Cheddar Chunk Green Pea Salad

May 14, 2013 by 4 Comments

Traffic Light Salad aka Cheddar Chunk Pea Salad A Pinch of Joy

Green peas are a harbinger of springtime, one of the cool weather crops that begins to produce early.  Green peas are a nutritional powerhouse,  a legume rich in vitamins and minerals along with protein.  Green peas make a delicious salad that Wheels calls  “Traffic Light Salad” because it is red, green and yellow.  Add these all together and Cheddar Chunk Pea Salad is the perfect salad to usher in National Salad Month, otherwise known as the Merry Month of May. 

Peas are legumes, along with beans and lentils.  They were one of the first crops to be cultivated by humans and were eaten dried (blech!  Sorry . . .personal opinion . .  disclaimer ) for thousands of years.   They are now grown all over the world, with Canada as the major producer.  If you are a gardener, you know peas will increase the nitrogen available in soil so fertilizers are not necessary and, when grown in rotation with other plants, will reduce pests.  Peas are high in fiber, low in fat, with no cholesterol, 45% of your daily requirement of Vitamin K (important in prevention of osteoporosis) and significant amounts of other necessary vitamins and minerals.  They have a substantial amount of protein, are a source of Omega 3 and Omega 6, and contain many anti-oxidants and anti inflammatories.  These properties along with a relatively low glycemic index have recently focused attention on peas as a help in heart disease and controlling blood sugar levels.  Who would ever have guessed???

If you buy  cheese already cubed, cut the pieces in half so they are easier to eat with the salad.  Use baby peas (no sauce) if you can find them, otherwise any good quality frozen pea will work.  (I have eaten this made with canned peas too and found that good, although the texture was softer.)  If you make this ahead, the flavors have a chance to meld and the cheese will soften.  Make it just before serving, and the flavors are separate and everything crisp.  If you want melded flavors AND “crisp” cheese, make the salad the night before and add the cheese just before serving.  I’ve done all three and it gets eaten every time.  But some people are particular about such things.  J  The lettuce leaf cup makes a nice touch if you are serving on salad plates.  In that case you would probably only use half cup servings and the entire recipe would make eight servings.  If you are serving family style for a hearty meal, servings would probably come closer to one cup and the entire recipe would make four servings.  One cup servings are the basis for most of the nutritional values given above.

In honor of National Salad Month, here are some other salads you can find in the index above:


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Cheddar Chunk Green Pea Salad

Yield: 8 onehalf cup servings or 4 one cup servings

Serving Size: 1/2 cup to 1 cup

Cheddar Chunk Green Pea Salad

Nutritious and delicious! Serve on lettuce cup for individual servings or serve up heartier family servings from the bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 12 ounce package frozen peas
  • ¾ cup cheddar cheese cubes
  • 1/3 cup diced red pepper
  • 1/3 cup diced celery
  • 2 green onions sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon salt OR to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare, and slice or dice cheese, red pepper, celery and onions.
  2. Rinse frozen peas to remove any ice crystals, drain briefly.
  3. Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl.
  4. Serve on lettuce leaf.

Notes

Charlene @ A Pinch of Joy

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/05/cheddar-chunk-green-pea-salad/

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Perfect Punch . . . lemon pineapple punch

May 7, 2013 by 5 Comments

Perfect Punch A Pinch of Joy

 Otherwise known as Perfect Punch or Lemon Pineapple Punch,  Snappy Punch is the name Wheels gave this refreshing drink,.    As in “Got any of that snappy punch left?”  There is never any left because everyone loves this golden nectar and it disappears in a flash where ever it is served.  I’ve made it for baby  showers, teas, wedding and anniversary receptions, girl’s night out and a “ladies who lunch” picnic.  It fits all sorts of themes with its golden color and by repeating the recipe goes from intimate gatherings to big celebrations. 

It’s also perfect to make just because you want to have a drink of snappy punch.  I spied a can of pineapple juice in the pantry the other day.   Made me remember how Wheels always missed out on the snappy punch so I made some just for him.  We had a good laugh and some  good punch for a couple of days.

It’s the perfect punch for any event.  The flavors blend beautifully.  You can’t taste the lemon or the pineapple because they make their own subtle flavor “snapped” up with the lemon lime soda.  I used a packet of Country Time lemonade mix and Sprite.  The lemon lime soda – any brand, diet or regular –  gives it that little extra kick.  You can add your own version of kick if you want when you make it.  Serve cold.  I’ve never added ice because the punch is gone before it reaches room temperature!

