Kitchen Kimberley

Giving thanks every day!

2011-11-30T17:12:00.000-06:00

November has been a whirlwind, as it seems to be every year. Why is it that the older I get the faster time flies? I blink on the night of Halloween, and suddenly it is Thanksgiving. And then, Cyber Monday turns into Christmas Eve, in a snap!

Of course, in between those holidays I spend plenty of evenings in my recliner, reading cookbooks and dog-earring pages with recipes I want to try. So many recipes....so little time! But this year, I did try a few new ones for Thanksgiving. Like I say every year, I believe that we should all really stop and give thanks every single day, instead of just on that single 'third Thursday of November' each year. Why do we save all of those luscious dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole, and Pumpkin Pie for a holiday, when they can be made any time of year? Maybe when I start making those dishes year-round myself I'll be able to explain it to you.

Until then, I vow to start counting my blessings, and being mindful and thankful for what surrounds me in life. Here goes:
1. FAMILY:

My Daddy and my Big Sister Carol on her birthday. They are both cancer survivors, and for that I give thanks EVERY day!

Me, my Dad and big Sister Sam on Thanksgiving. I am thankful she could join us this year....all the way from Texas! I am also thankful that she peeled 5 pounds of potatoes for me, haha!

So thankful for my sweet hubby! 16 years of wedded bliss!

My friend (like a sister!) Foodie Judy! So thankful for the fun times we share!

2. It would take me an entire blog to show you all the people in my life for whom I am thankful, so I'm moving on to other blessings. Flowers! I love flowers, and I love to take pictures of them. These were taken in Alaska on a sunny day in June. I am thankful for the vacation that allows me to see these stunning flowers. Simple. Elegant. Amazing.

Tiptoe...through the Tulips!

Love these daisies! I am always thankful to see nature's beauty on display.

3. This year I finally got the much-needed kitchen makeover. New granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplash and accent lighting. Love, love, love my new office, ha! I spend most of my time here, and enjoy it more than ever. I worked really hard for this, and I am thankful that I waited for the prices on granite to come down!

Granite, tumbled marble backsplash, and new lighting...at last. Thankful!

Another glorious Oklahoma sunrise! What a way to start the day!

I am thankful for a well-stocked pantry, and for the ability to give to others in need.

I am thankful for this Butterball turkey, and for the 21 people who enjoyed it with me on Thanksgiving!

I am thankful to live in this great country, where we have freedom of expression, liberty and justice for all! I am thankful for those who serve our great country every day to protect us and to ensure that we continue to live our chosen lives. I am thankful for my health, and for the health of my family and friends. I am thankful for the opportunity to be self-employed, and to proudly represent great companies that I believe in and trust. I am thankful to be the Spokesperson for both Southwest Dairy Farmers, and for the Made in Oklahoma Coalition. I am thankful to wake up each day and be able to take care of my family, play with my food, and try to make others smile. I am thankful to live in the friendly state of Oklahoma, where people greet each other as though they were neighbors.

Oh, so many thanks, so little time. I am thankful.

Today I am thankful to you, for reading this blog, and I hope that you will also take a few minutes of your busy day to consider the people and things you count as blessings in your life. Tell the people you love how thankful you are for them. Make each day the best it can be, and be thankful.

With great thanks,

Kitchen Kimberley

Cookbook Giveaway!

2011-11-16T14:46:00.000-06:00

With only one week left before the biggest food holiday of the year, I decided to give away one of my cookbooks today! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year; I love gathering with my family and eating like there's no tomorrow, don't you?

With the right recipes, all of the food can be fabulous! This year, as always, many of my Thanksgiving dishes will come from my latest cookbook, Fabulous Foodie Favorites: Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!

On the menu at my house this Thanksgiving, will be the following 'Fabulous Foodie Favorites':

Cappuccino Brunch Punch (ice cream and coffee...need I say more?)
Cinnamon Roasted Almonds (can be made several days ahead)
Apple Pecan Crunch Salad (crunchy, creamy, tart, sweet...heaven!)
Sally's Pistachio Salad (also known as Watergate, and 'Fluffy Stuff' at my house)
Country Cornbread Dressing (it wouldn't be Thanksgiving to me without it!)
Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes (creamy, buttery, delicious-ness)
Roasted Turkey Breast with Herbed Butter (I will likely make 2 of these)
Pecan Pie (made with Griffin's waffle syrup...oh my!)
Sweet Potato Pie ('nuf said)

And those are just the dishes from my latest cookbook...there are other dishes to be made, as well! With all of these foods, it is hard to pick just one favorite, but I have to go with...

Apple Pecan Crunch Salad!

So...what is your favorite food on Thanksgiving?

Tell me in the comments section for your chance to win your very own copy of 'Fabulous Foodie Favorites: Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!'

Entries must be received by 12:00 midnight CST on 11/16/11. Winner will be selected at random, and notified via Facebook on 11/17/11. Thanks for your entry! Happy cooking!

You can take a closer look, and get your own copy of my book here on Amazon.com.

Caramel Apple Pork Chops

2011-11-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as I stood in my pantry looking for inspiration, the new gallon of Apple Cider jumped up and down on the shelf and started yelling "pick me! pick me!".....okay, not really. But, it was the bit of creativity I needed to start my day rolling. Doesn't everyone begin their day in the pantry? I'm just strange that way, I suppose!

At any rate, with the gallon - o - cider in hand, I strolled over to the freezer to see what might be just waiting for the big thaw. Lo and behold, there were 4 bone-in pork chops eagerly awaiting their time in the microwave. Minutes later, I had a pan full of perfectly thawed chops ready to be marinated and cooked up into a delectable dinner!

So, I poured a bit of that fresh apple cider over the chops and added a splash of soy sauce. Both liquids were used for both their flavor and tenderizing abilities. After adding the soy, I also thought that a splash of apple cider vinegar would have done the trick, too. But, afterthoughts in cooking are simply useless. Maybe next time!

After a nice long soak in the marinade all day, I drained and discarded the liquid and returned my chops to their baking dish. See how pretty? All sprinkled with salt and pepper!

Please note: Serious foodies will find beauty in any food, including raw pork chops.

If you're a serious foodie, then this one's for you! Are you ready for your close up?

Yeah, baby! I love to see some 'marinated, salted and peppered' pork chops!

Next, the good stuff: BUTTER...REAL BUTTER!

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, to which we'll now add some chopped onion:

After a few minutes, it gets nicely golden brown, and the onions are tender. Now, these onions are the savory element to our 'Caramel Apple Sauce' that will make these the best-dressed pork chops on the block. Savory -- to balance the sweetness of the....wait for it...

1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 more tablespoons of real butter. Because life is short, and real butter is one of life's many culinary pleasures.

When it comes to brown sugar, for this recipe, I like to use Dark Brown Sugar! Did you know that brown sugar is simply granulated sugar that has been coated (typically sprayed) with molasses? The Dark Brown Sugar has more molasses coating than the Light Brown Sugar, thus having more flavor. And, more flavor is always good. So I often pull out the jar with the Dark Brown Sugar:

Labels...I love them!

Look at this little pool of brown-sugary, buttery, oniony goodness! Oh, my, goodness!

Next, we're on to the apple portion! Apples are so golly-gosh darn delicious right now, that I can't seem to eat enough of them. And since 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away', I figured we'd use two. One is better than two, right?! I chose a Honeycrisp and a Granny Smith, just for flavor variation.

Question: If someone crossed those two apple varieties, would the result be a HoneySmith or a CrispGranny? I probably shouldn't wonder these things...

That's Granny on the left, and Honey on the right. Hey Honey!

Chop 'em up and throw 'em in the pan. I don't peel them, because I want the nutrients and added fiber from the apple peel...and they're pretty.

Now is a good time to add some cinnamon and nutmeg. I love, love, love this Cinnamon from Pampered Chef. My friend 'Cooking Sherrie' told me about it, and it's fabulous! It's from Indonesia, and has a very bold, yet clean cinnamon flavor. Love, love, love it!

I also added a handful of golden raisins, because I knew that the apples would give off some natural juices, and that the raisins would plump up beautifully in the natural apple juices. Nice texture!

Now, you simply pour this mixture over the pork chops in your pan, and place them into the preheated oven at 350 degrees. Cover for the first 25 minutes of baking, either with foil, or the lid...if your dish has one, like this:

After 25 minutes of baking, carefully remove the lid and sprinkle with a bit of brown sugar, and pecans. Then bake, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes.

45 minutes is a long baking time, but necessary for the pork chops to be tender and juicy.

Also necessary, is a snack before dinner. Trick-or-Treat!

We didn't have enough Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween, so now I'm forced to eat the remaining candy. Can you hear me crying? What? You can't? Hmmm...wonder why! (wink, wink)

Dinner's ready! Come and get it!

Caramel Apple Pork Chops served over Orange-Scented Rice (that sounds all cheffy and fancy, but it's really just the zest of one orange grated into 2 cups of rice which has been cooked in chicken broth. Yum!) with a side of buttered corn and fresh red grapes. Yes, I know...rice + corn = double starch, but we were craving corn! The sweet and tender apples from the pork are a side dish of their own, and they were delicious! The whole thing got rave reviews from the hubby, and we'll definitely have this one again. In a nutshell, it was a beautiful combination of fall flavors and textures. Tender pork with a hint of apple flavor from the cider, with juicy and sweet apples, chewy raisins and crunchy pecans. A delight for the tastebuds!

Hope you enjoy it, too!

'Til we eat again...happy cooking!

Caramel Apple Pork Chops:

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops

1/4 cup apple cider

1 tsp. soy sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup butter, divided use

1 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg

2 apples, cored and chopped

2 tbsp. brown sugar, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

Place pork chops in baking dish; cover with apple cider and soy sauce. Cover and marinate for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight. Drain and discard marinade, and return chops to baking dish.

In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp. of the butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, and remaining 2 tbsp. of butter; cook until mixture is blended and smooth. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and chopped apples; stir to coat well and evenly.

Pour apple mixture over the pork chops in baking dish. Bake, covered, for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover, sprinkle with brown sugar and chopped pecans; bake for 20 additional minutes.

Enjoy!

Trick-or-Treat!

2011-10-31T11:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! Today is the official beginning to a very festive remainder of 2011. As soon as the door closes after the last trick-or-treater, it is time to plan for Thanksgiving. (I personally have already selected a few new recipes to try this year!) Then, after the last bite of turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie is devoured, we will decorate the tree and shop till we drop on December 24th! It all passes at warp speed, so I hope that this season we will all slow down a bit and take time to enjoy every step along the way.

Starting with tonight! Trick-or-Treat! I bought the really, really good stuff this year, just in case we have any leftovers. Butterfingers are my favorite, but I do love those little York Peppermint Patties as well; those are great with a glass of milk. Okay, anything is great with a glass of milk! I love milk!

Tonight can't get here fast enough for me! Since I don't have any children of my own, it's a special treat for me to see the neighborhood cutie-patooties all dressed up in their adorable costumes! As soon as that doorbell rings, I will jump up to welcome all of the little ghosts and goblins!

Look! I have already 'decked the halls' for fall, y'all! Fall is my favorite time of year, and I am always eager to get out the decorations and sprinkle colorful touches of golds, reds, and pumpkin throughout the house. Starting at the front entry, I decorate my antique buffet with candles, pumpkins, leaves, and fall fruits.

This little pumpkin is a new treasure that I picked up in Silver Dollar City when I was working at the Culinary School there a few weeks ago. It reminds me to be thankful, not just on Thanksgiving, but all throughout the season. Not the I need the reminder. I just couldn't pass it up -- it's too cute!

In the dining room, I tend to go 'overboard' with the fall decorating, but I believe that it's the most important area to 'dress up' since it's where I will welcome my guests this season. My dining room buffet gets embellished with sprigs of berries, leaves, and other unique touches to make it feel more festive and warm. This white pitcher is a great example of how you can adapt your traditional items for the seasons. In the summer, this was filled with fresh cut daisies from the garden. Simple, yet elegant and special.

