Add the crayfish. Stir and cover.
4. Blend the fresh groundnut, fresh tomatoes and onions, add a little water and blend till smooth.
5. Check and make sure the palm oil is cooked (remember that this process can be done differently, you can heat the palm oil in a pan and pour the blended groundnut mixture in it, stir and when smooth pour into the meat) . Pour the groundnut mixture into the boiling meat on heat. Stir and cover. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. Constantly stir to avoid it burning.
6. Taste ad adjust seasoning if need be. Add the pumpkin leaf (Ugu) you can use any leaf you prefer, you can use just the bitter leaf or you can make the soup leafless.
7. Stir and turn off the heat when the oil starts settling on top it is ready.
8. By now your pounded yam, eba, fufu, semolina, e.t.c should be ready.
9. Serve and enjoy your delicious meal...Cheers

Groundnut Soup and Pounded Yam

Groundnut Soup

Fresh Raw Groundnut (Peatnut)

Spaghetti, Roasted Eggplant, Tomatoes Sauce and Mozzarella

I was searching the web for a lovely healthy recipe and found one i loved on http://www.2sistersrecipes.com/2013/09/spaghetti-with-roasted-eggplant-fresh.html made some changes as you know i love to play with recipes. I really did enjoy this recipe, the beauty of it is the freshness in the vegetables so don't over cook yours. I bet it will be a regular in my home, simple, fast, easy and DELICIOUS!!!

Ingredients:

• spaghetti
• eggplant - chopped
• tomatoes - chopped
• green bell pepper - chopped (optional)
• orange bell pepper - chopped (optional)
• yellow bell pepper - chopped (optional)
• prawns (optional)
• onions - chopped
• garlic - minced
• basil - chopped
• mozzarella - chopped 
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper

Lets Cook:
1. Turn your oven to 175F/450C. Pour the chopped Eggplant on an oven proof dish. Drizzle olive oil and salt. Mix well and toss in the oven. Allow roast for about 20 minutes. Take out and set aside.
2. Put a pan on heat. Add olive oil. Stir in the onions and garlic. Let them sweat out. Pour in the tomatoes. Stir for some minutes. Add the green, yellow and orange pepper.
3. Put another pan on heat. Add a little butter, add garlic. Stir in the prawns. Add salt and pepper. When the color has changed. Add it to the tomatoes sauce.
4. Pour in the roasted eggplant. Add salt and pepper. Stir. Taste to adjust seasoning. Add the chopped basil.
5. Boil the spaghetti a la dent. Drain.
6. Pour the spaghetti into the tomatoes sauce. Toss well and allow sit for about a minute.
7. Dish out on a plate and add the mozzarella on it. Enjoy your meal...Cheers

Spaghetti with Roasted Eggplant, Tomatoes Sauce and Mozzarella 

The Delicious Sauce!!!

Eggplant, chopped and mixed with olive oil and salt

Roasted Eggplant, fresh out of the oven

All the chopped Ingredients

Chopped Green, Yellow and Orange Bell Pepper

Chopped Onions and Minced Garlic

Chopped Basil 

Chopped Fresh Tomatoes

Cleaned Prawns 

Chopped Mozzarella Cheese

Salmon and Pasta in Cream Sauce

We have been doing a lot of fish lately and salmon tops the list, so i always look out for new recipes with salmon especially wild caught salmon.
Made this lovely wild caught salmon and pasta in cream sauce. I bet you would love it...Wink

Salmon and Pasta in Cream Sauce 

Ingredients:

• wild caught salmon
• salt pepper
• olive oil

Tiramisu

I have always wanted to make this fantastic Italian dessert but for some reason i just have never been able to get all the ingredients complete!
Yesterday i went shopping and i found everything!!! I was so excited and couldn't wait to get home to try on this world famous Italian dessert!
So this was my first attempt at making Homemade Virgin Tiramisu (without the alcohol) i must admit the masala gives it a unique kick but i don't drink alcohol so had to do without it but shockingly it tasted so well that my hubby's friend didn't believe it was my first time making it! I felt really proud and happy at the outcome...Ok enough talking...Lets get to it...Wink

