Pizza Tortilla Rolls

This idea came to me after purchasing a package of frozen pizza rolls. I won't mention the brand but I will say that the taste is great but the price I paid for just 3 is a little high. I knew there had to be a way to have something at least close to the same flavor but at a less expensive price. If you like thin crust pizza, you'll like my Pizza Tortilla Rolls.

These are simply made from tortillas, cheese, pepperoni and pizza sauce. I sprinkled the tortilla with cheese, added about 2 Tbl. pizza sauce down the middle of the cheese, made 2 rows of pepperoni down the center, carefully rolled them up and secured with tooth picks. Then I baked them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese was melted and the sauce was hot.

These are perfect for lunches, snacks and even super bowl parties. They are easy and you can make as many or as few as you like. You can also change the meat if you like to ground beef, sausage, ham, etc. Or use an Alfredo sauce and spinach.

Valentine's Day History

With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought I would give us all a little history lesson as to how this holiday came about.

February 14 was the day Rome honored Juno, the goddess of women and marriage. It was also the night before their spring festival called Feast of Lupercalia. On the eve of the festival, girls' names were put into a jar and boys reached in and chose a partner for the festival. These often lead to marriage.

When Claudius II was emperor, he ordered all the Roman military not to marry, fearing it would deter them from being committed to battle. But, Christian priest Valentine decided to secretly marry those couples in love and looking to make it legal before the soldier had to leave. Valentine was arrested and put to death on February 14. He was canonized as a saint creating the holiday which became Saint Valentine's Day in honor of priest.

Now we know a little history regarding Valentine's Day.

Applesauce Cake - Gone

I've removed Applesauce Cake from Martha's Recipes. If you didn't get it before now, you'll have to wait until my next cookbook Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts comes out.

Beans and Gas

This was sent to me by a friend and I couldn't help but share.

Beans and Gas

Beans have an unhappy reputation of creating an embarrassing byproduct of smelly gas. This gas which consists mainly of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, is the byproduct of bacteria in the intestine breaking down the complex carbohydrates in the beans. Here is a flatulence rating for beans from the highest gas-producing to the least:

1. soybeans
2. pink beans
3. black beans
4. pinto beans
5. small white beans
6. great northern beans
7. baby lima beans
8. chick peas
9. large lima beans
10. black-eyed peas.

Reactions may vary according to intestinal length. As the body becomes accustomed to eating beans, you will find that this problem disappears. A product on the market called Beno supplies the digestive enzyme, Alpa-Galactosidase that will help you in the transition. Five drops of Beno before a meal of delicious beans, and I can tell you from personal experience, it really works.

Some believe that cooking with ginger or chewing on a peppermint leaf will help alleviate the problem. Another trick is not to cook the beans in the same water you soak them in. Unfortunately, you lose some of the nutrients in the water but your family and friends will thank you!

Eating fruits shortly before or after a meal of starches, such as bread or beans, will cause excessive gas. When simple sugar and starch are digested within 2-4 hours of each other, the starch slows the transit time of fruit in the intestine, causing fermentation and excessive gas.

Cherry Nut Cheese Pie - Pulled

This is a good one that offers many changes. You can change the crust by changing the cookie, change the filling and even top with fresh fruit. BUT, it's been pulled for my next cookbook "Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts."

Grocery Shopping Tips

Grocery Shopping Tips

I found these tips in Taste of Home and thought them worth sharing.

1. Always shop on a full stomach. If you're hungry while at the grocery store, you'll buy more. (I can vouch for this one)

2. Shop only once a week and go alone. (I've found that if I go to the grocery store more than once a week I always end up buying more than I actually went in for. Also, if someone is with me I'm distracted and in a hurry. Plus, they have a knack for finding items that I really had not planned to buy.)

3. Make a grocery list. (This one is so helpful. If I go in without a list I usually miss items that I need and buy items that I don't actually need. Plus a shopping list allows me to check my shelves to make sure I'm actually out of or low on an item.)

