14 minute read
Food & Dining
Tasty and Treasured:
Sharing Favorite Recipes From Friends
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by Liz Turner, Blue Apron Cooking School
One of my favorite things is a passed-on or passed-down recipe. There are millions of recipes everywhere, in magazines, cookbooks, on the food package itself and now of course online. I enjoy and use them all, but when I receive a tried and true recipe from a friend, fellow foodie or family member I can’t wait to try it, as I know it will be an especially good one. Many of my “go-to” recipes I’ve been using for years are the handwritten, food stained, dog-eared ones I keep handy in the kitchen. And this is saying something because as a cooking school teacher I have thousands of recipes on hand; some tested and used, other waiting in the wings. But I’ll never out grow the pleasure of
The White Mountains' Premiere Secret Bakery Wedding Cakes, Custom Cakes, Dessert Bars, Pies (928) 242-7224
Today I am sharing one of those special recipes. I have a very good friend who has shared many marvelous recipes over many years. Her breakfast casseroles are some of my favorites! The recipe I’m sharing with you today is so simple that it takes minutes to prepare. I usually have the ingredients on hand, and it can be changed up or added to in countless ways. Best of all, it is delicious enough to serve to company as I just did this past weekend.
Original Recipe – from my friend Harriet Morgan 3-2-1 Soup
1 lb. hamburger ½ cup chopped onion 3 cans Progresso Minestrone Soup 2 cans Ranch Style Beans, undrained (Jalapeno Pinto Beans also work) 1 can Rotel Tomatoes (Franks Hot Sauce as desired)
Brown hamburger and onion in a Dutch oven or pot. Add remaining ingredients. Mix together and heat for about 30 minutes. Serves about 6.
The soup is delicious just as is, but I’ve been known to add frozen corn, a can of black beans, rinsed, a handful of dried noodles, and a good squeeze of lime juice. I offer grated cheese and sour cream, and serve it with chips and salsa. I usually double the recipe. It freezes beautifully and is always good to have on hand.
This is one of the fabulous recipes, which will be in the cookbook I’m working on. In addition to many great recipes from The Blue Apron Cooking School, also included will be useful and fun cooking hints, tips and stories. Stay tuned! For more information, please contact Liz Turner of the Blue Apron Cooking School at (928) 3694664 or visit www.blueaproncooks.com.
Drop into the Show Low Senior Center on Fridays for free coffee, tea, pastries and companionship
The Show Low Senior Center is a wonderfully inviting building in the heart of Show Low, which is a great place to have a nutritious lunch and socialize. The center provides the meals that are delivered to the Meals on Wheels recipients. Members of the community, of any age, can have lunch in a warm and welcoming place to meet friends, or attend group activities. A complete lunch is offered for only $7.00 Monday through Thursdays from January to May and Monday through Friday during the spring and summer. Friday mornings beginning in February is “Drop in Day”, 9:30-11:00. Invite your friends for coffee, tea, pastries. A great place to enjoy friendly conversation with friends and make new ones. There is no charge but donations are always welcome to Meals on Wheels. Many days are open to play cards or board games – gather a group and call 928-532-0656 to see if you can schedule. Volunteers are utilized in many ways, including meal delivery, teaching a class, or helping in any way. If you have a skill or a talent or just something to share we welcome any ideas for programs. All the programs on our schedule are facilitated by volunteers. The Show Low Senior Center is located at 301 E. McNeil. For more information about Meals on Wheels, please visit www.showlowmealsonwheels.com.
Summer Celebrations in the Mountains – with Cake!
by Liz Turner, Blue Apron Cooking School
The weekend of June 18,19 & 20th was a fun, full and busy one for my family. My husband’s birthday was Friday the 18th, and Father’s Day on the 20th. Our two wonderful daughters were able to arrange their schedules to be able to join us for the celebration in Pinetop. We had a great time! They made it through the Friday afternoon Valley to the Mountain traffic just in time to join us for the birthday celebration dinner at the new fabulous restaurant, Pinoli’s. It was great fun with terrific service and such delicious entrees that we all had to sample everyone’s dinner. Saturday we puttered around the house and just enjoyed each other’s company. But on Saturday evening we prepared the special celebration dinner at home (steak and lobster anyone?), and leisurely enjoyed our delicious meal dining al fresco on the porch. There were gifts and cards and a silly dog going crazy, but you can’t have a real party without cake! Julia Child has been quoted as saying, “a party without cake is just a meeting.” I agree. As luck would have it, just recently a dear friend shared her recipe for a very special, incredibly delicious cake. When I read through the recipe I was amazed that this stunning cake actually looked quite easy and quick to make. I even had all but one ingredient on hand. After a quick run to the liquor store for that one ingredient, I was able to make, bake and frost the cake in no time. The cake is best left in the refrigerator for a few days, so that was another plus. Just one note, it makes a large 3 layer cake. The recipe says it serves 16 and for once I believe that is true. But it keeps well, so I expect to be enjoying, “just a sliver” for the next week or so. Hope you treat your family, friends or guests to this decadent treat sometime soon! Bon Appetit!