Sixteen 8 ounce servings or thirty-two 4 ounce (punch cup) servings.

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Perfect Punch . . . lemon pineapple punch

Yield: Sixteen 8 ounce servings or thirty-two 4 ounce (punch cup) servings.

Perfect Punch . . . lemon pineapple punch

A light refreshing punch with a little "snap"!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lemonade mix, like Country Time
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 46 ounce can pineapple juice, chilled
  • 1 liter bottle of lemon lime soda

Instructions

  1. Mix together.
  2. Keep chilled until serving time.
  3. Before serving, garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Charlene @ A Pinch of Joy

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/05/lemon-pineapple-punch/

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Chicken with lemon garlic sauce

April 29, 2013 by

A Pinch of Joy Chicken with Lemon Garlic Sauce

What’s in a name?  I was looking for something familiar with a twist to serve for Bytes’ birthday dinner.  Flipping through a stack of recipes I saw Chicken Piccata  Ummm – don’t think so – sounds like directions for playing piano.  When the same recipe popped up again I took another look.  Oh, it’s chicken with a lemon garlic sauce.  I can do that!  Picatta, loosely translated, means zesty.  This dish has a lemon lilt flavored with fullbodied garlic.  Light but definitely zesty, by whatever name you call it.       

I had never noticed chicken cutlets in the grocery store before.  However, they were in the freezer in all three of the grocery stores I frequent.  I spend a lot of time reading labels, but not looking at frozen chicken apparently!   A cutlet is about a quarter inch thick up to about half an inch thick.  They are around four inches by four inches. You’ll want thin pieces of meat because you will be cooking this dish quickly.   If you cannot find chicken cutlets in your grocer’s freezer, you can slice half  a chicken breast into thin pieces ½ inch or less. 

This is a dish that keeps you moving!  Gather and prepare all ingredients and bring all utensils to hand before starting.  When you dredge, just dust the entire surface of the chicken lightly.  Too much flour makes everything gummy.  You want just enough to hasten browning.  Cook one or two minutes on each side depending on the thickness of the meat.  Overcooking will make the meat tough and ruin the dish.  When lightly browned removed to a plate and cover.

Deglazing is not as mysterious as it sounds. It’s just loosening any bits of browned chicken on the bottom of the pan by using a liquid to take it up.  Takes about 2 minutes.  Then add the rest of the ingredients to make the sauce.  Boomerang the chicken gently back into the sauce to heat and finish cooking.  Then arrange it on the serving platter.  Slide the already thinly sliced lemon into the sauce with the butter.  Stir a bit until the butter is almost melted.  The lemon slices will be soft but still intact.  Remove and quickly arrange on top of the cooked chicken.   By now the butter will finish melting.  Stir and pour the sauce over the chicken.  Sprinkle with fresh snipped parsley (I forgot and the parsley got tucked on the plate instead!). 

Serve hot.

Total time elapsed?  Twenty minutes.  Time well spent.

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Chicken with lemon garlic sauce

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1 cutlet

Chicken with lemon garlic sauce

A light and tender chicken dish, with subtle lemon and robust garlic flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Deglaze
  • ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth or white wine
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • Sauce
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • Finish
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • Fresh lemon slices
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge with flour.
  2. Pour vegetable oil into skillet and heat over medium flame.
  3. Saute cutlets about 3 minutes on each side. Cutlets will be lightly browned. Remove to warm plate and cover.
  4. Pour off any remaining oil.
  5. Deglaze pan by pouring in ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth to which minced garlic is added. Cook about two minutes. Garlic will be slightly brown and broth will be almost gone.
  6. Add ½ cup broth and lemon juice. Return cutlets to pan and cook on each side about two minutes. Transfer to warm serving plate.
  7. Add butter and lemon slices to skillet. When butter is melted, lift out lemon slices and arrange on top of chicken. Pour sauce over lemons and chicken.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Also known as Chicken Picatta. Charlene @ A Pinch of Joy

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/04/chicken-with-lemon-garlic-sauce/

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Peppermint Patties

April 22, 2013 by

Peppermint Patties: A Pinch of Joy made all the mistakes so you don't have to!