On another shelf, I added some colorful winter squash that is lovely as decor now, but in a few weeks...they will make a delectable side dish on a chilly evening. Practical and pretty...love it! Again, tucking in a few sprigs of berries and ears of Indian corn adds a festive touch.

For overnight guests, there are some whimsical decorations in the guest room to add a warm welcome!

I hope that I've inspired you to add a few splashes of color and whimsy to your home!

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Southwest Dairy Farmers

2011-09-20T15:27:00.000-05:00

Breaking 'Foodie' News! I am excited to announce that I am now the Spokesperson for Southwest Dairy Farmers! You know my love for all things dairy, so this job is the perfect fit for me!

For the last month I have been hard at work developing recipes that make the most of dairy products, including milk, cream, butter, cottage cheese, every kind of cheese I can get my hands on, and oh yeah...ice cream! Lots of ice cream! It's a tough job testing milkshakes, but I'll suffer through, haha!

Aside from recipe creation, I have also been busy taping lots of cooking videos that will soon debut on the Southwest Dairy Farmers website. I'll let you know as soon as they are available so you can try all of my new and 'dairy delicious' recipes. I had a great time at the video shoot, as you can see...

For three days, I worked very hard, but my sous chef worked hard, too:

That's 'Sous Chef Sherrie' icing the Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Brownies before we started filming that segment. Pardon the cameras and other equipment...it really was a video shoot! It's not my kitchen, as you'll notice. Notice that Sherrie and I have the same stance as we work...we are 2 peas in a pod!

And no...this is not my closet, but I did get a lovely wardrobe!

This is the other side of the huge closet. I really wanted to move in here!

Here is Chef Tiffany Poe, our food stylist. She was fun to work with, and she made the food look amazing!

There was also a fabulous makeup artist / hair stylist, an incredible production crew from Flying Colors TV, as well as an amazing still photographer and a whole slew of other experts that made it all happen smoothly. It was an awesome experience, and I look forward to sharing the videos and still photos with you very soon!

Southwest Dairy Farmers represents over 500 hard-working dairy farming families across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico and Montana. I'll be appearing at various events in these states to help promote the health benefits of dairy, and to encourage everyone to get their 3 daily servings of dairy.

Last week I shared several 'dairy delicious' recipes with the big crowds at GrapeFest in Grapevine, Texas. It was the 25th anniversary of this event, the largest wine festival in the Southwest, and it was a huge success!

This weekend I will be teaching two (1-hour) classes at the Silver Dollar City Culinary and Craft School in Branson. My theme will be 'Branson Brunch', and on the menu will be my Cappuccino Brunch Punch, Tiny Cream Cheese Biscuits with Strawberry Butter, Farmer's Breakfast Pie, and two fluffy fruit dips -- Caramel Apple Fruit Dip, and Luscious Lemon Fruit dip. In a word, yum! It will be a fun class, and I hope to see you there! Here's how you can attend:
http://www.sdcculinarycraftschool.com/classes/detail.aspx?id=110

Next up is the State Fair of Texas, in Dallas on October 8th. There's a big (OU-Texas) game that day, and kick-off just happens to be at the same time as my first cooking demonstration, 11:00 a.m. I am planning to share some great football foods, made with lots of dairy, of course.

I will update my website to include my upcoming appearances, and hope that everyone will enjoy my 'dairy delicious' recipes!

Until we eat (cheese) again...happy cooking!
Kimberley

Catching up!

2011-07-15T14:22:00.000-05:00

Howdy! Hope you're all staying cool as cucumbers!

It has been a while since my last blog entry (where does time go?!) so I figured we should catch up on things. Oh...where to begin? With food, of course!

Food is always at the forefront of my mind, and if you'll pardon me for saying so, for the last 10 years it has also ended up on the forefront of my thighs and hips...well, until recently, that is. You see, dear hubby and I started the "17-Day Diet" back in May, and we've changed our eating habits, and changed our lives! To date, my sweet Terry has lost 26 pounds, and I have lost 12 pounds. That's 38 pounds between the two of us, and we haven't even been 100% true to the diet at all times. For us, minor changes have turned into major results! We both feel so much better, lighter, and more energetic, that it has completely transformed our lives!

Of course, the 17 Day Diet book is available on http://www.amazon.com/, as well as many stores, including WallyWorld. You can also 'Google' it to find a variety of websites and blogs that will tell you more about the diet. It truly doesn't feel like a diet, and we don't think of it that way. We're simply making better choices based on the book, and watching the weight drop! It's too much for me to explain here, so I thought I would show you instead. Here goes:

Here is a simple breakfast parfait made with Weight Watchers Berries 'n Cream Yogurt, fresh strawberries and blueberries. Simple...delicious...filling.

If you don't want to go to the trouble of making a parfait, it's just as delicious when served in a bowl. Or, simply top your morning cereal with fresh berries and enjoy!

We also enjoy many breakfasts of two eggs topped with chives and Parmesan cheese with and fresh fruit (think vine-ripe tomatoes) alongside. Spectacular!

Yes, I like my eggs cooked over-medium....yum!

For lunch, we have beautiful and refreshing salads like this one:

Crunchy romaine lettuce, red onion, blueberries, red grapes, Feta cheese, and a light drizzle of fat-free Poppy Seed Dressing...yum! Plus grilled chicken on top = divine! It's also a great dinner!

As with any diet, we drink lots of fluids, including Iced Green Tea! We haven't had a sip of soda for months and we attribute much of the weight loss to that fact alone. My tummy hasn't been this flat since I was 21 years old! Seriously. It's working for us! Finally...something easy that really works!

Disclaimer: This is not a paid endorsement or advertisment for the 17 Day Diet. I am simply sharing my personal experience of what has worked for my hubby and me. Contact your physician prior to starting any diet or exercise program. Thank you for your attention.

More later...for now I am off to enjoy a nice bowl of cool, refreshing cantaloupe! Enjoy the fruits of summer!

Are you on the 17 Day Diet? I would love to hear about your experience, as well!
Happy cooking!
-Kimberley

Brown Food is Good Food!

2011-02-21T23:03:00.001-06:00

Mondays can be a challenge for a variety of reasons, but today was an especially challenging Monday for me. (Stick around...I'll get to the food, I promise!)

Let me begin by saying that my sweet Terry is rather ill with that awful stuff that's going around. And at 2:00 in the morning, when I got up to get him another dose of our 'coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever, so you-can-rest medicine', my blurry blue eyes came into focus on the expiration date, which was...well, let's just say 'prior to Feb 2011'. Oops! No wonder it wasn't helping him...poor thing!

Tip of the Day: Check the expiration dates on all medications, especially before you really need them!

So, I began the day with major lack of sleep (I was up every two hours with my sick baby, I mean, my sick husband). Seriously, it was a two cup of caffeine kind of day for me...a coffee and then a cappuccino!

I can handle the lack of sleep, but for me, there are few things in life worse than a sick husband. It breaks my heart that my sugar-pumpkin-lumpkin doesn't feel well, and I can't make it all better! Of course, first thing this morning I went to our local pharmacy and got the medication he needed; he is feeling a bit better now, but still deserves his fair share of pampering until he is 100% well.

Pampering always includes what we call 'mood food' so tonight Terry got to select anything he wanted to eat for dinner. While I waited for his 'special menu request', I was preparing myself for a time-consuming, labor-intensive, five-course meal, complete with never-ending dishes to boot. Then, as I was going through the options with him, his eyes lit up -- and then he popped the question. (No, not that question....that question was popped sixteen years ago!)

This question:

"Do we have any frozen hush puppies?" Hush puppies? Seriously? Yes, honey, we have hush puppies!

"That sounds good to me." Okay sugar...you got it! How about the main course?

"Do we have any fish or shrimp? Any potatoes?" Yes, yes, and yes! And thus the meal was born!

My kitchen is considered a 'no-fry zone' which means I will not fry anything at home. I repeat -- I will NOT fry anything at home. If we want to eat fried food, we have to go to a restaurant. That's my way of helping us eat healthier. We have to work for it! So far, it has worked for us, and I have never fried anything.

Kinda sorta.  Technically, when I buy frozen breaded shrimp or beer-battered tilapia, or hush puppies, or french fried potato crowns, they are fully-cooked (read: fried) by someone else, and all I have to do is heat them in the oven.

That's baking. That's baking fried food. Not frying fried food.

Please tell me I am correct in my belief that I am not frying food...please.

Thank you for that...whew! I feel so much better now. Hubby will feel much better after his 'baked-fried' meal, too. Here goes!

Look at that pan - o - brown, would ya'?! That is a pan full of brown food! Brown 'mood food'! Mmm!

One of my favorite Food Network hosts, Chef Anne Burrell, always says that "brown food is good food" but I don't think this is what she means! In fact, I know it's not what she means, but tonight...this brown food is good food. The challenge will be how to make it look a little more...shall we say, presentable? After all, we do eat with our eyes first. Even when we're feeling under the weather, and have itchy, watery eyes! So...here goes. (Knowing that my husband won't care what the food looks like, I still make the effort, 'cause I love him that much!)

Special, fancy, white plate. Good start. 'Cause when you're sick, you need to feel special!

Shingle the fish. (Shingle is a fancy-shmancy-cheffy food term that means 'lay the food on the plate like shingles on a roof...to make 'em look real purdy')

Pause to think about what to do with the potato crowns and the hush puppies, and then just get them on the plate. He really doesn't care what the food looks like, but I still get an 'A' for absolutely trying my best!

Enter my secret weapon for embellishing golden-brown food. Heinz Ketchup. Not just because my Father-In-Law retired from Heinz, but because of ... wait ... wait for it...

(Anticipation!) No really, sing it! Remember their jingle? Sing it with me!

Anticipation, Anticipa...yay...tion...is ma-kin' me wait!

I love that jingle! Good thing, because it's one of those jingles that sticks with me. For days. And weeks. Until I find another jingle that sticks. For days.

Schlotsky's is a good jingle for when you need a good jingle distraction. Remember that one? I'll sing it for you.

Another day!

But the Heinz really works to jazz up the presentation, don't you agree? My Terry's a 'food drizzler', so his ketchup gets drizzled over his baked, not fried, fish. But that still isn't enough, because the baked, not fried, potato crowns will be jealous if they don't get bathed in some tomato-y goodness of their own. Tomatoes are good for the heart, you know?

Ta-Daaa! Brilliant! A special heart-shaped pool of ketchup-y goodness for the potato crowns. (I do play with my food for a living, remember? No one told me not to draw with ketchup on my plate when I was little. I'm glad. It sure is fun. You should try it sometime. Really.)

And awwww....that's sweet! That makes it all better!

For me, just a regular old everyday plate, with a pool-o-ketchup for dunkin' and a pool-o-tartar sauce, 'cause I love me some tartar sauce! My plate just gets a pool-o-sauces', because I'm not a sauce 'drizzler', I'm a sauce 'dunker'.

And if you look really close, you'll see the chip on my dinner plate on the right side. Don't feel a bit sorry for me, I'm ordering new dishes next in a couple of days with my birthday money (from January!). For a long time I've been looking for a set of white porcelain dinnerware, and I finally found a really nice one on sale at JCP.com. I'm waiting to order them because my $10 coupon is not in effect until the 23rd. Yep. I'm waiting to save $10.00, because $10 saved is $10 earned.

Plus, my Mama taught me to save whenever I possibly can. She was a very wise woman. I really, really miss my Mama.

And I certainly do save whever I possible can. I'm a frugal foodie.

Hmmm...Frugal Foodie...that's catchy...I'll have to remember that one! 'I'm Kitchen Kimberley, the Frugal Foodie'!

Am I thinking out loud? It feels like it to me. It must be getting late. I should 'wrap'.

