I got home late last night from the DFW Writers Conference--you'll hear about that on Wednesday. I meant to write this last night, but was too exhausted. This morning my desk piled high with things I brought home, receipts, notes, etc. I need to organize and get ready for work. So when I looked for something to put out for dinner, the thought was FAST. Here's one of my favorites when crunched for time.
Turkey Soft Shell Tacos 1 taco per serving
1 lb turkey ground
1 can Jalapeño Tomatoes
1/4 cup onions chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
Shredded Cheddar Cheese.
In fry pan, spray with cooking oil. Cook turkey, onions and garlic until meat is browned. Drain and added the can of tomatoes. Once cooked it's ready to serve. I usually open a can of non-fat refried beans as a side, and I either warm the tortilla on the burner (flipping it after a couple of seconds--this is for you Lindsay) or in the microwave for 25 seconds on high.
1 serving - 6 oz. meat mixture in one tortilla spring 1 tablespoon of cheese and roll. 1/2 have cup of beans.
Total (taco and beans) Calories for serving 542, Fat 18g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 71mg, Sodium 1383mg, Carbohydrate 60g, Dietary Fiber 20g, Sugars 3g and Protein 36g.
Low calorie and fast, how can you beat that?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Mary's Idea of Fast dinner
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Trying something new
This is not cooking related, but all about the blog. Maybe it's not trying something new as much as combining the old with the new.
Starting Monday I'll continue to do my best to post Monday, Wednesday and Friday. But the change or comination is this:
Monday - Food, wine, travel, interviews, etc.
Wednesday - Writing related (After all I do aspire to be a writer when I grow up)
Friday - Food, wine, travel, interviews. etc.
I started the blog doing books and concert reviews with a bit of writing thrown in. Then I went to writing. And of course lately it's all about food, drink and travel. So...
I'm in Dallas / Fort Worth this weekend for the DFW Writers Conference. Sandra Brown is the Key Note speaker can't wait!
See you Monday, maybe I get in pretty late.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Another chowder day in the garden
Today I have a new Chicken recipe. Yeah we eat a lot of chicken around her. It's cheap, what can I say. And there is only so much you can do with a chop or a steak. Anyway I think I'm starting to figure out that I don't have to use all the spices in my cupboard on on everything, that it's okay to only use one or two.
12 oz. pkg. Corn (frozen)
3 med potatoes cubed
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1 stalk celery sliced
8 oz. Chicken - Cubed and browned.
1/2 cup onions chopped
4 tbsp. Butter
1/2 Jalapeño Chopped
1/2 cup shredded Cheese
1 quart half and half (fat free)
1/2 tsp Tarragon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp Savory
Add vegetables, cheese and half and half to Crockpot. Brown chicken lightly in butter, then pour into crock pot and stir. Grind spices to a powder and stir in. Cook on high for 2 or 3 hours, then turn to low for another 2 hours. If you'd like it a little thicker you can remove some of the liquid, mix until smooth with a table spoon of cornstarch then stir back in, about 45 minutes prior to serving.
1 1/2 cup serving. 323 Calories, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 6g, cholesterol 47mg, Sodium 273mg, Total Carbohydrate 39g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 13g, Protein 18g. Vitamin A 54%, Vitamin C 27%, Calcium 28% and Iron 6%.
Hope you enjoy! I served with a salad and some bread.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tools in the garden
Sorry not talking garden tools. A bit of my cooking history... When I was a toddler, teenager, in other words when I lived at home, my mom cooked. PERIOD. She prided herself on her cooking recipes and I could watch or help do the boring stuff, but when she cooked, her kitchen was her domain. Not that I'm complaining, we always had delicious fattening food, that went to my butt. on the table. I can only recall a few times when I didn't want to eat and my dad would say "Think of all the starving children in the world who would love to have what is on your plate." At which I would pick up my dish and offer it, "Here they can have it." Needless to say that never went over well.
However, I grew up. And I think I even dared say that once to my kids and I cringed and took it back quickly.
When I got married, I so didn't know how to cook. I'd ask mom for a recipe and she'd say stuff like, you just put a dash of this, or a pinch of that. Disaster. I'm not talking food. LOL. But my kids were perfect--don't tell them I said that.