4. Purchase non-grocery items at discount stores, not the grocery store. (In comparing prices, if I need items such as shampoo, detergents/cleaners, etc. I find the price difference between he grocery store and a store such as Wal-Mart to be a great difference.)

5. Shop farm markets for inexpensive and good-quality seasonal produce. (This isn't always continent for me but when I am able to shop the produce markets I do find that I can buy cheaper and in larger quantities allowing me to freeze for another day.)

6. Plan a weekly menu by using the store's sales paper. (This isn't always one that I follow but it is good advice. It also saves time by allowing you to know exactly what you will be preparing each day instead of going to the freezer/pantry to decide can be cooked for a meal. I've actually found times that I actually can't decide what to cook and go out to eat.)

7. Shop when stores are quiet so you can compare prices without feeling rushed. (I like to go early on Saturday mornings while most people are sleeping or still drinking their morning coffee. If the store is crowded, I always feel that my buggy is in the way of other customers so I rush and miss unadvertised sales or price comparing.)

Old Fashioned Date Nut Bread - Pulled

I've just pulled Old Fashioned Date Nut Bread from Martha's Recipes. It's been moved to be included in my next cookbook "Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts."

Another Review of Stir, Laugh, Repeat to share

Robert Medak's Review of:

Stir, Laugh, Repeat: Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen
Author Martha A. Cheves

This is not your ordinary cookbook. This cookbook, written for those that are not familiar with working in a kitchen; or did not have the luxury of being in the kitchen with their mother; grandmother, or even their father and learned the joy of cooking from them while spending time in the kitchen.

The recipes are simple comfort food and some that you may not have heard of. The point is to try them and learn to become comfortable in the kitchen and possibly pass on the joy of cooking to your children. There is no better way to spend time and have fun with your children then to work together in the kitchen as many children did years ago.

The anecdotes along with the recipes are fun to read on their own. What a treat to read while following the easy to prepare dishes in one pot. The recipes are easy to follow and create something special for one or a family.

This reviewer, thought back to the times he spent in the kitchen helping his mother by cutting up things, getting them ready for the pot. It does make for a special bond between child and parent.

For those that are single and avoid the kitchen due to lack of confidence around a stove, think of the sense of accomplishment when you create something yourself in the kitchen. We can’t live by take-out or the microwave all the time. We should strive to eat healthy most of the time.

This reviewer enjoyed Stir, Laugh, Repeat and awards it a five star rating.

Buying Cauliflower

Buying Cauliflower

When buying fresh cauliflower, look for heads that are compact and are free from yellow or brown spots. The leaves should be crisp and green. To store, don't wash but wrap tightly in a paper towel, place it in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to use, wash and remove the leaves at the base and cut off the stem. If yellow or brown spots have appeared, remove by cutting them off.

Now, for a really great soup go to Martha's Kitchen Korner and check out my Cauliflower Soup.

Metric Measurements

Metric Measures

Here's a handy list of metric conversions to make the cooking preparation process more clear.

1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters

1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters

1 cup = 240 milliliters

1 quart = 0.946 liter

1 gallon = 3.785 liters

1 liter = 1.057 quarts

1 ounce = 28.35 grams

1 pound = 454 grams

1 gram = 0.035 ounce

1 kilo = 2.205 pounds

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

1 centimeter = 0.39 inch

Banana Spice Muffins

These muffins are made with a cake mix and can be changed by changing the cake mix flavor. It includes a banana which can be eliminated but when using a spice cake mix, it tones down the spicy flavor some. You can change the filling from nuts to chopped raisins, cranberries, dried pineapple, etc. This makes a wonderfully moist muffin. It can even be made into cupcakes and iced if you want.

To view the full recipe go to Martha's Kitchen Korner.

Another Stir, Laugh Repeat Cookbook Review

Reading At The Beach: Reviews, January 21, 2010
By Vicki (Florida)
I had a few reasons for wanting to read this book.