Come have fun in the kitchen with us!
For nearly twenty years, the Blue Apron Cooking School has been the home to fun hands on cooking classes taught and designed by Liz Turner to make cooking easier, faster and more enjoyable. Classes are back this summer so check out our line up on the adjacent page.
For more information and updates, please visit www.blueaproncooks.com
Pecan Praline Cake
Crunch Layer
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar ¾ cup melted salted butter ½ cup chopped toasted pecans (toast pecans in a skillet on the stove – watch carefully)
Cake
1 package Yellow Cake Mix, + 3 Tbs. flour (high altitude use + 5 Tbs. instead of 3) 3/4 cup water (high altitude + 1 Tbs.) 1/3 cup canola oil 1/4 cup Praline flavored liquor (available at the Beverage House, it makes the cake!) 3 XL eggs, at room temperature
Frosting
1 large can Ready to Spread Vanilla or Cream Cheese Frosting 8 oz. container Cool Whip, thawed but cold 1 Tbs. Praline flavored liquor 12 toasted pecan halves for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour (3) 8 inch round cake pans. (I use baking spray with flour like Baker’s Joy and I also line my pans with parchment cake rounds and spray them lightly as well.) In a medium-small bowl combine all crunch layer ingredients until crumbly. Press 1/3 of the mixture into the bottom of each pan. In a large mixing bowl, stir to blend water, oil, praline liquor and eggs. Add cake mix and beat with mixer on low about 30 seconds until just mixed. Increase speed to high and continue beating 1 minute and 30 seconds. Pour batter into prepared pans, about 1 1/3 cups per pan. Spread batter smoothly over crunch layer. Bake about 20-25 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched lightly or a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans on racks 10 minutes, then remove cakes and cool completely on racks. (inverting cakes onto new parchment rounds will aid in moving and layering cakes). Using a large spoon blend all frosting ingredients (except pecans) in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Place 1st layer, crunch side up, on serving platter. Spread top with frosting.
Top with 2nd layer, crunch side up and spread top with frosting. Top with 3rd layer, crunch side up and frost sides and top of cake. Arrange pecan halves around the top edge of cake or in whatever configuration you would like. Store refrigerated – can be made 3-4 days ahead, but let set out about 30 minutes before serving. Serves 12-16. Recipe from my dear friend Kathy Goldenberg who got it from her friend Kay Price sometime in the 1980’s – it’s a winner!
Back to Class? - Oh Yes!
The Blue Apron is ready to hold classes again! See the class titles with dates below. However, to see the entire schedule with details of each class, and to register for classes, please visit our website www. blueaproncooks.com. I believe this is our best schedule ever and surely there is something for everyone. Hope you can join us!
* 2021 Class Summary *
Summer Salads, Breads & Sweets - Wed. 7/14 10:30am or Thur. 7/15 10:30am
Days of Wine & Roses - Tue. 7/27 @ 10:30am or Wed. 7/28 @ 10:30am
Dog Days of Summer | Demonstration Class - Wed. 8/11 @ 10:30am
Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Wed. 9/29 @ 10:30am or Thur. 9/30 @ 10:30am
Classic Italian Dinner Party - Wed. 10/13 @ 10:30am or Thur. 10/14 @ 5:30pm
Wanna know what’s going on? Like us on Facebook to hear about it as soon as we do.
MTN Dining Guide
Looking for a cool place to relax this summer? Persnikkity's
Sweet Confections Cakes & Bakes (above) is located at 21 N. White Mountain Rd and specializes in custom sweets for all occasions. There is also a comfortable place (with wifi) to enjoy a cool drink or freshly baked sweet treat. They are currently running a Beat the Heat Special where all drinks are half off when temps exceed 90 degrees. Too cool!
Show Low
Arizona Mountain Coffee Co.
151 N. White Mtn Rd 928-892-2326 If you're looking for a friendly atmosphere, the perfect place to hangout or takeout, stop into Arizona Mountain Coffee Co. in Show Low and now Pinetop. FREE WIFI, Coffee & Tea, Pastries, Breakfast, & Paninis. Follow us at facebook.com/arizonamountincoffeeco. Visit azmountaincoffeeco.com.
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse & Lounge
1231 E. Deuce of Clubs 928-537-9797 This family owned and operated steak house and cocktail lounge specializes in Prime Rib and also serves seafood, chicken, burgers, and a great Soup & Garden Bar. Open for dinner from 4-9 pm. Stop in for the Early Bird “Twilight” Menu served Mon. - Fri. from 4 - 6:30 pm. Cattlemens-ShowLow.com.
