Category Archives: Holiday Recipes

Thanksgiving Corn Bread Pudding

Posted on November 8, 2011 | 1 comment

My friend Audrey gave this to me many years ago, and it has become a staple on our thanksgiving table ever since. It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. It is a favorite in the Kolen household. Can be doubled easily.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (unsalted) 1 stick

8 oz. sour cream (lite ok but not fat-free)

8 oz.  can sweet corn (drained)

8 oz. can creamed corn

8 oz. pkg. corn muffin mix

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter, mix in beaten eggs, then add the rest of the ingredients.

Pour into glass baking dish (Pyrex is good and I spray it first.) 9 x 12 works fine, it’s not a very deep pudding.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

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Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, Holiday/ Thanksgiving Recipes, sides, vegetables, vegetarian

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Two Soups for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

One of these two soups will be on my Thanksgiving table this year. They are both deserving of a spot, and they are both perfect for the season. Pumpkin Lentil and my Butternut Squash (no cream). Butternut usually wins because it is lighter, and if I serve a salad (which I usually do,) it’s the better choice. The Pumpkin Lentil is delicious and worthwhile though. It’s a tough choice but may the better soup win. I will make my decision after I finalize the rest of my menu. Look for the Pumpkin Lentil Soup Post, which is new. The Butternut Squash is already on the blog under Soups. The Pumpkin Lentil is so inviting–try it this weekend. Stock up on some canned pumpkin so you can make it all through the winter.  You will be able to find both recipes under the Soups category.

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Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, Holiday/ Thanksgiving Recipes

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Baked Salami (Oldie but Goodie)

Posted on November 2, 2011 | 13 comments

This is an oldie but goodie recipe, and everyone loves it always. Rarely is there a piece left over. Good Old Fashioned Kosher Salami. (the kind in the package from Hebrew National is what I’m talking about) I couldn’t believe it when I saw Rachel Zoe cooking this salami on her show!!!!! A-Mazing!

*you will want to double recipe for the larger salami shown. Recipe below is for the smaller one.

Ingredients:

1 Kosher Salami (this is a larger one for a larger crowd)

1/2 cup Marmalade ( I like orange) but can be Lemon or Ginger

2 tablespoons Brown Sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard- I used Maille Dijon Mustard

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Score into Salami, cut into Salami in narrow slices but not completely through to bottom. Just make slices almost to the bottom. Mix all ingredients together and spread on Salami, place on a lightly sprayed baking sheet and cook for about 1 – 1 1/2 hours. Serve on a plate with sliced pumpernickle or rye bread or crackers. I buy that party pumpernickle bread which is already cut into small pieces and available almost everywhere.

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Posted in appetizers, Holiday Recipes, Holiday/ Thanksgiving Recipes

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Thanksgiving Menu

Posted on November 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

I am going to share my Thanksgiving Menu with you.  It is always my holiday to do, I love doing Thanksgiving and a few years back decided that it will always be my holiday to do. I will be writing all recipes for Thanksgiving as well. I would love to hear from all of you and hopefully get some new inspiration. I am big on traditions, and it’s nice to have your own and continue to do it year after year, it’s something everyone looks forward to as much as they bitch and moan. We go around the table and everyone has to say something they’re thankful for, not everyone wants to do it, but everyone does to keep me happy. It’s good to have traditions but good to be flexible and up for something new as well.  Please feel free to write me and offer up some great recipes or great traditions that you may have. Of course there are certain items on my menu that I absolutely have to serve because my family insists upon it. I always make my own cranberry sauce, and I have a couple of soups , a couple of salads to choose from, but I will share all my recipes. My sister makes the most awesome Chipotle Sweet Potatoes, and of course we always have some with mini marshmallow.  Hope to hear from you on this one. I am going to do a little bit each week, try and get your food shopping in , do your soup, bread, and anything else you can ahead of time and freeze. Hope to hear from you all.