Ingredients:

• lady finger biscuits
• mascopona cheese

MOI-MOI

Moi-Moi is one of the Nigerians favorite side dish aside Plantain. It is made out of beans like the bean cake (Akara).
But most people find it stressful to wash the beans very clean and grind, most people including me! lol. So i decided to try the lazy way out to know if it will still give me the desired result and am telling you the truth and nothing but the truth...It WORKS!!! I used bean flour and it tasted no different!!! Really enjoyed it and have been making Moi-Moi like no mans business because of course its so fast and easy plus i don't have to wash any beans again! ever! hehehe... Wink.

Moi-Moi

Ingredients:

• bean Flour
• red ball pepper (tatashe)

Healthy Vegetable Sauce

My hubby made this sauce some time ago and i immediately fell in love with it, it is so rich and loaded with healthy vegetables, perfect for both vegetarians and non vegetarians. It is a very nice comfort mean that can be eaten with rice, pasta or potatoes. A good way to make the children eat vegetables too. Wink

Ingredients:

• egg plant (chopped)
• squash (chopped)
• fresh tomatoes (chopped)
• potatoes (chopped)
• garlic (minced)
• onions (diced)
• tomatoes paste
• canned tomatoes with juice
• carrots (chopped)
• green pepper (chopped)
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• basil
• thyme

Lets Cook:
1. Put a pan on heat. Add olive oil. When hot enough, stir in the onions and garlic. Let it sweat out but don't burn.
2. Pour in the fresh tomatoes, add the canned tomatoes and juice. Stir for a while. Give it about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, basil and thyme.
3. Pour in all the remaining ingredients, egg plant, squash, potatoes, and carrots. Cover and allow to steam on low heat.
4. Keep stirring from time to time so it doesn't get burn. The longer it stays on heat the better as all the ingredients will marry well and taste perfect.
5. Use the potatoes as your timer, when the potatoes become really soft then it is ready. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. It is ready to be served and enjoyed with your rice, pasta or potatoes or you can eat it alone with bread. ENJOY...Wink

Served mine with rice and moi-moi

Beans and Fried Plantain

This is one of my favorite meals! I love beans and plantain so very much, i can make the pottage or have my cooked beans in palm-oil and fried or boiled plantain or fried beans and fried plantain with vegetable or stew...I can go on and on!!! So many ways to enjoy this protein filled meal!!!
For now we will be making beans in palm-oil and fried plantain...when we were young they always said if you wanted to be tall always eat beans! maybe that is why i got stuck loving beans and vegetable with plantain!!! lol...Wink

Beans and Fried Plantain 

Ingredients:

• beans (picked with no stones and dirts)
• crayfish (blended)

Pork Ribs

Pork Ribs has fast become one of my favorite, i always have them in my freezer ready to throw in the oven and it is a winner overtime as everyone loves it!!!

PORK RIBS

It is so simple to make and can be eaten alone, with rice, potatoes, pasta, e.t.c. Its one of those recipes you can never get wrong as it will always taste really good. I have my own twist to make sure it is soft and melt in your mouth as i love it and will be sharing that with you today...Wink

Ingredients:

• pork ribs
• honey

Boiled Yam and Scrambled Eggs with Mushroom Sauce and Mango Smoothie

My friend Shenny Plougmann made this eye catchy meal that i bet was delicious and she sent me the recipe to share with all of you wonderful foodies all the way from Denmark! Thank you so much for sharing Shenny...