 I asked Bytes what kind of birthday cake he wanted.   None, he says, but I do have a recipe  you could make instead.  He disappeared into that mysterious office and popped back with a recipe for peppermint patties.  You know the kind that makes your breath arctic fresh and makes little hand drawn pictures swirl around your head. 

Easy peasey!   Ummmmm —- w e  l l l.  You know what they say about not judging a book by its cover?  Well, you CAN judge a recipe by its brevity.  A list of ingredients is good.  A few instructions are good.  Some detail in instruction is even better.  But handholding is greatly underestimated.  The directions for this recipe said “Mix. Form log. Chill 45 min. Cut and dunk in chocolate.”  The one I’m giving you below — that one includes hand holding!

 I used the mixer to make the filling.  Went exactly as expected and came together beautifully.  I laid out a piece of waxed paper on the counter and lightly dusted it with powdered sugar.  Not in the directions, but I’d made refrigerator cookies in 4-H once.  That’s what you do.  I took a spatula and pushed the filling around in the bowl until it was all in one piece and shaped like a fat log.  Then I lifted it out and rolled it a bit on the waxed paper to lengthen and shape it.  Quickly done. 

Log o mint filling

Roll up the filling in the waxed paper and put it in the refrigerator to chill over night.  The directions said 45 minutes but by the time I got back to it, I thought a night’s sleep was also important so I over rode the directions.  This one actually turned out to be good. 1) It helped “mature”  the flavor of two teaspoons peppermint flavoring.  2) Being thoroughly chilled is important to the finished product.

slice mint filling

 Slice the chilled filling into quarter inch pieces.  What I should have done – wrap half the slices and put them back in the refrigerator to stay chilled.  Repeat: Being thoroughly chilled is important to the finished product.

Last piece

  While you are doing that, melt the chocolate coating in the microwave according to package directions.  I chose a low flat bowl, thinking it would give me room to work.  I ended up with everything squished into one corner to make it deep enough to dip the filling in, even before I got to the last piece shown here.  A regular cereal bowl or any microwave safe bowl that size would work fine and keep the chocolate warm, therefore fluid.  And deep enough to dip.

Put the slice of filling in the chocolate.  Work quickly to spoon chocolate over the top of it.  Scoop it out with a fork, smooth off the excess with the back of a kitchen knife and use the knife point to shove the candy off the fork to its resting place.  You don’t even want to know what didn’t work.  You also don’t want to know  what happens if you dally around taking pictures  with the candy setting in the warm chocolate.  Or if you put a room temperature piece of filling into the chocolate.  Droopage, that’s what happens. 

 I put a piece of waxed paper on the counter and set a rack over it to cool the dipped chocolate.   Big mistake.  Skip the rack and go straight for the waxed or parchment paper on the countertop.  When the candy cools, you will find it very difficult to remove from the rack.  When you do, it will look like this:

  back side of mints

I managed to salvage a  dozen peppermint patty mints that look pretty good  okay    edible from the top.  And another couple of  dozen  that are badly wounded.  But I’m pretty sure that didn’t hurt the taste.  Actually, I KNOW it didn’t hurt the taste.  I kept checking it out.  Just for you, of course. 

 Happy Birthday, Bytes. 

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Peppermint Patties

Yield: 36 patties

Serving Size: 1 patty

Peppermint Patties

A delightfully refreshing mint wrapped in sweet chocolate.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 2 tablespoons cream OR half and half
  • 12 ounce chocolate candy melts

Instructions

  1. Mix the powdered sugar, butter, cream and 2 teaspoons peppermint extract with mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Place waxed paper on counter and dust with powdered sugar.
  3. Use two spoons or spatula to form mixture into an elongated ball in the bowl.
  4. Lift mixture onto waxed paper and quickly roll into a uniform log. Handle as little as possible as the heat from your hands will make it sticky.
  5. Roll log into waxed paper and chill for at least one hour. Overnight is better.
  6. Place candy melts in microwave safe bowl and melt according to package directions.
  7. While candy coating is heating, remove log from refrigerator and slice into uniform slices 1/4 inch thick. Return half the slices to the refrigerator.
  8. When candy coating is melted, place a filling slice on a fork and quickly dip into the chocolate. Use a spoon if necessary to lift chocolate over the top of the slice.
  9. Let chocolate drip back into the bowl for a few seconds, then push the candy off the fork with a sharp knife point onto a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper.
  10. Let chocolate harden before serving.
  11. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Charlene @ A Pinch of Joy