"Okay, people, that's a wrap!" By the way, no one really says that in TV...at least I've never heard it.

To sum it up, tonight's dinner was indulgent, quick, easy, tasty, and satisfying to the congested taste buds of my illin' hubby. He managed to eek out a couple of 'mmm's with his very deep, low, congested voice, which I hope will be back to normal tomorrow. If not, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is on the menu, and we'll blog about it then!

Until then, I'll be counting my blessings, and counting the minutes until I can cook another meal!
Remember...cook, eat, smile, repeat!
Kimberley

p.s. See? I am just a real person! I'm really just...plain old me! If I were trying to be anything other than the 'real me' that I am, I would have shown you this picture of my plate, without the chip. That's just the kind of foodie I am. A real one. With chipped plates and all. And new ones on the way soon!

Pork on a Fork. My Blue Plate Special!

2011-02-18T11:33:00.000-06:00

Two days without water in my kitchen gave me severe cooking withdrawals! Thanks to a water main break, and then a kitchen faucet that broke after getting clogged with the junk from the water main break...well, let's just say I got a new kitchen faucet and a new appreciation for clean running water!

Yay! Running water!

Allow me to pause for a moment to say that it's times like these that make me realize how much I really do take our 'life luxuries' for granted. Luxuries like running water. And filtered running water. And my personal favorite -- instantly hot filtered running water. Yep -- we're pretty spoiled in the country we live in, and I promise not to take it for granted again! It would take me all day to list all of our 'life luxuries', so I'll just stop for a moment to be thankful and then move on to the food.

I am thankful. I am so very thankful. We live in an incredible, free country. With many life luxuries, including food. And many luxurious foods. I love luxurious foods! When I don't have them, I crave them. And for the last two days, I have been craving them; specifically -- one of our favorites -- Chicken Lickin' Pork Chops! (I am drooling at the mere thought of them...oh how I miss them already!)

The food transition was quicker than I thought it would be. For that, you are thankful, right?   You're welcome!

Say it with me, friends -- Chicken Lickin' Pork Chops! This old-fashioned recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down through the generations. It is truly comfort food.   It makes you feel better.

Like a hug from a pork chop.

It is simply bliss on a blue plate.

Heaven on a fork!

Especially when snuggled up close to the creamy, rich, chicken-y rice mixture that goes along with it.

Heaven.

On a fork. Mmmmm....you gotta (bad English, sorry!) try this one very soon!

In a skillet, melt a little (2 tbsp.) butter-flavored shortening over medium-high heat. It MUST be butter flavored, or it won't be the same. Trust me...you want the BUTTER flavored shortening. Did I mention that the shortening really should be butter-flavored?

While it's melting, mix together 1/4 cup flour, 2 tsp. garlic salt and 1 tsp. ground mustard in a zip-top bag. (Easy clean up -- yay!) I grind in a little fresh black pepper, too, to taste. I like black pepper. On everything, not just on pork chops.

Place the pork chops in the flour mixture and coat evenly. As you can see, I used 2 boneless pork loin chops because I was just cooking for 2, but the recipe calls for 4, and you can use bone-in chops, too.

Shake off the excess flour mixture and (using tongs!) carefully place chops into the hot shortening. Brown on each side to get a nice, crispy crust, about 4 mintues on each side.

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low, and add one can of Campbell's Chicken with Rice condensed soup, and half of a soup can of water. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Nooooo peeking!

Basking in the aroma is allowed, but no peeking!

At this point, the whole house will smell fabulous. Kind of like...fabulous fried chicken, only better! Feel free to open a window and tease the neighbors with the delicious aromas. Just be ready for company, and don't say I didn't warn you!

While the pork chops are simmering away and getting melt-in-your-mouth tender, it is a good time to either make 4 cups of your favorite rice and steam some veggies to go alongside. I also made a scrumptious Pear Salad, which makes a nice pairing to the dinner. Hmmm...a pear pairing...not sure what to do with that one.

Since it was just hubby and me, I simply added a handful of instant brown rice to the simmering liquid about 10 minutes before it was all done. Oh...my...goodness gracious! Pork on a fork never tasted so good!

Ta-daaaa!

See how the instant rice absorbed most of the liquid? The rest of the liquid is like a scrumptious chicken-y gravy!

And for this dinner....

Pear Salad...up close and personal!

I am thankful!

Hubby was thankful, too. So thankful that he did the dishes! Then I was thankful, again!

Quote for the day: Life is good when there's pork on your fork, especially when it's in the form of Chicken Lickin' Pork Chops.

This fabulous recipe is from my new cookbook, Fabulous Foodie Favorites: Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!

Now, also available in the Kindle Edition for only $2.99

Until we eat again...happy cooking!
Kimberley

p.s. Although they tried, the chocolate chip cookies did NOT get to me last week. But the Dove Dark Chocolates I got for Valentine's Day...now that's a whole other story!

The official unveiling of my new site!

2011-02-10T10:37:00.000-06:00

Ta-Daaaa! My new website is here! It has been on my mind for well over a year, and on my to-do list for almost as long. Thanks to the Blizzard of 2011, I found the time to create a new site that will continue to evolve and improve daily. See? Good things can come from tons and tons (and tons) of Oklahoma snow!

Welcome to my 'Snow-klahoma Kitchen!

It is my personal 'foodie' mission to provide my visitors with tasty and healthy recipes to enjoy with family and friends. Great food simply brings people together, and I am here to make that easy for ya'! Easy and healthy. And tasty. And easy. Did I already mention easy? Sorry. It's pretty important to me, since you're so busy with all that life-stuff. Ya' gotta eat, so why not enjoy every bit of it?! Every bite of it! I am here to help in the 'foodiest' of ways! I sure hope my high school English teacher doesn't read this. She would not be pleased, I'm sure. (In high school, I would have been 'fer sure, fer sure!' but pardon my Valley Girl reference, won't you?)

Three-Way Chili...yum!

Check out the new stuff I have for you! Restaurant Reviews! Mini-Meals! So grab a cup of coffee and sip a while. And read a while. Then sip some more. And read some more. From work or home, I am always there for ya'! With lots more coming daily, so check back. Tell all your friends! Friends always appreciate good food!

Submarine Salad...yum!

Oh, and there's even a new 'contact' form so you can let me know what you think! I welcome your feedback! Feedback. See? It's all about food!

Until we eat again...remember! Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!
-Kimberley

p.s. The last thing I ate was an Ambrosia apple with a smidgen of Chunky Peanut Butter...yum!

p.s.s. Next on my menu -- baby carrots dipped in roasted red pepper hummus...yum!

p.s.s.s...I have to plan accordingly because the chocolate chip cookies I baked last week are begging me to put them on a plate in the microwave and pour a tall glass of icy cold milk while they heat to gooey, chewy perfection. I cannot do that. I am going to eat healthy today. Please! Save me from the cookies!

HeHeHe...just wait until she's hungry this afternoon!

Terrific Turkey Chili - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |

2011-02-04T15:50:00.002-06:00

Do you have snow on top of snow with more snow in the forecast? Most of us do!

That means we need a great recipe to warm us up and get us through this wintry weather, and I have just the thing for you, my friend! It's my Terrific Turkey Chili from my newest cookbook, Fabulous Foodie Favorites: Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!

Watch me here to see how simple it is to make! Enjoy! Y'all stay warm and safe! Terrific Turkey Chili - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com

Remember...cook, eat, smile, repeat!

With ladles full of chili for all,
Kimberley

p.s..............this recipe only gets better when served as 3-way chili...yum!

Still Giving Thanks!

2010-11-26T16:14:00.001-06:00

Why do we only have Thanksgiving once a year? With so much to be thankful for, and so many fabulous foods with which to celebrate, I would like to propose an official 'Still Thanksgiving' holiday. Check your calendar for next Thursday. I'm free if you are...RSVP. Just kidding, of course, but every year as we 'oooh' and 'aaaahhhh' around the Thanksgiving table, someone suggests that we do it again the same time on the following week, but alas we never do. It probably has something to do with the break-neck speed at which life passes beginning on Black Friday and ending with New Year's Day. Blurrrrr...there went a month -- don't blink or you'll miss it!

And with the New Year suddenly I am on a diet again. And making empty promises about the treadmill. Yes, empty promises to myself. One day...surely, one day I'll find (read: make) time to exercise. I hope. Slow down, life, I need to find time to exercise!

Okay, forget exercise for today. Back to Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoyed your turkey and trimmings surrounded by plenty of family, friends and fun. We certainly did. Twice! This year, Terry and I cooked together all day on Wednesday to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for both of our families. We had a great time in the kitchen together, and made lots of food and dirty dishes -- enough to run the dishwasher 3 times!

Here's what we knocked out on Wednesday: 2 pans of Gold Rush Cornbread for the 2 pans of Country Cornbread Dressing, which was fabulous! Then, Terry peeled and cut 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes for what might possibly be the best potatoes we have ever mashed (note: one stick of butter, 2 cups of cream, and lots of salt and pepper will do that!). In addition, we roasted an 8-pound turkey breast, made gravy, cranberry conserve x 2, and Chocolate Pie. Whew! But it all went so smoothly that I still had time to make another batch of our new favorite Cinnamon Roasted Almonds to set out as an appetizer, plus 3 quarts of iced tea, and 2 quarts of Green Tea with Pomegranate. But that was just Wednesday's cooking...we did more on Thursday and enjoyed part of it with his family, and then part of it with my family. Two Thanksgiving meals...we do have a lot to be thankful for!

In addition to what we prepared, we also enjoyed a lovely selection of gourmet cheeses, a Green Salad, Pistachio Salad, Green Bean Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole, Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, Pecan Pie and rolls...two kinds of rolls. Oh my! We certainly do have much to be thankful for in this great country! So much, that again, I would like to recommend a 2nd Thanksgiving holiday. Anyone else interested?

Each year I make many dishes, but there are still some that I wanted to make, but didn't. So many fabulous recipes, so little time! One of the recipes that got passed by for Thanksgiving will likely have to make an appearance next to our holiday ham -- my Sweet Potatoes in Orange Cups. It may sound 'fancy shmancy', but it is really easy to make. You have my word. I promise. You can do it! And they are so pretty!

So please enjoy your leftovers, and enjoy the precious time spent with loved ones...and let's all have Thanksgiving again very soon! Agreed?

Until we eat again...cook, eat, smile, repeat! Happy Holidays!
Kimberley

Fabulous Foodie Favorites: Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!

2010-10-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

Friends, I have waited for this day for years...and it is finally here! Proudly, I announce the arrival of my latest cookbook, Fabulous Foodie Favorites: Cook, Eat, Smile, Repeat!

It is a collection of not only my very best, but also my most favorite recipes to enjoy during the cool seasons. This seasonal fall and winter collection includes fabulous recipes such as:

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds -- these are easy to make at home! Enjoy them now -- don't wait for a festival!

Citrus Salad with Bacon and Red Onion -- this tasty salad is the perfect marriage of sweet citrus and savory bacon! Each bite is like a party for your tastebuds!

Savory Meatball Soup -- take a little help from the grocery store here, and you'll have a hearty dinner on the table in no time! Kids love this one!

Beef Tips with Gravy on Rice -- oh my! This recipe is my 'go-to' comfort food! In a word....fabulous!

Honey and Spice Acorn Squash -- winter squash never tasted so good!

Cheddar Bundt Bread -- this is the homemade bread that I have entertained with for years! It always gets rave reviews, and it couldn't be easier to make!

Orange Glazed Pecan Pie Muffins -- if that doesn't make your mouth water, I don't know what will!

Macadamia Nut Pie -- super easy, and so impressive!

As you can probably tell, I am beyond thrilled to share these fabulous recipes with you, and hope that you will enjoy each and every one of them with your family and friends!