Ingredients

• tomatoes
• spring onions

Strawberry in Cream

We made this very simple dessert the other day, so simple, fast and delicious and you don't need much to make it...You would love this one...Wink

Ingredients

• strawberries 
• cream
• sugar 

Lets Make It...
1. Put the strawberries in a bowl. Pour in the cream and sugar.
2. Put in the fridge and serve when ready.
3. Enjoy

Chicken and Potatoes Pie

Hello Foodies, how are y'all doing...Made this super yum yum yum chicken and potatoes pie and decided to share with you...Wanted something different from Shepard Pie and oh boy was i happy i tried this!!! YUM!!! Wink

Ingredients 

• minced or shredded chicken
• cheese : cheddar
•               parmesan 
• butter
• onions diced
• peas
• green pepper diced
• carrots diced

Chicken Stir-Fry and Rice

Like you know there are several ways to make a dish, that is why we play with recipes and find out new ways to make a delicious meal even more delicious...Hehehe...So made this delicious Chicken Stir-Fry, Here is the recipe...Wink

Ingredients

• shredded chicken 
• onions diced
• mixed vegetables
• soy sauce
• ginger
• garlic
• worcestershire sauce
• black pepper
• sesame oil
• olive oil
• parsley
• chicken seasoning
• green pepper diced

Lets Make It
1. Put a pan on heat. Add the sesame oil and olive oil to the pan. Add onions and garlic. Stir for few seconds and add the chicken. Keep stirring until the chicken is no longer pink.
2. Pour in the mixed vegetables and green pepper. Add ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, worcestershire sauce and parsley. Keep stirring. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Serve with your already cooked rice...Enjoy

Shrimps for Starters...

Made this Yummy Shrimps starters and want to share the recipe, it is so easy and fast to make. You would make it your regular starter, trust me!!! Wink

Ingredients

• shrimps
• onions
• garlic
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• parsley

Lets Make It...
1. Put a pan on heat. Pour olive oil. Add onions and garlic. Stir.
2. Add the shrimps and parsley. Add little salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve with your baguette... Enjoy

HotDog

This is such a delicious and fast HotDog!!! Try it and you will just make it every time you get the chance!!!

Ingredients

• hotdog bread bread/baguette 
• onions
• mayonaise
• mustard
• ketchup
• sausage 
• sugar

Lets Make It...
1. Caramelise your Onions. Cut your onions into tiny circles. Put a pan on heat, add butter and sugar, pour in the onions. Make sure the heat isn't too high. Keep stirring until it is golden brown. Turn off the heat.
2. Put the sausage on a pan and keep turning it until it is cooked.
3. On a different pan or on-top your toaster, Cut your bread in half and spread it to give it a crunchy feel.
4. Mix the mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. Spread it on the bread. Put the sausage in-between, Pour the caramelise onions on top and munch away...

Yummmmmy!!! HotDog

Simple Oven Baked Full Chicken Recipe

There are a million ways to make full chicken in the oven, with just salt and pepper it will still come out  very tasty, slow cooking it makes it look beautiful and well cooked, not allowing it get burnt so give it over 2 hours to bake and you would love the outcome...Wink

Ingredients

• full chicken
• salt
• pepper
• garlic gloves
• onions
• butter

Potatoes baked in Cream

My Hubby made this delicious potatoes the other day, it was so simple and yet unbelievably delicious!!! Not too many ingredients and really easy...Wink

Ingredients

• potatoes
• cream
• salt
• black pepper
• onions sliced into ring shapes

Lets Make It...

Avocado Dip Sauce

Guacamole is an Avocado Dip Sauce that originated from Mexico and all the requires is ripe avocado, salt and lemon or lime juice, every other ingredients are optional like onions, tomatoes, chilli, garlic, cilantro, e.t.c.
I had my first taste of this delicious Avocado dip sauce with potatoes wedges the other day at a restaurant in Denmark and i said am going to start eating my potatoes with it from that day and i did just that when next i made them at home! Its rich, healthy, yummy and fast! Try it when next you make potatoes and thank me later...Wink

Ingredients

• avocado
• lemon or lime juice
• olive oil (optional)
• salt
• black pepper
• sour cream (optional)

Plantain

Plantain is one of the most loved food in Nigeria. It is a major side dish for rice recipes.The unripe ones that are green are very high in Iron while the ripe ones that are yellow are very high in protein. It can be made several ways just like potatoes...You can roast it we call that 'boli', you can fry it in several ways, you can boil it with the skin which is healthier or without the skin...the best part is that you can eat it with almost everything....AWESOME right?
We will add pictures of some of the really nice ways you can enjoy your plantain...

