Tag Archives: #fresnocountylibrary

Time flies…..

So far, 2022 has been moving merrily (and rather quickly) along. The semester is almost done, the Wind Symphony has a joint concert on May 1st with the Air Force Band of the Golden West, and I’m counting down until May 13-15th when the National Garlic Festival will be held in Fresno. This food groupie would be very excited to have a way to talk with the chefs (Food Network and local) about what they are making with garlic.

We had a recent trip to Las Vegas for my birthday (separate post later this weekend), where we ate our way across the Strip on a foodcation. No spoilers, but I do have to give Hell’s Kitchen a double thumbs-up for great service, quality of food, and cost overall. We didn’t get to try any of the many gelato vendors though. We were so full from all of the planned meals that we had no room for anything else. I know, me pass up ice cream?! Next trip for sure.

I’m enjoying working with the doctor on my internship for the folklore archiving project. We have created the process from the ground up, and have had to overcome a few bubbles in the process. It is slower going than we both would like, but I’m learning a lot as we go. It looks like it will probably continue after the semester is over, and become a paid side-gig. After all of the work and progress, I would really hate for someone new to take over.

There are a few things planned for spring and summer. I’m going to be adding to the cookbook page weekly. I have to, because I forget which books I already have and sometimes wind up with duplicates. The Fresno County Library contracted with me for a couple of videos for summer meals that will be aired in July. If you miss the debut showings, they will be available on the library’s website and YouTube. I hope you pop in to watch; I am very happy with the dishes chosen.

Pie Milkshakes

Shake ’em if you got ’em. Leftover pie can be used in so many different ways. Breakfast with hot beverage is one way (shhhhh, don’t tell anyone), but you can always take that last piece of pumpkin or apple pie and make a delicious milkshake in just a few minutes. Add some rainbow sprinkles or shaved chocolate an you have a party!

Ingredients

1/4-1/2 cup cold milk (you can also use your favorite milk substitute)

1 cup vanilla ice cream

1 small slice of pie (or 1/2 a larger piece), cut into chunks

toppings (optional): candy sprinkles, shaved chocolate, whipped cream

In blender, place ice cream and 1/4 cup milk. Cover and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add pie chunks; cover and blend until smooth, stopping blender to scrape down sides if necessary. Add additional milk, a splash at at time, if the milkshake is too thick. Blend until smooth.

If the texture is too loose, add additional flour one tablespoon at at time. Mix well. You want

Pour into a fancy glass and top with candy sprinkles, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.

This recipe makes one shake, but you can easily double it to share with someone.

Stuffing Waffles

Stuffing or dressing is a standard side dish for turkey or other poultry. Often, once the meal is over and there are dribs and drabs of vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. What better way to make a completely new meal with what you have on hand? The best part is that you can use whatever is available.

Ingredients

2 cups leftover stuffing

1 egg

Chicken or vegetable stock, or water, as needed

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Non-stick spray or vegetable oil

Preheat the waffle maker.

In a large bowl, stir together the leftover stuffing, parsley, and egg. If the stuffing seems a little dry, add chicken broth or water a few tablespoonfuls at a time and mix until well combined. Continue adding chicken broth or water as needed until the mixture is well-moistened (but not soggy).

Grease the heated waffle maker with cooking spray or oil.

Scoop 1/2-3/4 cup of the stuffing mixture into the prepared waffle iron, spreading it evenly. Close the lid and let the waffle bake until golden brown and the egg is cooked throughout.

Transfer the waffle to a serving plate then repeat the filling and baking process with the remaining stuffing. Serve the waffles with turkey a la king gravy and enjoy.

NOTES:

Make sure that the vegetables in the stuffing/dressing are relatively small. This will ensure even baking of the waffle.

Don’t repeatedly open the waffle baker while the waffle is baking or it will pull apart.

Stuffing waffles take longer to cook than regular waffles, because the egg must be completely cooked throughout. Don’t be afraid to let the waffle bake until it’s golden brown and crispy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with topping with chili, cheese, pulled pork, or whatever is your favorite topping.

Turkey a la King

Turkey gravy is so delicious, and often you have a cup or two left over after a holiday meal. With just a few ingredient and 10 minutes you can create a whole new meal with it.

Ingredients

1 1/2-2 cups gravy (use whatever you have on hand, store-bought is ok)

1-1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables (if using green bean casserole, dice the green beans to bite-sized)

Chicken or vegetable stock, or water, as needed

1/2 tsp. mustard

3/4 cup diced turkey

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper, to taste

Drain the vegetables and place in a medium saucepan.

Add the leftover gravy, turkey, and mustard to the pan and heat on medium low. If the gravy is too thick, add broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time.

Heat until simmering, cooking constantly. You don’t want the bottom to scorch. Add Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.

Once everything is heated through, about 5 minutes, remove from heat.

You can use this to top mashed potatoes, savory waffles, potato croquettes (tots), or even a toasted roll.

Mashed Potato Tots

Have leftover mashed potatoes? Take them to a whole new level. This easy recipe can be put together in a short time, and you can have the kids help with shaping them.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 egg

1/4 cup flour

2 tablespoons chopped chives

1 tsp onion powder

panko crumbs

Mix mashed potatoes, egg, chives, onion powder, and half of the flour together in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.

If the texture is too loose, add additional flour one tablespoon at at time. Mix well. You want the consistency to be like clay. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 15 minutes. This will give the flour time to rehydrate.

Add panko crumbs into a bowl for rolling.

Using a small scoop or two teaspoons, drop spoonfuls into the panko and completely coat. Gently remove and shake off excess. Place on a parchment paper or wax paper lined baking sheet. You want to fill up the baking sheet, but the tots should not touch.

Using your fingers, press the potato cakes into a log shape. Place the pan into the freezer for at least an hour, and up to overnight.

When you are ready to cook them, heat up cooking oil to 350F, then add in 5-8 frozen tots into the hot oil. You don’t want to crowd them so they can cook evenly. Flip over after 3-4 minutes and cook until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Note:

You can make these ahead of time and only pull out as much as you need. Store them in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer.

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