Then I remarried and we both worked. All our kids lived with us, can you say 6 kids? 3 boys, 3 girls we were the Brady bunch with out Alice. Not to mention dinner time was different times for all. We ate a lot of pizza. After they grew up and moved on... Finally... I never wanted to see a pizza again. I'm just starting to enjoy it--sometimes.
Now it's just my husband and I. I am turning into my mother. I love to cook, though most the time I don't know what I'm doing. I am really enjoying trying new things. Except when they're inedible. I'm even turning the kitchen into my domain. My husband will wander in to pick at the food or offer help and it's all I can do not to point and say in a stern manner "Get thee gone from my kitchen, heathen." But I refrain and bite my lip, sometimes very hard.
Now that I'm really starting to cook seriously, I find I know nothing of the correct tools I need. Well other than the easy things like measuring tools.
So please help. What is your favorite kitchen tool? And what and how do you use it? I will keep you posted on my cooking journey's. Please share yours.
Remember I'd love to interview any of you, if you want to join me in the garden email and let me know.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Rice? In the garden?
I was determined to make Greek Lemon Rice. I researched spices, and other recipes and came up with my own. However, I need to admit it wasn't 'Greek Lemon Rice'. It turned out great though, but I've shortened the name.
Easy Lemon Rice 6 - 1 cup servings
1 14oz can of Low sodium / Fat Free chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup half & half (fat free)
3 tbsp. Butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cups Rice (Instant--yeah I'm lazy)
1/2 tsp Parsley
1/2 tsp Dill
1/4 tsp Pepper
1/4 tsp savory
In sauce pan melt butter and saute onion and garlic. Grind together spices/herbs and add to mix. Then add broth, juice and half & half bring to a boil. Add rice, cover and turn heat to low for 10 minutes. Mix thoroughly and serve.
1 cup serving 180 Calories, Fat 0g, Sodium 170mg, Total Carbohydrate 38g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 3g, Protein 6g. Vitamin A 3%, Vitamin C 6%, Calcium 8% and Iron 7%
Enjoy!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Curry in the Garden Again!
Yuppers, I love curry what can I say? So today is a side dish. You probably wouldn't want to serve it the same time as the chicken and rice dish I posted a few weeks back though.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Clams Oh yum!
Drum roll please! Here is the clam chowder I've been bragging about. I had a friend tell me that the spice blend tasted very similar to the lobster pasta I had a few weeks ago. And I'm appalled to concede that Bill is right about anything, but he's right. As I was saying last week, I need to learn to mix it up and not try to use all my spices in the cupboard at once.
2 quarts Half n Half (fat free)
2 10oz cans of baby clams (fresh is better if you can find them)
6 med. Potatoes cubed (with peal)
1 cup chopped onion
4 sticks Carrots cubed
2 stalks celery sliced
2 cloves chopped
3/4 Cup Flour
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp Pepper
1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Optional spices
1/2 Tsp. Thyme
1 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Sage
1/2 tsp Rosemary
1/2 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Tarragon
1/2 tsp Savory
Add all ingredients except flour and butter and spices in a Crockpot. Turn on high. In a bowl add all the spices you want to use and blend with a pestle. I used the entire blend it turned out very flavorful, however it wasn't your traditional clam chowder taste. So you may want to pick and choose them. Salt and Pepper is a must. Add spices to chowder and mix thoroughly. Cook on high for about 6 hours. Or until potatoes are tender.
Melt butter in a sauce pan and gradually stir in flour, scoop some of the chowder sauce out and blend in pan until smooth--be careful of lumps. Add to the chowder about 2 hours before done.
1 cup serving--300 Calories, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 40mg, Sodium 364 mg, Carbohydrate 39g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 13g, Protein 12g. Vitamin A 87%, Vitamin C 28%, Calcium 27% and Iron 40%.
If you try it, please post a comment and let me know how you like it. Enjoy!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Winners are in the Garden
Recap of the last three weeks:
January 24th was kick off day and introduction to my new release.
January 25th I invited everyone to join my Newsletter. Every time I have a new release all my newsletter members are eligible to be in a drawing for my new release. I added all who joined during my kick off.
