The BEST Apple Syrup (Recipe From The Park Avenue Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn) 🍎

This delicious syrup is quick and simple to make!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar

4 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup apple juice or cider

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter

Optional Additions:

1 medium granny smith, honeycrisp or fuji apple (peeled, cored & grated)

2 tablespoons apple schnops

Optional Garnish:

whipped cream

Method:

In a small saucepan, stir together the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon.

Stir in the apple and lemon juices.

Cook and stir, over medium heat, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.

Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it is melted and blended in.

If desired, stir in the grated apple and/or the apple schnops. Good with or without a dollop of whipped cream.

Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, French toast, a Dutch baby, biscuits or pound cake. 

French toast topped with apple syrup

Notes: This simple and delicious recipe was given to me by Kathy Petetit, former co-owner of the Park Avenue Mansion B & B located in St Louis Missouri. Kathy and her husband closed the business and retired to Arizona, where she still makes delicoius food and treats for her family and friends. 💜

Ruth"s Cris New Orleans Style Shrimp (Copycat Recipe)

This is a very simple and flavorful way to
prepare delicious shrimp.

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil

28 large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail on or off)

2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon chopped green onions

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1 teaspoon fresh pressed or minced garlic

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon tabasco sauce

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

10 tablespoons salted butter, cut into tablespoons

Method:

Add the oil to a large cast iron skillet** on a burner over medium high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook and stir just until the shrimp turn pink. Remove the shrimp and transfer to a platter.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the skillet (with additional oil, if the skillet is dry). Cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer for 2 minutes.

Add the garlic, Worcestershire, tabasco, cayenne and paprika. Cook  for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low.

Slowly add the butter to the pan and stir until all of the butter is melted and mixed in.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat and reheat. Return to the platter or divide evenly between 4 serving plates.

**If you do not have a cast iron skillet, any skillet will do. If you do not have a large skillet, work in smaller batches to cook all of the shrimp.

Notes: Ruth's Chris is a high end steak house ~ It is a treat to be able to prepare this delicious shrimp at home. Serve alone over rice or vegetables, or serve as an accompaniment to chicken or steak.

Shrimp served over rice with barbecue 
chicken and cornbread muffins.

Low Carb Instant Pot Mexicali Chicken & Vegetable Soup

This quick & healthy soup is full of flavor and has
 a spicy kick. 🌶 (It tastes similar to chicken & rice.)

Ingredients: 

2 pounds chicken breasts, chopped in small bite sized pieces

1/4 cup diced red or yellow onion

1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium or hot depending on what you prefer)

1 cup chopped zucchini

1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning**

1 (4.5 ounce) can diced green chiles

1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth***

1 (10 - 12 ounce) package frozen riced cauliflower

1 cup shredded colby jack or pepper jack cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped green onions

lime wedges

diced avocado

Method:

Add the chicken, onion, salsa, zucchini, seasoning, diced chiles, broth and cauliflower to an instant pot. Stir to combine.

Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes.

Aloow the pressure to vent. Remove the lid and stir in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper or place salt and pepper shakers on the table for everyone to season their own meal. 

If desired, garnish with green onions, a lime wedge and/or diced avocado. Makes 6 cups ~ 4 (1 & 1/2 cup) servings.

**Homemade seasoning is easy to make and healthier because it is chemical free. Here is a link to the recipe: 

https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2019/02/keto-friendly-homemade-taco-seasoning.html

***When I make vegetable or chicken broth (or purchase broth) I make frozen ice cubes with the leftovers. I keep broth cubes in the freezer to have on hand as needed. 

Nutritional Info per serving, approximately: 506 calories ~ 22 grams fat  ~ 8.8 grams carbs ~ 2 grams fiber ~ 6.8 grams net carbs ~ 70.5 grams protein

Notes: 

I use pepper jack cheese, but the colby jack would be a little less spicy.

I used a medium salsa. The flavor was good with just the right amount of heat. 

This is a quick, healthy & satisfying meal that would also be good to treat a cold and to enjoy during the cooler fall and winter months. 

Smoke House Restaurant Famous Garlic Bread (Copycat Recipe) 🧄

🧄 This garlic bread is famous and my
husband's favorite ~ We no longer live
near the Smoke House, so I am happy
that is simple to make at home. 😊

Ingredients:

1 oval loaf of French or sourdogh bread*

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2 teaspoons fresh minced or pressed garlic (about 4 to 6 cloves depending on size)

1 package (1/4 cup) cheese powder packet from a box of mac & cheese**

1/4 cup finely grated or powdered parmesan cheese***

Method:

Melt the butter over low to medium-low heat. Add the garlic and saute. Allow to set overnight at room temperature. (This step is important to allow the flavor of the garlic to develop and permeate the butter.)

Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise. Reheat the butter and garlic. Brush onto the cut sides of the bread halves. 

In a small bowl, stir together the cheese powder and parmesan. Sprinkle and spread evenly over the buttered bread. 

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and then put under a broiler for 30 seconds or until the top just begins to lightly brown. Slice and serve. 

*I used an artisan sourdough loaf of bread, but the restaurant version is made on French bread.