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/04/peppermint-patties/

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Ham and Parmesan Mini Quiche

April 9, 2013 by

A Pinch of Joy: Ham and Parmesan Mini Quiche

 A platter of these little quiche looks quite elegant on a table for a shower or tea party.   They are surprisingly filling so they are perfect for a small dinner party celebrating Mother’s Day, birthday or other special occasion.  Be prepared as the hostess though.  Do NOT worry when the room goes silent. That’s every hostess nightmare.  But this time everyone is just focused on the creamy wonder of this little quiche!  They are unbelievably good!  And so easy to make!  I recently  made them three times in one month and looked for excuses to make them again.   They are that good and every bit as good when served to the family, too.   

Cut

Using refrigerated pie dough makes things extra easy.  Yes, you can warm the dough in the microwave according to package directions, but it is much more uniform and better if you let  it come to room temperature on the counter before unrolling it.  Don’t have a four inch cookie cutter?  I don’t either.  So I used a sharp knife and cut around a four inch bowl.

Ham and Parmesan Mini Quiche

 

I also do not have 4” tart pans, but do have 3 ½ inch ramekins so that is what I used.  This made the quiche a little deeper than the fairly shallow four inch tart pan.  This affects the baking temperature.  NOTE the difference:  4 inch – bake at 350 for the times given.  3/12 inch – bake at 375 for the times given.   When done, the crust will be golden, the center will be puffed and set.  When you shake the pan, the center may move slightly but it will not be liquid.  The quiche filling will continue to cook a bit after you remove the mini quiche from the oven.

Don’t skip searing the ham because it really brings out the full flavor.  Use good quality grated parmesan cheese.  I have not tried this with anything but cream because it lifts the flavor and texture to celestial heights.  If I only had half and half in the refrigerator, I would use it instead – but I am daring like that! I have served them in the ramekin to help keep them warm, but they are much prettier when removed and placed on a platter.   Snip a bit of fresh dill, green parsley or chives across the top before serving – just enough to accent the perfect golden colors of the crust and filling. 

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Ham and Parmesan Mini Quiche

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Serving Size: 1 mini quiche

Ham and Parmesan Mini Quiche

Elegant and easy to prepare, this makes a statement on your brunch or party table. Be prepared for the room to fall silent as everyone savors the perfectly balanced flavors and flaky crust!

Ingredients

  • 1 14 ounce package refrigerated pie dough
  • 1 cup ham, diced small (aout ¼ inch cubes)
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cube ham. Spray small skillet with cooking spray, sear ham over medium heat until lightly browned.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  3. Unroll room temperature pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut eight four inch circles. Press each circle into a four inch tart pan or equivalent.
  4. Place 1 tablespoon ham and 2 tablespoons of cheese in each prepared tart pan.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine cream, eggs, salt and pepper whisking well.
  6. Divide egg mixture evenly among tart pans placed on a rimmed baking sheet.
  7. Bake until quiches are set and slightly puffed, 15-18 minutes.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

Charlene Vance @ A Pinch of Joy

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/04/ham-and-parmesan-mini-quiche/

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Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancake

April 2, 2013 by

A Pinch of Joy Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancakes

My sister in law Jan sent me this recipe a couple of weeks ago, saying she had taken a pan of this sweetness to a meeting at work.  It disappeared almost immediately.  In case you didn’t know, Wheels’ sisters are superb cooks.  They got it from their mom!  So I didn’t even blink – just made this recipe the next morning.  Tweaked it to make a second batch this morning and here you are!

Melt the butter for the topping in the microwave.  Add the brown sugar and cinnamon.  If you are not a fan of cinnamon like we are, you might want to reduce the amount by half a teaspoon. Swirl the mixture through the batter waiting in the pan.  A Pinch of Joy: Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancake Swirl

Make two swirls, one on each half of the pan. It’s easier to evenly distribute the goodness that way.    Jan said she made a double batch and baked it in a 9x 13 pan. You may have to add a few minutes to the baking time to be sure the center is done.  Whatever size you choose, the pancake is done when it begins to turn golden brown at the edges and pull away from the sides.