Winner - Vivian Toy
January 26th Super Bowl Recipe contest.
Winner - Kate
January 27th Best fridge contest.
Winner - Slave Driver (Lisa)
January 28th Interview with my Friend Amy (no winner for this day)
Blog Tour from January 31st to February 11
Winner of Photo Album and signed Copy of Watching Jenny - Anne (Please contact me)
Winner of a download or print copy of Classic Murder: Mr. Romance - She (Please contact me)
Thank all of you, again. And Congratulations to ALL the winners. Just a side note, I do not draw any of the names. For fairness I put all the names, of everyone who participated in each contest, in a hat and let my husband draw.
Stay tuned for more recipes, wines, travel or whatever coming to the Garden! If you'd like to be a visitor and discuss your favorite of any of the above mentioned topic please email me.
Friday, February 11, 2011
In the garden for my final Blog tour day
It's not too late to participate for the giveaways. If you’d like to go back to the beginning here is the schedule. http://www.marymartinez.com/news.html#events Each blog a different question from the host. Sort of like a continuing interview. I will also have two giveaways you have until Sunday February 13th to comment on the blogs, and the winner will be announced on Monday the 14th! Details at the bottom on how you can participate.
Mary: When you’re not working or writing how do you like to relax?
Mary: Thank you, Mary, great question. LOL. Okay so I asked myself that. Here at the garden I love to post things about wine, food, travel and anything else relaxing.
I love to travel more than anything. To experience something new, and discover the food and flavor of the locals is my favorite. If I could I’d travel all the time, all over the world. I can’t list all the places I want to visit. You could say my bucket is overflowing on my list.
Lately since, I can’t obviously afford to travel all the time, I’ve been experimenting with recipes. And most of you already know that. Some have been successes, those are the ones I post and others have been terrible failures.
Here is a great side to go with steak and potatoes.
1/2 pound of fresh green beans, snip the ends, wash and place in a bowl.
add 1/8 cup chopped purple onion
Mix in a ceramic bowl
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Sage
1/4 tsp. Rosemary
1/4 tsp. tarragon
1 teaspoon Basil
Grind with pestle if you have one, or do the best with a spoon. Then add 2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar mix well and more over beans, let marinate for an hour or two, then fill pan with an inch of water and add steamer (not sure what it is called but you place it in the pan and the water should barely touch it) bring to boil and turn down to low and place vegetables in cover with lid and cook until tender.
Thank you all for following me on my tour. At the bottom there are instructions on how to participate--it's Not too late!
Here is a video (basically the blurb) for my new release Classic Murder: Mr. Romance
For an excerpt and to see the trailer visit my web site: http://www.marymartinez.com/mrromance.html
Everyone who participates and comments on half of the days will have their name in a drawing for a download of Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (or they can wait until it’s in print for a signed copy)
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Jerk in the Garden
Jerk? Not what you think, or maybe it is. I have a Jerk Pork Rub recipe today. One of the things I've learned, and not really by experimenting but because I have to prepare everything before work, is to let things sit in the fridge after mixing whether it's a rub or a marinate. It brings out the flavors more.
2 Boneless pork chops (or more depending on how many you need)
Grind the following together:
1/2 tsp. Ground Allspice
1/4 tsp. Ground clove (maybe a bit less, this is really strong)
1/2 tsp. Ginger
1/2 Tsp Thyme
1/2 tsp Crushed chili
Once in a find powder stir in:
1/4 cup chopped/minced onions
1 minced clove and then rub into the chops until coated generously. Let chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, then broil.
Suggestion: Serve with seasoned white rice and a vegetable--yes that is buttered Brussels sprouts you see. Very good!
I'm having such a good time playing in the kitchen I forget I really need to write or edit when I'm not working. What are your favorite hobbies?
Monday, February 07, 2011
Another edition of Sides in the Garden
Sometimes meat is just meat. Take a steak, other than, fry, broil and BBQ what else can you really do with one without ruining it? You can do something to enhance. But sometimes you just have steak for dinner and you need to be creative with the sides. Here are two sides that go awesome with steak. You may have seen variations or maybe you've done them yourself.
