Caramelized Apples

Caramelized Apples

2 large tart green applies, peeled and cored
scant amount of lemon or orange juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds, not with pods
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon dehydrated orange peel
2 tablespoons orange liquor (optional)

Peel and core apples. Cut into bite pieces or slices depending upon what you wish to use them for. Toss in a little lemon or orange juice to keep them from browning. Sprinkle in all the spices and orange peel and set aside. Melt the butter then add the brown sugar. Get the mixture bubbly and add the apple mixture. Cook on medium till apples are soft and mixture is thickened. Add the orange liquor and cook for two more minutes. Serve over pancakes, waffles, or perhaps pork chops or roast. Enjoy!

Hamburger Patties

Hamburger Patties

We rarely eat beef due to cost and the heavy texture
to the meat. After a medical procedure which had
me sore and out of sorts, I wanted
something simple to make. Gary got a package of
thick burger patties which came six to a pack.
I sauteed them, then put BBQ sauce on top.
We also had some peas to go along with.
We'll be able to have the meal three days in a row.
Something simple and I don't have to cook each day.

We postponed our planting day due to
the big thunderstorm we're having today.
Glad we did because the tiny plants would
have been pelted  unmercifully.
Tomorrow will be a better day to plant.

Planting Day

Planting Day

Today is planting day for this season.
We have tomatillos, unusual tomatoes, and specialty peppers.
Thankfully we got some rain and more on the way.
Happy planting, nothing better than home grown.

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs cut in half
salt and pepper to taste
flour for dusting chicken thighs
3 lemons sliced crosswise

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried orange peel

2/3 cup orange juice
olive oil for coating baking dish

Salt and pepper the chicken thigh portions on both sides. Dredge in flour and shake off. Coat 9 x 12 baking dish in olive oil bottom and sides. Place chicken thighs in baking dish. Sprinkle thighs with garlic powder, oregano, and orange peel. Tuck lemon slices around each chicken thigh portion. Pour orange juice around each chicken portion. Bake at 350 F for 45 to 60 minutes. Turn chicken thigh portions over half way through baking time. Lemons, flour, and orange juice make a nice sauce. Let sit for 10 minutes then serve along with your favorite vegetable or starch. I love making one dish meals. Easy to make and easy clean up too.