While I was tweaking, I also experimented just for you!  I made it with the melted butter in the bottom of the pan the first time.  The second time I used cooking spray.  Both worked well– but the butter added to the flavor and texture.  If you melt the butter in the oven as it preheats, check periodically because you don’t want the butter to brown.  I forgot the frosting the first time before I tasted it.  It was good.  But I was determined to follow directions for once so I added frosting even though the pancake had been out of the oven for a few minutes.  It was cool enough to allow the frosting to spread well, but warm enough that the frosting melted in.  And it elevated the flavor another notch!  Definitely need a bit of frosting. The second time I put the frosting on straight out of the oven.  It was hard to spread on the hot surface  and the sugar swirls pulled into it leaving it messy looking. I’ll update when I do this, but I recommend putting the softened frosting into a zipper plastic sandwich bag, snipping off the corner and drizzling the frosting on instead of spreading. You can control the amount and use less while keeping the flavor.  You won’t have to worry about spreadability or messing up the pretty swirls.  Plus it’s faster than waiting for the pancake to cool.   Important with everyone standing around drooling at the aromas and in anticipation of super yummy!

It is, as Wheels said, a sweetness explosion.  Serve in moderation.  Or not, if you have no worries in that direction.  We had a breakfast of scrambled eggs (protein) and fresh fruit and treated this as a dessert for our day off brunch.  Bytes hijacked the rest of the pan and poured a giant mug of coffee before disappearing into his office.  You could easily make it your whole breakfast as he did.  Whatever you do – prepare for knock your socks off good stuff!

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Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Cinnamon Swirl Oven Pancakes

A special treat swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, this recipe is quick to assemble and super yummy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
    • Swirl
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
    • Topping
  • 2 -3 tablespoons prepared vanilla frosting, softened

Instructions

  1. Turn oven on to 350 degrees. Place 2 tablespoons of butter in 7x11 inch pan and set in oven to melt as oven preheats.
  2. Place remaining pancake ingredients in medium bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  3. Pour over melted butter in baking pan.
  4. Melt ¼ cup butter for the topping in small microwave safe bowl.
  5. Add brown sugar and cinnamon to melted butter. Mix thoroughly.
  6. On one end of the batter in the baking pan, make a swirl over one half the batter of the brown sugar mixture.
  7. Use a knife or teaspoon to swirl brown sugar into the batter.
  8. Repeat for the other half of the batter. You will end up with two swirls.
  9. Bake for twenty minutes at 350 degrees until set and golden around the edges.
  10. Remove from oven.
  11. Drop small bits of frosting over the top of the baked pancake and let it cool for about five minutes. Frosting will begin to melt, spread carefully and gently over the top.
  12. Serve warm.
http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/04/cinnamon-swirl-oven-pancake/

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Busy Monday – week of March 31

March 31, 2013 by

Happy Easter!  It is raining here today.  My mother was full of folk wisdom and always said that whatever the weather is on Easter Sunday predicts the next three weekends.  I guess am glad it is not snow!

Tomorrow starts another month – already!   I posted about cleaning your refrigerator using a great time management method.  It only takes three days!  :-)   You’ll have to check it out on Day 3, Day 2 or Day 1  to see how that saves you time! And these delicious recipes: 

Potato Nests 5 Sugar and Spice Muffins A Pinch of Joy: Strawberry Pina Colada Dessert A Pinch of Joy: Easter Breakfast Casserole

Featured from last week:

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Links: Easter Wreath from an Egg Plate by The Thriftiness Miss; Baked Carrot Cake Donuts by i heart eating; Kid’s Creative Center by Love Grows Wild; Zucchini Lasagna by My Turn for us;   Easter Egg Gift Cards by There Was a Crooked House; 

party time!

If you also host a link party, please feel free to add it to My Party Room.   If you are looking for new linky parties to share or find inspiration,  check out  the great parties that have been linked.

apinchofjoy.com

I am so glad that you take the time  to share your talent and great ideas on Busy Monday each week!

  • Add a Busy Monday button somewhere on your blog or a text link in your post (required for a feature).   These links help us both .
  •  Follow A Pinch of Joy in some way – one of those big buttons on top.   I  follow all linkers in some way!
  • Link directly to your post –  anything family friendly YOU created yourself.  Please no link parties or sales pages (including Etsy) or repeats of posts you have linked here before.
  • GROW YOUR OWN BLOG!  Visit other Busy Monday links and leave some goodness in the comment box.   Follow  on facebook, pinterest or other media and let the blogger know that you did.  And if you were the recipient of all that sweetness — please return it and pass it on!    You’ll find the friendliest people party here.