Persnikkity's Cafe
1650 E. Deuce of Clubs 928-251-1965 Open 7 days a week from 7am - 3pm, Persnikkity's Cafe serves up a deliciously inspired and healthy variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast and more. Dine in, take out, curbside available. Persnikkity's Sweet Confections Cakes & Bakes is located just down the road at 21 N. White Mountain Rd and specializes in custom sweets for all occasions. To order, call (928) 251-1718.
Show Low Senior Center
301 E McNeil (928) 532-0656 Lunch is served Monday - Thursday from 11:30 - 12:30. A three course meal is just $7 served in the bright and inviting dining room or call for take out. All ages welcome!
What's Cooking Kitchen & Bakery
5171 Cub Lake Rd STE A-120 (928) 537-0673 Find out what's cooking and enjoy fresh quality ingredients in soups, sandwiches, salads, a large selection of breakfast favorites and exotic treats like Greek Kabobs, Chicken Tiki, Pork Adovada and Jerk Chicken. Open Mon.-Sat. 8am - 5pm,
Pinetop-Lakeside
Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse
Hwy 260, Pinetop (928) 367-4900 A part of Arizona’s History since 1938! Specializing in Prime Rib, Mesquite Broiled Steaks, Ribs, Chicken & Seafood. Serving dinner daily and lunch Wed-Sun in the Bar & Patio. Early Bird Menu Sun-Thurs. 4:45-6:30 pm. www.charlieclarks.com.
Indian Pine Restaurant at Hon-Dah Resort
777 AZ-260 (928) 369-0299 The Indian Pine Restaurant is Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 6am until 10pm, 7 Days a Week. We have a large Menu of selections to satisfy any appetite. From a variety of hot breakfast choices to our gourmet cheese burgers, sandwiches or salads for lunch. You can Build Your Own Pizza and enjoy a selection of appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, chicken wings or battered zucchini sticks. The dinner menu includes pork, poultry, steak and seafood dishes. For daily specials, which include entrees such as Ribeye, King Crab, Shrimp and more, please see the ad on page 2.
Hushhh Bakehouse & Art Nook
1684 E. White Mtn Blvd. 928-242-7224 Known for their cakes, pies and other sweet treats, the White Mountains' Secret Bakery is no longer a secret since they began serving a fresh new breakfast and lunch menu. Enjoy popular choices like the hummus plate, quiche, bagel-n-lox, and a variety of sandwiches. Vegan and Vegetarian options available. Facebook/Instagram/Yelp: Hushhh Bakehouse. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm. Dine in, call or text for take out or curbside.
Two Locations to Serve You!
151 N. White Mountain Rd Show Low 1425 E. White Mountain Blvd Pinetop
(928) 892-2326
The Lion's Den
2408 E White Mountain Blvd (928) 367-6050 Known for it's history in the area, live music, 20 beer taps, great wine burgers and large backyard with plenty of room for everyone! Open Mon-Thurs 9am - 10pm, Fri. 9am - 12am, Sat. 8am - 12 am, Sun. 8am - 10pm. Happy Hour 3-7pm. Now serving breakfast Sat & Sun. 8am-11am. Live music Thurs, Fri, Sat. Team Trivia on Tues at 6pm. NFL TV package, Off Track Betting, www.thelionsdenpinetop.com
The Lodge Sports Bar & Grill
857 E. White Mountain Blvd (928) 358-4602 At The Lodge Sports Bar & Grill you will find more than cold drinks and great service. We also offer plenty of fun things to do with family and friends while hanging out at your neighborhood bar and grill! We have delicious food, three pool tables, darts, Off Track Betting, and Live music. Open Sun.-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-12am. Happy Hour 2-6pm. www.thelodgesportsbargrill.com
Sweet Peas Infusions
43 W. White Mountain Blvd (928) 239-5993 Since 2012, Joel, Rael & Sherrie Young have made it their life's work to ensure that all whom suffer with debilitating medical conditions have affordable access to the life saving, all natural plant that is industrial hemp CBD. They aim to provide a relaxed and inviting atmosphere while serving up a vibrant selection of real fruit smoothies, frappes, herbal tea & 100% Kona Coffee. Their smoothies are made from real fruit, not a powder or syrup. No added sugar and no GMOs. Healthy never tasted so good. Cbd can be added to any drink upon request. Although it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.
Nutrioso
Mulloy's Public House
41633 Hwy 180 928-339-4829
Located at the Nutrioso Crossing, this traditional Irish Pub serves beer, wine, spirits and fresh Irish food. Available for special events, this welcoming pub is well worth the trip and you'll make it again. www.MulloysPublicHouse.com