I get tired of the same things over and over.
I love trying new recipes.
I love laughing.

It has some of the strangest recipes I've ever seen.
Here are a few:
Mushroom Bread
Sausage Cookies
Meaty Mashed Potatoes
Rabbit Food Sandwich
Outside In Cake
Stuffed Cube Steak Rolls

Here are a few foods I love and can't wait to try:
Fried Pickles
Southern Chow Chow
Chinese Swiss Steak
Hash Brown Omelets
Key Lime Pie
No Bake Cookies
(My mom let me start making No Bake Cookies by myself when I was about 11 yrs. old and they are still my favorite to make...and eat!)

There is a tip at the end of each recipes which I thought was a great addition.

This book is a great addition to any cookbook library. I love love love it!!!

Sour Cream Cheese Cake - GONE

This recipe makes a smooth, creamy pie that can be garnished with just about anything. You can sprinkle it with almonds, strawberries, cherries, pineapple, grated chocolate, or even drizzle it with chocolate and/or caramel.

BUT - I've pulled the recipe to go into my next cookbook "Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts"

Measurements

List of household measures as a cooking aid.

Pinch = about 1/8 teaspoon

2 teaspoons = 1 dessert spoon

3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

16 tablespoons = 1 cup

8 fluid ounces = 1 cup

16 fluid ounces = 1 pint

32 fluid ounces = 1 quart

128 fluid ounces = 1 gallon

2 cups = 1 pint

2 pints = 1 quart

4 quarts = 1 gallon

2 cups granulated sugar = 1 pound

3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar = 1 pound

2 3/4 cups brown sugar = 1 pound

3 1/2 cups wheat flour = 1 pound

5 1/3 cups dry coffee = 1 pound

4 cups cocoa = 1 pound

6 1/2 cups dry tea = 1 pound

2 cups shortening = 1 pound

3 1/2 cups walnuts (chopped) = 1 pound

9 eggs = 1 pound

3 cups cornmeal = 1 pound

2 sticks butter = 1 cup

8 egg whites = 1 cup

2 tablespoons sugar = 1 ounce

3 tablespoons flour = 1 ounce

2 tablespoons butter = 1 ounce

Italian Cream Sheet Cake - Removed

Another recipe, Italian Cream Sheet Cake, has been removed from Martha's Recipes and moved to Think With Your Taste Bud - Desserts file.

A Book and A Dish

For those of you that are new to Stir, Laugh, Repeat I want to make sure you are aware of my site A Book and A Dish. This site consists of book reviews I've written for books I've read as well as a recipe contributed by the Author.

So, if you are like me, enjoy cooking and reading, this is the perfect site to follow. There are some really great authors out there that have written some really great books. And it's always interesting to see what they like to cook and eat. See for yourself by going to A Book and A Dish.

Rice Fruit Salad

1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup small marshmallows
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
2 cups cooked rice, cold

Whip cream, add sugar and beat until stiff. Add pineapple, marshmallows and cold rice. Fold lightly. Chill 3 hours. Serves 4-6

This can also be made with 1/2 cup applesauce instead of pineapple. When I use the applesauce I add cinnamon to taste. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and taste. Or try the already flavored apple sauces for even more taste changes.

Grape Salad - Removed

Grape Salad

Another recipe has been removed for my next cookbook Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts. This one is that wonderful Grape Salad which is called a salad but to me it's also a dessert.

A friend of mine, Lillian, made this for dinner while I was visiting her in Florida. She found the original recipe in Taste of Home but made a few ingredient alterations. I've made this using her recipe but also made it making my own changes. In my changes I used 3 Granny Smith Apples cored and chopped into bite size pieces, I added 1/2 cup of blueberries and 2 lbs. of red seedless grapes. Both ways are simply delicious. The Grape Salad can be frozen and thawed before serving but I'm not so sure you can freeze when using the apples.

