Carmen, About fertilizers-labels such as 'Orchid food' 'Tomato food' 'African Violet food' are manufacturers ploys to get you to buy more fertilizer. I raise both orchids and violets and I use the same fertilizer on both as well as on my outdoor flowering plants. All fertilizers will have three numbers on the bag, such as 10-10-10 or 0-10-0. The first number stands for nitrogen which is important for leaf growth. The second is phosphorous which is mainly for flower production and root health. The third is potassium which is used by the plant for disease control and, to a lesser extent, root health. When you buy fertilizer, do not look at the label; look at the numbers. For flowering plants, get a fertilizer with a higher middle number. (I use a 10-10-10 for rooting leaves as there is no need for high potassium in a non-flowering leaf). That said, for violets, stay away from anything with urea in it as it will burn the roots. It will be stated in the analysis chart on the bag. After you have some practice growing, you can start experimenting with different number combos to see which works best for your growing conditions. Linda

Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 16:17 Lorijean44 has picked dates for our final Cookalong of the year. Good timing, I know I use more dates during the Holidays than the rest of the year. I picked up three boxes the other day and when I got home and was putting them away, I found four boxes that I had already stashed. So bring on the date recipes, I've got an overload. Our next Cookalong will be in 2011! Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #37 --------BUTTER! Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lorijean44 (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 17:12 Mmmmmm. Dates - I love them. I just picked up the freshest dates I've ever tasted at Sprouts. If you have a Sprouts store near you, run and pick some up! :) Date-Nut Bread 1-1/2 cups chopped dates 1-1/2 cups boiling water 1 tablespoon shortening 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 2-1/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts (I use either pecans or walnuts) In a small bowl, pour the boiling water over the dates and let cool. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a standard loaf pan (or 3 mini loaf pans). Mix shortening, brown sugar, and eggs. Add cooled date mixture. Combine flour, salt and baking soda, and stir into date mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake standard-sized loaf for 60 - 70 minutes, mini loaves for about 40 - 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. * * * * * * * * * * Date-Nut Balls 1/2 cup butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 cups chopped dates 1-1/2 cups chopped nuts 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal shredded coconut Combine butter, sugar and egg into a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in dates, nuts, and cereal. Form into balls, squeezing mixture together. Roll in coconut. Lori o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lindac (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 17:32 I have about 3/4 of a cup of very ordinary dates to use up...I'll be watching this thread...oh yes and a cup or more of brazil nuts... o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by fori (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 17:55 Fruitcake! o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by velamina (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 17:57 You've all been a big help and I thought I'd contribute with a recipe from my Christmas cookie box; they've been a favorite for years. Anise-Scented Fig and Date Swirls from Gourmet/September 1996 and reprinted December 2001 (About 36 cookies) Ingredients 1 cup packed soft dried figs (8 oz), stemmed and coarsely chopped 1 cup packed pitted dates (7 oz), trimmed and coarsely chopped 1/3 cup water 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons anise seeds, ground in an electric coffee/spice grinder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 large egg yolk 1/4 cup granulated raw sugar such as turbinado or Demerara Directions Puree figs and dates with water and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until almost smooth. Whisk together flour, anise, baking powder and soda, and salt in a bowl. Beat together butter, cream cheese, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at moderate speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla and yolk until combined well. Add flour mixture and mix at low speed until just combined. Halve dough and form each half into a rectangle. Chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, about 1 hour. Roll out 1 piece of dough between 2 sheets of wax paper into a 9- by 7-inch rectangle, about 1/3 inch thick. Remove top sheet of wax paper and drop half of fig mixture by spoonfuls onto dough, then gently spread in an even layer, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edges. Starting with a long side and using wax paper as an aid, roll up dough jelly-roll style into a log. Roll log in raw sugar to coat completely. Make another log in same manner. Chill logs, wrapped in wax paper, until firm, at least 4 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut logs crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices and arrange slices about 2 inches apart on lightly buttered baking sheets. Bake in batches in middle of oven until pale golden, 15 to 17 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool. Cooks' notes Logs can be chilled up to 3 days. Cookies keep, layered between sheets of wax or parchment paper in an airtight container at room temperature, 1 week. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by doucanoe (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 18:38 Oh nuts! Not a fan of dates so I'll pass on this cookalong, but will be watching from the sidelines! Gotta say tho, Lori....that bread could almost make me a convert! LOL Linda o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 18:54 These are a little unusual and very tasty. I love the salty prosciutto with the sweet wine soaked fruit. Alexa ************************************************************ Christopher Wren Gems 8 os Calimyrna figs 8 oz pitted dates 1 cup Marsala 8 oz cream cheese ½ cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped 8 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced Juice of ½ lemon Lemon slices (garnish) Chopped parsley (garnish) 1. Cut figs in half and combine with the dates in a small bowl. Cover with 1 cup Marsala and let stand at least 1 hour. 2. Process the cream cheese, hazelnuts and 1 tablespoon Marsala in a food processor fitted with a steel blade until blended. Refrigerate until cold. 3. Drain figs and dates, reserving the marsala. Slit each date down the center and open each fig half to form a pocket. Fill each fig and date with a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture. 4. Preheat oven to 350 5. Cut strips of prosciutto slightly smaller than the dates and figs are long and wrap 1 strip around each stuffed fruit. Sprinkle with some of the reserved Marsala as your work to keep the prosciutto from drying out. 6. Place wrapped figs and dates on a baking sheet and bake until heated through, about 7 - 10 minutes. Let cook slightly, arrange on a serving platter, sprinkle with lemon juice and garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Makes about 50. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by craftyrn (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 18:59 Oh-- goodness in a little brown thing !! When I was a kid we only had dates at Christmas time & what was considered a big treat were Mom's Stuffed Dates-- one of the first things I was allowed to help prepare-- simple treat-- pitted dates were what was available then--we removed the pit, stuck a walnut half in the cavity, pushed it closed and rolled in sugar. Now my favorite is Sugar Plums-- on this plate they're at 4 o'clock next to the peanut brittle. Free Image Hosting at Diane's Home Cookin Chapter: Candy & other confections Sugarplums ========== Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely chopped pitted dates 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots 1/4 cup finely chopped dried figs 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts 2 tablespoons brandy 1 tablespoon apricot preserves 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground clove 1/3 cup sugar . Line a small baking sheet with waxed paper. In a food processor, combine the dates, walnuts, apricots, figs, pistachios, brandy, apricot preserves, cinnamon and cloves. Pulse until the mixture begins to clump together. Using a teaspoon, scoop up a rounded spoonful of the mixture, press together, and roll between your palms into a compact ball. Roll the round in the sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fruit-and-nut mixture and sugar. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 18 confections. Recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma Lifestyles Series, After Dinner, by Kristine Kidd (Time-Life Books, 1998). o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lindac (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 19:07 Fori...the dates and brazil nuts are left over from making fruit cake...I also have about 1/2 cup glace cherries and about 1'/2 cup of glace pineapple....and raisins and apricots but they will go into something some time...even if it's only whole wheat bread. As I said...I'm watching this thread... My mother allowed me to make "date candy" by pitting dates, stuffing them with peanut butter and rolling in granulated sugar. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by joanm (My Page) on Thu, Dec 9, 10 at 20:51 Bacon wrapped dates! I can't stop eating them when I make them. My notes say: I used thick cut bacon on a broiler pan. Slice bacon in half and wrap around the date, secure with tooth pick. Bake at 450 for about 17 minutes. Turn halfway through cooking. I am sure I have made it many more times with regular thin sliced bacon. I am craving these things just thinking about them. I need to pick up some dates. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Fri, Dec 10, 10 at 12:37 Listen up ! This recipe is drop dead to die for. I first had it while in Louisiana visiting Karen (Riverrat) and her wonderful DH,, Karen can attest to the fact I did everything but offer my body to the waiter to get the recipe for this delectable treat.......come to think of it I may have offered my body. He was some cute...... No luck, but a year later the restaurant, Snake River Grill, published a cook book and low and behold there was the recipe! Karen, sweetie that she is, sent me the book. I have served this almost too often; it is that good. They are amazing when doing the sausage filling from scratch but a really good Chorizo, raw not smoked, works fine and saves time....but if you have the time, and the inclination, make the meat mixture it is so good. Bacon Wrapped, Sausage Stuffed Dates from the Snake River Grill in Lake Charles LA. 2 TBSP olive oil 1 pound ground lamb or beef 4 oz ground pork 1 TSAP salt 3/4 tsp Black pepper 1 cup finely chopped red onion 1/2 cup finely chopped fennel 1 TBSP garlic puree 1 1/2 TBSP Smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 1/2 cup orange juice 2 tomatoes, blackened and pureed 1 1/2 TBSP chipotle puree 3/4 cup chopped parsley 24 pitted Medjool dates 24 slices good quality bacon Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the ground meat , salt and pepper. Saute until crumbly. Add the onion, saute 5 minutes. Add the fennel and garlic. Reduce heat to low and add paprika, cumin and cayenne. Cook 5 minutes. Add the vinegar, stirring to deglaze. Add the orange juice and cooked until reduced by 3/4. Stir in tomato puree and chipotle puree. Simmer 15 minutes. Remove from the heat , cool to room temp, stir in parsley and refrigerate. Spoon the cooled meat mixture into each split and pitted date. Wrap each tightly with a slice of bacon. Place seam side down and bake at 385 for 20 minutes until crisp....I find I need to turn them once. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Fri, Dec 10, 10 at 12:56 Does anyone have a T&T recipe for date bars that have an oatmeal crust? I imagine I can make one up but was wondering if anyone had one. Like the old Betty Crocker date bar mix but real. Smiles. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by skeip (My Page) on Fri, Dec 10, 10 at 13:34 Try this one, it's an old family favorite that I still love. DATE BARS Filling: 2 Cups Dates, cut up 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar 1 1/2 Cups Water 1 Tablespoon Flour Grated Zest from one Orange 1/8 Teaspoon Salt 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Combine all the above ingredients in a heavy sauce pan, and cook over low heat until the dates are soft, and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat, mash any remaining whole Dates. Set aside to cool. Crust: 1 Cup All-purpose Flour 2 Cups Quick Cooking Oatmeal 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda dissolved in 2 Teaspoons HOT Water 1 Cup Brown Sugar 3/4 Cup Melted Butter Combine all of the ingredients for the crust and stir until well blended. Press 2/3 of the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 cookie sheet. Top with the date mixture, and sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top of the dates. Bake 30 minutes in a preheated 350 o F oven. Steve o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Fri, Dec 10, 10 at 13:40 Thanks Steve! That looks just right. Now I have to get some dates. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cooksnsews (My Page) on Fri, Dec 10, 10 at 17:11 This is one of my fav desserts. By making them in individual cups, I have a fighting chance of exercising a bit of portion control. Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients: *** *FOR PUDDINGS *** * 4 1/2 ounces Butter, at room temp 7 1/2 ounces granulated sugar 3 Eggs, beaten 9 ounces Self rising flour 9 ounces Dates, chopped 9 fluid ounces -- boiling water 3/4 teaspoon Vanilla 3 teaspoons instant coffee 1 1/8 teaspoon Baking soda *** *FOR THE SAUCE *** * 9 ounces Brown sugar 6 ounces Butter 9 tablespoons Double (whipping) cream 1 1/2 ounce Pecans, chopped Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. You will need twelve 6 oz metal pudding basins or eight 3 inch ramekin dishes (I use muffin tins), lightly oiled, and a baking sheet. Begin by putting the chopped dates in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Then add vanilla, instant coffee and baking soda. Put to one side. Next in a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar together, beating until mixture is pale, light and fluffy. Now gradually add beaten eggs a little at a time, beating well after each addition. After that, carefully and lightly fold in the sifted flour using a metal spoon, then fold in date mixture including liquid. The mixture will look sloppy, but don't worry. That is perfectly correct and the slackness of the mixture is what makes the pudding so light. Now divide the mixture equally between the ramekins/muffin tins. Place them on a baking tray and bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes. Using a palette knife, slide it around each pudding and turn it out. If they have risen too high, you may have to cut a slice of the top so that they can sit evenly on the plate. Now place the puddings on a shallow, swiss roll type pan. Next, make the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a saucepan and heating very gently until sugar has melted and all the crystals dissolved. To serve puddings: Pre-heat broiler to its highest setting, and pour the sauce evenly over the puddings. Place the pan under the broiler so the tops are about 5 inches from the heat. Knock off any nuts on top to prevent them browning. Let the puddings heat through for 8 minutes. The tops will become brown and slightly crunchy and the sauce will be hot and bubbling. Serve with chilled pouring cream. From Delia Smith's Christmas serves/makes 12 o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Fri, Dec 10, 10 at 18:03 I haven't made this yet, but it sounds very good. It's from Nigella Lawson's Christmas cookbook. Lamb and Date Tagine 3-4 tbsp goose fat or olive oil 2 onions, peeled and chopped 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground allspice 1kg / 2 lb 3oz boneless leg of lamb, chopped into cubes 250g / 9oz soft dried dates, stones removed, or Medjool dates, stones removed 250ml / 9fl oz pomegranate juice 250ml / 9fl oz water 2 tsp Maldon sea salt, or 1 tsp table salt Warm the goose fat (or oil) in a wide heavy-based pan with a lid. Add the onions and cook gently over a low heat for ten minutes, or until softened. Add the ground cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin and allspice and mix well. Turn up the heat and add the lamb, stirring often, until browned all over. Add the dates, pomegranate juice, water and salt and bring to the boil. Cover with the lid and turn down the heat to very low to cook for two hours. (You can cook in the oven if you prefer, for two hours at 300F.) Here is a link that might be useful: recipe on BBC site o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lowspark (My Page) on Sat, Dec 11, 10 at 17:51 I normally post this at Passover. It is my family recipe for Haroset. My parents are from Egypt where they make haroset with dates, not apples. My mother learned this recipe from my father's mother and passed it on to me. This stuff is sweet and delicious and could probably hold bricks together if called upon to do so. I mention that because the haroset represents the mortar which held the bricks together in the story of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt which we read at the Seder. In addition I"ll mention that my mother did not use a food processor, she used an old fashioned food mill. This method is better than a food processor because all the peels of the dates naturally separate out during the process but are ground in in the FP. Anyway, here it is. HAROSET 1 lb dates 1 lb raisins 1 Tbsp sugar 1/2 cup kosher for Passover red wine chopped walnuts cinnamon Soak dates and raisins in water for 15 minutes. Drain. Rinse. Put in pot, cover with water (barely covered). Heat to boiling. Simmer on medium 20 minutes. Drain. Puree in food processor. Add 1/2 cup water & sugar. Heat on low 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Add wine and nuts. Simmer another 15-20 minutes. Put in bowls and top with nuts and cinnamon. Refrigerate. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sun, Dec 12, 10 at 15:53 This was one of our daughters' favorite breakfast dishes, and my GD's too. APPLE-COUSCOUS PUDDING 1 cup milk 1 cup apple juice 1 Tbs. honey 1 Tbs. butter 2 inches stick cinnamon 1/4 tsp. finely grated nutmeg 1 cup couscous (can use whole wheat) 1 cup chopped, peeled tart apples 1/4 cup chopped, pitted dates Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-size saucepan, combine milk, juice, honey, butter and spices. Heat just toboiling. Stir in couscous, apples and dates. Heat until bubbles appear at edges of pan. Remove cinnamon stick and turn into buttered 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top is lightly browned. Serve warm. 4 servings o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Dec 16, 10 at 9:19 Dates and pecans are the main ingredients in these fruitcakes. I made a bunch of them this year for our church bazaar but the photo makes them look flatter than they are. MINI FRUITCAKES - makes 3 2 cups pecan halves 1 pkg. (8 oz.) pitted dates, cut in half crosswise 1 container (4 oz.) candied red cherries (3/4 cup) 1 container (4 oz.) candied pineapple, cut in chunks (1/2 cup) 1 egg 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. salt 3 Tbs. bourbon Grease well 3 small loaf pans. Line bottoms with waxed paper and grease again. Set aside. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Thoroughly mix nuts and fruits together and set aside. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Beat egg with sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl. Stir in flour mixture just until blended. Stir in fruit-nut mixture until lightly coated with batter. Divide among pans and press down with hands moistened with water until solidly packed. Bake on middle rack of oven for 40 minutes or until tops are dry but not brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle each cake with 1 Tbs. bourbon. Let set for 5 minutes; then loosen edges, remove loaf from pan, peel off waxed paper and turn top side up to cool. Wrap airtight. Let stand in a cool, dark spot for at least a week to develop flavor. Store in a cool place up to 3 months. Add additional bourbon if they seem to be drying out. Slice thinly with a sharp knife. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by barnmom (My Page) on Thu, Dec 16, 10 at 11:13 Ruthanna! Those look so much like the mini fruitcakes my grandmother made every year that she was able. She candied her own cherries and pineapple and used walnuts but the rest is so close. My family were teetotalers so no bourbon but I have learned to love a boozy fruitcake since then. I will have to make some in her honor from your recipe. I never got her recipe if she had one. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Dec 16, 10 at 11:55 Barnmom, that recipe came from my grandmother too. She liked her fruitcakes to be all fruit and nuts with just enough batter to hold them together. Being from Pennsylvania, I imagine she originally used walnuts too but her sister moved down south and used to send her big a big box of pecans around Thanksgiving every year. I never saw her drink a single glass of anything alcoholic but she did use it when cooking. To this day, I add a cup of beer to the broth when making bean soup, which I learned from her. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by dlhealdquilter (My Page) on Thu, Dec 16, 10 at 13:13 SOMETHING ON A RITZ 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup chopped dates 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts Ritz crackers Almond bark (white) Cook the milk, dates and nuts slowly until thick. Spread 1 teaspoon date mixture on each cracker. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Melt almond bark and drizzle over crackers. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Wed, Dec 22, 10 at 17:41 I made these last night at BF's house. He loves bananas and dates, so together they are a great combo. They are an old recipe of mine. I had forgotten how yummy they were. Excellent with coffee. Banana Date Muffins Makes 12 muffins Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full, or use paper cup liners instead of greasing. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until muffins test done. 1 1/2 cups sifted flour (I use 1 cup unbleached and 1/2 cup whole wheat, I never sift, but you can if you like) 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup mashed bananas (that's about 3 med. ones or maybe two large ones. Measure because you don't want dry muffins with not enough banana) 1 egg 1/3 cup salad oil (I use canola for baking but other veg. oils will work too.) 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup sugar 8 oz. diced dates, the fresher the better Mix together dry ing. and wet ing. separately. Mix dates with flour so they don't clump togther. Add wet ing. to dry, mix until just combined. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 25-30 min. at 400 degrees. Note: If your oven bakes a little hot, try lowering the temp. 375 would not be out of the question. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Jan 31, 11 at 16:15 Time to get started on Cookalong #39. Thanks to all that added these yummy date recipes! Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #39 ---- CITRUS o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Feb 11, 11 at 22:16 As usual I am LATE to the party, but BF and I made the BEST applesauce date bread tonight. He loves dates. This is going to be quite the keeper, since I think it could be used for all kinds of dried fruits like raisins or dried cherries for example. The original recipe was for figs. I very often have applesauce and yogurt in the fridge to use up. This bread is YUM! Date, Applesauce and Almond Breakfast Loaf (original recipe was for Figs) Recipe by Barbara Estabrook, for "Cooking Light" magazine, October 2010. Makes 2 8 inch loaf pans. Struesel topping (I left this off) 2 1/2 TBSLP brown sugar 2 TBLSP all purpose flour 1 1/2 TBLSP coarsely chopped almonds 1 TBLSP chilled butter, cut into small pieces 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon Bread: 1 cup dried figs (or dates) 1/2 cup boiling water Cooking spray 1 TBLSP all purpose flour 2 large egg whites 1 large egg 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/3 cup fat free yogurt 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 tsp. almond extract (I used Amaretto liqueur instead) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds (no salt) 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda Preheat oven to 350 degrees Prepare struesel topping ingredients by mixing them together in a small bowl and setting them aside. Spray or grease the two 8 inch loaf pans and then shake the flour around in them until very lightly coated. Combine wet ingredients Add flours and baking powder, soda, etc. Drain dates and mix in Add almonds. Pour batter into pans, top with streusel. Bake for 55 min. or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Not the best photo, one of my bread pans was too large. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by triciae (My Page) on Sat, Feb 12, 11 at 8:12 I'm a CA native. Some of my favorite memories from home are abalone sandwiches at Huntington pier, crab Louis in Pismo (for some reason they didn't taste as good any place except Pismo), & date shakes. The Coachella Valley, in SoCA, is a date mecca. I used to drive down for a date shake somewhere near Indio (can't remember the name of the place...maybe, something like Hadley's?). They were great...just fresh date puree, ice cream, & milk. So fantastic on a 110 degree day! I also got date shakes in Newport, on coast highway. I think that place was just called the "date shack". There's no comparison between fresh dates & those that come in the boxes. Sorta like the difference between raisins purchased from Sun-Maid's Selma/Kingsburg plant & those in the cardboard boxes. Fresh dates are so creamy...like butter. Yum! /tricia o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ann_t (My Page) on Sat, Feb 12, 11 at 9:02 I'm late as well. This is my favourite date and nut loaf. I've been making it a couple of times a month lately because Moe loves it too. More often than not I bake it in mini loaf pans but I also like it baked in a square springform. Topped with a little cream cheese. You can switch up the nuts as well or add coconut. Last time I made it I used Macadamia nuts. Date and Walnut Loaf ==================== Adapted from Kate in the Kitchen 2 1/2 cups chopped dates 1/4 cup butter 1 cups boiling water 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts . Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees F). Grease and flour a 9�5 inch loaf pan. (or three small loaf pans. Combine the dates, baking soda and butter in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over them, stir and let stand until cool. When the dates have cooled, stir in brown sugar, egg, sour cream and vanilla. Stir until well blended. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the date mixture until just blended. Do not over mix. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using mini loaf pans reduce baking time. OPTIONAL - MY CHANGES Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the mix Orange Zest Bake in an 8 or 9 inch square cake pan (Springform) Substitute Roasted Macadamia Nuts Glaze warm cake with: 1/2 stick butter 1/8 cup of honey or agave syrup 1 tablespoon water o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by dgkritch (My Page) on Sat, Feb 12, 11 at 9:49 I'm glad this thread was bumped up. I'll be in Indio next week. Friday I'll be at the Date Festival (and I'll be thinking of you, Triciae, when I have my date shake)! I'm planning to bring home dates, so this thread will be put to use! The hard part will be deciding which recipe to try first!! Deanna o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by tracey_oh (My Page) on Sat, Feb 12, 11 at 12:46 I don't have much experience with dates aside from making my grandma's date pinwheel cookies which were a complete pain. Lately though I've been on a kick to make homemade Larabars which are my favorite breakfast when I'm not home. I've had a bunch of dates on hand while I play around with the bars. I found this recipe from the Mayo Clinic website and I have to say it's a pretty good way to use up some of the extra dates. The only problem I ran into was my blender (cuisinart) did not completely chop up the dates so there were some chunks at the bottom of the blender. Frosty Almond Date Shake This thick, creamy shake is a breeze to make. Just be certain that the almond milk and yogurt are truly ice cold, and the banana is frozen. Peel and halve the banana before freezing. By Mayo Clinic staff Serves 4 Ingredients 1/3 cup chopped pitted dates 2 tablespoons warm water 2 cups vanilla almond milk, chilled 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla soy or dairy yogurt 1 very ripe banana, frozen 4 ice cubes 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish Directions Put the dates in a small bowl and sprinkle with the warm water. Let soak for 5 minutes to soften, then drain. In a blender, combine the dates, almond milk, yogurt, banana, ice cubes and the 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds. Pour into tall, chilled glasses and garnish each with a dusting of nutmeg. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by soonergrandmom (My Page) on Sun, Feb 13, 11 at 21:33 lorijean44- Your date bread recipe is wonderful. It will become a regular in my kitchen. Thanks. o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lorijean44 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 14, 11 at 7:46 You're welcome, Soonergrandmom. It's a nice addition to a meal but a great breakfast treat, too, isn't it?! Lori :D o RE: Cookalong #38 --- Dates clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Feb 14, 11 at 10:48 I left off a step in the directions for the applesauce date bread, darn it! You have to soak the dates in the boiling water and then drain them before you mix them into the bread. You could easily leave that part out if you have really fresh moist dates. I think I'm going to try making that recipe in an 8 inch square cake pan. Would be easier to incorporate the struesel topping that way, IMHO. It would make a nice coffeecake. Not sure about the baking time for that style. But first I will have to try Ann T's version!! :) But date bars are on the menu ahead of that. Funny, I can take or leave dates, but BF gets all excited when I make something with dates, and that's worth it to me!

Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 12, 12 at 18:08 As Annie wrote on choosing cabbage..... "Cooked, raw, in cole slaw, with corned beef for St. Patrick's Day, baked, sautéed, cabbage soup, stuffed cabbage, you name it. Ready? Set? Discuss." Everyone is encouraged to share their T+T recipes...I'm just sure some are holding out! There are a couple of recipes I'm on the watch for, they've been posted before but I lost them and they were winners for me.. This Cookalong will run until March 26, 2012. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong # 42 -------- PORK Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by grainlady (My Page) on Mon, Mar 12, 12 at 20:13 Cabbage, the long distance food. You cook it for a day, smell it for a mile, and burp it for a week.... :-) Colcannon A traditional Irish dish consisting of cabbage (or kale) and potatoes is a traditional Halloween dish, but it goes well with corned beef. It's also something different to make with some leftover mashed potatoes. Traditional Fried Colcannon 1 bowl of mashed potatoes 1 bowl cooked cabbage or curly kale, chopped 1 onion 2 T. drippings per pound vegetables Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Milk if necessary Combine the mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. Mix well. Peel and chop the onion. Melt a little of the drippings in a large, heavy frying pan or griddle and cook the onion in it. Remove and mix with the potato and cabbage. Season to taste, and stir in a little milk if the mixture is too stiff. Add the rest of the drippings to the hot pan and when very hot, turn the potato and cabbage into the pan and spread out. Fry until golden, then roughly cut it and continue frying until there are lots of crisp brown pieces. Just before serving, slip in the wrapped ring. --------------------------------- My favorite Colcannon recipe: 1 pound all-purpose potatoes, peeled 1 pound green cabbage, shredded (4 cups) 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup) (I generally use 1/2 c.) 1/4 c. skim or low-fat milk 1 T. butter or margarine 3 oz. sharp Cheddar (or other hard cheese), coarsely grated, divided Freshly ground black pepper to taste Salt, if desired, to taste (I never need more salt.) 1. Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water until they are tender but not mushy. Drain them, RESERVING the cooking liquid, and set them aside to cool somewhat. 2. Using the potato water (you may need to add more water and bring it back to a boil), boil the cabbage and onion for about 5 minutes. Drain the vegetables and set them aside. 3. Place potatoes in a bowl, add the milk and butter and mash until they are smooth. 4. Add the reserved boiled cabbage and onion to the potato mixture. 5. Mix two-thirds of the cheese with the potato mixture. Season the colcannon with pepper and salt, if desired, and transfer it to a greased casserole or shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. 6. Before serving the colcannon, heat it through in a moderately hot oven (the temperature is not critical -- it can be between 350-425-degrees F, depending on what else you are using the oven for). Let the cheese on top brown slightly. ------------------------------------------ I got this recipe when I took a class on Irish Cookery. Calico Salad 1-1/2 c. finely shredded red cabbage 1-1/2 c. finely shredded green cabbage 2-T. to 1/4 c. minced onion (I also use fresh chives instead of onion.) Mix together. Dressing: 1/4 c. salad dressing (Miracle Whip or Mayo) 1/2 T. vinegar 1 T. sugar dash of salt 1/4 t. celery seed Mix together and add to the vegetables and mix well. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jessicavanderhoff (My Page) on Mon, Mar 12, 12 at 20:15 Oooh, what a great one! I recently discovered that cooked purple cabbage, when sprinkled with lime juice, turns the most amazing neon pink around the edges. I am hoping to see some recipes in the acidulated/pickled/fermented category. I think sour cabbage is so delicious. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by murphy_zone7 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 9:22 My new all time favorite way to cook cabbage is to slice the head into about 1 inch slices/pieces, place on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, roast at about 425 for about 20-30 minutes until lightly brown on edges. So good. This method is really really good with fresh from the garden cabbage. Store bought will work but just doesn't taste the same. Cabbage in my garden this year for the first time! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 9:37 I have some cabbage that's just about prime to pick. I'm excited about this cookalong. I don't have a recipe yet, but I'll do some research. Otherwise, just steamed and served with butter and a bit of pepper vinegar, or the vinegar of your choice, is great. Sally o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 9:43 Perfect timing, Annie. Because of St. Patrick's Day, cabbage should be at loss leader prices in the stores this week. My repertoire of cabbage recipes has increased since the advent of microwave ovens, which are great for steaming or parcooking it quickly without that cooked cabbage odor permeating the house. Here's a good winter cabbage soup that doesn't take long to make, once the knife work is completed. SAUSAGE CABBAGE SOUP 1 medium onion, chopped 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine 2 medium carrots, halved and thinly sliced 1 celery rib, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds 2 cups chicken or ham broth 1 cup water 2 cups chopped cabbage 1/2 pound fully cooked smoked kielbasa, quartered and cut into 1/4 inch slices 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 tsp. vinegar Salt and pepper to taste minced fresh parsley (optional) In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute onion and celery in oil and butter until almost tender. Add carrots, caraway seeds, broth, water, cabbage, sausage, tomatoes, and brown sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 35-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add beans, vinegar, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley. Yield: 6 servings. Photobucket No real recipe for this one but I'll steam chopped cabbage in the microwave; then saute it with sliced mushrooms and leeks. When the veegetables are soft, I mix in some barley cooked in broth, marjoram and Old Bay (my two favorite cabbage seasonings). Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jasdip (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 9:48 We love cabbage. Love it steamed/boiled, and stir-fried. I like shredding cabbage, carrots and onions and saute it. I had some tetra-paks of apple juice and put some in, and it added a real nice flavour. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by Lindac (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 9:51 I forget to cook cabbage except for this time of the with corned beef or in the summer as slaw. I like cabbage steamed in a little water in a covered pan until it's just crisp tender, so the white parts still has a little crunch....about 20 minutes cooking time. Then a few dots of butter and a sprinkle of cider or malt vinegar. My favorite slaw is a marinates one. I used to make one with a creamy dressing too, but everyone likes the Fred Harvey one so well, I never make anything else. Fred Harvey Cole Slaw: Shred one medium head of cabbage and one small onion, cover with 1/2 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil 1 tsp sugar 1/2 Tablespoon salt 1/2 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp celery seed 1/2 c peanut oil 1/2 c cider vinegar. Pour over the cabbage and let stand at least 4 hours before eating. Keeps well in the refrigerator o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by foodonastump (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 10:05 Jessica - And a tiny pinch of baking soda will turn your purple cabbage blue! Just a TINY bit though or it'll turn aqua and taste like baking soda. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jessicavanderhoff (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 10:39 Cool! Do I sprinkle it on the cabbage or put it in the cooking water? o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by teresa_nc7 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 11:02 Alrighty then! I've got both potatoes and cabbage on hand, so tonight is colcannon for dinner! I love cabbage, cooked or raw, in coleslaw, on fish tacos, in stir fries, but I love my mom's cooked cabbage wedges best. Don't know what she does to plain cooked cabbage, but mine is never as good as hers. When we were little girls, we didn't like for mom to put cabbage in vegetable soup, but now I love cabbage in soup. Teresa o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by islay_corbel (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 11:11 Bubble and squeak. It's made with left-over potatoes and cabbage fried together in a sort of rough cakey shape or blob depending on how it turns out. Fry it until it goes brown and crispy at the edges. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by foodonastump (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 11:19 After, if only because you wouldn't know how much to add up front. I can't emphasize enough that it only takes a tiny bit. To keep this Cookalong related, I highly recommend Ann_T's stuffed cabbage, both the Greek style with avgolemono sauce and the more traditional ones with pork and tomatoes. I'll let Ann (hopefully) repost those here, but I've linked a thread from 2008 when I first tried them. There are other recipes worth looking at there, too. Here is a link that might be useful: Cabbage Roll Thread o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 11:26 My favourtie cabbage roll recipe is Craftyrn's. I make a ton of them every Fall when the cabbage is dirt cheap. Cabbage Rolls - Dianes 2 Lb lean chuck (or round), Ground 1 Lb lean pork, Ground 1 Lb veal, Ground 1 1/2 Cup long grain rice, Cooked 2 head of cabbage 1 Large onion, chopped 2 egg, beaten salt & pepper 2 -3 garlic, minced 1 TBSP horseradish, Ground 1 Can condensed tomato