No flour Oatmeal Cookies: Almond, Honey & Apricot Glaze

Just like Paula Deen's son Bobby Deen, I also like to make-over Paula's recipes, do not get me wrong, she has some great recipes but, when I am able to cut fat/calories for my family and I, I do a 'remix' on one of her original recipes. I too like Paula, have a sweet tooth but, with my recipe, you can have the sweet plus, a little less adage to your waist line.

A bit Nutty

By adding walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds and peanut butter, you will be adding plenty of protein to balance the carbohydrates you will be placing in your mixing bowl.  Topping it off with a honey apricot glaze will add a bit of sweetness and the slivered almonds will add another layer of flavor and added texture...

Will make these cookies your 'go to' recipe when you want a healthier version of what we all crave, cookies!

Ingredients...

 4 cups rolled oats

1/2 cups sunflower seeds (shelled)

3/4 cup walnuts (Chopped)

1/2 cup chocolate bar (chopped)

1 1/2 cups peanut butter (I prefer crunchy)

1 stick of butter (unsalted)

2  eggs

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (light will work just fine)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking soda

GLAZE

1/2 cup apricot preserves

1/4 cup honey (I used a orange blossom honey, use what you like)


1/2 cup of sliced almonds (to place on top of your cookies)

Enhance Your Nutty Side

Roasting the nuts, this is one step 'I do not' skip and I recommend you 'do not' skip it either.  When using any kind of nuts/seeds in a recipe, I recommend you take this one step.  When you roast the nuts you are going to use in a recipe, it brings them to life and adds such richness to your dish.

When I came up with this recipe I used some leftover walnuts that I found in my freezer and they were already chopped but, if you are able to get whole nuts, please do so, they roast better.  I would then roast the walnuts for 5 minutes (taking out and stir 1/2 way into cooking), before adding the sunflower seeds.

On a cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper, place your (chopped) walnuts and place your sheet into a 350 degree oven, for 3 minutes.  After 3 minutes take the cookie sheet out, stir the walnuts and add your sunflower seeds, roast for another 3 minutes, take the sheet out and toss the sun flower seeds and nuts, if they are not yet golden brown then place back in the oven, at one minutes intervals.

While you are waiting for your walnuts and sun flower seeds to roast, place your rolled oats and baking soda in a big mixing bowl and set aside.

Peanutty Goodness!

In another mixing bowl, add your sugar and eggs, mix (hand mixer-on high, my standing mixture-on medium) together until the mixture goes a bit pale, then you know you have gotten to the smooth consistency you are look for.

Bottom line is, you want to have a non-grainy consistency.

After you have reached the perfect consistency with your sugar and eggs combination, add your peanut butter, stick of butter, salt and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl.

Mix (same speeds as above) until well blended, when blended add your chocolate pieces and mix with a spoon.  At this time, add your 'cooled' walnuts and sun flower seeds to your oatmeal/baking soda bowl, mix well.

We Are Joined Together

With your oven set on 350 degrees, take out two cookie sheets and place parchment paper on each sheet.

It just keeps you from having to do so much cleaning up afterwards and they are easier to get off the sheet too boot, set aside.

If you have a non-stick cookie sheet than bypass the parchment paper.

Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and stir until well blended.

The 'right' Tool

I have found when you have the right tool to accomplish a task, it is easier on this granny and also, the whole process runs so much smoother and also, it gets done faster.

I only have 2 cookie sheets but if you have 4, then it is worth using them.  I use a (slightly smaller) ice cream scoop then the average size that most home cooks use and actually, it would be just about the right amount in your average ice cream scoop in the end.

I use what I have.

 I scoop up a heaping mound full and do 'only' 4 cookies per cookie sheet pan, yes these are big cookies.

Place your cookies in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until 'slightly' golden brown, take out and place on a cooling rack.

Glaze it Baby!

