Pages

Monday, April 23, 2012

Just Kitchen Talk


It’s nice to have a place to talk about food! It is also nice in this mobile, digital, transient age that we can at least still gather around the virtual kitchen table, or the hearth or even the fire as people have done for eons. It’s heartwarming, it’s comforting, it’s sharing; some of what we hope to share with you from our country kitchen.

We don't always eat like this (though we did for much of our lives), but as we know much of the type of food we are demonstrating is fattening, and too much of a good thing is not a good thing.  Most meals at home these days are healthy and preferably lean, sometimes even meatless.  But it's nice to have a treat on a special occasion or one night a week.  It is also nice to learn to make these dishes and goods in order to preserve and carry on tradition.  We may also look at ways to bring tradition and healthy eating together.  The deep-frier is one example; the ability to have some fried foods that are not just completely saturated in oil.

We are kicking around the next few items for demonstration. Since we have had two pie requests, we are thinking along the lines of pie.  We are also thinking of the simple brewing of southern iced-tea. Sounds simple anyway, who can’t make iced tea, right? You’d be surprised. It never ceases to amaze us how many people do not know how to make great iced tea. Likely they were just never shown but we will remedy that soon!

And speaking of tea, the scones episode got us back in hot tea mode so we thought we would get out the teapot, clean it up and brew a good cup or two of afternoon tea, still have those leftover scones you know . . . So grab a cup of hot tea or coffee and join us in our country kitchen. Watch the videos, leave comments and let us know if you have any requests.  And be sure to go over and subscribe to our channel at youtube for the latest video updates and to see all there is from In Our Country Kitchen.

Thanks for stopping by,

Bill & Cheryl

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Cranberry Cream Scones



Welcome to the third episode of In Our Country Kitchen.  This episode shows the preparation for Cranberry Cream Scones.

These scones, a type of British quick bread, easily become a household favorite. They make a fun snack for kids that is not too sweet, are great for weekend brunch or holiday time. Serve with a cup of hot tea and enjoy!

Watch the video


Ingredients

3/4 cup dried cranberries (may substitute cherries)
1 cup boiling water
3 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cream of tarter
½ cup butter, room temperature
1 egg, separated
½ cup sour cream
3/4 cup half and half cream
1 ½ teaspoon almond extract
Additional sugar

Soak cranberries in water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cream of tarter. With a pastry blender, cut in the butter. Set aide. In a small bowl, combine egg yolk, sour cream, cream and extract. Add to flour mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently six to eight times. Knead in cranberries. Divide dough in half and shape into balls. Roll each ball into a 6 inch circle. Cut into six wedges. Repeat with remaining ball. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Beat the egg white until foamy; brush tops of scones and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm. Yield 12 scones.

Thanks for stopping in our country kitchen!

Bill & Cheryl

Southern Breaded Deep Fried Chicken Strips

Welcome back to the second episode of "In Our Country Kitchen" which features Southern Breaded Deep Fried Chicken Strips.


 
This excellent meal/recipe includes:

Chicken Strips (breasts)
Garlic salt
Pepper
Flour
Chopped onion
Cooking oil

You will need either a an electric deep-frier or a deep, sturdy heavy cook pot.
Southern Breaded Deep Fried Chicken Strips is a staple in Southern cuisine, and you just can't beat the scrumptious taste.  Add your favorite side such as potato salad or mashed potatoes and country gravy, and hot buttered buscuits and you have a great southern meal!

Watch the video



We hope you enjoyed Bill's Southern Breaded Deep-Fried Chicken Strips.

Thanks for stopping by "In Our Country Kitchen."

Bill & Cheryl

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Crunchy Southwest Chicken Tostadas



Welcome to the first blog and episode of "In Our Country Kitchen" which features Crunchy Southwest Chicken Tostadas straight from the Southwestern US.

Please watch the this video and see ingredient list below:

 
This excellent meal/recipe includes:
Crisp corn tostadas
Onions
Homemade salsa
Green chilis (New Mexico grown)
Tomatoes
Cheddar cheese
Lettuce
Sour cream
Chicken fajita mix
Red pepper
and refried pinto beans (homemade leftovers)

Crunchy Southwest Chicken Tostadas is a staple in Southwestern cuisine, and you just can't beat the scrumptious taste!

Thanks for stopping by "In Our Country Kitchen."

Bill & Cheryl