Within these 186 pages, you will also find my Top-10 Grocery Savings Tips, my list of Fall and Winter Pantry Essentials, and my Holiday Entertaining Tips! Plus, each and every recipe features a personal story of mine, plus cooking and serving tips.

Click here to order today! It is my sincere hope that these recipes will bring you and your family together frequently to share delicious meals!

Happy cooking! Remember...cook, eat, smile, repeat!
Kimberley

To market we go!

2010-10-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I enjoyed what has become an annual fall trip -- a lovely drive to War Eagle, Arkansas for endless craft and antique shows! My friend 'Foodie Judy' and I spent two quick days shopping, eating, visiting, breathing fresh mountain air, and then shopping some more! Hi Judy! She's such a sweetie!

This year we stayed in Bentonville, which is not far from our favorite shows in Springdale and War Eagle. We arrived there late Friday evening, and suddenly realized that we had shopped all day and missed lunch! I know, missing lunch is not like us at all, but the shopping was really, really good! We stayed at Simmons Suites (which was fabulous!) and the hotel clerk recommended a restaurant called 'Fred's Hickory Inn. Wow! That was some of the best restaurant food I've had in a while! Slowly I savored each bite of my Parmesan Crusted Tilapia over Wild Rice, Steamed Asparagus and a side salad with homemade Blue Cheese dressing. Oh my! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! I cannot wait to go back again!

The next morning we headed to a fair on Spanker Creek Farm; I love a good outdoor craft show! The weather was just perfect, but we didn't quite make it there as early as we had planned. You see, on our way, the GPS (we call her Mary Alice) took us through downtown Bentonville where we spotted a lovely Farmer's Market on the square. Of course, I whipped into the first parking spot available...and we ran!

Pretty Mums!

Showy Sunflowers! They look sad to see the cooler temps!

We took a moment to stop and smell the....welll...Mums don't have the best aroma, but these were simply gorgeous, and probably the biggest ones we had ever seen! Pretty as a picture, pardon the pun! There were also some beautiful 'last of the season' sunflowers that just begged me to take their picture! Such show-offs they were! Nature's beauty!

The market was such fun, and all that shopping made us hungry! Lucky for us, there was a food truck called 'Crepes Paulette' with a very, very long line. (Note: a long line is a good indicator that the food is good!) We stood in the line and chatted with the friendly locals who told us that no matter what we ordered, we would surely be pleased! They offered many types of both sweet and savory crepes, including buckwheat crepes made with buckwheat flour from the War Eagle Mill.

When I got to the window to order, I noticed that the couple working the cart were speaking French to each other! Wow!!! A chance to speak some of my (rusty) French -- mai oui! So, in my best French, I ordered a crepe filled with ham, cheese and eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee, too. Needless to say, the Frenchman was pleasantly surprised, and spoke right back to me in French! We had a good laugh together, and they prepared some of the most delicious crepes I have ever eaten...even better than in Paris! Merci!

With full and happy bellies, Judy and I continued our market shopping, and found some of the most delicious apples I have ever tasted! Local apples are the best! We bought two varieties, Arkansas Black, which is mildly tart and similar to a Granny Smith, and Fuji, which were the sweetest apples I have ever eaten in my life! I wish that I would have bought bushels of Fuji apples! Aren't they pretty!? Wish I had all of these!

When we finally made it to Spanker Creek it was lunchtime, but we were still full from those exquisite crepes! During our shopping, we stopped to quench our thirst with something we both just had to try -- a big, tall serving of icy Watermelon Lemonade! Ahhhhh...it was so refreshing! Try one when you get the chance! The rest of the day was filled with shopping, shopping, and more shopping! Then, we finally got tired and decided to drive home. But wait -- we had missed lunch, again! So, off to AQ Chicken House in Springdale we went, for a final foodie feast during our weekend jaunt. AQ is our favorite place in Springdale...yum! They have the best fried chicken, real mashed potatoes, and heavenly rolls!

When we finally got back on the road, we enjoyed an incredible sunset that I just have to share with you! Wow...we were speechless...and that doesn't happen very often! Enjoy!

And after a few minutes...and a few more miles...

What a wonderful way to end a great weekend! Our world is beautiful...remember to take time to enjoy it!
Kimberley

A stompin' good time!

2010-09-08T09:36:00.001-05:00

Doesn't this look like fun??? We sure had a blast stomping grapes at the Stone Bluff Winery, and we look forward to stomping again this year!

Laughing with me in this picture are my sister Carol, and my niece Cassie! Hard to believe it, but this picture is from 2 or 3 years ago...oh my how time flies!

This year the event will be held on Sunday, September 19th, so you have a couple of weeks to gather up your friends and family and join us for a great time, including great food! You can find all of the event information on the Stone Bluff website; the link is below.

Sandy and Bob, the vintners, are wonderful hosts who love to educate visitors about the grape journey from the vine to the bottle. Each year they host many special events at their winery, and the grape stomp is my favorite one! Hope you'll join me and my family as we have a stompin' good time together!

Until we eat again...happy cooking! Visit the link: http://www.stonebluffcellars.com/
Kimberley

Eating out!

2010-09-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Spicy Oklahoma Caviar...yum!

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone! It is the most beautiful weekend we have had in a very long time, and that means that hubby and I will definitely be eating out this weekend...I mean eating out on the deck, of course! Eating outside is one of my favorite things to do, and if the weather is right, then we are out on the porch or the deck, or even at the park having a picnic. Perhaps it all started when my Mom would let me eat on the front porch steps when I was a little bitty girl. Somehow my PBJ and Cheetos always tasted better in the fresh, open air! Good memories!

Now that I am all grown up, (well, almost!) eating al fresco is still something so special and relaxing, that I just cannot 'eat out' enough. So for dinner tonight, we will be grilling some marinated chicken, along with plenty of summer veggies marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Simple. Delicious. Hot of the grill. What could be better?! Yum! And for dessert? Grilled peaches! I can hardly wait!

Hopefully you can enjoy time in this 'fall dress rehearsal' and get out there and grill, too! Here are some of my favorite recipes to get you thinking about this weekend's menu:

Daddy Hinkle's Burgers

My Favorite Steak Recipe!

Garden Vegetable Tabbouleh

Honey Roasted Sweet Corn

Key Lime Parfaits

Hope you have a fun, safe Labor Day weekend, and enjoy eating 'out'!
I'll be back on Channel 6 next Thursday with a new and scrumptious recipe to share! See ya' then!

Until we eat again...happy cooking!
Kitchen Kimberley

Freezer Pleasers!

2010-08-03T12:29:00.001-05:00

This morning I had a rude awakening, thanks to the weather forecast!   Our radio alarm clock, set to 98.5 KVOO of course, (love ya' Skip & Sunny!) alarmed us alright -- with the news that the heat index would be between 115 and 120 degrees today! Ugh...can it get any hotter? (Note to Mother Nature: that was only a rhetorical question, to which I strongly do NOT wish to know the answer!)

With this unbearable heat in mind, I turned to my freezer for help with dinner. You see, I simply cannot bear to turn on the oven to cook when everything is already cooking outside! So, this morning I opened my freezer and took my sweet time (ahhhh!) looking at my leftovers shelf. Yep -- I am an organizing freak -- even in the freezer! There was Black Bean and Tukey Chili, Sliced Ham, Breaded Chicken Tenders (from last week's chicken cook-a-thon) and a package of Chicken and Rice Casserole. Of course everything is well wrapped and packaged, dated, and although written in my very own form of "Chef's Shorthand", clearly labeled according to contents.

Let's talk about labeling for a moment, shall we? Take a look at the picture of my soon-to-be dinner. First of all, notice that is it tightly wrapped in foil. That layer protects it from forming any ice crystals on the surface of the food. Foil, which is barrier #1, also locks in the flavor. Barrier #2 is a Ziploc Freezer Bag. This thick durable plastic further protects my dinner delicacies from the effects of the frosty freezer.  No, I don't have one of those wrap-itty-do-da-thingy-ma-jigs...I just use Ziploc bags. I am a simple girl who learned long ago that too many gadgets are nothing more than, well, too many gadgets!

Back to labeling! While I do love my Ziploc bags, I also wish that they would provide more of that nice 'writer friendly' white space on which to make my mark. It seems like there is never enough room there to write everything that is necessary. Thus -- my 'shorthand'.  The first one you see is 'Chx' for Chicken. I love 'Chx' and write it frequently, even when writing recipes! Another one I use all the time is 'Chx Bxt'. Can you guess that one? Yep - Chicken breasts!   And boneless, skinless chicken breasts? BS Chx Bxt. (Please, take no offense, I'm just talking about chicken here! BS in my world means boneless, skinless!)

And finally, my favorite category of freezer labels: H & E. The dishes that are simply 'Heat and Eat' -- ready at a moments notice! Thus, tonight's dinner was easy to find on my leftover shelf, and I quickly knew that my 'Heat and Eat' Chicken and Rice Casserole would be a delicious main course. Fortunately for me, there were also some leftover Rhode's Wheat Dinner Rolls, and a bag of Broccoli florets just waiting to accompany my tasty little casserole. All of these fabulous finds are going into the microwave to be heated, where the heat will only go into the food, and not into my kitchen! Whew! I feel cooler already!

What rounds out that fabulous freezer feast I found? That's easy. Fresh, fresh, fresh, anything grown locally and fresh. Tonight it will likely be peaches and blueberries drizzled with local honey, or perhaps tomatoes from my Dad's garden drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a touch of extra-virgin olive oil. (That abbreviation has already been done, LOL!) Hey -- it worked for her -- maybe one day people all over America will be looking for dinners that they can H & E! A girl can dream...

Until we eat again, get into that freezer of yours, take your sweet time finding something yummy, and enjoy microwaving!

(Please remember to safely thaw all foods in the refrigerator, and to remove all foil before anything goes into the microwave! Oh, and no plastic in the microwave, either -- ewww, too many chemicals!)

Kimberley

Chicken -- Cheap, Cheap!!

2010-07-26T13:14:00.003-05:00

What a great way to start a Monday! I found some super-cheap chicken at Wally world, and I have already made several meals for the week and a couple for the freezer! The boneless, skinless chicken breast is on sale for $1.78 per pound, so I got a 5.5 lb. package for $9.88! Woohoo!

Friends, I have a rule about buying meat -- as soon as it comes into the house, it gets dealt with right then and there. You know we've all done it before...found the big package on sale, and put it into the refrigerator, and, well...forgotten about it until it's too late! I used to be really bad about this (shameful confession) until I gave myself the 'deal with it now' rule about buying meat. Of course this doesn't mean that I have to cook the meat right away, but it does mean that it at least comes out of the store packaging and into my own well-labeled freezer bags.

What can you do with all that chicken? So many things! If you're short on time, then simply put them into manageable serving sized bags for the freezer. For example, 4 chicken breasts per package for feeding a family of 4, or if you're like me, 2 for my family of 2...it's just me and sweet hubby. Label them and get them into the freezer right away. Or, if you have a little spare time, you can cut some of them into strips or chunks for future use. Strips are great for breading and oven-baking, and chunks are great for stir-frying, or for making kabobs on the grill.

With a little spare time this morning, I went ahead and cooked most of my chicken. It may sound like a daunting task to some, but honestly it was easy and only took me about 40 minutes from start to finish. The convection oven and the grill pan were going at once, so it was good use of my cooking time.

Today I grilled two types of chicken for future use. First I seasoned some with Cavender's Greek Seasoning -- we love this over pasta, or on a Greek salad, yum. I then grilled some Jerk chicken simply using Jerk seasoning for this week's lunches. We're trying to eat healthier, so it's 'salad for lunch' week at our house. The chicken will be a nice lean protein for our chef salads. This should get us through Thursday for lunches quite nicely. Friday is always an 'eat out' day for Hubby...he's gotta have a Lot-a-burger on Fridays!