 Posts will show in random order from now on so don’t be alarmed if you link and your posts isn’t at the bottom where they have been.  This also means that we can’t use the page format that we’ve gotten accustomed to as they don’t offer randomization.   So I’m going to ask you to click the  “more” below to find the links!   Thanks for your understanding! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Nutrition, Party Time

Clean Your Refrigerator in Three Days – Day Three

March 28, 2013 by

A Pinch of Joy: Clean Your Refrigerator in Three Days -Day 3

We’ve broken a big job into three smaller components that you can do at different times.  Small task components help utilize your time and energy more efficiently, to work around physical limitations or demanding babies, to reduce stress and find time for you.  This little secret of breaking a big job into smaller ones is invaluable!

You can find Day One  and Day Two by clicking the links.  Today we pay attention to the freezer compartment.   Cleaning the freezer is  easy because generally it does not get the traffic or the spills that the refrigerator compartment does.   I leave the refrigerator running as I do this because it is a fairly quick process.   I also usually plan cleaning the refrigerator/ freezer just before a stock up time so the shelves are somewhat empty.

First, remove the ice bin and dump the ice cubes.  If you have a garbage disposal, run the ice through to clean it.   I’ve also heard that keeps the disposal blades sharp, but I’ve just taken that as a fact.  Not sticking my fingers down there to find out!  Running ice through will help clean the disposal, as it tosses sharp ice chunks around and down the drain.  Let the cold water trickle during the process and be prepared to give a shot of hot water if a clog develops.

A Pinch of Joy: Refrigerator Freezer

In the meantime, wipe down the walls of the freezer compartment where the ice maker and bin belong.  Use warm water and a sponge.  My manufacturer’s manual says to add soda to the water if there are any odors in the freezer.  Wipe down the door gasket and the area where the gasket rests when the door is closed.   By now the ice should be through the disposal (bonus chore done!).  Wash the ice bin with warm water.  Use soda, sponge and elbow grease to remove any buildup.  Vinegar will also help remove buildup and is safe to use around food.   If there are any crevices in the ice bin and mechanism, pay special attention to them using a small brush or a toothpick point if needed.   Dry and replace the bin.

Clean the door shelves.  In my refrigerator these are not removable so I wipe them with a wet and squeezed sponge.  Mostly I use these for storing gel ice packs, nuts for cooking and, sometimes, Bytes’ burritos and other small things that might be needed quickly without a lot of hunting.  If the shelves in your refrigerator are removable, wash them with soap and water in the sink or throw them into the dishwasher with another load.   BTW,  I am compelled to tell you — those lines across the door pictured above are perforated vent holes, NOT dirt! :-)

Begin with the top shelf.  Remove and sort through all the food, setting it on the counter or in empty laundry basket.  Wipe the walls, clean the shelf and replace the foods that belong there.   Move onto the next shelf.

A Pinch of Joy: Discard!

Discard anything that looks like this!  The USDA says that frozen foods will not spoil, but anything with freezer burn has lost its good qualities of taste and texture.  Out!   Click the link for a printable USDA  Freezer Storage Chart showing the optimum storage time of various foods at 0 degrees.

The refrigerator freezer is where I keep packages of vegetables, frozen dinners for quick meals and opened packages of frozen food.  These things get “lost” in the bigger freezer  and eventually just thrown away.  In the refrigerator freezer, I know what I have and where it is.  That package of peas that was opened to add half to a salad gets the other half added to a pot of soup because I will see it and remember to use it.  I also store meat here that I’ve purchased for a special recipe (usually for you, my lovelies!)  and sometimes it gets sidelined, like that package above.  For the most part however, using this method has greatly reduced the amount of food that has to be thrown out.

Drain

By now, we are at the bottom of the freezer where there is often a drawer.  Remove.  Don’t ask me how, but this area seems to collect dust, especially around that opening at the back.   The opening on yours may look differently or be located in a different spot.  It is where the water from the self defrosting process drains to a pan below where it evaporates into the air.  Clean by pouring or squirting  a  solution of 1 teaspoon soda mixed into two cups of hot water into the opening.  This water will also evaporate into the air.  You can do this regularly as a preventive or when necessary if you notice odors.

drawer

Clean the drawer area, wash the drawer in the sink with warm water, dry and replace in freezer.  Add food.  This is where I keep the larger opened packages of things like chicken breast.  And the inside of the refrigerator/freezer is all done.

