Ole Time Favorite Bean Dip

I know… it has been SO LONG! Since I have been able to blog, and please have patience with our old system here. Remember, I got the iPhone a while ago? Well, for some reason it will not sync or load up my iPhone pics to our non-apple computer. Thankful, we have a patient friend who is helping me. Still in crisis mode here, many prayers are needed. In the meantime, you can click on this link to follow me on Instagram . This link will take you to site that you can see on your computer. You can also follow me on Instagram your iphone or android, there's an app for that.

Things are just going kaput around here…besides the old computer, our cars, the refrigerator, and just life is so crazy busy at times! However, I do not like how trivial things interrupt our lives, aka: refrigerator going on the fritz (defroster timer died). I do like it when we have a lively life, places to go, cook, or baking for others and people to see!  In addition, I just love to have people come and stay with us.We are blessed to live in such a beautiful city here in San Diego! 

Why is this world so expensive! Not good, when we need to be watching every penny to help go towards our oldest daughter’s wedding. Which we are so excited! I am sure you will be hearing more on this, if the computer behaves for me! Pray, just keep praying…

Thinking of our daughter Laura, my future son-in-law has come to love one of our family’s favorites that we have shared with him. And my smart, future son-in-law has this for dinner sometimes. What a great idea! Huh? Therefore, we two empty nesters followed his footsteps for dinner. Ya, you can do this when the kids are not around. Thanks Kevin!

When I first had this Bean Dip, it was at one of our long time family friend, Geneva’s home. Who has joined our Lord Jesus a while ago, now has her hubby Bob with her and the Lord. Thankful for both of them in our lives. 

This Bean Dip is not as any other I have had in my lifetime. I must say, it looks a little odd and when you mix it up, you think it will not be much at all. However, OH, Do not let the eyes deceive you! It is SO DELISH! It has all the meltiness of the cheeses, mixed with the flavors of Mexico melting in your mouth! I am not a big bean lover, but this somehow makes the cut with me. I bet it is the prepared Frito Lay Bean Dip that has the right blend of spices and mellowness in the beans.

That makes this Dip a wonderful trip to VACATIONLAND!

In addition, it is SIMPLICITY at its BEST! What is a better for a weekend or perfect for a stay vacation, like we just had. Remember, we are saving up for THE WEDDING of THE YEAR!

I made this many times over the years for friends and family, and it is always a HIT ! My daughters have made this, and found out that you really do not need to get the mixer out (as the recipe originally calls for). Thanks to my FAVORITE daughters! It turns out just the same by mixing by a rubber spatula! Wow! Why didn’t I think of that! Less clean up! YES! Don’t we all love this?

I love to learn new things; it is what keeps life fun, interesting, and sometimes amusing. My Grandma Ruth was a great example of learning more and doing new things. She even went on a helicopter ride throughout beautiful Kauai when she was 90! She was a hoot!  My hope and prayer, if I live to be that age, is that I will be still learning and expanding my mind and in how Great our GOD IS! This is my prayer, for not only me, but for my daughters, family,  friends and our much~needed world today.

“ And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love~ how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is” Ephesians 3:18

My Instagram Pic

Mix all ingredients together with beater or rubber spatula. 

For a **Gluten Free version, see below.

 Place in your favorite pie pan. Mine is my Pampered Chef deep dish pan

 Bake  at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve with Fritos or Tortilla chips.

I just had   to take a bite...well make that two!

Geneva's Bean Dip~ Our Family's Favorite!

1-8 ounce package Cream Cheese

1/4 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce

10 ounce Fritos Bean Dip (can)

1 cup Sour Cream

1/2 cup chopped Green Onion (I elimated for hubby doesn't care for them)

1/2 package Taco Seasoning Mix (I like McCormick's)

 ** for Glutenfree version see below

Dash of Salt

1 cup of each: Cheddar Cheese & Jack Cheese, shredded

Mix all ingredients together with beater or rubber spatula.