Boiled Plantain with Egg Sauce

Fried Plantain with Vegetable Soup

Gizzard Stir-Fry with Boiled Plantain

I ate something similar at a location and have been craving for it, decided to make me my own stir-fry gizzard and believe me it turned out YUMMILICIOUS...with ma boiled plantain, am definitely going to make this again and i bet you would when you try it...Wink

Ingredients

• gizzard 
• sesame oil
• butter
• minced garlic
• onions
• soy sauce
• chilli
• chicken stock

Edikang Ikong Soup

Sotonye Amachree shared her 'Edikang Ikong' Soup recipe with us, we are so happy to feature it and keep sending yours might just be features next on Playing with Recipes....Thank you so much Sotonye, and this is how she prepares hers...Wink

Ingredients 

• ugwu leaf (pumpkin leaf) shredded
• water leaf ( spinach) shredded 
• meat
• dry fish
• goat meat
• stock fish (soak in hot water with salt) 
• periwinkle
• prawns (fresh)
• prawns (dry)

Oven Baked Fish and Fries

I have become a lover of full fish...oh well am a lover of everything made in the oven be it full fish, full chicken, e.t.c...It is just always delicious and saves you from all the oily effects of frying...Wink

Ingredients

• full fish
• lemon juice
• lemon or lime cut into round pieces 
• fish seasoning
• butter melted
• brown sugar
• garlic gloves
• garlic diced
• onions diced (optional)
• soy sauce

Rice and Beans

This is a Nigerian delicacy that a Nigerian must have eaten at a point in time...You can make a pottage out of it by just adding palm-oil, seasoning, crayfish and shredded smoked fish...But i made the fast rice and beans, ate it with turkey stew...Took me back in time...Wink

Ingredients

• rice
• beans
• salt
• onions diced (optional)

Lets Cook...
1. Put a pot with water on heat. When it starts to boil and your beans. Add salt and onions.
2. When the beans is soft but don't allow get mushy, when its just about cooked, Pour in your already washed rice. Use a wooden spatula to turn softly and cover. Allow to cook until the rice is done.
3. And it is ready to be munched with your stew or vegetable...Enjoy

Rice and Beans with Turkey Stew

Baked Parmesan Chicken

Made this delicious Parmesan Chicken and Pasta the other day...Very easy and yummmmmy too...Wink

Ingredients

• chicken breast (boneless)
• parmesan cheese grated
• bread crumbs
• black pepper
• salt
• chicken seasoning powder
• melted butter
• garlic powder or minced garlic
• olive oil

Lets Make It...
1. If the chicken breast is think, pound it to make it flat. Preheat your oven to 175C.
2. Mix the olive oil, melted butter and garlic in a bowl, in another bowl mix the bread crumbs, a lot of grated parmesan cheese, salt, chicken seasoning powder and black pepper.
3. Dip the chicken breast into the garlic and olive oil mixture and the then press hard in the parmesan cheese mixture and coat really well.
4. Oil an oven proof dish. Line the chicken breast in it and pour the remaining Parmesan cheese mixture on top, then move to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
5. It is ready to be munched with pasta or spaghetti...Enjoy

Baked Parmesan Chicken and Pasta with Tomatoes Sauce

Oven Baked Potatoes

Potatoes is sure something one can never get bored of, it can be made in a millions ways, i tried out another way of baking it in the oven and it came out tasting yum! the only thing i will change when next am making it will be to reduce the timing so the potatoes will remain moist. You can enjoy it with anything we ate ours with pork ribs and gravy...Wink

