Work...

Work really cuts in on my cooking plans. I worked yesterday, today, will work tomorrow, and then the next day. Cooking has to be put to the side. Sad day...

Recipe 2: Simply Simple

Thanks must, yet again, be given to my sister Shannon. If it weren't for her creative ideas I very well could have starved this afternoon.

Recipe 2: Simply Simple (for lack of a better and more creative name...)

Rice- white or brown
Frozen Peas

Sprinkle Cheese (also known as shredded cheese but I am too much like a child to call it shredded)

Everything in this recipe is added to taste. I used leftover rice from yesterdays Stuffed Bell Peppers. Put it in a bowl. Then I added about a half cup of frozen peas. Lastly, I added just a dash of water to keep the rice moist while in the microwave. Microwave on a normal setting for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle on
your cheese! (I like a lot of cheese!) And presto! A quick and simple lunch. Indeed, it was a life saver and got me through my classes.

My Rating: 7

And just a side note... leftovers for my dinner was amazing! Stuffed Bell Peppers reheat like a charm! And I have my first follower!!! Woohoo!

Recipe 1: Stuffed Bell Peppers

A special thanks must first go out to http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/ or just tastykitchen.com. Don't be afraid by the large array of recipes! Go there with something in mind and you'll never regret it! This site is great! And secondly, I must thank my dear sister Shannon for opening my eyes to the world the tasty kitchen!

Recipe 1:

Stuffed Bell Peppers
Added by Amanda Causey on July 15, 2009 in Beef, Main Courses
4.75 Mitt(s) 4 Rating(s)
Bell peppers stuffed with a rice, beef, tomato, and spice mixture.

Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 1 Hour
Difficulty Easy
Servings 4

Ingredients:

4 whole Green Bell Peppers
5 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Divided
1 piece Medium Onions
Garlic
1 pound Lean Ground Beef Almost a little too much...
1-½ cup White Rice, Cooked
1 can 8 Oz. Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
½ teaspoons Salt, Or To Taste
½ teaspoons Ground Black Pepper, Or To Taste
½ cups Ketchup
½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce I added a whole teaspoon.
1 dash(es) Tabasco Or 3! :)
½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
sliced mushrooms (canned or fresh)

Preparation Instructions:

Bring large pot of water to boil. Cut top off peppers and remove seeds.
Salt water and add peppers to boil 3 minutes.Drain, set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 350.
Heat 4 tbsp oil in large skillet over med heat.
Add onions and garlic, and cook about 5 minutes. This is where I added my mushrooms!
Add meat and cook until browned. Drain.
Add rice, tomato sauce, oregano, and season with salt & pepper. Mix well.
Drizzle 1 tbsp oil inside peppers and stuff with filling.
Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and 1/4 cup water in bowl, then spoon over filling.
Add 1/4 cup water to the baking dish. Bake for 40-50 minutes.

I decided to serve my stuffed bell peppers with corn, french bread, and banana peppers. All in all I think it turned out quite nicely. Prep was simple. On the money scale it took a bit more than I would have liked but that is because I had to buy spices and what not. Over time recipes will not be so costly.

My rating: 6

Eli's rating: 7

For me, to earn a 10, the recipe has to do wonders. Don't let my rating of 6 take you away from the yumminess!

And so here I go...

This blog will be a compilation of my successes and failures in the world of cooking. I am 21 years old and have not even begun to see the possibilies that can lie in cooking. Rice, pasta, chicken, and sauteed vegetable... this is the extent of my knowledge. I feel that I must branch out and learn. I need to experience new flavors and smells. Cooking, next to running, is the greatest stress reliever I have yet to find. Its peaceful, creative, and fun. If one can let go of the worry of messing up or what the outcome will be, then cooking turns into a place of reflection and peace of mind. Sounds kinda nice doesn't it?

And so here I go...

For anyone who chooses to entertain their brains with my recipes and my slightly off-kelter insites... THANK YOU! I am having fun!