At the same time the chicken was grilling I baked off some breaded chicken strips. Here's a simple recipe: Mix 3 tbsp. butter with 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 minced clove of garlic in a dish. Then, in another dish season Panko bread crumbs (or regular crumbs) with any seasonings you like. Dip the chicken strips into the butter mixture, then into the seasoned crumbs, and then bake them in a 9 x 13 - inch baking dish for 20 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. It's just that simple! Once they've cooled completely, put them into (again) well-labeled freezer bags for future meals. These strips are great reheated as a main course, or also delicious on a salad. (I know, the salad thing again!) I put two packages of these breaded chicken strips in the freezer today -- one for us, and one for my Daddy. He will love 'em!

Still more chicken....next I cut 2 breasts into 1-inch cubes for the chicken and veggie kabobs we'll be grilling up tomorrow night. These will have a seasoning of butter, chili powder and lime juice and will be fabulous with that smokey grill flavor...can't wait for those!

Chicken has endless possibilities, and when you can get it on the 'cheap', I say stock up! Here are some other great chicken recipes for you to enjoy:

Butter Pecan Glazed Chicken --- oh my...salivating just thinking about this one!

Cheddar Crunch Chicken --- cut the chicken breasts into strips instead of buying the more expensive 'tenders'.

Fresh Spinach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze --- sounds fancy, but it's simple and scrumptious!

There ya' have it! Some ideas for eating chicken on the cheap! Enjoy!

Until we eat again...happy cooking!

Kimberley

p.s..............speaking of chicken, an old favorite of ours is back -- Rex's Chicken -- yum!

Located at 111th and Memorial, it's worth the drive even if you're like me and live in Sand Springs! Love me some Rex's chicken!

Honey Roasted Sweet Corn

2010-07-15T10:20:00.006-05:00

Hey ya'll! I am back! My family is blessed with good health once again, and now I am ready to get back to work in my Oklahoma kitchen! Hallelujah!

One of the best things about being an Oklahoma-Foodie is our regional summertime treats. Just to name a few, we have Stillwell Strawberries, Porter Peaches, and one of my all-time favorites -- Bixby Corn! I personally prefer the bi-color corn, but pick your favorite and enjoy this scrumptious recipe for Honey Roasted Sweet Corn. Nothing could be better...I promise! You're going to LOVE this one!

My dear hubby grilled this up for us last night -- yes, even in the 110+ heat index -- and it was so yummy! My advice is to go ahead and grill (no matter what the temperature) but to be careful and drink plenty of cool water while doing so. If you can safely use a fan outside, that helps, too! It's worth it to enjoy these summertime favorites from the grill. Stay cool!

Until we eat again...Happy Grilling!

Kimberley

P.S................Check it out -- I'm having a 'Too Hot to Cook' summer cookbook sale! Cookbooks are only $5.99 each for a limited time! Also, I now accept DiscoverCard in addition to Visa and MasterCard. Happy shopping!

Grill, baby, grill!

2010-04-28T17:53:00.004-05:00

It's that time again....finally! It is offically grilling season in Oklahoma! Now, I know some people who are 'die hard' grillers and they'll go out in their heaviest winter coat and grill in the snow, but not me. Nope -- I'll admit it -- I'm a fair weather grillin' girl! And I am ready to make up for lost time!

One of my favorite things to grill is perhaps one of the easiest things to grill...a nice, juicy, flavorful burger! Who doesn't love a good burger?! Best of all, they are one of the most fun foods to play with! You can make it your own...a hundred different ways! Add grilled pineapple and swiss cheese for a 'Hawaii 5-0' burger, or try one of my favorites, a Gourmet Tomatillo Burger...yum! The possibilities are endless, but every now and then, I do enjoy the all-American pickle-packed, onion-laden, mustard-drippin', tomato-slidin', beef'd up burger! Why, I'm gettin' hungry just thinking about it!

So many foods lend themselves easily to grilling. Basically any vegetable, simply tossed with a little olive oil and (my personal fave) balsamic vinegar...grills up beautifully! The flavors are intensified, and the natural sugars in the veggies come to life once they hit the heat. In a word, yum!

Fruits are fabulous on the grill, too! Take a nice, juicy Porter peach, cut it in half and dip the cut side into a bowl of brown sugar. Oh my -- what the grill does in just a matter of minutes is sheer pleasure for the tastebuds! I also love to grill fresh pineapple slices, nectarines, and well...any firm fruit will stand up to grilling and become super sweet and juicy!

While grilled fruits are fabulous for dessert, one of my favorite things to do when entertaining is to give everyone a flour tortilla (yes, a flour tortilla) and let them fill it with whatever they like. I set out bowls of chopped candy bars (Snickers really satisfies, especially here!) and nuts, mini marshmallows, pieces of chocolate, caramel, coconut, chopped banana...the sweet possibilities are endless! Wrap up the chosen ingredients like a burrito and then wrap them in aluminum foil. Place 'dessert burritos' over low heat for a few minutes and watch everyone enjoytheir own 'homemade dessert' -- especially the kiddos! This is such fun for the whole family!

So get out there and enjoy the beautiful grilling weather, and enjoy eating 'out' as much as you can!

Until we eat again...happy grilling! Grill, baby, grill!

Roasted Chicken 101

2010-03-05T10:38:00.003-06:00

Roasting has always been my favorite way to cook meats, especially chicken. First of all, it couldn't be easier, and second of all, it's basically fool-proof. Anything roasted turns out perfectly golden, tender and juicy, every time. So, here's a quick lesson in roasting chicken.

Start with skin on, bone-in chicken, which will provide the most flavor, the best texture, and is usually cheaper. Rinse and pat dry (I always rinse meats). Place chicken on a sheet pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Rub it in evenly to coat. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and roast for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, enjoy the delicious aroma. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest until it's cool enough to handle.

One note here to my friends who have convection ovens. Convection makes this chicken even better than conventional cooking, so if that's an option for you, definitely use it. With convection, you roast at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Remember the convection conversion is the 25/25 rule, meaning 25 degrees lower than conventional, for 25% less time.

At this point, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few options:

Consider it a main course and add sides and salad to your taste.
Remove the skin and peel the chicken away from the bone (very easy at this point), dice and use for casseroles, chicken salads, sandwiches, pot pies, chicken quesadillas, chicken tacos, chicken flautas (can you tell I like Mexican food?!) or anything else you enjoy with chicken.

Typically I roast four chicken breasts at a time, and package it into zip-top freezer bags in two-cup portions. This makes it easy to grab just the right amount for most casserole recipes. Simply thaw and use!

Making this on a beautiful Friday like today gives me the weekend 'off'! We will enjoy some of this chicken tonight as a main course for dinner, and then have chicken salad sandwiches this weekend, which we might just enjoy outside! I love picnics! To mix it up, I think I'll make sandwiches on whole wheat bread one day, and then have chicken wraps the next day filled with grape tomatoes, diced avocado and lettuce. Yum!

Hope this little chicken lesson makes cooking a little bit easier...in your Oklahoma kitchen!

Until we eat again...happy roasting!

Kimberley

Fresh and Fruity!

2010-03-03T15:10:00.007-06:00

Since my recent post on Facebook regarding the five pounds I've lost (yippeee!), many folks have asked me about the changes I have made to my diet. It has been surprisingly easy, and weight loss has never been easy for me. (Well, at least not since I was 21 or so!)

It seems the older I get, the harder it is to burn fat and lose pounds. When I hit "the big 4-0" in January, I made a promise to myself to take better care of my body. After all, it's the only one I will have and how I feel 4 or 40 years from now -- depends on what I do and how I eat today. There. I said it. I am making choices today that will impact my future health. For me, thinking about it in this way makes me take it very seriously, and so far it's working well. Call it "long-term dedication", call it a "lifestyle change" or don't call it anything at all. The important thing is that you just do it. Here's what's working for me:

1. Stop the Pop! I mean all pop -- no chemically-altered diet pop is allowed! I haven't had anything fizzy since early February, and I do not miss it one teeny-tiny little-bitty bit. Almost immediately after stopping the pop I lost my first 3 pounds. Now I enjoy unsweetened tea and water -- both with slices of citrus fruits for flavor. It's quite refreshing!

2. Instead of 3 big meals a day, I now eat 5 small meals including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans and lean protein. My 'mini-meals' vary between about 300 to 500 calories, depending on the meal. Eating every 3 hours keeps my metabolism revved up and working well! As a bonus, I never feel 'sluggish' from being too full or 'shaky' from being hungry.

3. Fresh is best! Avoiding processed foods (read: chemicals, sugars, salts, preservatives) is what our bodies really want us to do. There is a world of difference in how I feel simply by eating foods of the Earth. Just try it for a week and you'll notice improved mood, better sleep and better brain function. Of course I am no scientist, and this is not scientific data by any means. I am simply sharing with you what has worked for me, and how it has made me feel. Change is good!

Now on to the pretty little fruit salad you see pictured above. It's one of the 'mini-meals' that I have really enjoyed. Simply cut up two oranges and two apples of any variety. Add about 1 cup of grapes, toss, and then coat the fruit evenly with Fiber One Strawberry Yogurt. I use about half of the container, and then enjoy the other half as another mini-meal later with granola and fresh berries. The salad stays perfectly fresh for several days in the refrigerator because of the yogurt coating. Even the apples are as pretty as a picture...sorry...couldn't resist that one! The amount that I make provides four mini-meals. Hope you'll try this one!

Check back soon and I'll be sharing more of my mini-meal menus and weight loss tips! Please try it and let me know how it's working for you! I would love to hear from you!

Until we eat (mini-meals) again...happy cooking! Kimberley

Snack Attack!

2010-02-22T13:50:00.004-06:00

It is Monday -- my day to work in the home office, which always gives me the munchies! Perhaps it is because my work is focused entirely on food, but my brain definitely wants my feet to walk to the pantry for a snack. Since my feet always do what my brain says, and the pantry is full of yummy (and healthy) snacks, well...you see where this is going! I have had multiple 'Snack Attacks' throughout the day today, and that's okay, because typically I eat 5 small meals a day anyway.

Today I have enjoyed a Gala apple with a smidge of peanut butter, a banana with a 90-calorie granola bar, and now, quite possibly my new favorite snack! (Drum roll, please!) NEW Wheatables Toasted Pecan Crackers. Oh...my...goodness! These are totally yummy, crunchy, nutty, and full of whole-grain goodness all at the same time! I have always been a huge fan of snack crackers, but these are going to be my new best cracker-snackin' friend! Their toasted pecan flavor is a huge hit with my taste buds. You must try them!

When I have more calories to spare, I think a schmear of softened cream cheese would take these little crackers over the top! But wait -- one of those 'Laughing Cow' cheese wedges only has 35 calories, and would spread perfectly onto these light and crispy wafers. Yum. Adding that to my grocery list.

Hungry yet? Me too! But I must save room for the big pot of Brown Beans and Ham that I have simmering on the stove. (Monday is 'comfort food day at my house.) Add cornbread to that mix, and I am sure that my brain will tell my feet to go get a second helping. I have zero willpower when it comes to pinto beans! And now...zero willpower when it comes to Wheatables Toasted Pecan Crackers. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Until we eat again...happy snacking! What's your favorite snack?

Kimberley

Food Styling is a 'piece of cake'!

2010-02-12T08:00:00.009-06:00

Over the years I have done a variety of work as 'Kitchen Kimberley' including cookbooks, creating specialty recipes, doing TV cooking segments and commercials, judging food competitions, and now....food styling! It may be the most fun I ever have at 'work' in the kitchen! Food styling seems to be the perfect outlet for my creativity coupled with my desire to "play with my food"!

Pictured here is an incredibly delicious cake that I made for this week's food styling shoot for the Made in Oklahoma Coalition. This is called "Endless Chocolate Choc Cake" and oh...my...goodness...it is rich and decadent! It has a fudgy, almost truffle-like texture with a dark chocolate flavor that makes my mouth water just thinking about it! Best of all -- it is very easy to make! If nothing else, just make the ganache frosting, and dip fresh strawberries in it -- yum!!! It's soooo good!