Appetizers:

Baked Salami * look for recipe on here (Oldie but Goodie) will post soon

Crudite and Dip fresh cut up veggies and usually a spinach dip( Corinnes is delicious)

Sweet and Spicy Nuts* recipe is already posted on my blog

Baked Brie which I buy at Whole Foods ( it is delicious and super easy , and doesn’t make sense to futz with) and crackers

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Grandma Millie’s Cauliflower

Posted on October 14, 2011 | 4 comments

Firstly, you should know that this dish is sort of famous around the Kolen/Topper household. My mother doesn’t cook a lot anymore, but for the holidays, she will still rally to make some of her signature dishes. I never even had this recipe in my possession before. Almost everyone loves this dish—even the cauliflower haters (although we can’t get Joel to even try it…his loss.) It is very tasty and a perfect side dish for meat. It is also perfect for the holidays. We always have it on our Thanksgiving table and usually for the Jewish holidays too. It will work anythime you need another vegetable side.  I always thought my mother used fresh cauliflower but as it turns out she’s been using frozen because it’s easier to handle, takes no time and works just as well. If you want to use fresh, just follow the recipe as it is but first cook the cauliflower in boiling water, as usual. Thanks, G’ma Mil. This recipe is a keeper.

INGREDIENTS:

1 jumbo onion (or 2 large onions)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup vegetable oil–I know this is a lot of oil so you can try and start out with a little less. I am not arguing with my Mother about the amount of oil!!!! in her recipe

4 boxes frozen cauliflower

Kosher salt (start with 1 tsp.)

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

A few shakes of paprika (for color)

Panko seasoned crumbs (3/4 to 1 cup) you’ll probably use the full cup for 4 boxes

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Slice onions and add to a large frying pan with the 1 cup of oil (heated). Add paprika, salt, pepper and garlic. Sauté onions until translucent and then let stand off the heat for about 15 minutes. Take frozen cauliflower out of boxes, put in microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 2 – 2 1/2 minutes, you want to get it defrosted and soft but not overly soft, should be firm, just to defrost and get all the water out of it. Drain and put cauliflower on paper towels. Trick is to get all water out, you want to start with cauliflower as dry as possible. That’s why frozen is easier to work with, you will be cooking it in the oven.  Next, add Panko crumbs (when adding the crumbs start with 3/4 cup and if it looks like you need more add a bit,  we used almost a full cup for the 4 boxes), mix well and then add the cauliflower. Bake for approx. 45 minutes, until heated through. (I place in one layer in a glass Pyrex until it gets very hot and a little crispy.) Taste for salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish.

*I usually taste for salt and pepper during the baking phase, remove from oven and take a taste, then season accordingly. Also, I know this is a lot of oil, so start out with 3/4 cup and add as you need it, for it to get crispy you will need a good amount of oil, the panko will absorb a good amount of it.

*You can prep this dish in advance and refrigerate in a container for up to 2 days prior to serving. Just take it out of the fridge, bring to room temp. and cook in oven until heated through (same as above.)

I hope you love this as much as we do.

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Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, vegetables, vegetarian

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Old School Meatballs (sweet and sour)

Posted on October 10, 2011 | 4 comments

Sweet and Sour MBalls with Turkey

I have been making this recipe since I got married in 1975. It is really a perfect recipe for holidays or any time. You can use these meatballs with rice or anything like that. They are good for a big crowd when you have poultry and want another main. A lot of you are probably very familiar with this one and have different versions of it. Believe it or not, I still have the very original recipe. I’ve made a few changes to it: I now add my own bread crumbs, which I always make from whole wheat bread but feel free to use store-bought seasoned bread crumbs; If you want you can make these for* Passover by substituting matzo meal for bread crumbs.  I also grate in a little onion (spanish); and my mother taught me to grate in a little potato so I always do that, as well. Now and then I’ll use turkey in this recipe too. Otherwise, this is  the original and it’s super easy. I  used turkey this time out, and they came out perfectly.

INGREDIENTS: (This is for one pound but you can definitely double and these freeze beautifully.)

1 lb. ground beef (Whatever kind you like. I sometimes use ground turkey. In 1975, we all ate beef, but today you might want to use ground turkey or ground chicken.