 Bake in a pie pan at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve with Fritos or Tortilla chips.

** The Cherished Cook's  Gluten Free Taco Seasoning **

Gluten Free, is getting to be a very common thing, these days.
I've hosted several parties that have a need for Gluten Free.
This saves a trip to the market and saves on the pocket! Which I'm in favor for!

1 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Cocoa

1 teaspoon  Dried Minced Onion

1 teaspoon Paprika

2 teaspoons Garlic Powder

2 teaspoons Cumin

2 teaspoons Chili Powder

Mix all ingredients together. Voila! You have a GFree Taco Seasoning!

What is your family's favorite Dip?

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No, I'm not talking about that certain relative

 (hee hee)  I'd love to hear what's your favorite !  Here's to a enjoyable & relaxing summer!

Cheers!

            

                                                                                                                                   

 The Beginning of Stepping Back in Time with My Cherished Cookbooks

Sharon McAndrews Burkey

Welcoming The New Year! 2012

                    

  Ah... The eve of a new year. Ya, I started writing this post but it's been frustrating dealing with computers and I caught the latest bug going around. So I apologize for this delayed post and more posts hopefully to come soon. Seems like its a theme for me in Catching up these days!

New Year's Day,  is a day like no other on the calendar, for me, it holds a buffet of emotions. Of course, there's the how will we ring in the new year? Have a party or quietly celebrate? What foods do we want to make? Easy or special ? Appetizers or dinner?
     Then there's the feelings part of New Year's... We may feel excitement about the next year , sadness due to an unrealized goal or the realization of how fast life is going by. Maybe it's been a great year and you hate for it to end. Or you literally pushing the year out the door with a "Good Riddance"!
     For me, I have always had a different view at New Year's. Forever Thankful! Why you may ask?
I am thankful, for all God has given me , but most of all, for my Dad!
     He's a New Year's baby, he was the first baby born in 1932 in Ohio! Back then they didn't have the media hype or the congratulations gift package freebies, due to The Depression time. I think they need to backpay and with interest too! I do know my Grandparents were thankful and so blessed to have my Dad as their son.
     So on New Year's Day, I am thankfully celebrating my Dad, making his favorite pie. I am not sure when the pie celebrating started but as long as I've known, my Dad gets pie for his birthday! All he wants for his birthday is to spend the day watching ALL the bowl games on New Year's Day, and this year he received two days!
     One year, I came home to find he brought down  my TV from my bedroom , which added to his collection of THREE TV's lined up in a row with a different game on each one of them! He's really a serious Bowl watcher, especially if USC is in one of them. A great birthday gift for him, is when USC is in the Rose Bowl and WINS ! To celebrate with him, we have to bring out the food  to him and The Birthday Pie in between halftimes and games !
     He deserves it, my Dad is the most thoughtful and giving man, and I'm so thankful He's my Dad! Thank You Dad,  from the bottom of my heart for being such a  blessing not only me, but all those who you love you! You are truly my example of how our Heavenly Father loves us so dearly!
      So, keeping up with TRADITION!  I made my Dad his Birthday Pie, which his favorite is Lemon Meringue, also one of my many favs too! I decided since we are Empty Nesters, we didn't need all this pie laying around. Sorry Dad, but I think you'll agree! I made minature pies, and with a twist for my Mom, who also deserves a lil treat!
Be sure to scroll down to see Our New Year's Birthday Boy!

Dad's Favorite Birthday Pie with a Twist
Use your Favorite Pie Crust recipe

Roll out your dough, I divided into fourths to make my mini pies. Using pie weights, afterward trimming up edges.

I've used many different recipes throughout the years, and Jello Cook & Serve Lemon Pie Filling is the best tart tasting lemon filling we've tasted! And its easier & more economical, which is always a plus, don't you think? 

Using the Pie filling instructions on the box, stirring constantly, cook on medium heat until mixture comes to full boil.

Cool for 5 minutes. stirring twice.