You will likely be surprised at one of the cake ingredients, which is 'Choc Beer'! Choc Beer is brewed in Oklahoma and the company has a very interesting history which you can read about on their website: http://www.chocbeer.com/

My sweet Valentine just loved this cake, and I think that yours would, too! So here's the recipe for you to enjoy! Endless Chocolate Choc Cake

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kimberley

Sharing again....

2010-02-04T15:02:00.004-06:00

Friends...I have been away for a while, but it's great to be back and sharing delicious recipes with you again! I am sad to say that I have been taking some time off to mourn the loss of my Mother. Unfortunately, she passed away on December 22nd, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. We have been taking it one day at a time ever since. But, I know that Mom would want me to move on, and she definitely would want me to get back to work. She loved to watch me on TV, and was probably my biggest 'fan' of all; she never missed a recipe in the past 8 years that I've been cooking on television. I miss her so much...for more reasons than I can begin to say. Many thanks to everyone who prayed for my sweet Mommy while she was ill, and to those who have passed along their condolences. Your kind thoughts and prayers continue to help me through this very difficult time. Today I was happy to get back to work and share a great salsa recipe with you. It was wonderful to be in studio again with my Channel 6 'family' whom I don't get to see very often since I normally tape cooking segments in my kitchen at home. One thing is for sure -- I have made some wonderful friends over the years at Channel 6, and I treasure each and every one. There are some really AMAZING people working there! Here's a 'behind the scenes' tidbit for you -- when I am in the studio, and after my cooking segment is finished, I dish up whatever I have prepared on the segment. Then, after the show is over and the work is complete, we gather around the Cooking Corner and eat and visit. It's a fun time that I always enjoy! Food and friends are always a great combo! So, it's time to get back to playing with my food, and creating some new and unique recipes for you to try. Next week you won't want to miss a new Brownie Pie recipe that my family just loves! It will air on Wednesday next week -- so mark your calendars! You can make it for your Sweetie for Valentine's Day! After that I'll be back to my regular Thursday segments -- every other Thursday, that is. Just check out my 'Appearances' page on my website and you won't miss a thing! Until we eat again...happy cooking, and happy eating! Kimberley

All dressed up for dinner!

2009-12-10T17:54:00.003-06:00

What a busy season! I have shopped, cleaned house, done all the laundry, worked on my website, and wrapped most of the Christmas presents -- I am one tired gal! All day long I have been thinking about what to do for dinner (it's not like me to not have a meal plan, but I just couldn't decide today). Each time I walked past the pantry I dove in to see what might inspire me...and each time, I was coming up empty. Near the end of the day when my pace finally slowed down a bit, I started getting chilly (brrr!) and suddenly I was thinking about hot soup. But remember -- all tuckered out, and not much energy left for cooking -- so back to the pantry I went to see what I could 'dress up for dinner' and put into a bowl. Something nourishing!

My pantry is pretty well stocked, and I have a unique variety of just about everything you could imagine. Surprisingly, the first thing that caught my eye was the Lipton "Recipe Secrets" Chicken Noodle Soup packet. I keep these packets on hand for cold and flu season...just in case nothing else sounds good, and in case I only have the strength to boil water and stir. We won't starve! Next to it, in the soup section, was Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup. I stocked up on these cans just before Thanksgiving when they were dirt cheap -- they are great to have on hand for casseroles and such. I also like to add them to the Lipton packets to make a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. It's something I started making about 20 years ago, and I have made it a dozen different ways. Here how tonight's Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup came together:

First -- to the freezer, where I found a neatly labeled package (of course) of 1 cup of cooked chicken thighs, seasoned. Seasoned, I wrote, because recently cooked them for my Crispy Harvest Chicken with Roasted Vegetables. There was one leftover thigh, and it produced this perfect little package of meat -- lucky for me! So, I quickly defrosted it in the micro, and in about 3 minutes it was ready to use. I diced it finely, and set it aside while I went to the fridge.

In the fridge I always keep carrot sticks and celery sticks, for snacking, but tonight I grabbed a few and diced them for soup. Next -- a saucepan over medium heat, a drizzle of olive oil, saute diced carrots and celery and we're well on our way. I then added the chicken, a good few shakes of garlic powder, dried chives and freshly ground black pepper as well as the 3 cups of water called for on the soup package. Once the water was boiling, I added the soup mix, and the can of undiluted Cream of Chicken soup. This recipe sounds pretty basic, but really...it hit the spot, and without much effort, money or time. That's my kind of dressin' up for dinner -- dressin' up the pantry staples!

See the pretty picture? That crusty bread went under the broiler for a few minutes with a simple drizzle of olive oil. It was the perfect tool for sopping up the soup juices - yum! That's the Holiday Cheese Bread, my recipe of the week. The texture of this bread....well...it leaves me speechless! You simply must try it!

Ahhh...a belly full of warm soup, only a couple of dirty dishes, a blog entry and yippee! The couch will see me early tonight! It is all good! Until we eat again...go get dressed up for dinner!

In love, in Paris!

2009-11-18T20:18:00.008-06:00

I fell in love in Paris....with Clementines! Although it has been a decade ago, it seems like just yesterday. It was a chilly fall day, and the cobblestone streets were still damp from rain as I strolled along admiring the architecture of the centuries old buildings. The smell of wet oak leaves filled the air as tiny beams of sunshine began to peak through the clouds overhead. (Bear with me, Paris makes me romanticize everything!)

My morning croissant was beginning to wear off as we slowly walked, exploring the City of Love and discovering all it had to offer, when suddenly something caught my 'foodie' eye. As I looked into the market just past the weathered stone entrance, there was an old wooden crate full of the tiniest little oranges I had ever seen. On the chalkboard sign above them was simply scrolled, 'Clementines'. What a cute name, I thought, and 'Oh my darlin'... oh my darlin'... I must try some of these little gems! Yes, the song was stuck in my head the whole day, but that's typical for me and songs.

Although I do not recall the exact cost of the Clementines, they were worth their weight in gold. Their zipper-like skin made them very tourist-friendly, and the seedless, sweet and juicy flesh was devoured quickly. It was a citrus experience like none other. A first. A moment in this foodie lifetime that I will never forget. I feel in love in Paris...with Clementines! Oui! Magnifique! That's about all the French I remember...zut alors!

When we returned home I went straight to the market to look for these little treasures here, and well, they hadn't quite made it to Oklahoma yet. (That happens with a lot of food -- you'd be surprised!) So, I held tight to the sweet memory and hoped that I would again enjoy the delicate taste of Clementines. Waiting is the hardest part!

Imagine my excitement when the following year I saw a box of these little babies in my local grocery store! They were premium -- around 9 bucks for a tiny wooden crate -- but remember...worth their weight in gold, so I splurged. Splurged again and again during the Clementine season, which is November through February. Every time I enjoyed a Clementine, I was right back there on that street in Paris with a cool breeze, warm sunshine, crunchy oak leaves underfoot, and Clementine juice drippin' down my chin. What a fruit!

Clementines now come packaged in mesh bags, which makes them a little bit cheaper. When you catch them on sale, you can get quite a nice supply for around 4 dollars. They are seedless, juicy, sweet, and simply perfect for eating out of hand. I recommend eating two for a snack, as they are rather small.

Most of them are marked as 'Clementine Tangerines'. They are actually a cross between an orange and a mandarin tangerine. They are the smallest member of the mandarin family, and the best, in my humble opinion. There ya' go -- some useless knowledge to throw out at the Thankgsiving table in case the conversation gets a little dull, ha!

Okay, now if you have not tried these little beauties yet, please, rush out to the store and pick up a bag right now! You're missing out!!! If you like citrus at all, you will love Clementines! They are great tossed into salads (Leafy Greens with Tangerines, page 36 of The Joy of Food...hint, hint) and gorgeous piled high in a bowl as an edible centerpiece for the holiday table. Kids love 'em, too! That should be reason enough to try them, right there!

Until we eat again...I hope you enjoy Clementines aplenty!

Trail Mixin'!

2009-11-09T13:01:00.010-06:00

Trail mix is a great 'healthy' snack, and making your own homemade version can be fast, fun and frugal. There are endless ways to make it, and best of all, you can customize it to your family's own personal taste. Here's my version...well, this is today's version...it's different every time I make it!

One handful each:

Walnut halves
Whole almonds
Dry roasted peanuts

First I toss all 3 of these nuts in a bowl, and pop them into the microwave for about 2 minutes total, tossing around every 30 seconds. Once they're warm, and they smell 'nutty', then they are nicely toasted and they'll taste so much yummier! Next, while the nuts are cooling, gather additional ingredients -- anything 'traily' goes here. Today I added one handful each of sweetened dried cranberries, golden raisins, and dried blueberries. Any dried fruits would work nicely here - just choose your favorites. Toss it all together and enjoy!

This is a colorful and healthy blend of natural goodness! It is also a great snack to take to work, or to serve with a refreshing drink for drop-in company. I like to store a pretty mix like this in a clear glass jar with a tight fitting lid in the pantry. Just one look at that sweet-salty combo and I am in snack heaven! Just a quarter-cup of this mixture is plenty to keep hunger at bay!

Here are some of the other optional ingredients to keep in mind:

Yogurt covered raisins

Dark chocolate chunks

Any nuts or seeds such as pecans, sunflower, macadamia...really...anything!

One of my favorite things to add to my hubby's trail mix is shown in the top picture...a little candy-coated goodness! We didn't have too many trick-or-treaters this year, so I just opened up those little M & M snack packs and tossed them into today's trail mix blend. Hubby's gonna love me for that!

Well, I hope you are feeling inspired now to make your own version of trail mix!

Until we eat again...happy mixin'!

Not so 'secret' ingredient!

2009-11-04T14:36:00.006-06:00

Shhh -- it's one of my best kept secrets! Well, not anymore, because I am sharing it with you...and I am always happy to do so! This is one of my favorite ingredients. Really, it's a 'secret' ingredient that enhances my cooking like noneother. It is better than broth, it is better than stock -- it's called Better Than Bouillon, and you can find it in any market.

Years ago when I discovered this product, I began using it to make my rice. What, you ask? Isn't rice supposed to be cooked in water? Sure, you can cook rice in water, but then water has no flavor, and then...well, your rice has no...you get the picture. So I always cook my rice in this delicious broth, and the result is delicious rice! Chicken rice gets paired with all things poultry, and beefy rice with anything beefy. My family won't have it any other way!

But back to the broth story. Better than Bouillon is simple to use. Add one teaspoonful to a cup of hot water and voila -- instant broth! This is the kind of flavorful, rich broth that I can simply drink from a mug and enjoy. The aroma alone is enough to relax and soothe me. Yes -- I'll admit, I've been known to enjoy 'chicken broth aromatherapy'! But really, even the aroma of the open jar makes me crave chicken, and that's because it's made from chicken meat with natural juices. Enough cannot be said about this product...I love it! I keep the Chicken and Beef varieties on hand, but there is also a Vegetable base which I plan to try very soon.

Most people reach for the 'stock in the box' or the canned stuff, but to make really good food, you need really good ingredients. Better than Bouillon is the only broth I will use for not only rice, but also for all of my soups and other recipes requiring broth (think creamy Chicken Risotto, Chicken and Noodles...yum!). Best of all, this little jar-o-gold makes 38 servings! And at $3.84 (price paid at Wal-Mart on 10/24/09) that's only 10 cents per serving -- 10 cents per cup of broth! What a bargain!!! See why I love this stuff so much?!

Try it soon in your favorite recipes and reap the benefits of using this homemade-tasting broth. Need a suggestion? Try this delicious Butternut Squash Soup. The broth makes all the difference! Okay...gotta run for now...I'm going to the kitchen for more broth aromatherapy! Ahhhhh....so comforting!

