Green Beans and Mushrooms

This a a family favorite. I have made it quite a few times and it has always on over really well. It is also a good dish to do instead of green bean casserole.
If you can't find shitake mushrooms you can always use another kind of mushrooms. When cleaning the mushrooms DO NOT run under water because all of the flavor will wash away as well. Instead clean with a damp towel or paper towel. Enjoy!




Serves: 6

1 lb fresh green beans, washed and snapped

1/2 1lb fresh shitake mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

1/2 a red onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 T butter

Salt and pepper for seasoning

First place a pot of water on high heat and bring to a boil. When it is boiling add a 1/2 t of salt and then the green beans. Cook the beans like this for 7 mins.

While the water is coming to a boil heat a large frying pan on medium high heat and add 1/2 a T of butter to the pan. When it is melted you can add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms start to brown then add the onions. (If it is starting to stick then add a little bit more butter.) When the green beans are done boiling take then out of the water and add to the pan. Also add the garlic and cook for 5 mins. Turn down the heat to medium low and add the rest of the butter and salt and pepper to season. This will make a great sauce. Cook for another 5 mins then serve. Enjoy!

Potato Soup

This soup really bring out the deep flavor of potatoes and if you are a purest when it comes to your potato soup this one is for you. Enjoy! :)

5 ld bag of white potatoes, peeled and quarter

3 stripes of bacon, cut up into 1 inch square pieces

1 large sweet or yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 quarts chicken stock

2 cups of milk

1 T salt

Freshly ground pepper

You want to get a heavy soup pot and put it over medium-high heat. When it gets hot add the bacon. You want to let the bacon cook down and the fat render out. Stir from time to time to cook the bacon evenly. Then you want to add your onion, two pinches of salt, and one grind of pepper. Cook for 3 mins on medium heat. Then add the garlic and cook for another min. At this point you want to add the potatoes and stir to mix everything up. After cooking for 4 mins add the chicken stock and bring up to a boil and then turn heat down to a simmer. Continue to cook for 20 mins stir every few mins to keep from burning on the bottom. The potatoes will began to dissolve. That is ok and a good thing. Check you seasoning and then add your milk and more salt or pepper if needed. Then you are ready to chow down and ENJOY!

Spiced Candied Nuts

This is a great recipe for parties or for holiday gifts. I think the thing that really makes it is the fresh rosemary. 

3 lbs. deluxe Mixed Nuts

1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar

4 sprigs fresh rosemary, taken off the stem and finely chopped

1 T chili power

1 T ground allspice

1 t ground cinnamon

1 t curry power

1/2 t ground ginger

1/2 t ground clove

1 t salt

1/2 stick of butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place nuts of a baking pan. When oven is preheated add the nuts and let them bake until the oils start coming out; about 15 mins. (Keep checking the nuts to make sure they do not burn.) In a large bowl mix together all of the dry ingredient the nuts when they done and mix well. When it is all mixed up add the butter and mix in evenly. Serve to your guests with a sprig of rosemary as a garnish. Enjoy!