Pour into 4 lil tart baked pastry.

My Instagram pic with my #shotofcoffee

This meringue works well for piping shapes Using the whisk attachment to heat egg whites in the final stage works best; warming the egg whites helps dissolve the sugar, giving the meringue greater volume.

I love to try different recipes, and for meringue...it's been many years worth. Martha Stewart's Swiss Meringue from  my cookbook The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook is THE BEST! However through the years and my Grandmother's recipes, it's always hard to know what exactly is a Pinch, a Dash, or a Smidgen is! I found these years ago, which at least makes me feel like I know what was that Pinch of cream of tartar my Grandma used.

Fill a medium saucepan 1/4 full with water. Set the saucepan over medium heat, and bring the water to a simmer. Combine egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer; place over saucepan.

Whisk constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the whites are warm to the touch. 3 to 3 1/2 minutes. Test by rubbing mixture between your fingers to ensure that no sugar remains.

Attach the bowl to the electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high until soft, glossy peaks form, about 10 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix until combined.

 

My Mom's special treat

     So whether your ready to start a new year or hide under the covers , you can't move forward looking back . Its easy to fall into what the world's view, fearing what is in store for you. No doubt, like each day has it challenges. Remember each year holds great opportunity for personal and spiritual growth
.

     As I anticipate the next year, I try this approach: "Don't just go through it, grow through it". Squeeze it for every lesson and blessing it has to offer, always knowing that My Savior has me in  His sight and in His care.

Dad's Birthday Lemon Meringue Mini  Pie 

     Here's to another Blessed Year for You, and Thank You for being one of my dear readers. I am so blessed by all of you !Thank you so much for sharing your time here with me. I have enjoyed the journey into Stepping Back in Time My Cherished Cookbooks, I hope you have as well and continue the journey with me as we embark a New Year!

My Dad on his birthday,Proud daughter I am!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, do that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Merry Christmas !

Enjoy !

Savor the Season

I love This time of year! The Christmas music, decorating, and the baking! To savor a cup of coffee/tea, there's something about smelling the aroma, holding that cup in my hands that warms my heart and comforts me. Some say its an addiction, I like savor for a better word.

I was asked this week how often do we savor God like chocolate? What kind of difference would it make in our daily lives if we stopped long enough to smell the aroma and sniff the chocolate?  Or for me it's coffee! I sometimes focus on what is left to be done on that list of things to do this season. The act of smelling the coffee and sniffing the coffee is a great reminder for me to savor my experiences.

It's that time of year that when the world starts to crowd in on us, and it will, unfortunately. Have you noticed that Christmas isn't exactly the joyful season that it use to be? It's hectic, rushed, expensive, exhausting and anything but peaceful. Did you see Black Friday news on the lady pepper spraying? Whatever happened to Silent Night, Holy Night? It's mostly a busy time of the year, and it seems the talk lately, is how quickly the Christmas and season passes, how we feel rushed .

Another pondering moment, Am I  celebrating it in a way that remembers The True Meaning of Christmas.
Is it possible to celebrate this holiest and sweetest of holidays without the hype and the extra craziness?  In past years, I've been trying to put more emphasis on the real reason celebrate. Mind you, I struggle like everyone else in this hussle n bustling to make that perfect Hallmark commercialized Christmas. Blast Hallmark sometimes! I love their products and shows. But am I putting enough emphasis on the real reason we celebrate? Have I slowed down long enough to take the time to reflect or ponder why we join in on the crazy schedule: family traditions, make time so the kids know it's not all about Santa, baking, shopping for the perfect gift and mostly for me in the past few years, decorating . Which I love to do but have noticed that as I have aged my energy isn't like what it use to be!?!  Hmmm ... Something's wrong when kids have more energy than the adults!
Here's a great resource for your Go-To Guide for a Hassle-Free Holiday
http://www.untanglingchristmas.org/
During Advent season, it's a great reminder to weigh and ponder the purpose of Christmas on our hearts, the way Mary did. I love the song "Mary, Did you know?"  Being a Mom, listening this  song each year as my girls grew up and stronger in the Lord, and now an empty nester Mom, this sure pulls your heart strings that's for sure .