Until we eat again...happy cooking!

Bowl season is here!

2009-10-29T11:08:00.011-05:00

Fall is here, and with it comes splendiferous color and fabulous foods! Finally -- it's bowl season, and I am not talking about football! Every year I wait patiently until it is time again to make thick, meaty Chili and Hearty Beef Stew. Creamy Corn Chowder and Skinny Minny Minestrone. I cannot forget my Savory Vegetable Soup, and this year a new favorite - Ham and Lentil Soup. All of the aforementioned are steaming bowls of goodness that wait all summer long to become the center of attention once again when the air becomes fresher and the leaves begin their graceful dance in the breeze. As a fall foodie, I must admit that my favorite meals simply need a bowl and a spoon. Okay, I must admit that I'm a 'garnisher', too. The appropriate pairings of course...grated sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced red onions and the tiniest dollop of sour cream on chili; freshly minced parsley or dill (depending on my mood) and a few of those adorable little oyster crackers are a must on my chowders. One of my new discoveries is a sprinkling of well-seasoned croutons atop my favorite vegetable soups; it adds a certain something that simply makes the vegetables and broth more satisfying than they would be on their own. Soups warm the body and soul. There's a reason Mama always made Chicken Noodle Soup when we were sick, and with the flu that's spreading now I imagine there's a whole lot of ladling going on around town! The broth always soothes the throat, but it doesn't stop there. A good bowl of Chicken Noodle soup soothes the soul; it's pure mood-food, and it's one of my personal favorites. Check out some of my other favorite soup recipes by clicking here.

The other wonderful aspect of soups and stews is that they freeze very well. Case in point -- I was feeling a little 'under the weather' myself last night, and so I turned to the chili in the freezer from a few weeks ago. Of course, it was clearly dated and labled -- that always helps! A couple of minutes to defrost in the microwave, and then it simmered away on the stove until I was ready to enjoy. And enjoy I did -- this time with a few corn chips for texture and flavor...yum! You just gotta love a homemade meal in minutes that's hearty, filling and healthy (that is, if you don't count the chips!). So pull out your favorite soup and stew recipes and enjoy the best that fall meals have to offer -- a bowl and a spoon! Oh, and before I forget...we have a rule at our house -- when your dinner is served in a bowl, dessert is a requirement! So be sure to check out this week's recipe for Caramel Apple Coffee Cake -- it's a keeper! Now go get your soup on!

Back to work this week!

2009-10-04T20:17:00.003-05:00

Great news! My Mom is doing better, and seems to be responding to chemo well! We appreciate everyone's prayers, and we are definitely looking forward to hearing good news from her oncologist very soon. I'll keep you all posted! In the meantime, Mom has asked me to get back to work! She's missing me on TV, even though she sees me in person almost every day! So....back to work I go this week, and I'll see ya'll on this Thursday's Noon Show. For now, it's back to bloggin'! October is my favorite month for a variety of reasons. First of all, my husband and I celebrate not just one, but two special anniversaries in October. The first is October 2nd, the anniversary of our first date (15 years ago) and the most important is October 7th, this year, our 14th wedding anniversary. Throw in some special birthdays -- aunts, my sister, and my Dad, and October is a busy month full of celebrations. And yes, with any celebration comes food, and plenty of it! Getting back to working with food seems like a great idea to me! The cooler, fresher air seems to stimulate not only my appetite for eating, but also my appetite for cooking! As the seasonal weather changes, so does the seasonal food. It's not just Fall, it's Chili Season! Fall is about comforting soups simmering away on the stove with savory aromas wafting throughout the house. It's crisp apples -- first of the season -- just ripe for eating out of hand, or slicing into a pie or baking into a coffee cake (stay tuned for that one!). It's the thought of Fair Foods -- Crunchy Corn Dogs drizzled with tangy mustard, Caramel Apples, and my personal favorite, Deep Fried Snickers! For me, October is a delicious month for food! So this week, I am back to work with a couple of my October favorites! I have created a new and comforting Ham and Lentil soup that's a healthy, quick and easy crock pot treat, and then for dessert, I'll be sharing a family favorite -- Caramel Apple Coffee Cake. I'll share the soup with you this Thursday, October 8th, and then the Coffee Cake will air later on in the month, on October 29th. Ahhhh....it's great to cook anything in October! What are you cooking this October? Do you have a favorite recipe you always pull out in the fall? I'd love to hear about it! Or...did you eat something yummy at the fair? Share! Until we eat again...happy fall cooking! Kimberley

Taking some time off....

2009-09-22T09:27:00.002-05:00

Hello friends,

Thanks to all of you who have emailed to check on me -- it's so nice to be missed! I am taking a little time off to help care for my Mom, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers...I appreciate you all very much and look forward to sharing great recipes with you again soon.

Until we eat again...happy cooking!

Kimberley

Veggies and a Celebrity Chef on Cherry Street!

2009-08-22T16:00:00.002-05:00

Friends, you know how much I love a trip to the farmer's market, and today...well...it was the best trip ever! Produce selection was wonderful as always, but there was something, rather someone very special at our market today -- Curtis Stone, TV Chef on the Discovery Health Channel's Take Home Chef. Wow!

Here's the scoop! I had just picked up my last pint of cherry tomatoes when I first noticed a camera. (Since I work in TV, I always notice cameras!) AND...when I saw two cameras, I knew it wasn't one of our local stations, and that it had to be something, and someone, BIG.

Then, imagine my surprise when I saw Curtis standing right there in front of me! Oh my goodness -- I was completely star struck, and that doesn't normally happen to me! I have watched and enjoyed Curtis' show for years, and there he was!!! Well, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet him, so I walked right over and introduced myself. He was as charming in person as he is on television, and he simply radiates a joyful spirit. What a pleasure to meet him! Welcome to Oklahoma, Curtis!

Beyond lucky is the local who was chosen by him to have a meal prepared in her own Oklahoma kitchen by Chef Curtis himself. What a dream come true that must be! I had to contain myself from shouting 'pick me! pick me!', lol!

During our brief chat, and in my 'star struck' state, of course, I didn't ask all the questions that I wanted to, such as 'What are you making for dinner using all of this fresh OK produce?' and 'Do you need a good local restaurant suggestion for while you're here?' (The Garlic Rose would be my recommendation). Anyway, it was wonderful to meet him, and I don't regret not asking those particular questions. HOWEVER, why in the world didn't I offer my kitchen to him? I have a GREAT kitchen for TV, and I would love to cook with Chef Curtis! Oh well, at least I got the pleasure of meeting him.

Congrats to whomever is cooking with him today, and enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of his labor! Curtis, I sure hope you enjoy your stay here in T-Town, and we welcome you back...anytime!

Until we eat again...happy cooking!

Carrot and Zucchini Bars...yum!

2009-08-20T13:37:00.006-05:00

Last December 24th, as I was shopping frantically for last minute wrapping paper at the Dollar General store, I came across a cookbook that caught my eye. It was the Better Homes and Gardens NEW Cook Book -- and since it was only $7 -- well, Merry Christmas to me! Yes, I treat myself to cookbooks frequently, and I promptly read them from cover to cover as though they were novels. Sometimes they provide inspiration, and other times they truly feature great recipes for my family to enjoy. This is one of those 'great recipes' cookbooks, for sure. I've tried and enjoyed several of the recipes from this book, including Shortbread, Crab Dip, and most recently, Carrot and Zucchini Bars. Far be it from me to use a recipe as it is printed, however. I am great at following rules, but recipes are a very different story for me! You know how I love to play with my food, and this recipe, well...it needed 'tweaking' to make it healthier, so I did, and the results were fabulous. We are all trying to eat 'better' as well as lower fat intake and such, so this recipe was prime for me to play with. Here's my personal variation, as adapted from this book. Carrot and Zucchini Bars Adapted by Kitchen Kimberley from Better Homes and Gardens new Cook Book 3/4 c. all-purpose flour 3/4 c. whole wheat flour 1/4 tsp. bakiing soda 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 1/2 c. shredded carrot (about 3 medium) 1 c. shredded zucchini (about 1 medium) 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 c. raisins 1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts 1/4 c. canola oil 1/4 c. applesauce 1/4 c. Oklahoma honey (local flavor is best!) 1 tsp. vanilla (I use Mexican vanilla) 1 recipe Citrus - Cream Cheese frosting 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and baking soda. In another large bowl stir together eggs, carrot, zucchini, brown sugar, raisins, walnuts, oil, applesauce, honey and vanilla. Add carrot mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Spread batter into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. 2. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Froms with Citrus - Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars. Citrus-Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat one (8 ounce) package of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla on medium speed until fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon (or you could use orange) peel. You can see by the picture, that these are gorgeous bars, as they are studded with zucchini, carrots, raisins, and walnuts that are clearly visible. I love it when you can really see what you're eating! OH, and don't get me started on that incredible frosting...oh my goodness! The modifications I made to this recipe can be used in most any baking. The original called for 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, and I used half AP flour, and half whole wheat, adding fiber and flavor. Then, I cut the original amount of oil in half and sub'd applesauce, again, adding more flavor, an also slashing the calories and fat grams. This is truly a 'feel good' snack or dessert, and I was sad to see the last piece go! Not to worry, though, I will definitely be making this treat again very soon, and I do hope that you'll try it, too. Until we eat again...happy baking!

Burger-licious!

2009-08-18T14:54:00.002-05:00

Typically, I am a 'good' girl and try to eat a very healthy diet. Today, however, was anything but typical! Lunch with the girls today was at Ron's Hamburgers, a Tulsa favorite for over 30 years, and a personal favorite of mine, as well. My 'usual' burger was my treat today -- the Ron's Special -- and it was 'burger-licious'! If you haven't tried a Ron's Special, I encourage you to run on over to one of their Tulsa locations (run because you'll need to burn off the extra calories) and indulge today! Let me tell you what you're in for. The Ron's Special is a very special, juicy and flavorful treat, starting with their 1/3 pound beef burger, and ending with Cure 81 ham slices and bacon bits. (Funny thing -- I always ask them to hold the tomatoes and lettuce!) Can we say burger heaven on a plate?! For me, burgers just don't get any better than this...at least the 3-meat burgers don't get any better than this, that's a foodie fact! My girlfriends all enjoyed the grilled chicken salad, and yes, I ate that big old juicy, grease-drippin' burger right in front of them -- and without hesitation or guilt! Nevermind the fact that I had to use a napkin to wipe off the top bun before I could even pick it up. I didn't miss that added fat, and I certainly did not miss one bite of that delicious burger, either. Yep -- finished it all, before they were even done with their salads. I think it slid right down to my tummy! The burger may sound indulgent, but I had a Diet Coke with my Ron's Special...that was a wise choice, right? My food motto has always been to eat everything -- but to eat everything in moderation! So, that's my burger for the month, and it was goo...oo...ood! Thanks, Ron's, for making my lunch so memorable, and for making Tulsa burgers so 'Special'! Well, better run for now -- literally! I am off to the treadmill to work off those extra calories, but I don't mind, because it was worth every Ron's Special burger-licious bite! Until we eat again...happy cooking!

Back to Bloggin' from my Oklahoma kitchen!

