Well one ‘party’ weekend is behind us and now another lies ahead. Looking forward to the Daytona 500 and Valentine’s Day all rolled into one big celebratory weekend. Time to start working on the grocery list and the meals for the three days. The only thing I am secure with, at this time is dessert, which is going to be Peanut Butter Pie. Our son, Phillip, mentioned one of the few things he can taste is peanut butter. (We all experienced Covid in December.) Knowing how precarious this has been for him I focused on the Peanut Butter Pie.
We had 3 neighbors over for a small Super Bowl Party. All of us had experienced Covid in the past 2 months so it was a ‘legal’ gathering. There was plenty to enjoy, even though the game upset was a disappointment.
Presently I’m working on budget foods and preparing to tape some classes which will be used in our outreach programs at work. I enjoy a good challenge so I’m looking forward to creating interesting menus. If any readers have suggestions definitely send me an email with your ideas.
This week one of our big meals on the home-front was chicken fajitas. I used 2 pounds of seasoned fajita meat, 3 green peppers and 2 large onions. This probably made around 20 fajitas. Sunday morning I found the guys scrambling eggs and putting them with the fajita mixture! Often I will season fajitas with my own mixture of spices, but I will also pick up a bag of pre-mixed spices too. One thing I like to watch, however, is the amount of salt these pre-mixed spices can contain. My practice is to use only 1 package of seasonings for a double batch of fajitas. This still gives plenty of flavor and it keeps the sodium content down.
My good friend, Darin, communicated this week about a ‘trick’ I’ve been using for quite some time. He was making another one of his emphasis soups when he stumbled onto this one. This is truly a great tip for anyone making soups, sauces and gravies. When you prepare a roast in the pressure cooker or an insta-pot, the onions will almost dissolve. For gravies you can sometimes place a couple of potatoes and a carrot or two, in with the onions, while the meat is cooking. Remove the roast and with your submersible blender, blend the carrot, potato and onions into a smooth mixture. Sometimes you can make gravy in this fashion and use very little thickening ingredients. Darin used it as the base for his soup and the flavors were exceptional.
All the little tips we gain from friends and cooks, like myself, can make life in the kitchen easier and time saving. This week I’m starting fresh with new ideas for Valentine’s Day and party treats for the big race. One thing that would cost less than the party treats would be to serve a regular ‘meal’ instead of appetizers. It’s actually less time consuming and less expensive. Usually, it’s also healthier. Who wouldn’t enjoy a chicken lasagna, salad and breadsticks for the Daytona 500!
You can also save a few pennies buy purchasing and using foods that are in season. I’m leaning towards a shrimp dish with a side of sugar snaps and carrots. Perhaps a soup to open and fresh rolls. See, I’m getting there. Don’t forget to enhance the table décor for your special dinner, a few candles and easy jazz for the background. I am going a bit ‘over’ this year on Valentine’s because of the Covid business. We need to feel special and treat ourselves to nice things.
I’m looking forward to the pie on Saturday. I have a lots to do ahead of time since I made a few plans for Saturday already! Enjoy the week, stay warm and watch your step. Simply yours, The Covered Dish. www.thecovereddish.com
Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk
8-9 ounces cool whip, (No lite or no-fat)
9 inch chocolate pie crust
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts
Whip cream cheese until fluffy, beat in the peanut butter and sugar. Slowly add milk and blend. Fold in cool whip. Layer into prepared pie shell. Drizzle chocolate sauce or fudge sauce over the top along with chopped nuts for a nice presentation. Freeze until firm. Wrap ‘frozen’ pie if serving time is delayed. Should serve 8 persons.