I received this beautiful paper cut work framed from a dear friend years ago, I have it year around to remind us, that we should always keep the meaning of Christmas in our hearts all throughout the year. I keep it next to my nativity my Mom gave me. Yes, I keep my nativity up all year. I'm thankful to friends who have done this as a reminder also and I have quoted it throughout the years too.

To deliberately focus and ponder the real reason we celebrate Christmas. By doing this I hope will develop a greater appreciation for the One whose birthday we are celebrating. I want to see that the birth of Jesus Christ was not a one-time event worthy of celebrating. It is a one-time event that made us worthy. Worthy to have a direct relationship with God, Our Father. Worthy of living a life with purpose and meaning. Worthy of all of the good God has in store for those who love Him. But as with most things in life, it's a choice. We can choose the busy schedule, commercializing of Christmas that our world has to offer us or choose the Way in the manger. We can ponder how His coming not only fulfilled the Purposes for His generation but for the generations.

Be sure to watch Charlie Brown's Christmas!

Join me this advent season, to slow down, re-focus, re-charge and savor . Let's savor the season. Don't just hang the decorations. Look, soak in their beauty. Let the precious memories encompass you as you hang that special ornament, figurine, photo, or make that cherished family recipe from that cherished cookbook. Sit alone with only the light up tree. Play your favorite Christmas music. Email, call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile .

Read the of Christ's birth found in Luke 2, imagine your there. Most of us don't need another gift from anyone. So give yourself the gift of making someone dinner or bake them instead getting stressed out about the "perfect" gift . Maybe even write them a note telling them why they are special in your life.

James 1:17 "every good and perfect gift is from above...". Even cup of coffee or lil chocolate, is always a treat! Remember to think back through your day. Ask God to make you aware to catch those glimpses of His goodness that we tend to overlook and thank Him for all He has given you! (Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 9:6)
Enjoy and Savor the True Meaning of the Season with me!

Po-tay-to Po-tah-to Two versions of Baked Potato Soup

In the mood for a excellent Potato Soup?
 Well here's 2 versions of my family's favorite Baked Potato Soup. I have this certain song going through my head, as I'm writing this post. I hearing my Mom's voice,  she doesn't sing often, but I remember her singing this song many a time, mind you in my childhood.

You say "ee-ther" and I say "eye-ther",

You say "nee-ther" and I say "ny-ther"; Ee-ther, eye-ther, nee-ther, ny-ther!

Let's call the whole thing off! You like "po-tay-to" and I like "po-tah-to",

You like "to-may-to" and I like "to-mah-to"; Po-tay-to, po-tah-to, to-may-to, to-mah-to!

                                              Let's call the whole thing off!

Don't you wondered where this came from ? Thanks to Google! This is what I found...The usual quote is: "You say 'to-may-to', I say 'to-mah-to'", but it's actually a misquote -- it's "You like 'to-may-to', I like 'to-mah-to'" and it's from a song called Let's Call the Whole Thing Off. It's been sung by many different people and the lyrics vary, but this was the part of the version sung by Fred Astaire. who I dearly love in those oldie but goodie movies!  It's about differences in dialect, and different pronunciations of the words "either", "neither", "potato" and "tomato" (although I have never heard anyone pronounce "potato" as "po-tah-to") Have you? Because "to-may-to" is the usual American pronunciation and "to-mah-to" the usual British pronunciation, the line is usually quoted in reference to the difference between British and American English. Interesting fact huh? I'll have to ask this to my British friends for sure!

Raised in the Los Angeles area, I learned early, from the women in my life. And I was fortunate to have both my Grandmothers to adulthood. The one of many  things, I observed early in my life, reading the LA Times Food Section. The trend back then would be cutting out the recipes of newspaper! So I've  continued ever since, clipping recipes and of course, collecting cookbooks and  recipes. Have many boxes and files to go through, I know, it's an addiction I have!