Two Day Caramel Nut Cake

You can make this cake taste like a German Chocolate cake by using A German Chocolate cake mix. You can also make it using a yellow or white cake mix. The ice cream topping flavor can be changed as long as it's consistency is thick like the caramel. This cake actually gets better with age so make sure you make it at least 2 days before planning to serve.

To view the full recipe go to Martha's Recipes

Coconut Nut Pie

If you like coconut and pecans, you will love the recipe I've just posted for Coconut Nut Pie. View the full recipe by clicking here Martha's Kitchen Korner

Stir, Laugh, Repeat review by W. S. Gager

Yet another great review for my cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat that I wanted to share with everyone.

Over the holidays I read Stir, Laugh, Repeat, Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen by Martha A. Cheves. I must admit I have never in my life read a cook book from cover to cover but this is much more than a cookbook, but a way of making people happy (and wanting to make them eat.) Not only is it filled with recipes that use ingredients that are staples in most kitchens or better yet leftovers, the recipes are in small quantities for couples or singles. That is where most cookbooks would stop. (Did I mention you will want to eat?)

Martha goes on to provide antidotes about her cooking, the trial and error that went into each recipe and information on her tasters. Those anecdotes kept me reading as did the marvelous tips after each recipe. Some I knew, some I didn’t, but they are all gems to help the newer cooks and well versed cooks on the menu.

Martha is a southern belle and it is clear in many of her recipes from Boiled Peanuts to Collards. She also loves cooking and experimenting which is why many of her recipes offer the key ingredient to any cooking – love.

Pick up Martha’s Stir, Laugh, Repeat and there is something in there for everyone who spends any time in a kitchen or family.

W. S. Gager

Strawberry Bread Cake - Recipe Pulled

Strawberry Bread Cake

I've just pulled another recipe from Martha's Recipes to go into my next cookbook Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts. I hope you will look for it when the new book comes out.

Safety Tips Everyone Should Read

What I'm posting today has nothing to do with cooking but when this was sent to me I felt it was important enough to make an exception and pass it along to everyone to read.

Crucial

Because of recent abductions In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...

This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know. After reading these 10 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :

The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide.

If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you..... Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy..The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. (DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

A. Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat

B. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door..Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side...If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car,
you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY and better paranoid than dead..

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit a running target 4 in 100 times and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird...The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl
to the street and get run over.

The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full
ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack. Stay alert, keep safe,
and look out for your neighbors!

Please pass this on This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle..I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc..you may want to pass it onto them, as well... Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry...

Potato and Sausage Casserole

I've just posted a quick and easy to make dish using potatoes and sausage.

Don't like sausage? Use ground beef or sweet sausage. And for the healthy dish, use ground turkey or chicken. You can also add mushrooms.

View the full recipe at Martha's Kitchen Korner

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitutions

1 cup sugar - 1 1/3 cup brown sugar or 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup honey - 1 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup liquid

1 cup brown sugar - 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbl. molasses

1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup sugar and 1 Tbl. cornstarch. Blend in a blender

1 sq. unsweetened chocolate - 3 Tbl. cocoa plus 3 Tbl. shortening

1 oz. bitter chocolate - 4 Tbl. cocoa plus 2 Tbl. butter

6 oz. pkg semi-sweet chocolate pieces, melted - 2 squares unsweetened chocolate plus 2 Tbl. shortening and 1/2 cup sugar

1 cup milk - 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water or 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk plus 7/8 cup water plus 2 tsp. butter

1 cup buttermilk - 1 Tbl. vinegar or lemon juice plus milk to make 1 cup. Let stand 5 minutes or use 1 cup yogurt

1 cup sour cream - 7/8 cup yogurt

sour cream - 1 cup cottage cheese, 1-3 Tbl. milk, 1 Tbl. lemon juice. Blend. Store in refrigerator

1 cup butter - 1 cup vegetable shortening plus 1/2 tsp. salt

1 whole egg - 2 egg yolks plus 1 Tbl. water

1 Tbl. cornstarch (for thickening) - 2 Tbl. flour

1 Tbl. flour (for thickening) - 12 - 2/3 Tbl. cornstarch

1 cup marshmallow cream - 16 large marshmallows

1 cup miniature marshmallows - 10 large marshmallows

Tart Shells

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 pkg (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir until blended. Shape into 24 balls. Chill. Place balls in ungreased miniature muffin pans. Shape each ball into a shell in the muffin cups.

