Don’t you wish you could hit the pause button? The ability to stop time for a while would be a gift. When back to school arrives each year, it seems like time is going by too quickly. And the older I get, the faster it goes.
I know that routine is good, and soon we will be back into a busy schedule. It seems that the busier the family is, the more I get done. That includes spending more time on menus and baking.
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When the food is well organized, everything seems to go better.
Enjoy the last long weekend of summer, then prepare to meet the autumn head on.
Plum crumb dessert
Purple plums are only in season for a short time, so enjoy them.
10 large purple plums, pitted and quartered
1/2 c. packed brown sugar 125 mL
3 tbsp. flour 45 mL
1c. flour for topping 250 mL
1 tsp. cinnamon 5 mL
1 c. sugar 250 mL
1 tsp. baking powder 5 mL
1/4 tsp. salt1 mL
1/8 tsp. nutmeg.5 mL
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 c. butter, melted125 mL
a large bowl, mix the plums, brown sugar, cinnamon and three tablespoons (45 mL) of flour. Spoon into a greased two quart (2 L) baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and remaining flour.
Add egg and stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle mix over the plums and drizzle with the melted butter.
Bake at 375 F (190 C) for 40 to 45 minutes, until top is browned. Serves eight. Top with ice cream if desired.
Source: www.tasteofhome.com.
CHOhocolate zucchini cupcakes
have family birthdays that fall during harvest. These cupcakes are easy to deliver to the field to celebrate the special days and are great in lunches. The zucchini makes this treat moist.
1 c. oil 250 mL
1 1/2 c. sugar 375 mL
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla 5 mL
2 1/2 c. flour 625 mL
3/4 c. cocoa 175 mL
1 tsp. baking soda 5 mL
1 tsp. baking powder 5 mL
1/2 tsp. salt 2 mL
1/2 c. sour cream 125 mL
2 c. grated zucchini 500 mL
In a bowl, beat the oil and sugar. Once combined, add eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream until combined. Fold in zucchini.
Fill muffin tins three-quarters full and bake at 350 F (180 C) for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and frost if desired.
These cupcakes are good with no topping, but sprinkling chocolate chips on top before baking is a sweet addition.
Source: Simple and Delicious Magazine.
Creamy frosting
1 c. cold milk 250 mL
1 package instant chocolate pudding (4 serving size)
1 8 oz. carton whipped topping or 500 mL
2 c. stiff whipped cream 500 mL
Beat the milk and pudding mix, fold in whipped topping or cream.
Frost the cupcakes.
Skillet pasta with lemon chicken and vegetables
A Grade 11-12 food class prepared this dish for me. It uses fresh vegetables from the garden. Serve with fresh cut tomatoes and cucumbers.
2/3 c. chicken broth 150 mL
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
1 carrot, cut into thin strips
1 small zucchini, cut into small cubes
2 tsp. lemon zest 10 mL
3/4 tsp. oregano 3 mL
1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper 2 mL
1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch 7 mL
2 tbsp. lemon juice 30 mL
1 tbsp. oil 15 mL
2 tbsp. mayonnaise 30 mL
1 1/4 c. pasta shells 300 mL
Fill a large pot with water to cook the pasta. In a large skillet, combine the garlic and chicken broth, bring to a boil and add the chicken, carrot, zucchini, lemon zest, oregano, salt and pepper, then reduce the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about five minutes.
Combine the cornstarch with one tablespoon (15 mL) water and add to the chicken mixture. Add the lemon juice and oil, bring to a boil and cook, stirring for two minutes. Remove from heat and add mayonnaise. Set aside.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until tender. Drain and add to the chicken mixture in a large serving bowl. Toss and enjoy. Serves four.
Use your manners
As kids head back to school, parents usually send them out the door with a quick refresher in good behaviour. A recent study in the journal,Evolution and Human Behaviour,shows that a pleasant personality can help your career and work/ school relationships.
Research confirms that people who are considerate, consistent, positive and hard working are perceived as more attractive to the population.
Those who are rude, pushy or offensive are seen as less physically attractive.
Correction:A raspberry pie recipe printed on page 85 in the Aug. 19 TEAM column should include one small package of raspberry Jello, instead of raspberry juice.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and a member of Team Resources. Contact: team@producer.com .