1 egg (room temp. works best)

1/4 cup bread crumbs (if you’re using from the can) I use 3 slices of whole wheat bread crusts removed. (when I doubled I used 5 slices and it was enough)

*For Passover – omit the bread crumbs and replace with matzo meal

Kosher Salt,  app. 1 teaspoon

Freshly ground black pepper to taste (1/4 teaspoon)

1 clove garlic, minced (the original calls for garlic powder but I’ve changed this as well. If you prefer, try 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon)

1/8 cup warm water (just to moisten it) when you double just add up to 1/4 , I don’t usually use the whole 1/4 cup.

1/4 spanish onion, grated

1/4 potato, grated

1 bottle (12 oz.) Heinz chili sauce

6 oz. grape jelly

Directions:

Mix meat, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, and water all together. I then grate in the onion and potato too. Next, shape into small balls about 3/4 inches in diameter. Heat the chili sauce and grape jelly until they blend and bring to a low boil. Then drop the raw meatballs into the sauce and simmer, covered, for approx. 45 minutes. Again, these can be made ahead and frozen. They are quick, easy, and so good. The larger the pot the more balls you’re able to get in, so a large dutch oven works out best for this.

* serves about 8 – 10

*Some people have been known to throw a can of sauerkraut in the sauce, which is also delicious, but you hafta like that flavor. (Just saying…)

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Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, meat

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Mushroom Barley – Side Dish

Posted on October 7, 2011 | 10 comments

cookingwithcandioct7 003this is an old recipe of mine that I’ve played around with and made last night for this evening. it came out delicious. it makes a perfect side dish anytime of the year. not too difficult to make , takes a little playing around but pretty easy . i used Manischewitz egg noodles in a toasted barley shape this time. you can use pearl barley which is available in almost every supermarket out there. i have to say this product worked very well. Not exactly Mushroom and Barley?? but barley shape

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1  3/4 cup Pearl Barley or any kind you can find ( I used Manischewitz egg noodles in a toasted barley shape) it doesn’t have to be toasted it can just be regular barley shape noodles. I love to use this product , it’s usually found in kosher section.

1 lb. fresh mushrooms sliced

1/2 spanish onion chopped

2 – 3 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

i use a very little bit of vegetable oil ( maybe 1 tablespoon) and saute onions, then mushrooms till cooked down. i salt and pepper generously here. i remove the mushroom/onion mixture from saute pan, wipe the pan clean with a paper towel . melt butter or margarine in pan, brown the barley for about 4 – 5 minutes, move it around as you brown it. in the meantime transfer mushroom/ onion mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish (spray with pam) when barley is browned place in dish with mushrooms and onions and mix well. add 2 cups of chicken broth. cover with aluminum foil, and bake in oven covered at 350 degrees for app. 45 minutes. remove from oven, and add a little broth, depending on how dry it is, i would say i added about 1/2 cup , you may need to add more, add the 1/2 cup and mix well and see if you need more, not too watery, keep it dryer. cover, and i put it back in oven for 10 to 15 minutes. taste for salt and pepper. and there it is. very delicious.

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Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, sides, Uncategorized, vegetarian

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Another Noodle Pudding from Marcy

Posted on October 7, 2011 | 1 comment

firstly, thanks to my friend of many years Marcy Braun for this recipe, it is pareve and so it is a good alternative to the apricot one. This one would be fine served with meat, and still be rather yummy and sweet. It is a first time out for me. Enjoy it. It is very easy, and not so many ingredients. i just made it and it is delicious!!! thanks marcy 🙂

Marcy’s Pudding Ingredients: this is already doubled

1 pkg. wide or extra wide egg noodles (can also use yolk free)

1 cup sugar

1 stick margarine melted (you can use soy margarine, which is lactose free and works perfectly )

16 oz. can of crushed pineapple with juice

2 apples peeled, cored and cut into small little pieces

6 eggs (room temp. best)

1 tablespoon vanilla

cinnamon , enough to just sprinkle over the top lightly

Directions:

Cook noodles according to package directions. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. i usually beat eggs with vanilla in a seperate bowl first .Then add noodles ,mix well and pour into baking dish (9 x 13) is perfect. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes till it browns. Reheat it the day you are using it till it is cooked through for another 45 minutes . can be served at room temperature.

