"Best of the Fair" Corn Dogs

If ya can't get to the Fair this year, you can easily make this most iconic state fair food of all time (they debuted at the Texas State Fair in the 1940's) at home. This shortcut recipe guarantees dogs that are juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside (and you won't have to stand in line for 45 mins. like I did on Thursday!!).
(serves 8)

Veg. oil
1&1/2 cups low-fat all-purpose baking mix, such as Bisquick's Hear Smart
1&1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 T. Sugar in the Raw*
1/4*-1/2 t. cayenne pepper
1&1/2 cups buttermilk
8 wooden round craft sticks
8 hot dogs

In a deep pot, heat 2" of oil to 375 on a deep-frying thermometer. Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, whisk together baking mix, cornmeal, sugar, and cayenne; stir in buttermilk until smooth. Pat hot dogs dry. Insert one stick lengthwise into each hot dog, leaving 1" to use as a handle. Holding hot dog by handle, dip and swirl into batter until well covered. Let excess drip off. Carefully add hot dogs to hot oil 2-3 at a time; cook turning if necessary, until golden brown on all sides, about 3 mins. Using tongs, remove from oil and drain well on paper towels. Serve with yellow mustard and ketchup.

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Love,

MM

Frozen Peach-Strawberry Shortcake Pie

This sweet treat has only 6 grams of fat. And, will be WELL received by the lucky ones to whom you serve it!! Like tonight while you are watching the game.
(serves 12)

4 cups peach frozen dairy dessert
1 pkg. (6 oz.) prepared shortbread pie crust
1 t. grated lime zest
1 cont. (14 oz.) strawberry sorbet, slightly softened
2 cups thawed frozen reduced-fat whipped topping
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 T. low-sugar strawberry preserves

Slightly soften 2 cups peach frozen dairy dessert, spread in bottom of crust. Cover with plastic wrap; freeze until firm, 1-2 hours. Stir lime zest into strawberry sorbet. Uncover pie; gently spread sorbet over peach frozen dairy dessert. Cover; freeze until firm 1-2, hours. Uncover pie. If desired transfer whipped topping to pastry bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe or spoon most of topping around edge of pie. Toss berries with preserves. Reserve 2 strawberry slices. Fill center with remaining berries, overlapping slightly. Pipe or spoon remaining whipped topping in center of pie; top with reserved berry slices.

"God's presence bring us comfort; our presence brings others comfort."

Have FUN today. Go HAWKS!!!!!!!

Love,

MM

Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here's a fun cookin' one!!
(makes one sammie)

One piece of focaccia bread, split horizontally*
Pesto (the one in the Costco Deli is VERY good*)
Slices of fresh ("wet"*) mozzarella
Campari tomato, sliced
Baby arugula
EVOO

Preheat skillet to med.-low. Lightly brush bread with oil. Spread pesto over both insides of bread. Top bottom slice with mozzarella, tomato slices, and arugula. Add the sandwich top and place sammie into skillet. Weigh down with a heavy skillet. Cook until golden brown, and cheese has melted. Carefully flip, and cook til browned, 3-4 mins. per side.

"I've opted for fun in this lifetime."

Love,

MM

Asian Pork Tenderlon Packets

Easy Peasy - ready in about 20 mins. Easy peasy clean up, too!!
(serves 4)

1 lb. pork tenderloin, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups thinly sliced organic* carrots
1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 med. red bell pepper, cut in strips
2 gr. onions, sliced
1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
2 t. spicy stir-fry sauce or Ponzu Citrus Sauce*
2 t. toasted* sesame oil
2 t. minced fresh ginger
4 12x12" sheets of foil

Divide pork slices and veggies and place on foil sheets. Mix sweet and sour sauce, stir-fry sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in a small bowl; spoon evenly over pork and veggies. Fold each foil sheet and contents into a packet, securing the edges tightly. Bake for 20-22 mins. at 450 or until pork reaches 160 and veggies are crisp tender. Serve with rice or orzo*.

"Be Kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."

Have FUN today. We welcome the rain!!

Love,

MM

Crockpot* Roasted Lemon-Herb Chicken

I made this yesterday with 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. It was insanely YUMOLA, and the aroma when I entered my house knocked my socks off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(serves 3-4)

2 t. Italian seasoning
1 t. Johnny's Garlic Seasoning*
1/2-1 t. lemon pepper
1/2 t. mustard powder
1/2 t. freshly* ground pepper
1/2 t. kosher* salt
6 T. fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or 4 b-less, sk-less chicken breasts
2 T. EVOO
1/2 cup water
2 slices of preserved lemons*
Softened kerrygold* butter*

Rub butter all over bottom and up sides of crockpot. Mix first 6 ingredients together in a small bowl. Season both sides of chicken well with spice mixture. Press down with fingers to adhere rub. Lay chicken in the bottom of crockpot. Top with lemon slices. Stir together lemon juice and oil, and drizzle over top. Pour water around the edges. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until an insta-read thermometer reads 165. Remove chicken and let rest, covered for 10-15 mins.

"The secret to having it all is believing you already do."

Have FUN today. I'm off to the Evergreen State Fair!!!! Gonna have a corn dog and a buttered corn on the cob!!!!

Love,

MM

Ham and Cheese Football Loaf

This is perfect for the Seahawks game Sat.!!!
(makes 4 cups)

1/2 lb. thinly sliced Black Forest* ham
1/2 med. sweet* onion, cut into wedges
2 cups (8 oz.) finely shredded sharp* cheddar cheese
2 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup chopped pecans
1 slice Swiss cheese
Assorted crackers

Place ham and onion in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Add cheddar cheese; pulse until blended. Add cream cheese; process until smooth. Shape cheese mixture into a football shape; press pecans into cheese mixture. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Cut Swiss cheese into strips; arrange over top for laces. Serve with crackers.

"Our words have the power to build up or tear down."

Have FUN today!!

Love,

MM

Amber Beer-Braised Steaks with Leeks and Gorgonzola Crumbles

Here's quick one with big, bold flavor for your 'buds. An easy camping one, too!!
(serves 4)

1 T. EVOO
4 lean steaks, such as filet mignon, about 5 oz. each
Montreal Steak Seasoning*
Kosher* salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 leeks, rinsed well, white and light green parts only, chopped
1 cup amber beer
1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet over med.-high heart. Season steaks with S&P and Montreal on both sides. Add steaks to hot pan; cook 1-2 mins. per side, until just browned. Remove steaks from pan and keep warm*. Add leeks to same pan, same temp. Saute 3-5 mins. until leeks are tender and golden brown. Add beer and broth; bring to a simmer. Return steaks to pan; simmer 4 mins. until steaks are medium rare or longer, to your desired doneness. Transfer steaks and sauce to serving platter; top with Gorgonzola.

"The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart." ~ Helen Keller

Have FUN out there today, and Welcome Home to Mr. and Mrs. Peep!!

Love,

MM