**Any brand of mac & cheese may be used, but I used Annie's Shells & Real Aged Cheddar mac & cheese because it is organic and the cheese powder doesn't contain a long list of chemical ingredients that are difficult to pronounce.

***I don't use powdered (canned) parmesan cheese. I always have parmesan or asiago cheese in the freezer and finely grate as needed

Here is the official history of the restaurant and garlic bread:

"The Smoke House was founded in 1946 in Burbank California by Lockheed employees Jack Monroe & Jim Stockton and silent partner Bill Storey. The original restaurant seated 46 people, and was enjoyed by local luminaries Bob Hope and Bing Crosby (among others) on its opening night. With Jim as the promoter & front man, and Jack as the cook, the restauranteurs enjoyed much success and were soon looking for a larger building with more seating capacity. In 1948, The Smoke House moved to it's current location and the restaurant’s success continued to grow under its slogan “Fine Food at a Fair Price”. 

"By 1952, Chef John L. Sullivan’s unique recipe for garlic bread made the Smoke House the largest purveyor of French bread west of the Mississippi." The garlic bread has famously been a favrite ever since.

Notes:

The Smoke House is an iconic popular restaurant and the garlic bread really is good!

Caramel Apple Smoothie 🍎

🍎Delicious & Decadent ~ A special
smoothie for Autumn or any season!

Smoothie Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened regular or vanilla almond milk 

1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

1 Honeycrisp apple with peel, cored & diced

2 tablespoons caramel sauce

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon honey

1 1/2 cups ice cubes

Optional Garnishes:

whipped cream

caramel syrup

small chunk of apple

nutmeg

cinnamon

Method:

Add all of the smoothie ingredients to a blender and process until blended and smooth.

If desired, drizzle caramel inside of a tall serving glass. Pour the blended smoothie into the prepared glass.

If desired, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel and a chunk of apple. Serve and enjoy. Makes 1 serving.

Notes: 

This is a delicious treat that can also be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. 

For a sugar free option, use plain Greek yogurt and a sugar free caramel syrup. Instead of the honey, add 2 tablespoons maple or agave syrup or use stevia or monkfruit sweetener to taste.

Fun and tasty ~ This is  a treat dogs love.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter*

1/4 cup mashed banana (about 1/2 banana)

2 cups (16 ounces) low fat unflavored Greek yogurt**

28 Milkbone or Blue Buffalo dog biscuits***

Method:

Place the peanut butter, banana and yogurt in a bowl and stir to mix well. 

Divide the mixture evenly between 2 ice cube trays, filling each section 3/4 full.

Freeze until partially frozen. (about 35 to 45 minutes) Add a dog treat to each popsicle cube. Return to the freezer for 75 to 85 minutes longer. (For a total freezer time of 2 hours.)

Remove from the ice cube trays and transfer to a plastic freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes 28 treats.

*Make sure to use a natural peanut butter or almond butter that does not contain xylitol, because xylitol is toxic to dogs.

**For dairy free treats, substitute unsweetened coconut milk for the yogurt.

***Milkbone brand treats may be used, but the Blue Buffalo brand treats are healthier because they do not contain preservatives.

Nutritional info:

The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and popular flavor, plus it contains healthy fats and protein.

Bananas provide potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamins C and B6, copper and biotin. These nutrients are benficial for heart and muscle function, digestion, bone health, healthy immune and nervous systems, skin and energy.

The yogurt contains protein and probiotics with digestive benefits.

Notes:

While your dog may want to gobble a bunch of these treats, check the dog biscuit package for the recommended daily serving amount.

Also, whenever adding something new to your dog's diet, try one and make certain it agrees with their system. 

Perfect Fresh Strawberry Scones 🍓

These simple scones are perfectly moist,
lightly sweet and delicious! 🍓

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, frozen

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup finely chopped strawberries

additional flour

1 tablespoon cream

2 tablespoons sanding sugar

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cream

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat oven to 425*. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar and salt.

Use the large grate to grate the frozen butter onto a piece of waxed paper. Use a bowl scraper to transfer the grated butter from the grater and waxed paper into the flour mixture.

Use a fork to mix the grated butter throughout the flour. 

In a small bowl, or 2 cup measuring cup, beat together the 1/2 cup of cream, eggs and almond extract. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the liquid ingredients and mix just until combined. Gently fold in the strawberries. 

Lay a large piece of parchment paper on the counter or large cutting board. Dust with a 1/2 cup of flour. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Sprinkle extra flour on top of the dough.

Pat the dough into a circle 3/4 inch thick. Press both sides of a cutter/scraper or large knife in flour and then use to cut the dough in half. Press into the flour and cut in half again. 

Repeat until the dough has been cut into 12 triangles. Transfer the dough triangles to the prepared baking sheets and space a 1/2 in apart. 

Brush the tops of the unbaked scones with cream and sprinkle with the sanding sugar. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.

In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, cream and vanilla. Drizzle with a fork, or with a pastry bag over the warm baked scones.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container, with waxed paper in betwenn layers, in the refrigerator. Allow to come to room temperature before serving. Makes 12 scones.

Note: People who don't like scones typically say it is because they are dry, but they won't say that about these scones! These scones are moist with a nice flavor and texture. 🍓