We still have about ten minutes left in our thirty minutes allocated.  Clean the outside of the unit.  We did the top on Day ONE so no need to repeat.  Use your favorite cleaner– squirty stuff or mix in water stuff or special stainless cleaner.  Clean the doors and any sides that can be reached. Pay special attention to door handles and any crevices.  Thoroughly clean the water dispenser if you have one on the door.  Vinegar will help remove any water stains.

Basket

One last tip to help keep things in order for the next cleaning – and to make your life easier everyday.  That wire bin that holds the bags of vegetables is wonderful.  If you know me, you know I seldom pay regular price for anything.  I did for that basket and it was worth every penny!   You can pull it out, rifle through to find what you want and push it back in.  No balancing act or scooping packages off the floor necessary.

Shhh!  I know you should also clean underneath and behind but let’s do that when we deep clean the kitchen.

2

Just keepin’ it real – many refrigerators have something magnetic stuck on them.  This is the time to throw away the magnet phone number from the dentist that retired, the broken seashell from your beach visit 10 years ago or whatever else.  We live far from family so Christmas card photos often end up on the freezer door for most of the year.  It gives me joy to see them each day.  Display only the newest and arrange neatly.  Those drawings by a three year old framed with blue paper also give me joy  – I’m the one wearing earrings on your left!

And now you have a sparkling clean refrigerator inside and out, a system to manage the contents  and haven’t let anything else in your busy life slide to do it!   Enjoy!

Links to   Day 1   Day 2

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Strawberry Pina Colada Dessert

March 26, 2013 by

A Pinch of Joy: Strawberry Pina Colada Dessert

This is another of those quick and easy desserts that can be dressed up.  Though getting really fancy can take it out of the quick category.  There is a trick to making thick desserts  look presentable in a clear glass serving container.  Ideally, everything would go in without air bubbles and lay in beautiful layers with no blops, streaks or drips  — but little in life seems to go the ideal way.  :-)   I do like these clear glasses for individual servings, though.  They are just about the right size for one so they work great for portion control or for buffet serving.  Dollar store, folks. So the price is right too.

If you like, you can skip the individual servings.  Make  a light layer of strawberries and toasted coconut in an 8×8 pan, spread the dessert mixture evenly over them, and top with remaining strawberries and coconut before chilling.  Cut into squares before serving. (Tip: when you’ve made the layer of strawberries and coconut on the bottom, run a finger or back of a spoon along the lines where you plan to cut the finished dessert.  This will push the fruit toward the center of each planned piece, allowing you to cut and serve more cleanly).   OR you can serve this in a graham cracker crust with all the strawberries and coconut on top.  With graham cracker crust add 10-15 carbs per serving to the carb count.

Toasting the coconut takes very little time, but adds quite a bit to this recipe.  The flavor deepens and the toasty color is a nice contrast with the creamy colored dessert.  I usually do extra and keep any leftovers in a small airtight container to add to other dishes.   I like to use French vanilla or extra creamy whipped topping when they are available.   Do not drain the pineapple – just open the can and dump it all into the mixing bowl.  Don’t use the mixer to add the whipped topping as you risk beating the air out of it.  Gently fold it in until the mixture is just blended.  Keep the dessert light and fluffy, perfect for a spring day!

Print
Strawberry Pina Colada Dessert

Yield: 6 servings or 8-12 mini servings

Strawberry Pina Colada Dessert

A pretty, light dessert that combines pineapple and fresh strawberries with a hint of coconut. Makes a great dessert for a gathering where it can be served preportioned in slices or containers. Perfect for a mini dessert, too!