Place your apricot preserves and honey in a small sauce pan, on medium heat, constantly stirring, until the preserves & honey are combined and is at a pouring consistency.

You can always place it back on the heat to melt the honey and perserves as you are using it, as it will tend to seize up.  I would rather do this step, than to have a runny glaze.

Place your cookies on a cooling rack, 5 minutes after you have taken them out of the oven.

This is where those 4 cookie sheets would come in handy, since you have to wait a bit of time before you are able to use the sheets once again.  Though even with two cookie sheets, I am able to pop these out in around one hour, from start to finish.

Another Layer of Flavor

Make them as gooey and nutty as you like

I will only add the glaze to 4 cookies at a time, so the next layer of taste and texture of the almonds will be all stuck to those cookies before the apricot preserves and honey glaze has time to dry.  Yes, I too roasted these nuts before adding them to the top of this goodness.

I do not allow my slivered almonds get much if any color, I cook them just so I am able to see/hear the oils coming out of the nut.  I find if you roast the slivered almonds as you would a walnut, pecan and even a whole almond, they tend to be a bit bitter...

Now that is not helping our goal of gaining a sweet goody to place in your cookie jar, now are we.

A few more goodies to add to your recipe box...

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Carrot Cake: Done Mama's Way!

Paula Deen's website: www.pauladeen.com

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

The Pumpkin Patch: Halloween, Hayrides & Fun!

I have found the best Halloween attraction for the little pumpkin pies that live in the Columbus Georgia/Phenix city/Ft. Benning area, it has just enough scare but, not too much to bring up bad dreams for those little guys and gals we love so much.  

Affordable, you bet your bippy it is.   Please go to Best Nursery's 'The Georgia Pumpkin Patch' this Halloween.

The Pumpkin Patch

When we first arrived at the gate, we were greeted with some very helpful young men and women directing traffic, it all went every smooth.  Also, they could not have been more courteous if they tried.  We did not have to walk very far at all to get into the fun, even though 'The Georgia Pumpkin Patch' was very busy.

Notice whom the driver is

When we entered 'The Georgia Pumpkin Patch' the first attraction we saw was a photo opportunity, no cost, admission is free.  It didn't take many 'you better do this and smile photo looks' before the men agreed to play along.

I guess Daddy's dress was too tight, his tongue popped out

Tristan never to shy away from a camera, went from one photo-op to another, fast as he could, so another photo could be taken.  After we were through with these few displays (and a few others not seen) we then had to check out the big awesome (my grandson's words) spider, so we did.

Now this did take a bit of coaxing to get Tristan to walk up to the spider, he said "Granny, that is a big spider", with a bit of fear in his eyes.

Granddad informed him that the spider can not get out of his cage, so all is well.  Tristan bravely stood at the spider display and had his photograph taken.

Not once taking his eyes off of that 'big' spider.

We then left there in a bit of a hurry, Tristan's choice mind you and next up was a barn, just full of stalks of corn but to a 3 year old, it was awesome.  We roamed around the barn for a few minutes and off to the pumpkin maze we went.


I love how they have thoughtfully laid out the plan, as once you and your child/children are in that maze, there is not a way for them to escape without you cornering them.  Also there are a lot of those that work at the nursery that are walking around making sure everyone is having a wonderful time and are safe.

Pumpkin Maze

We have 'yet' to Spend A Dime

As we weaved in and around the pumpkin maze Tristan was more interested in the smallest pumpkins than he was with the big ones.

By the time we were done with the pumpkin maze, Tristan had three small pumpkins he wanted and Granddad picked out a pumpkin for us to carve Halloween eve.

Granddad went and stood in line so as to purchase our hayride tickets (3.00 per person) and we all went our own way to see what was out there in this beautiful pumpkin garden.


After I (sitting on a beautiful rock by the pond, just lovely) watched (snapped photographs) Tristan as he tried to pull his daddy around in the cart I then decided to leave them and to take a stroll of my own.