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Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, sides, Uncategorized, vegetarian

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Noodle Pudding with Apricot Nectar

Posted on October 6, 2011 | 1 comment

I’ve tried so many noodle puddings, but keep coming back to the same old , same old. they’ve been passed down in so many different incarnations. i don’t even know what the original one is anymore. this is my most favorite. also a perfect break fast food. can and should be made ahead of time, they hold together better.  we used to add apricot jam, but it really was overkill. we omitted it, and it is perfect just the way it is. thanks to karyn r. for this noodle pudding and for being such a great cooking buddy for as far back as i can remember.

1 lb. noodles ( i use extra wide egg noodles, you’ll need a bag and 1/4 app. just eyeball it)

1 cup sugar

6 eggs ( I use extra large and at room temp. just make sure they are not right out of fridge) they work much better when they are not right out of fridge in baking.

1 tbsp. vanilla

1 stick unsalted sweet butter(melted)

6 oz. cream cheese (softened at room temp)

1 1/2 cups milk ( I use skim plus) would not use regular skim milk

2 cups apricot nectar (available in most supermarkets)

Topping:

 

1 1/2 cups cornflake crumbs

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup sugar

1 stick butter (melted)

Directions:

 cook noodles. mix 6 beaten eggs with the tablespoon of vanilla in one bowl. in another bowl melt 1 stick sweet butter(unsalted)softened cream cheese, and milk. add the apricot nectar . mix all ingredients together and put in large pyrex type baking dish. mix topping ingredients together, put on top of noodle pudding. cook at 350 degrees for one hour.   i usually cook this ahead of time, cook for 1/2 hour and then freeze it till i am ready to use, take out of fridge bring to room temperature and bake it for another hour till brown on top and cooked through. noodle puddings are best if you let it sit a while (at least 15 minutes before serving) they hold together better that way. can be served at room temperature.

*serves about 12 – 15 people doubled

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Posted in breakfast, Holiday, Holiday Recipes

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More Break Fast: the all-time best Baked French Toast, I swear

Posted on October 5, 2011 | 6 comments

A few years back, my friend Ilene Stern turned me on to this baked french toast recipe. It is an absolute hit—an out of the ballpark hit. It is so totally decadent and delicious. I never have a single piece left over. It is just amazingly awesome. Once you make it, you will always make it. I make it twice a year: Mother’s Day, always; and if I make break fast on Yom Kippur it is on the table. It is the most perfect brunch item I know. The only down side is that you must refrigerate this dish overnight, and you can’t cook it until you’re ready to eat it. I have travelled with it uncooked and I just cook it when I get to wherever I’m going. So thanks, Ilene, and enjoy. If anyone out there has a better recipe or any ideas, I’d love to hear them.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup packed brown sugar (I usually use light but it doesn’t matter)

1 stick unsalted butter (I know, I know)

2 tbsp. corn syrup (I use Karo Original light corn syrup)

5 eggs (I warned you about the decadence…)

1 1/2 cups milk (You can use low-fat. I use Skim Plus but honestly, does it make a difference at this point???)

1 tbsp. vanilla

Cinnamon bread (I use sliced cinnamon bread from the supermarket. Almost every supermarket carries it. I try to get the thickest possible slices. If it is the thin kind, I stack it double.)

DIRECTIONS:

Melt butter, add brown sugar and corn syrup and combine well. Spray a 9×13 baking dish (Pyrex is perfect), pour butter mixture into baking dish and arrange bread slices flat in the mixture. (If they are thin, just double them one slice on top of the other. Unless the bread is 1 inch thick, you will be doubling the standard sliced bread.) Squeeze the bread to fit—it should hold 12 slices (6 doubled stacks), 3 on each side of a 9×13 baking dish. In a blender, mix eggs, milk and vanilla and pour over bread slices, covering them completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The bread will absorb all the liquid by morning, so if you need to travel with it, it won’t be slopping around. Uncover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. You can dust with powdered sugar, but it’s not necessary. Serve right from baking dish. Yum.  If you let it sit out too long before serving, the bottom may get hard like a praline candy. It never, ever, lasts long enough at my table for this to happen though.

*Serves 6-8. If you have healthy eaters, make 2 trays!

*Original recipe is from Mulberry Inn & Gardens Bed & Breakfast

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Posted in Baked Goods, Dairy, Holiday Recipes

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