Ingredients

  • 1 package cream cheese, 8 ounces
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 package sugar free vanilla instant pudding, four serving size
  • 1 can crushed pineapple, 8 ounces
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 container whipped topping, 8 ounces
  • 1/3 cup coconut
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, plus three large berries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Toast coconut by placing in ungreased skillet over medium flame. When coconut begins to show a bit of brown, reduce heat and stir frequently to keep it from burning. When most of the coconut flakes are golden, remove from heat. This takes 5 minutes or less.
  2. Soften cream cheese by letting set out for an hour at room temperature OR by removing foil wrapper and putting in microwave at 50% for 15 seconds and repeating until soft.
  3. Beat softened cream and cheese and milk with mixer until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Add dry pudding mix, vanilla and undrained pineapple. Mix well.
  5. Gently stir in the whipped topping, reserving about ½ cup for garnish.
  6. Layer dessert, strawberries and coconut and a second layer of dessert mixture.
  7. Cover and chill until firm, about three hours. Can chill overnight.
  8. Garnish with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle on a bit of toasted coconut and add a few sliced strawberries to each serving.
  9. Six servings or 8-12 mini servings.
http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/03/strawberry-pina-colada-dessert/

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Easter Breakfast Casserole

March 19, 2013 by

A Pinch of Joy: Easter Breakfast Casserole

One of my Colorado cousins made this casserole for breakfast when we were guests in her home.  It was wonderful and I made it just the way she did for a time.  She included 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and a small onion (about 1/3 cup) diced finely.   Then I got acquainted with church kitchens and things changed!  First to go, of course, were the onions and the Worcestershire sauce.  Some people didn’t like onions and some couldn’t handle the peppery flavor of the Worcestershire.  But the heart and warmth was still there.

This is a very popular dish for youth groups to prepare when they are charged with providing Easter breakfast.  It is perfect for that because it can be made the night before and is easy to make by kids who have little to no kitchen experience.

The recipe continued to evolve  mostly through necessity. Like using donated ingredients.  The original recipe called for eight slices of bread.  Do you know how many varieties of bread in how many different sizes Moms have on hand when a teen tells them they need a loaf of bread in half an hour?  Hence the cubes and measurements.  If the bread is moist, go for the full four cups, if it is on the dry side lean more toward 3/12 cups.  Same with cheese.  Have slices instead of shreds?  A sharp knife and quick work makes two cups of strips.  Not enough cheddar.  Any yellow cheese will work.  Somebody brings in mozzarella or Swiss?  Mix it in with the yellow cheese.  And divide it among a couple of batches.  Lesson learned?  Everyone is welcome and whatever you have to contribute to the group is important!

One church full of great cooks with many years of experience documented their favorites well.  The casseroles were setting on the counter waiting for me to put them in the refrigerator  while we closed our youth meeting.  One of the octogenarians noted for her culinary skill, generous heart and frugal ways was  hanging around in the background as the kids charged out.  We chatted as I broke out the aluminum foil.  Then she asked me if we had used the recipe from the notebook in the drawer.  Oh yes, mam, I said, we followed it perfectly.

Well, honey, she said, I always add one more.

One more what? I asked.

Whatever it needs, she said.

And that day, Gladys taught me to tilt the pans.  If the bread was moist and some of the custard collected in the corner, all was well.  If the bread looked dry and there was no excess custard, we mixed more custard using one egg to half a cup of milk and added it to the pan. A bare spot got a handful of cheese.  When the casseroles suited her, I prepared to add the foil.  Gladys asked if I had butter.  Uh no – there is some margarine in the refrigerator to slice over the top.  Why?

Because, Gladys said, you need to melt a stick of butter for each of those pans and pour the whole thing over the top.    Use the best and be generous.   Now, there’ll be some butter in the refrigerator when you come in the morning.  I’ll pick up some when I get the expired bread from the grocery for the homeless shelter tonight.  You’re welcome, honey.  Gladys patted my arm,  wisped up the stairs and out the door to the next good deed.

Isn’t that a perfect lesson for Easter Morn??

One more thing –  given generously.

And that’s why there are seven eggs in this recipe’s final version  instead of the original six.

Print
Easter Breakfast Casserole

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Easter Breakfast Casserole

A hearty, hot breakfast casserole perfect anytime.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread cubes
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 7 eggs beaten
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter melted

Instructions

  1. Break or cut bread into bite sized cubes.
  2. Place in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Dice ham into small cubes between ½ and ¼ inches to make 1 cup. Layer evenly over bread cubes.
  4. Sprinkle cheese evenly over bread and ham.
  5. Combine eggs, milk and salt, whisking until well mixed. Pour over bread, ham and cheese layers. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Remove foil, melt butter and pour over top of casserole before baking.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the middle.

Notes

Charlene A Pinch of Joy

http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/03/easter-breakfast-casserole/

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