Homemade Granola and Yogurt

Feb. 21, 2018, noon


HOMEMADE GRANOLA

Makes about 9 cups

4 cups rolled oats
In a bowl, measure out the oats. Add any or all of the following ingredients:
 
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut 
1/2 cup flaxseed 
1/2 cup slivered almonds (or other nuts, chopped)

Over a medium-low flame, heat:
½ cup honey
1/3 cup coconut oil
½ cup water
¾ teaspoon salt

Stir with a wooden spoon until well-combined. Pour this liquid over dry ingredients and mix well until liquid is well-distributed. Spread out in a thin layer on a sheet pan and bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes to an hour or until evenly browned and crispy. Turn with a spatula every 15 minutes or so so that the mixture browns evenly. During the final 5 minutes or so, add:

Raisins
Dried cranberries
Dried fruit of any kind

Allow to cool and then stor...


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Homemade Pasta

Jan. 30, 2018, noon


This is a basic recipe for the dough for whole egg pasta, used for making homemade tagliatelli, papparadelle and all stuffed pasta shapes.

Use one egg for every two people
2/3 cup all purpose flour or ¾ cup “00” Italian flour

Put the flour and egg in the bowl of a food processor. When it comes together and pulls away from the side of the bowl, remove it to a floured counter and knead for a little while. Try not to add too much flour as this makes the dough tough. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for ten minutes.

Cut the dough into 4 pieces. Using a pasta machine, run the dough through on the widest setting for about 15 times. Then begin to reduce the size of the opening and run through one time on each setting.

Lay the pasta on a kitchen towel and sprinkle with a little flour. Repeat with the other 3 pieces.

Go back to the first piece of pasta and run it through the cutters. Put pasta on a kitchen towel and sprinkle...


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Cast Iron

Oct. 31, 2017, noon


WHERE TO FIND OR BUY CAST IRON
Antique stores and junk stores are great places to find cast iron skillets and other cast iron pieces. You can find Lodge cast iron at the grocery store or places like Walmart and also amazon.com.
COOKING TIPS

New cast iron comes seasoned and ready to use! Just give it a quick rinse and hand dry, and you’re ready to start cooking. Used cast iron might need to be seasoned. Instructions are below.
Use any utensils you like, even metal. There is no chemical coating to damage.
Cast iron can be used on all stovetops, from induction to electric to gas, even on the grill! It also works well on glass top stoves.
Cast iron performs best when heated and cooled gradually, so give it a few minutes to pre-heat before adding your food. 
Cast iron retains heat very well, so using a lower heat setting can prevent food from sticking. And don't forget to use an oven m...


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Sheet Pan Dinners

Oct. 3, 2017, noon


The object of this lesson is to teach you how to make a complete dinner on a sheet pan. Here are some things you need to know:

1. I like to cover my sheet pans with parchment paper. Aluminum has been shown to be connected with breast cancer and Alzheimer's so I don't like to cook on aluminum sheet pans without parchment. If your sheet pans are stainless steel you don't have to worry about that.
2. You can get half sheet pans and lots of other kitchen equipment at AceMart Restaurant Supply. There are many locations. I buy parchment paper there, tongs, leftover containers, etc. Love this place!
3. You can use any kind of meat (even meatloaf) and any kind of vegetables your family likes.
Here are some combination ideas:
- Roast whole chicken, Hasselback potatoes (remember we did these last year), zucchini
- Meatloaf, green beans, red potatoes
- Salmon, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes
- Pork tenderloin, asparagus, broccoli
- Chicken thigh...


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