Marcus and Tristan decided to also take a stroll, so off we all went in different directions.  By the way, I have no idea where Billy went but, when I did see him coming back to the group he was smiling, so he was having fun.

I must say one thing if nothing else is said, the people that work at best Nursery treat you with kindness, they go that extra step to make sure you are having a great time and it was very much appreciated by us.

My Jaunt

I went off to do my own scouting because, as I was sitting on that rock I saw some of 'my' kind of stuff, yes, woman stuff, I am a woman. I love crafts, sweets of any kind, it be fruit or not and it being homemade, come on!

Yes I spent a few bucks for some (darn good) homemade peach preserves and pumpkin butter made with honey but, the 9 bucks I spent on them will be well served and enjoyed.

Mind you, the men will not complain about the peach preserves and pumpkin butter made with honey on their pipping hot biscuits, I promise you.  I myself like the peach preserves with a very hearty wheat bread, lightly toasted, while hot butter and then, just slather with that deliciously sweet, yet so fruity peachy goodness.

My mouth is watering now, lordy it is good.  They have plenty of Halloween knick knacks, toys and many more flavors of preserves to be slathered on what ever your heart desires.

 They Did 'not' Forget

After I looked at the arts and crafts and goods for sale, I went across the bridge and there sat one of the best sights I have seen in awhile, these pumpkins are being used for good, for all women/men that pass by them.

Come on, you just have to love this.  I have said ta ta's before saying ta ta's was cool, I just had to snap a photograph of this display.  Not only loving the sign, I also love that Best Nursery put their best foot forward to raise awareness to such a worthy cause.  The photo does it no justice, just a lovely sight to behold.

Together Again

We all met at the pond around 20 (or so) minutes later, the hubby had the tickets for the hayride in hand, my brother came walking up with a smile and Tristan was following me (pointing out pumpkins) and saying "I want this for my birthday", mind you, his birthday is not until next year, many months away.  So in line we went for the hayride.  

You are going to have a bit of a wait but, do not allow the long line to frighten you, the hayride takes around eight minutes each go around.  It also seats around 20 people easy.

Meaning, the line moves fast but for some (young tots), not fast enough, so since the line had been set (great thinking on Best Nursery's part) by the pond, Tristan and his daddy were able to go over to look and see what was floating in that pond.  Before he knew it, it was time to go on the hayride.

Before we get to the hayride I just want to let y'all know, we all had a wonderful time.  For the five of us it cost 15.00 for the hayride, 9.00 for the preserves and pumpkin butter made with honey (it is Halloween, I had to get the pumpkin butter, right!), 2.00 for a small pumpkin, 1.00 for two snatches out of the grab bag for Tristan (the eyeballs) and a lot of kids running around not knowing which way to turn first, as it 'all' looks fun and you can not help but have a smile on your face.

The HayRide

Now, do you 'really' think I was going to show you what we saw as we went on this fun ride, well heck no, you must go to 'The Best Nursery" in Fortson Georgia and visit 'The Georgia Pumpkin Patch'.  You and your family will enjoy it.

We had so much fun, we plan on visiting again this week and who knows, I might sneak off and get me some more homemade goodies.

I will say Tristan did want to run at one point, when a dangling snake touched his head but, it was short lived.  Granny told him it was only make believe like we play at home, then he was fine.

Though let me tell you, he had a death grip on his daddy's hand and he could not sit any closer, without being on his lap from then on.  I must admit, it did make me laugh, come on the little scare was harmless.


Please call ahead so you know what activities they are doing on that given day or ask them for the agenda for the rest of this week, they were only too kind when I bothered them with three phones calls given within two days.  The whole atmosphere was just fun, hospitable, affordable and I could not have asked for a better 50th birthday party.  Yes we had cake waiting for us at home.

Remember: Admission is free and you do 'not' have to buy a pumpkin.