Ingredients

• potatoes peeled 
• chicken stock
• butter
• black pepper
• parsley chopped

Yam and Beans Pottage

Pottage is quite popular in Nigeria, we combine lot of different things a lot and the finished product is always delicious. I love beans and almost everything that goes with it, beans and yam, beans and plantain, beans and rice...All delicious pottage i ate while growing up and love to make them every now and then...Will be giving you the simple step i use in making mine...Pretty straight forward...Wink

Ingredients

• beans
• yam pealed and diced
• palm oil
• onions chopped
• crayfish blended

Moringa Oleifera

Been hearing about 'Moringa', have done a lot of reading about it and how good it is to the body. Saw it in the stop and decided to get it. I bought the leaves and blended it. Here is a short writeup about how healthy this leave is and why the tree is called 'The Tree of Life'.  Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa  is said to cure about three hundred diseases and almost have all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. Even in a larger proportions. With all the health benefits of this miracle herb, it can easily be termed as the most nutritious herb on Earth. There are no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support the same. It can be consumed by small children and adults. Today, millions world over have started using Moringa based products in porridge, pastas, bread and to reap the everlasting health benefits of the extraordinary ‘Moringa’ herb.

Pork Shank

Wanted to just try out more pork recipes and saw this pretty looking pork shank at the pork stand in the super market and bought it, checked out recipes, made it for dinner and served it with oven cooked potatoes...It was absolute YUM! reminded me of Osso Bukku...Try it out...Wink

Ingredients

• pork shank (room temperature)
• onions diced
• carrots diced
• green pepper diced
• sweet corn
• green peas
• garlic minced
• chicken stock

My Special Dip Sauce

If you have ever craved for something other than Ketchup for your fries then you would love this! since i started making it i have never had fries without it! Its simple, fast and easy!!!
So here is the recipe for Judith Audu's Special Fries Dip Sauce...Wink

Ingredients

• ketchup
• mayonnaise
• mustard
• black pepper
• pinch of salt
• pinch of sugar
• drop of vinegar

Oven Baked Ginger Honey Chicken

Oven baked chicken is always a delicious treat and always comes out so nice especially when you do it slowly and not with too much heat. The recipe can be used for any chicken part: the wings, drum stick, legs, e.t.c...Feel free to try pout new things and have fun...Wink

Ingredients

• chicken
• ginger minced
• garlic minced (optional)
• honey
• black pepper
• oyster sauce
• tsp butter (optional)
• salt

Lets Make It...

Full Oven Roast Chicken with Potatoes

Chicken done in the oven is always delicious however you do it the slower it cooks the better but it is always a yummy treat anytime...Made something new yesterday and it tasted reallyyyyyyyy yum! its Caramelised onion stuffed chicken baked with potatoes. Its simple not much needed and you have yourself a delicious meal...Wink

Ingredients

• full chicken
• potatoes peeled and halved
• onions roughly chopped
• thyme
• butter (room temperature)

Nigerian Vegetable Soup

Vegetable Soup is a very healthy and nutritious soup. It was popularised by the people from Calabar State, Nigeria. It is actually one of their main traditional dish and it is called the 'Edikaikong Soup' it is extremely rich and can be eaten with almost everything, be it our local combinations like Eba, Fufu, Amala, Semovita, Semolina, Pounded Yam, e.t.c or Rice, Yam, Plantain, you name it!!!
Everyone seem to have added a twist to how to make it but here is how i make mine and its always a blast! wink

Ingredients

• Ugu Leaves/Pumpkin Leaf - chopped into small bits
• Waterleaf /Spinach Leave - chopped into small bits
• meat (any meat will be perfect be it Assorted meat, goat meat, cow leg, turkey, chicken, lamb, e.t.c)
• stock fish - socked in hot water until ready to use
• periwinkle