These are so simple to make. The butter and cream cheese give them a rich butter flavor. They are great filled with meats or sweets. If you are making a tart that requires a precooked shell, after shaping them, bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool and fill.

Pecan Bars - Gone

Another recipe sent to the manuscript file. This is a good one too. Watch for it in my next cookbook "Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts."

Strawberry Pudding Cake

Another Recipe has been pulled for my new cookbook "Think with your Taste Buds - Desserts.

Creamy Cherry Pie

1 deep dish graham cracker crumb crust
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 carton (8 oz.) sour cream
1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine condensed milk and lemon juice. Stir in sour cream. Spread over crust. Spoon pie filling over cream mixture. Bake for about 18 minutes. The edges should barely start turning a light brown. Refrigerate. Serves 8

This is one of the easiest cream pies you will ever make. You can actually use any flavor of pie filling.. apple, berries, lemon, etc. You can add nuts after cooking or if you use apple pie filling you might want to make a crumb topping to add while cooking using a little flour, brown sugar, nuts and cinnamon.

Deletion of Luscious Pineapple Squares

Now that my computer is back up and running I'm in the process of deleting recipes from my sites to be put into manuscript form for my next cookbook. The first recipe to be deleted is Luscious Pineapple Squares which was posted to Martha's Recipes. Watch for this recipe, as well as many others to appear in the near future in my cookbook "Think with your Taste Buds - Desserts."

Green Beans with Mushrooms & Bacon

4 slices of bacon
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 med onion, sliced thin
2 cans (16 oz. each) French style green beans
1/8 tsp. pepper

Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove. Drain all but 2 Tbl. of the drippings from the skillet. Add mushrooms and onions to the drippings in the skillet. Saute until onions are tender. Add beans and pepper. Cook until throughly heated. Spoon into a serving dish and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Serves 6.

Changes - try making this with cabbage or broccoli instead of the green beans. You can also sprinkle with almond slivers for an added crunch.

Will Be Back in Business Soon

I want to let everyone know that I'll have my computer back Friday and will be up and running, hopefully by Saturday. I've missed posting and reading your comments and can't wait to start moving again.

Apple Egg Rolls

4 large apples
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 Tbl. butter
1 - 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
10 egg rolls
small bowl with water
Enough cooking oil to measure about 1 1/2" - 2" deep in a med. saucepan
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Peel, core and dice apples. (I used Granny Smith) In a medium size sauce pan combine apples, sugar, butter and cinnamon. On med. high heat, cook apples until most of the liquid has cooked out. The liquid left should be slightly thick. On a piece of waxed paper, lay out one egg roll sheet at a time. Just in from the center of the roll, spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of apple mix. Don't let the apples nor liquid go to any of the edges. Wet your fingers in the bowl of water and spread water around all edges of the roll. Fold one corner in and over the apples. Fold the 2 sides on the left and right over. Start bringing the other corner over keeping the apples tightly inside. Set aside and make the rest of your rolls. Heat oil on med. high. Place 2 - 3 rolls in the hot oil at a time turning once. Cook each side until lightly browned. Place on a paper towel to drain.

I try to leave about 1 Tbl. of apple juice in the bottom of the bowl, add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, mix well and drizzle over my Apple Egg Rolls. You can also just sprinkle with powdered sugar while hot.

Changes - use recipes for other pie fillings but make sure you cook most of the liquid out before filling your rolls. Example - peach or berries.