Ends with Smiles

Yes, even after that bit of a scare that Tristan experienced there was one last photo-op that awaited us at the exit and after that, that boy only dreamed (that night) of beautiful pumpkins, family, fun and he had a piece of Granny's birthday cake.

Best Nursery is located no more than 25 minutes from our home and we live in Ladonia Alabama...

Best Nursery
9616 Fortson Rd.
Fortson Ga. 
31808

Telephone number: (877 or 706) 327-1515

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am- 6pm,  Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Best Nursery Website

I thought you might like a few of my own homemade fall recipes...

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE: DONE MAMA'S WAY!

CARROT CAKE:  DONE THREE WAYS

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:) 

Buggah INC: Yearly Report & Alabama Scanner Update

Continued (LOL) Success

As CEO and fellow worker (I do 99.9% of the work) of a great crew (mostly me) it is my pleasure to be able to give you a report on just how much progress we have made in this last year.  Since our first yearly report a year ago.

We (I) have decided (no choice, he is 'the star') to name our company Buggah inc. (what we are incorporating, who knows).  We (I) feel this name (his articles gets more views) just has that certain kind of (will try 'anything' at this point) 'ring of success' for us (me) to go even higher (when down so low, up is all you have left) in our field of business.

Bugg's heart filled with pride and joy, when the board (me) members 'unanimously' voted for our (my) new company name of Buggah inc. .

Bugg meant no disrespect (Sure!) to his co (Bugg knows he does it all, well except the CEO) workers when he showed so much joy after hearing the good news of our (my) board members (me) decision on our (my) company name.

Bugg was so surprised that (this had taken them so long) the board of directors (me) would show him so much love (if the 'star' is happy, the whole household is happy <eyeroll>) and respect...

Bugg just could not help but to (put it in his co-workers (them not me) face) grin from ear to ear.

Our (my) Backers

Though we (I) have many backers (2), there is one backer I would like to put out, up front and center.  When I first called him and informed him that I was learning to be a writer but, I needed a camera to enhance my work.

He jumped at the chance (after he stopped laughing), and offered to send a camera (trash heap or me) to help our (my) production company and it was accepted (no choice, broke) with all the gratitude (<eyeroll>) I (can muster) have (he will be the father to my grandchildren, one day) in my heart.

This one backer (his wife, my daughter said "Just do it!") of Buggah inc. has been very supportive throughout this whole process.  I informed him that I was going to publish a company report once again this year and I wanted him to be part of it.

We (I) are so happy he displayed such a delightful (as if having 4 wisdom teeth pulled) response over our wonderful news, that I heard him sucking in his breath with (utter disgust) with all this excitement of Buggah inc including him, then our phone connection was lost.  Buggah inc.tried to reach him throughout the day (okay twice) but, he must have been out of my service area.

He has (since 'finally' picking up the phone) been willing to help (if mil is busy, she might not visit) me in every possible way.  My daughter so graciously (her birthday is coming up) snapped this photograph of the man that so generously (remember: trash heap or me) donated the camera that makes this all happen.

Our (my) wonderful backer we (I) have just showcased for our (my) yearly report is very shy so he would like to remain anonymous (we received the restraining order this morning) and we can (court ordered) understand (<eyeroll>) and respect (Oh yes, he is on the dammit doll list for Christmas) his decision.

If not for this camera we (I) would have never of been able to share (do this or go crazy, empty nest folks) this knowledge that seems to permeate around our (my) wonderful writing staff (me) that helps to (me or nothing) put out such great (grate) work that so many (1 or 2 a day) of my readers hold their breath (that my computer gets a virus) just waiting for our (my) next installment.

B N B Mailroom

We (I) have always encouraged our employees to branch (get off their butts!) out and be all they (some one has to get the mail) can be.

Two of our (my) employees have branched out (they know this road leads nowhere) and have started the 'planning' stages of a new (finally doing 'their' job) business.  B&B (Bad & Broke) Mail Room will (doubt it) open their doors (every time they go get the mail) and we (I) wish them all the luck (in 'not' making me too mad) on their new adventure.