Oven Baked Full Fish

Sea Foods are very healthy and delicious too...Its always medically advisable to eat more of them, made this very yummy fish made in the oven, very simple and straight forward, sharing it with you today so you can make it and enjoy with fries or rice...Had mine with coconut rice, was really really yum...Wink

Ingredients

• fish (any full fish will be just fine)
• oyster sauce
• soy sauce
• fish sauce

Potato Cake with Mushroom Sauce

I tried this recipe the other day and it was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! Loved it...When i first saw it i thought it will be a mushy mess and decided to make a little one to try out before serving it to anyone and i was shocked when i tasted it! Try it out and let me know what you think about it...Wink

Ingredients
For the Potato Cake

• potatoes boiled and mashed
• egg beaten
• flour
• bread crumbs
• dill or coriander or parsley finely chopped
• salt
• oil for deep frying

For the Mushroom Sauce

Chinese Egg Fried Rice

I always make this fast and beautiful looking fried rice, i compliment it with different sauce as you would do if you to a Chinese restaurant...With Sweet and Sour sauce, stir fry sauce, tomatoes sauce, e.t.c...Loaded with vegetables, this dish is perfect...Wink

Ingredients

• rice
• sesame oil
• vegetable oil
• salt
• eggs
• onions
• spring onions
• carrots
• soy sauce
• green pepper
• peas

Pineapple Juice with Garlic and Ginger

I saw this being made on a TV show and learnt its very very healthy and nutritious especially for women, they advised a glass should be taken a day and it will help fight infections and keep the body healthy...All you need is Pineapple, Garlic and Ginger...Simple and Fast!!! Wink

Ingredients

• pineapple
• garlic
• ginger

Lets Make It....
1. Cut the pineapple, garlic and ginger into tiny pieces.

Yam Balls

Yams balls are delicious Nigerian snack made using yams as the name suggest, its usually served at celebrations, easy and straight forward to make...Nice to have while relaxing and chilling...You can play with it and add more stuff like mashed fish, minced meat or whatever you feel like...Wink

Ingredients

• yam cut into tiny pieces  
• onions roughly chopped
• tomatoes diced
• garlic (optional)
• salt
• cayenne pepper/chilli pepper
• seasoning
• thyme
• butter
• egg
• flour
• breadcrumbs

Crispy Chicken

Chicken is fun to eat if it is done the right way and cooked well, i don't like dry and boring chicken at all guess you all don't, i love crispy, succulent and fluffy. Found this recipe while searching for a yummy crispy chicken recipe, modified it and it sure tasted goooooooood...Felt i was eating KFC chicken, oh! you don't believe me...hehehe...if you doubt me just try it out...Wink

Ingredients

• 6 drum stick chicken
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• half teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of milk
• half tbs baking powder
• 1 cup bread crumbs 
• 1 tbs paprika
• 1 tbs cayenne pepper
• 1 tbs ground black pepper
• 1 tbs onions
• 1 tbs garlic
• 1 tbs ginger

Garden Egg Sauce

Been craving this for a while now, its a sauce made using Garden Egg/Egg Plant. It is a delicacy enjoyed by the south-south people in Nigeria, eaten with boiled plantain or yam...You would love this one, very easy and fast to prepare...Wink

Ingredients

• Garden Egg/Egg Plant (anyone can serve)
• tomatoes
• fresh pepper
• onions diced
• shrimps (optional)
• pomo/cow skin diced
• crayfish
• titus fish boiled and mashed 
• salt
• seasoning

Cannoli

Cannolis are delicious Sicilian desserts. The shells are easy to make and it is always a delicious treat every time...Wink

Ingredients

• flour
• sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• melted butter
• cocoa powder (optional)
• espresso (optional)
• salt
• little water or white wine or masala wine

Macaroni and Cheese

I used to think macaroni was specially for salads (covers face)...Never imagined it as a delicacy on its own but apparently i have been wrong. I came across this recipe which happens to be a classic America dish and i decided to try it out made my own modifications here and there, tried to make it look colourful and tasty. I kid you not it was a blast...It would make a great family dish, kids would love it too...Try it out...Wink

