Showing posts with label budget recipe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget recipe. Show all posts

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Simple Techniques Yield Big Flavor


Quite often it's not just the ingredients, but the preparation techniques that can really enhance the flavor of a simple dish. Take, for example, wild rice. I like it, but it can be a bit bland on its own. There is one simple technique that can make it more flavorful: toasting. While you're toasting the rice, toss in the seasonings. It's a tiny change, but will yield tasteful results!

This recipe is based on the package directions.

Toasted Wild Rice

1 c. Rice Select Royal Blend
1/2 t. salt (or to taste)
1/4 t. ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 t. butter or preferred oil
1.5 c. broth (may use meat-based or vegetarian)

Using a pan that's big enough to hold 3 cups, heat the pan until the bottom is hot. Add the rice and seasonings and toast until fragrant but not burnt. Add the broth (watch out for the steam!) and bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer. Cover and stir frequently until liquid is almost absorbed. Turn off heat and let steam, covered, until desired texture. Delicious on its own, as a side dish, or in a casserole.

Simple, but yummy!

What's cooking in your Savory kitchen?

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Ham It Up, Honey!

My family really, really likes ham!  I confess, however, that I just cannot bring myself to pay upwards of $8 per pound for the nationally advertised brand.  Hams are super-easy to cook.  Try this recipe!

10-ish pound fresh ham ( I really like Smithfield and MASH )
2 T. pickling spice
1 c. warm local honey
Water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Trim skin from ham.  Place fresh ham cut side down in a prepared (spray with Watkins Cooking Spray) roasting pan.  Warm the honey (microwave for a few seconds) then mix in the pickling spice.  Spread over the ham evenly.  Add warm water to the roasting pan to a depth of one inch.  Cover entire pan and ham with foil.  Bake for 17-20 minutes per pound (just under 3 hours for a 10-pound ham).  If you wish a crisper crust, baste with pan drippings about 30 minutes before end of cooking time and remove foil.  When cooking time is over, allow to rest for a while before slicing. 

If you want a glaze, strain the pan drippings (to remove the spice pieces) and cook until slightly thickened.

Serve on a bed of washed fresh kale leaves and garnish with fruit slices.

Beautiful, easy, luscious, and, best of all, $1.50 per pound!