Not sure when this  recipe was published, for the date isn't on the original newspaper clipping.  But don't you just love making soups, especially when the weather  has that little nip in the air? Mind you, here in San Diego,CA we don't really get the blizzard Arctic cold weather like some of you. But we do.get down to the 30-40's range, and this native Californian sure thinks that's a lil' cold for my beach loving heart! So I hope this warms you up, fills your tummy with some really yummy goodness! It's one of our family's favorites and I hope it will be one of yours !

This recipe is from LA Times: Cook it Light by Jeanne Jones (now in San Diego Union Tribune)

While this soup is a lot of work, it is a hearty meal in a bowl and makes enough to feed a little-league team! To bring this soup into the big leagues nutritionally, Jeanne used turkey bacon and a lot less butter, and substituted low-fat milk for the half-and-half. 

Needless to say, she also eliminated the 3 tablespoons of bacon fat. Since she reduced the amount of fat, and fat carries flavor, she increased the seasonings and spices to compensate. This soup is even better the second day because the flavors have had a chance to marry.

Note from CherishedCook (Sharon) : I've made this Baked Potato Soup many times, I've tried the "Major League" version, but still prefer the original way of this hearty Baked Potato Soup. Thought I'd give you the option to the healthier one and  you can choose  to your liking! Totally agree with Jeanne on this thou, that "This soup is even better the second day because the flavors have had a chance to marry" !

         "Major League" Baked-Potato Soup (The Healthier version)

Makes 10 two-cup servings   
1/2 pound turkey bacon
6 large potatoes (about 5 pounds)
3 cups 2% low-fat milk, at room temperature
2 Tablespoons butter
2 large onions, chopped (4 cups) 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
4 (14 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup unbleached flour Grated low-fat Cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Minced chives or green onions for garnish, optional

     ~ Baked Potato Soup ~
 MY FAVORITE VERSION 
Makes 10 two-cup servings

3/4 pound Bacon
6 large potatoes (about 5-51/2 pounds)
 1 1/2 pints (3 cups) half-and-half
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
4 cups chopped yellow onions
4 cups (14 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup plus 1 Tablespoon unbleached flour
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
 1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
 Cheddar Cheese
Minced chives or green onions for garnish, optional                

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Finely chop bacon, then fry until well done. 

Reserve 3 Tablespoons fat. 

Drain fried bacon on paper towels; set aside.

Wash and dry potatoes well. Bake in preheated oven for 1 1/4 hours or until soft. 

Allow to cool to room temperature. 

Refrigerate at least 1 hour, uncovered and uncrowded.

Remove skins and coarsely chop. 

Let half-and-half reach room temperature.

Place 1 1/2 cups chopped potatoes (well packed, into a blender or  food processor.

Blend or mash with a little water to make a smooth paste.

In large heavy pot over medium-low heat, melt butter; add bacon fat and onions. Cook until onions are soft, about 10 minutes. 

In separate pan, heat chicken broth to boiling. While stirring with a wooden spoon, gradually mix flour into onion mixture.Continue stirring and cook for 3 minutes; do not brown.While stirring, slowly add boiling broth to onion mixture.

Now add potato puree and mix well. Lower heat to simmer and cook 30 minutes uncovered. Stir every 5 minutes to keep from scorching. Add half-and-half,

                                               Add parsley, thyme, salt, pepper  

and remaining chopped potatoes. 

                                        Cover and simmer another 30 minutes.

                                    Stir every 5 minutes to keep from scorching.

                                    If soup is too thick, add a little warm milk.

Stir in 1/3 cup of the crisp bacon, remaining bacon to garnish each serving.

Hope you love this cozy soup as much as our family does!

Enjoy!

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 The Beginning of Stepping Back in Time with My Cherished Cookbooks

Sharon McAndrews Burkey