Ingredients

• macaroni (elbow type)
• butter
• cheese grated - cheddar
•                         parmesan
• milk
• cream (optional)
• flour
• mustard
• 1 egg
• red pepper diced (optional)
• yellow pepper diced (optional)
• green pepper diced (optional)

Beef Stew with Dumplings

This i saw from a package at the supermarket in the frozen food section and every time i see it i wondered what it would taste like because the picture on the pack looked goooood...little did i know that it was even a meal! Its a British meal... Got home searched for it and decided to make it...Trust me  was glad i did and am sure gonna make it again and again...Its Delicioussssssssssssssssss...Wink

Ingredients

• beef stew meat cut into bite sizes
• butter
• olive oil
• thyme
• flour/suet
• carrots chopper in large chunks
• beef stocks
• onions
• green pepper chopped
• mushroom sliced
• bacon sliced
• parmesan cheese grated
• worcestershire sauce
• garlic minced
• baking powder
• water to make dough
• vinegar
• milk
• salt
• black pepper
• parsley chopped
• bay leaf
• potatoes
• frozen peas

Lets Cook...

1. Put the potatoes on fire and boil with salt.

2. Season flour with salt and pepper. Toss the beef and cote well with the flour.

3. Melt butter in a pan. Fry the coated meat until well-browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Stir onions and garlic into same pan. Add the bacon, Stir in the carrots and green pepper. Add the beef stock, bay leaf, parsley, pepper, salt, worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Stir in the mushroom. Put the beef back in. Adjust seasoning and add water if need be. Simmer on low heat for about an hour. Remove bay leaf.

5. Now lets make the Dumplings: Mix together in a bowl, flour, milk, melted butter, baking powder and parmesan cheese. Scoop with a spoon and roll into a ball then drop in the stew on fire. Simmer but be careful not to destroy the dumplings. Remove when they r cooked through but not dry.

6. Mash your potatoes with butter, parsley and milk.

7. Your beef stew with dumplings is ready to be served with your mashed potatoes or with frozen peas summered in butter, salt and pepper...Enjoy...Absolutely delicious...

Beef Stew and Dumplings

Lasagna

If you love cartoons then you will know this, it is Garfield's favourite food...Hehehe...Lasagna is a dish done by making layers with Lasagna pasta, tomatoes meat sauce, white sauce and cheese. It is pretty easy and straight forward plus it taste more delicious the day after so even if you have left overs you will be glad you did the next day and everyone would love it...Wink

Ingredients

• lasagna noodles
• cheese shredded -

                             mozzarella
                             cheddar
                             parmesan
Tomatoes/ Bolognaise Sauce

• tomatoes diced
• tomatoes crushed
• tomatoes paste
• minced beef
• onions chopped

Things to always have in your Kitchen

There are some items that makes cooking easy and fast, it is always great to have them always in the kitchen because they come in handy whenever we need to make a very fast meal or any delicious yummy delicacy...There a lot and depending on the kind of food you like but these are what i always try to have and i believe you would agree too...

1. Minced Meat

2. Chicken Breast

3. Mushroom

4. Frozen Mixed Vegetables

5. Whip Cream

6. Minced Garlic and Minced Ginger

7. Chicken Makhani Curry in Pack (If you love Indian food this will come in very handy on those days you get back home so tired, all you need is chicken and you are good to go)

8. Eggs

9. Plum Tomatoes in Can

10. Potatoes

NOTE: These are my top 10 must have in my kitchen i bet it would be same in everyone's kitchen, i would love to also add these 10:

• Pasta/Spaghetti
• Rice  
• Garri (Africa)
• Olive Oil
• Vinegar  
• Frozen Peas
• Bread
• Cheese
• Bacon
• Mixed Spices 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year my wonderful food lovers, its a new year, let us play more with recipes, discover new recipes and just have a great year full of success and celebrations...Cheers