Bugg and Uncle Billy have been working very hard (the walk takes 15 seconds) in making their up and coming business a success.  They have been practicing here in our (my) mail room on how to improve (really folks, it can 'not' get any worse) their delivery system.

Uncle Billy, walks to the mail box, grabs the mail, delivers the mail to Bugg and Bugg is always eager (yellow lab + 'anything' = insert mouth) to help Uncle Billy out.  Their team work is remarkable (if you have no other options) and helps keep their business afloat (as a screen porch lined fishing boat) and they just might (not!) be a real success (mail comes daily folks) in the postal field.


OOPS

It has come to our (my) attention (walked into the bedroom) a few of our documents have been shredded by accident (okay, sure... remember, yellow lab + insert 'all' in mouth = bad lab chew) and I must say Bugg (was having a ball) seemed so upset over this mishap.  It 'might' cost (never got my publishers clearing house sweepstakes letter) our (my) company (up to) a million dollars.

As a new and up and coming company ourselves, we (I) feel that we (I) must give them (I don't want to get the mail) the time for adjustments.  As we (I) expect our (my) clientele (3 views today) to also have a little bit of (mercy on my soul, my kids are gone) patience so we (I) are able to work our (my) kinks out.

Also, we (I) stay with BnB Mail Room because (no choice), they are a well oiled (if I yell, get the mail!) machine, that we (I) just can not do without.

For now!

Improvements

As we (I) get older (49 this year, help!) we (I) need a bit more (from head to toe) work on ourselves to keep us (me) up and about, as does our (my) equipment.

Our equipment manager (me) has been working very hard to keep this operation up with the times.

Our equipment manager (me) decided that we could use a update on our Alabama scanner.


Our equipment manager (me) called the head office (my head) and informed them (still me), we (I) need to upgrade a few pieces in our (my) Alabama Scanner so we (I) are able to (not have to buy an 'actual' scanner) keep up with production.

Our head office (my head) went on a hunt for a solution and after one hour (Some one has to sit and watch 'the star') the head office (me folks) then came up with some new and improved (found more stickers) parts for the Alabama Scanner.

Now our photo lab technicians (me) can now scan (bend over and have a better chance of taking a 'clean' 'photograph' of a 'photograph') our photographs with so much more efficiency.

We Believe in this Team

Our board members (me) have decided to promote from within.

We (I) have found that with our limited (0) budget, we should give each employee (ran out of family members) a chance to move up and have a bit more responsibility.

We (I) have decided (no choice) to let our hairstylist/financial backer (0 in the till) Dan, have a bit more responsibility around Buggah incorporated.

This new position will also allow Dan to put (me 'not' take out) a bit more money in his wallet (I'm working, I spend less) and play an even bigger (like he does a thing now) role in our (mostly me, tyvm) company's operations.

Dan did this so (I would shut the pie hole) we could keep this operation in tip top (of a sinking ship) shape. 

Move it!

Since Billy and Bugg are in their learning period of how to deliver/handle the mail (and 'actually' keep customers) and Billy is the head of our (my) moving division, we (I) have decided to take the load off of Billy for a few.

Trial Period

Billy was so pleased (now he doesn't have to do this) to show Dan all he could, to (pass this off) help Dan have a bigger role in our (my) company.

Uncle Billy starts off (grown man, can't throw) by showing Dan/hair stylist/financial backer (another grown man, can't throw), the ropes on how to plant your feet and aim for the target.

Uncle Billy explains to the new trainee that he must place it just so, so the photographer (me) can snap the perfect (as good as this shoddy camera will allow) photograph of 'the star' catching the Alabama frissbie.

Billy was so proud (Dan could at least get it up in the air) that Dan was more than eager (if the wife is not happy, no one is happy, including 'the star') to work hard (as a 61 year old can with a bum knee) and make a success (keep me from complaining) of this new opportunity.

