More from last week
When you read your Meridional this weekend, you will be waiting for “Severe Weather.” This is a perfect time for baking and having the oven on to keep the kitchen warm. During inclement weather Boo and I get comfort food together, cook it if need be, and then hibernate: Eating, reading, taking naps.
MORE DEMI TASSE RECIPES
BREAKFAST SAUSAGE ON RYE OR PUMPERNICKEL BREAD
German inspired
Easy and delicious
A Landry favorite
A plate of these were set out as Demi Tasse members arrived.
Pumpernickel is readily available in most supermarkets in standard loaf size. Cocktail rye and pumpernickel loaves* can be found in some local markets and always on line. If I don’t have a mini loaf of pumpernickel, I use a regular sized loaf that I cut into smaller squares after they come out of the oven.
*Mini-sized slices of rye or pumpernickel make a whole tiny loaf. They are cute and attractive to children and adults alike.
INGREDIENTS
-1 to 2 loaves cocktail pumpernickel
-1 to 2 rolls of breakfast sausage, such as Jimmy Dean, regular or spicy
-About 1/2 loaf Velveeta cheese, regular or spicy
MISE EN PLACE
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees, if you are serving the treats that day.
-Cook sausage in medium sized pot until sausage is brown but not dry.
-Add Velveeta a few chunks at a time until cheese and sausage are well blended.
-Spread a heaping spoon of sausage mixture on each mini slice, not so much that meat will fall off bread.
-Line the breads on a large cookie sheet.
-Bake until bread is toasted and sausage mixture is hot.
-Serve immediately.
Boo and I often prepare these, bake a few, and freeze the rest. We also make them ahead of time when we plan to use them when entertaining.
When we have a bag of slices in the freezer, we pop a small pan full in the oven for a light meal with a salad or soup.
I always use pumpernickel; Jeri prefers rye.
We buy a regular loaf of pumpernickel to have buttered pumpernickel toast for breakfast when traveling and staying in an Airbnb or a condo at the beach. A real treat!
CRANBERRY NUT BREAD
These half-round loaves are always available at Costco and are worth the trip to Lafayette. A loaf was warmed, sliced, and set out with butter for guests to help themselves.
These two bread dishes were set up on the bar near bottles of Spanish Cava and a pitcher of pomegranate juice. The
Cava and pomegranate juice could be mixed to create a sparkling cocktail. Pomegranate juice on its own is an excellent, kind of unusual, morning beverage. Cava is basically Spanish sparkling wine.
AFRICAN OKRA
Most Louisianians know that okra was brought to the United States from Africa many years ago. What a wonderful gift!
Boo bought several bags of frozen whole okra, boiled them with a sprinkle of salt, set them on the table, and they were obviously enjoyed with just a few pods left in the dish. I ate the left over ones. Simple to prepare, these are part of several meals a week at our house. This okra is low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Gerrod Brasseux generously provided the base for French 75’s and each glass was ready with a topping of Cava. His renowned Old Fashioneds were also appreciated.
Mary Pat Hulin made her famous Italian Cream cake and every crumb was eaten.
TEENIE’S STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE TRIFLE w/Kahlua and Amaretto
A family favorite with an attractive presentation.
My sister* Chris, better know in our family as Teenie, created this recipe years ago, and it’s still a favorite.
INGREDIENTS
-1 box Devils Food cake mix prepared with milk substituted for water
-2 or 3 tsp vanilla mixed in milk
-3 eggs
-1/2 cup of oil
-16 oz Cool Whip
MISE EN PLACE
-Bake cake according to directions.
-When it’s done, poke holes and break into squares with a knife in the pan while still hot.
-Pour About 1/3 cup of Amaretto and
-1/2 cup of Kahlu’a over the hot cake and let it cool.
-Slice 1 or 2 pounds of fresh strawberries and soak them in a little Amaretto and Kahlua.
-Start layering with cake, then strawberries, then Cool Whip making 3 layers of each.
-Store in refrigerator.
Best if made the day before.
Enjoy!
TEENIE
*Sisters sure are handy. Mine totally took over the family baking and makes delicious candy also. Maybe that’s why I love her so much.
My new friend (I love saying that) Tina Hebert made some amazing microwave candy. I will get that recipe for next week.
Another resolution: Make time for joyful leisure. Watch a feel-good movie, or rewatch the favorite that absolutely makes you feel good. Try resting in bed after your wake-up time thinking or planning sometime important or something just fun.
One of my resolutions is to create a healthy everyday schedule. At 9:30 p.m. my alarm tells me to get ready for bed. This way I’m in bed at a decent time. I have an alarm set to wake me up. Sometimes I just veg in bed for 30 minutes or so, organizing my day, or planning a visit or shopping trip with a friend. This is all part of the many resolutions I have made this year.
Try a February resolution. It doesn’t have to be made at the New Year to change your year or your life.
Jusqu’a la semaine prochaine!