Pass the Chicken, Dumpling!

Yum!

Despite the heat, the RD and I found ourselves craving chicken and dumplings this week.  While it takes a bit of time to make (we spread it over a couple of days), it really hit the spot this evening.  Here's how I made it:

Don't let the heat put you in a pickle!

First batch!

For the past few years, my summers have developed a theme.  One year was the Yard Summer where I tried to get my new yard in order by planting roses and bulbs.  Then there was Bread Summer and I spent the whole summer learning to work with yeast.  Last summer was Garden Summer, with lots of peppers but scant few tomatoes.  This summer is shaping up to be Canning Summer.

Beat the Heat with Lemony Goodness!

Monarch butterfly on
butterfly bush.

The thermometer hit 102 today!!!!!!  The humidity makes the heat more intense, so I just go outside early--just after dawn--and come in by 9 or 10.  By that time I'm craving something cold and wet to drink.

Shrimp and Grits with a Healthy Twist

Yummy shrimp and grits!

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for ways to make yummy dishes more healthy.  Here's a great recipe from guest blogger Julia!

Eureka! Fluffy Biscuits!

It only took 45 years of trying!

For some unknown reason, I took on the biscuit challenge this week.  All of my cooking life, my biscuits have been flat and tough.  But this week, after several tries (and realizing my baking powder had gone flat), ta-da!  Success!  Serve warm with just about anything.

Chicot County Lemonade Pie

Time was when a family suffered a death, the neighbors would bring in one, if not several, meals to the grieving family.  Sadly, most people are so busy these days that it's difficult to find contributors.  Thirty years ago, however, my grandmother was the meal organizer for her church.  Her most-requested recipe was this refreshing frozen pie.  She viewed the organization of funeral meals as her own ministry:  she might not be able to preach, and she might not be able to sing, but she could call people to help provide a simple comforting meal for a grieving family.  I think she was right.

Chicot County Lemonade Pie

This pie was her most-requested contribution to funeral meals sent to grieving families in Chicot County, Arkansas.

6 ounce can pink lemonade

1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

4.5 ounces Cool Whip

9 inch graham cracker crust

Mix all ingredients--fold in Cool Whip last--and pour into crust.  Freeze.  Will keep up to two weeks.

Creative Cookery: Empanadas

Well, the RD (resident dragon) has been playing in the kitchen again.  The inspirations for this dish were leftover smoked pork and leftover pie crust.

The same technique could work with a variety of leftover meats, vegetables, and sauces.

Great for snacking, or for a light summertime dinner!