Trial Period, Over!

After 15 minutes of Billy showing Dan how to (still throw like a girl) master the Alabama frizzbie, Billy allowed (I told him, to get!) Dan to take the reins.

Dan was doing just fine (The photographer was hit in the leg, twice!) as our photographer (Me) was about to take the perfect shot of Bugg, jumping up to catch the Alabama frizzbie, disaster happened (<eyeroll>).

Stitches were not (he is 'so' lucky!) needed.

The photographer (Me) complained to the head office (my head) about the dangerous working conditions.

The head office had to re-think (fire his butt) about Dan's role in the props department.

Generosity is Buggah inc.

We (I) have always been very generous to our employees (they get to eat!) and this holiday season is no exception.

Our (my) company had taken (made the hair dresser/no longer in props/financial backer give me a few bucks) out a loan and we (I) gave each employee a wonderful (one dollar mega millions lottery ticket) bonus this year.

We (I) did this because of all the hard work they have (avoided at all cost) accomplished throughout the year and I am sure (they will do the same shoddy work next year) this will let them know that Buggah inc. thinks of them as nothing but (duh, because they are) family to us (me).

As you can see, Dan our hairstylist/no longer in props/financial backer, was so excited (he was just fixing to leave the house) and pleased with his (in the state of Alabama, I get half) Christmas bonus this year.

Dan could hardly (run out the door fast enough) contain himself.

Our (my) Crew (<eyeroll>)

We (I) have a few more employees that have been more than happy (better to just do it) to join our team since our (mine tyvm) last company report.

Marcus has offered (no choice, I gave birth to him) to help out as much as he can.

Tristan my grandson (he can't walk, let alone run away), has also been a tremendous help.

Dan, Billy and Bugg have all decided (I control the TV remote) to stay with the company and help make Buggah inc. into the best production company (on our street) that is out there.

All 'work' & No Play...

Our end of the year (I must feed them) party was a great (no one was arrested) success.  Our kitchen staff (me) served a lovely punch (red kool-aid) and our (my) company CEO (me) even made sure our (my) employees had the best vintage (Shine, supplied by Bubba, on collard green lane) of (none) bubbly we could find.

For our Christmas party Dan (could be making up to the photographer), supplied us all with a box of freshly (brought home from his morning meeting at the car lot) made dunk'in donuts.

We will cut no expenses at Buggah inc. (There's none to cut) for our (mostly me) employees.

When I snapped this lovely (finally got them away from the punch bowl) photograph of our crew, Bugg looked (ashamed) adoringly at his crew.

Bugg knows without them (we would have a better chance at success) he could not shine as brightly as this 'star' does.

In Closing...

Our (mine!) company is committed in doing all we can to make Buggah inc. even stronger (we have no place to go, but up!) in this next year.  We (I) know (fingers crossed) Buggah inc. will grow much bigger (if my kids have more kids) and become a more (that one is easy to top) successful company in the future.

Bugg has since signed (he wants to eat) a new contract with our production company.

I rarely like to be photographed (I like to give my crew the credit) but, Part of Bugg's new contract states: I will (I also want to eat) promote (pimp) Bugg's and Uncle Billy's new company BnB Mail Room.  I do this willingly (as long as my face is covered) for the good of our (mostly me) company.  As we all know (<eyeroll>) ...

It is a Bugg's World!

The Alabama Scanner

I will admit, this is a company report that was written December 2010 and even though (yes I did improve it tyvm) I tightened it up a bit, I can not (heck I know I will get found out, just my luck) tell a lie.  Not much has changed, I am still the boss/talent/99.9% of the workforce, they still listen to me (once again, I cook for them) and Bugg is still 'the star' (<eyeroll>).