2009-08-17T17:28:00.004-05:00

Summer has kept me busier than usual, which has kept me away from my Blog! I do love to write, especially about food, so I am back! Here goes! This year, summer produce has been better than ever before in Oklahoma. Perhaps it is due to the more than typical rainfall we've experienced, but more than likely it's simply the dedication and hard work of Oklahoma farmers -- and they sure do work hard! This season my schedule has been built around trips to the Farmers Markets, and my menus have been constructed with the freshest fruits and vegetables of Green Country. There is simply nothing more satisfying to me than the taste of a ripe, juicy Oklahoma tomato or the sweetness of a Candy Onion. These flavors do not need fussy preparation, in fact, my favorite way to enjoy them all is in their bare and natural state -- no cooking necessary! For lunch, I have enjoyed many an heirloom tomato wedge, alongside hunks of tender zucchini, with a side of crunchy Lemon Cucumber...as is...the perfect lunch. No dressing, no salt, no nothing (yikes - double negative!) and nothing needed. Simple, pure, flavorful veggies at their very best, and I intend to enjoy them while they last. Since we're talking about fresh, delicious produce, I must mention my other dear favorites -- okra, corn on the cob, green beans (specifically haricot verts, those long, skinny French green beans) and sweet bell peppers in every color of the rainbow. What fun summer is when there is an abundance of these garden treasures to hunt and enjoy! At the market, it is a real treat to visit with the growers and learn about the different varieties and how they vary in flavor. The farmers always speak of their goods with such pride...almost like a parent speaking of their children. They should be proud of the flavors they have 'raised' so lovingly! So...it's Monday and now I wait for Wednesday when I can make my weekly trip to the Brookside Farmer's Market in Tulsa. (41st and Peoria, 8 a.m. to Noon) This week I am in the mood to try something new...perhaps a juicy watermelon or cantaloupe -- we'll see! One thing is for sure, it will be scrumptious, because it's grown in Oklahoma.

Ahhhh....Alaska!

2009-06-24T13:32:00.005-05:00

Friends, I just returned from a cruise to Alaska and ahhhhh....while I love Oklahoma dearly, I sure do like to visit my second love, Alaska. (Sorry Colorado, Alaska just nudged you out of second and into third place!) You know that old saying 'third time's the charm'? Well, it sure was true for our third trip to Alaska! This time we sailed aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas, and it was just that...radiance! She's a beautiful ship and we thoroughly enjoyed all of her gracious amenities, friendly staff, and endless...yes...endless amount of incredible foods! This time we sailed from Anchorage northbound to Vancouver, with visits to Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and the breathtaking Inside Passage. Wildlife in Alaska was spectacular as always, with plenty of eagles, Stellar's sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, a lone moose, and Alaska's marine giants -- humpback whales. These gentle giants are the most graceful and impressive that I have ever seen. We went on a whale watching tour out of Icy Strait Point, and we saw and heard incredible humpback whales. Our tiny (or so it seemed) tour boat was surrounded by these mammoth mammals almost the whole time. We were there on a perfectly sunny, warm day, and the whales were at play for us to watch! Their bugling sounds were just amazing, and it's an experience that I will never forget. We watched a Mama whale teaching her baby to jump out of the water!! These are awesome creatures and they are a reminder that our God is an awesome God! We also saw 5 bears while there, and enjoyed seeing them very much -- from a safe distance, of course! When we mentioned to another traveler that it was our third trip there, he quipped "What -- you didn't get it right the first two times?!" Well...my polite and sincere response to that, was simply that there is something new and different to see and do with each visit. Fresh air, sunshine, calm waters, glorious glaciers, towering mountains and amazing wildlife -- yes, there is plenty to explore in Alaska! If we are blessed with the opportunity, we will eagerly return again and again...for as long as we possibly can. It's a long (really long!) trip, but worth every mile and every dollar. Certainly, a trip to Alaska is something that I hope everyone gets to do at least once in their lifetime. And once you go, you'll surely be hooked like we are, and want to go again and again. By the way, it's really great to be home again, but oh my goodness...the heat wave is on!!! So let me know if you need any Alaska vacation advice! Until we eat again...safe travels and happy cooking!

Summer is here!

2009-06-11T13:43:00.002-05:00

While it may not be official yet, it sure feels as though summer has arrived in Green Country! This heat makes me want to avoid turning on the oven...that is...unless I'm going to bake a Banana Split Cheesecake! Other than that, I sure am in the mood to prepare cool and refreshing meals, like salads and chilled soups. So, first I'm off to the local farmer's market, and then we'll enjoy some healthy meals using the season's best produce. Making a trip to the farmer's market is the only time I shop without a list -- I like to shop and just see what inspires me! There is always plenty to choose from, and the results are always yummy and good for us, too! When it comes to fresh veggies and fruits, one thing is for certain...the more, the merrier! Surely my love of fresh produce stems (no pun!) from the garden my parents had when I was growing up. It was a huge garden packed with everything...early icicle and red radishes, green onions, okra, corn, squash, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, and much, much more. There was also always fresh dill which Mom used to make her own pickled okra (still one of my favorite foods, although it comes from the grocery store now). Mom canned all summer long and we ate fresh veggies from the garden year round. We had so many cases of canned tomatoes and green beans, that we had to store them under our beds for winter, which was just fine with us. For me, the sounds of summer will always include cicadas in the evening, and the song of the pressure cooker jiggling all day long in the kitchen. To keep me entertained when it was too hot to play outside, Mom gave me the job of listening for and counting the 'pop' of the lids from whatever she was canning. And so my love of food was born, and continues to grow. Now that I'm all grown up (not really, but I'm getting there!), I still remember all the hard work that went into the garden, and for that very reason I enjoy shopping from our local hard working farmers. I can appreciate their efforts, and especially the tasty results! All that being said, be sure to check out some of my favorite salad recipes on the Recipes page. And then, visit www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com to find a market near you. Hope to see you there! Until then, stay cool and enjoy the fresh Oklahoma produce!

Memorial Day Weekend traditions

2009-05-22T08:31:00.003-05:00

Ahh....finally...a stretch of sunshine and a nice, long weekend ahead filled with fun, family and .... food! There's nothing quite like a family gathering where everyone brings their signature dish. It is a welcome treat! Memorial Day in my family means gathering with family, driving to several cemeteries to lay flowers and remember lost loved ones, and then eating a lot of great foods. Typically I make what has become my signature dish and a family favorite for generations, Vegetable 'Wow' Salad. It is an old fashioned vegetable salad with a sweet and tangy dressing that everyone loves! This weekend, I do hope that you'll slow down, get outside, enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and lots of great foods. Enjoy special times with your loved ones! Make your signature dish! Happy weekend!

New Favorite Restaurant!

2009-04-23T11:44:00.003-05:00

Typically I cook at home, and when I do eat out, I am usually disappointed with either the quality of the food, the service, or both. Yes, I will admit it -- I am a complete food snob! There. I said it...now you know! In my foodie defense, and in light of the current economy, let me just say that when we are forking out (no pun intended!) $30 for a meal for 2, it had better be stellar. As I always say to DH, "do you know how many groceries I can buy for $30?? We can dine like kings at home for that much money!" But -- every now and then, we all need a treat, and a night without dirty dishes is always a treat for this old gal. So last night we had an errand in Broken Arrow around dinner time, and I called a BA friend for restaurant recommendations. She immediately said "Napoli's -- for the best Italian", so I checked out their website. Napoli's has 3 locations -- one in BA, Tahlequah and Muskogee, so I was intrigued. We arrived early, at around 5:00, so it was probably before the regular dinner crowd would arrive. We like quiet dinners where we can really talk and hear each other. Upon entering, a family was leaving; they were all smiles and looking full. Next, a gentleman left with a large pizza box -- oh, pizza take-out -- note to self! We were immediately seated at a quiet table, and began checking out the rather extensive menu. Imagine this...clean, quiet atmosphere, friendly service, broad menu...okay, so far, so good. My friend had told me about their 'pretzel bread' as she described it, and well...that arrived with our drinks. OH MY -- it was a basket of homemade Italian bread -- no, really, from scratch! Let me describe it for you...it was braided (thus, pretzel bread description from my friend) and as soft as a pillow. The kind of bread that literally melts in your mouth. As a bonus -- a whole bowl full of REAL butter at room temperature was on our table. (Note: There is nothing worse than cold, hard butter tearing your bread, so this made me a happy girl!) The bread was delicate and fluffy, yeasty, savory, tender perfection. Can you tell that I loved it?! My selection from the menu was the Pasta Sampler which included their Ravioli, Lasagna, and Manicotti. I am not a pig, I just wanted to try a little of everything, and the portion was just right, not too much. My favorite of the three was the lasagna, which was probably the best I have ever eaten . . . yes . . . better than mine! The ravioli was stuffed with beef, and it was fabulous. I can't leave the Manicotti without saying that it was scrumptious, too! They were all 3 delicious on their own flavor -- and that's what I loved -- they each tasted unique! Yum! Hubby enjoyed the spaghetti with meat sauce, which had a bit of a unique flavor of its own. I tried a bite, and it was reminiscent of a cabbage roll...perhaps it was a hint of allspice...not sure, but it was delicious. We knew that the marinara was homemade, because there was a fresh bay leaf in the sauce...nothing says homemade like bay leaves -- I use them all the time at home! Am I going on and on about this food? Yes. But it gets better....because while I was enjoying (immensely) my pasta dish, I decided that the pasta must be homemade. I knew that it was not some dried stuff from a warehouse that's been shipped across country, but it was real, tender, thin, homemade pasta that was made simply with love. AND, I was right! They told me that they make everything from scratch at the restaurant -- the pasta, the sauces...everything! The only disappointment was that we didn't save room for dessert! I am certain that they would have been fabulous, too. So, you guessed it, I'll be back! You must try this restaurant in Broken Arrow if you love Italian food. Hubby and I are very glad that we did! Check out their website for the locations and menu: www.napolisitalianrestaurant.com Next time it's Pizza for us! Oh, and dessert! The question now is...how have I missed this place for so long? What else am I missing? Do you know of a fabulous restaurant that I need to try?

Odd food combos!

2009-04-06T12:42:00.003-05:00

This morning I was in studio at KBEZ with Steve and Carly to talk about the MIO Recipe Roundup Contest -- it was such fun! 'Kitchen Carly' showed me a picture of Steve's latest culinary creation....a peanut butter sandwich with tuna and turkey...hmmm...very creative Steve! So I started thinking about odd food combinations and how flavors can magically come together in a tasty way, even when logic says they should not. One of my all time personal favorites has to be Chex Mix with Vanilla Ice Cream -- yum! When I was a little girl, my Mom made that tasty cereal snack mix all the time, and we called it 'snicky-snack'. I'm not sure how that name was coined, but it certainly has stuck with me over the years! In fact, when I talk about it, I have to really think to call it 'Chex Mix' and not 'snicky-snack' so the normal people will know what I'm talking about, LOL! Back to the snack -- when I was growing up we always had a snack at 8:00 in the evening, and it usually involved ice cream. Well, back in the day, I didn't really have much of a sweet tooth so I had to have the salty 'snicky-snack' to balance the sweet vanilla ice cream...it's really a good combo! I can remember sticking the pretzels vertically into the ice cream and then sprinkling the cereal and nuts over the top. See? I started 'playing with my food' at a very young age, and my Mom didn't mind a bit! Thank you, Mommy, for letting me play with my food! I still do! Okay, that's one of my 'odd food combos', tell me what some of yours are! Until we eat again...happy cooking!

What's Cookin'?

2009-03-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Fellow Foodies! What's cooking in your kitchen today? Today in my Oklahoma kitchen, I am creating a new Black Bean Soup / Stew -- haven't played with it enough to decide whether it's a soup or stew yet! I do love to play with my food! I am always inspired by a well-stocked pantry, and the flexibility to cook whatever I want, and today is one of those glorious days. In the pantry I have a good variety of dried beans, and today I decided on the black beans. I have some chopped ham in the freezer, and that will pair nicely. So...then onto the canned items, where I selected diced tomatoes, and (my favorite) Hatch fire-roasted green chiles. This recipe is decidedly Mexican, so I'm certain it will get it's fair share of cumin, oregano, garlic, and chile powder. We'll see....I love to play with my food! BTW, I'm also going to saute some red onions, baby carrots and celery in a tiny amount of bacon fat for extra flavor. mmmmm.....sounding better all the time....can't wait to eat!! What are you cooking on this beautiful Spring day?