Easy dish first:
Sweet Potatoes
Slice up two medium sized sweet potatoes. Spray a cooking dish, then layer the slices with 1 tbsp Land of Lakes canola oil and butter spread and dashes of cinnamon. Cook in the microwave for 5 minutes on high or until tender. 1 cup of sliced potato would be 180 and then add in the butter.
2 Medium tomatoes sliced and then halfed
2 medium Zucchini sliced (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
2 cloves chopped garlic
In small bowl add the following:
1/2 Tsp. Pepper
1/2 Tsp. Sea Salt
1/2 Tsp. Celery Seed
1/2 Tsp. Thyme
1 Tsp. Basil
1/2 Tsp. Rosemary
1/2 Tsp. Tarragon
1/2 Tsp.Marjoram
1 tsp Crushed chili
Mix and grind in bowl with pestle or heavy spoon. Add 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and mix (almost a paste) pour over vegetables and mix thoroughly. Saute in pan on a little under medium heat until tender.
Calories 133, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 10mg, Carbohydrate 13g, Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugar 6g, Protein 2g. Vitamin A 56%, Vitamin C 90%, Calcium 4% and Iron 5%
Enjoy!
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Are you ready for the Game?
Going to a Super Bowl Party? Even if you're not here is something fun to have during the game. Jell-o Shots. One for each team!
3 oz. Box Lime Jell-o
1 cup Pineapple Juice
1 cup rum
Pour pineapple juice in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Pour over Jell-o and stir until dissolved. Mix in rum and stir. I use a small pitcher to mix it in to make it easy to pour into 2 oz. condiment cups. Then chill.
Go Steelers
1 cup Strawberry Daiquiri mix
1 cup vodka
(Use blue, green & red food coloring mixed in until as close to black as possible)
Pour Daiquiri mix in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Pour over Jell-o and stir until dissolved. Mix in Vodka and stir. Pour into 2 oz. condiment cups. Then chill.
Mine came out more purple, but if you don't look close. You can use grape jell-o but you'd have to change the mix.
Enjoy your party!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Appetizers in the Garden
I had some homemade salsa and thought mmm... What can I do with this for lunch? You know other than the regular chips and salsa. I rummaged through the fridge and here's what I came up with. And this would also be great cut into smaller pieces for a party as an appetizers.
1 tortilla
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I shred my own cheese)
1/4 cup homemade salsa**
Spread half the cheese over half of the tortilla. Spread the salsa over the cheese then sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the salsa and fold the tortilla. Cook on high in microwave for 1 minute.Cut in half and serve.
If you want to do them for appetizers you can do two or three and cut them into fourths for a platter full.
1 serving - 242 Calories, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 507mg, Carbohydrate 20g, Dietary Fiber 12g, Sugars 1g, Protein 12g. Vitamin A 12%, Vitamin C 19%, Calcium 29%, Iron 6%.
**Salsa
2 Med tomatoes finely Chopped (seeded)
1 Jalapeno finely chopped (seeds optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 clove finely chopped Garlic
Salt and pepper to taste.
You will have left over for chips.
Hope you enjoy.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Hot in the Garden
Is winter almost over? I wish! So we need a little spice, wouldn't you say. Well here you go.
Hot Sausage Meatloaf 3 servings (the left over serving is great for sandwiches the next day)
3/4 lb. Hot Sausage - Ground
1 Tomato chopped (seeded)
1 Jalapeno Chopped (seeds optional)
1/4 cup onion chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper chopped
1/4 cup sliced black olives
2 cloves garlic chopped
1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1/2 Tsp. Ginger ground
1/2 Tsp mustard ground
Heat over to 400. Spray oil on small loaf pan. Put meat and vegetables in bowl and mix with hands. Add spices to a bowl and mix, then pour over meat mixture and mix more. Shape into loaf and put in pan. Bake for 60 minutes.
Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, with a side of vegetables of your choice.
1/3 loaf (serving) Calories 383, Total Fat 30g, Saturated Fat 10g. Cholesterol 69mg, Sodium 1390 mg, Carbohydrates 10g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 5g, protein 21g, Vitamin A 16%, Vitamin C 57%, Calcium 6% and Iron 6%.
Sorry I forgot to take a picture. But it looked as delicious as it tasted. LOL.