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Corned Beef Sandwich: Honey, Mustard & Grape Seed Oil Slaw

Yes we are approaching that time of year that those of us that are not Irish, become so on St. Patrick's Day.  I will be making my corned beef & Cabbage dinner, just like Mama did.

Bit Irish

Mama always made us corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day and she made sure to make enough corned beef so we could have sandwiches the next day.  Mama and the rest of the family have always loved thousand island dressing, so they would make a reuben sandwich.  I just made mine by adding mustard, tomato and lettuce.  As I grew up my taste also grew up and so I came up with this recipe that takes in to account, all the tastes of the corned beef sandwich I had growing up, just in a more mature way.

Ingredients

This recipe will make 4 sandwiches.

2 pounds corned beef

1/2 head cabbage (small)

3 tomatoes (depending on the size)

1/2 cup grape seed oil

2 1/2 tablespoons ground mustard (I like to use course mustard)

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

1 Tablespoon salt

8 slices of rye bread

I prefer to use rye bread but, use what 'you' like when making a corned beef sandwich.  Also, if you would like to use more corned beef than I suggested, be my guest and who could blame you.

Sweet & Spicy

Slice your cabbage fairly thin, add to a colander, sprinkle with salt, toss and set aside for thirty minutes.  In the meantime slice your tomatoes and set aside.

In a medium size mixing bowl add, mustard, honey, grape seed oil, cracked black pepper and mix well, set aside.  When thirty minutes are up, rinse your cabbage with 'cold' water and drain well.  If you have a salad spinner, spin it well or if not, take a towel or some paper towels and get off as much of the water as you are able.  Add your cabbage to your dressing and mix well.

The Grain

I allow my slaw to sit on the counter for 30 minutes before using, it allows time for all the flavors to mix and mingle.

You can use deli corned beef and it will still turn out to be a good sandwich but, to make it great sandwich, make your own corned beef and you slice it.

Remember to 'always' cut against 'the grain' and make your slices thin, you can pack on as many pieces as you like but, your corned beef has a better flavor and texture when you slice it thin.

I thought, how will I tell my readers why I salted the cabbage well, as most of y'all know, cabbage can be a bit gassy.  With my husband, I know this all too well.

The salt & rinse method seems to damper this one side effect of eating cabbage that most of us wish was not there.

Assembly Line

All you have to do now is to make an assembly line and let the family make their own, so they are able to have it their way.

Place out that thousand island, Swiss cheese or what you feel your family will like and then you too, will come up with 'your' favorite sandwich.

My Way...

I really wish you would try your corned beef sandwich my way, I know you will not be disappointed, I know I my family loves them.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours.:)

Here are a few recipes of mine that just might tickle your fancy...

Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

Club Sandwich: Turkey, Ham, Bacon & cheese, Oh My!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

St. Patrick's Day: Corned Beef & Cabbage, Baby!

Just add some potatoes & Carrots and you can not go wrong with this lovely dinner.  It might even make you feel a bit Irish on March 17, 2013.

I tip my Hat to the Irish

Yes, I must tip my hat to those wonderful people and this one classic that is served around America on St. Patrick's Day each year since I have been here on earth.  Mama would cook her scrumptious corned beef dinner, each and 'every' year.  I still make my plate the exact same way as I did when I was growing up.

Mustard on my corned beef, butter on my potatoes and carrots and malted vinegar on my cabbage, this combination has yet to fail and as I dive into it now, I am reminded of the warmth of Mama's kitchen.

I will cook two corned beefs this year, as I always do.  This dish only gets better, as it ages and also, I make a mean corned beef sandwich, even if I must say so myself.  At times I will make a pan of some corned beef  hash, a few poached eggs topped over it and of course bread of your choice for sopping up all that goodness.

Do not pass up this chance to surprise your family and allow me to guide you through to a corned beef meal you will serve your family all throughout the year, not just on St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

6 pound Corned Beef

1 pound carrots

5 pounds red potatoes

1 large head of cabbage

The package of spices that comes with your corned beef.

Of course your corned beef more than likely will not be six pounds, so please go by the cooking times on your corned beef package, I do, always.

When I am cooking my second corned beef, I will also add one pound of carrots and the spices to my pan, just as I did for the one I will be using for my dinner, just minus the carrots, cabbage and potatoes.


I 'am' Braising 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Look on your corned beef package, check the weight of your beef and also look at the cooking (time) directions and 'write it down' how long it will take to cook 'your' corned beef, important!

Once you open your package of corned beef, you will 'not' want to dive into the trash can to 'once again' check and see how long that thing must cook.

Place your pound of carrots on the bottom of your roasting pan (I use a throw away pan) and as you are placing the carrots, turn them so you have as even of a bed of carrots as you are able to achieve.

Lay your corned beef on top of your bed of carrots and sprinkle your corned beef with the seasoning packet that came with your corned beef on top and around your corned beef.

Add enough water so as the water level reaches half way up your roasting pan.  Cover your roasting pan with tin foil and seal tightly.


I use organic carrots, so I don't peel my carrots.  Now if the hubby makes a mistake and grabs non-organic carrots I do peel those carrots.  This is your dish, I am just giving you the basics, you make it your own.

Feeling 'more' Irish

Thirty minutes before your corned beef is done, peel your potatoes or if you do like the peelings on, by all means keep the skins on, just wash them before adding them to your pot.  I peel the potatoes because Mama did and I like my St. Patrick's dinner, just as she made it for me when I was a child.

You will notice that your bag of red potatoes will (almost always) have a few bigger ones than the rest of the bag, just cut those in half.  Keep your (peeled) potatoes in a bowl of cold bowl of water and set aside.  Cut your cabbage into eight wedges.  After taking off the very end of the core at the bottom of your cabbage I leave the rest of the core, I find it cooks down just fine and keeps your edges intake.

When your corned beef and carrots are done, remove from the pan, place your corned beef and carrots on a platter and cover with the tin foil you used to cover your roasting pan.  Place the corned beef/carrot broth into a stock pot, add your potatoes and cabbage, wedging the cabbage around the potatoes.  Add enough water to cover your potatoes and cabbage, bring to boil, cover and allow to simmer for thirty minutes.

After thirty minutes, place your carrots into your pot and on top of the vegetable, place some sliced corned beef, cover and simmer for five minutes.

Can You 'cut' it

I Don't know why but, cutting meat always seems to scare a lot of folks.

My friends, it is very easy once you learn the secrets.

I love my corned beef cut on the thin side.  I will see which way the lines go through the meat, this is called 'the grain'.

You want to cut across the grain', as pictured on your right.  You might have to turn your meat around a few times, as the grain is not even throughout this cut of meat.

If you cut with the grain then, it will still taste good but, you will be gnawing on that meat for awhile.

Yes, I cooked my other pan of corned beef right along with the one I cooked for dinner.  You see, I love a good corned beef sandwich and as I have stated before, this dish only gets better with time so why not have more.

I will add my carrots from my extra corned beef to the stock pot also, it seems we never have enough carrots.  Make sure to test your potatoes every 10 minutes and adjust the time you add your corned beef and carrots back into your pot.  All you are doing is warming up your carrots and corned beef.  Place on a platter and serve.

Open Wide!

What can I say, is this mouthwatering or what, I say "You bet 'your bippy' it is.".  I am sure your family too will enjoy this meal as much as mine does.  Around St. Patrick's Day is the best time to buy corned beef and that is when I will stock up, so as to warm up my family's Sunday's throughout the year.

I also would love to share with you my favorite corned beef sandwich recipe, the slaw is what makes it...

Corned Beef Sandwich: Honey, Mustard & Grape Seed Oil Slaw

For another lovely, delicious and warm meal for your family, please visit...

Lentil Soup:  Vegetarian 'or' Ham Bone!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)