soup 2 Tbl brown sugar 2 TBSp vinegar 2 Cups good beef broth 2 TBSP Worcestershire 4 Cups Tomato Sauce Remove the core from the cabbage, place "core" hole down in large pot 1/4 filled with water & steam for 15-20 min. Remove head of cabbage , CAREFULLY peel down leaves by placing head core hole up and doing one leaf at a time. Mix ground meats, egg, onion, rice ,salt ,pepper, garlic and horseradish. Scoop out 1/2 -3/4 c of mixture and GENTLY pat into oval- place oval on thickest part of cabbage leaf-roll once then tuck edges over roll part & continue to roll up in leaf- Place all rolls into heavy pan that is lined with a few cabbage leaves-layer up rolls as needed- Mix undiluted soup, beef broth, br sugar & vinegar-pour over rolls-cover & bake in 350 oven 2 -2 1/2 hrs. o ((( Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 11:37 I'm going to assume sauerkraut classifies as cabbage! This dish is awesome and can be adjusted to feed from 4 to 100 and 4! Leave out what meats you want to or sub other sausages. It's very flexible. I serve with perogies and sour cream but boiled parsley mini potatoes works too. Choucroute Ingredients 1 3/4 pounds smoked meaty ham hocks 1 pound fully cooked bratwurst 4 smoked pork chops 2 large onions, chopped 1teaspoon juniper berries (optional) (I used 1/4 cup gin but it can be omitted totally) 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns 3 bay leaves 3 tart apples, unpeeled, cored, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 2-pound jars sauerkraut, squeezed dry 2 pounds fully cooked kielbasa, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces 1 pound fully cooked knockwurst 2 cups Alsatian Pinot Blanc or other dry white wine Assorted mustards Prepared white horseradish Preparation Place ham hocks in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until meat is very tender, about 2 hours Preheat oven to 350�F. Heat heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add bratwurst and bacon. Saut� until bacon is crisp and bratwurst is brown, about 10 minutes. Add onions, spices and bay leaves to same pot. Saut� until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add apples; saut� 2 minutes. Mix in sauerkraut. Add all meats; press to submerge. Add reserved broth and wine. Boil 10 minutes. Cover choucroute and bake 1 1/2 hours. Arrange sauerkraut and meats on platter. Serve with mustards and horseradish. NOTE: You can save a bunch of time by using a crockpot. Simply chop onion and apple and dumped everything in the crockpot on high for two hours, low for two hours......low for 6 hours would work too. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jasdip (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 13:47 I made this a few weeks ago. It was quite good, but made a lot. I didn't bother with the mace. Cabbage and Leeks in Cream Sauce (Slow Cooker Cafe) 1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped 3 large leeks, sliced 1 large garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons sherry or dry white wine 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 3/4 to 1 cup half and half or milk 1/4 teaspoon mace, or nutmeg salt and pepper, to taste Put cabbage and leeks in crock pot. Add minced garlic, sherry and water (or use 1/4 cup of chicken broth). Dot with 1 tablespoon of butter; cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours. Melt butter in saucepan; add flour and stir until smooth and bubbling. Add cream or milk and cook over low heat until thickened. Add the mace and salt and pepper to taste. Mix into the cabbage and leek mixture. Serves 4 as a side dish o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 14:07 Oh yum, I want to make that charcroute and the creamed cabbage and leeks and some cabbage rolls and, well, all of it. Cabbage is on sale this week for 19 cents a pound. I'm going to get a couple of heads now! Annie o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by noinwi (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 14:42 Not a contribution, but a question. Other than coleslaw, I never cared for cabbage, but back in the 70s the canteen for my workplace served a cabbage dish that I loved. It was sort of pink so I'm thinking it was red cabbage. It was sweet/sour with kielbasa-type sausage slices. Does anybody know what it is, or have a recipe? TIA o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 14:48 Lots of great-sounding recipes already on this thread. I am anxiously awaiting the end of income tax season to try them and ones from the other recent Cookalongs. Photobucket It's rare to walk into my house and not find a container of pepper cabbage in the fridge (pic above). I haven't made any for years because a local dairy store makes it exactly as we like it - grating cabbage, carrots and green peppers in an ancient machine that looks like an old wringer washer. The dressing is vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Sometimes I even eat some for breakfast. When I do make coleslaw, this is my recipe of choice. COLORFUL COLESLAW 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup cider vinegar 3/4 tsp. celery seeds 2 tsp. dried mustard 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/2 head green cabbage, cut into thin shreds 1/2 head red cabbage, cut into thin shreds 1 carrot peeled and coarsely grated 1 small onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 1 green pepper, seeded and halved crosswise and thinly sliced 1 sweet red pepper, seeded and halved crosswise and thinly sliced Put red cabbage in a storage container in the refrigerator. Combine oil, sugar and vinegar in small nonaluminum saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5 minutes and add celery seeds, mustard, salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl except for red cabbage. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss. Chill covered for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, stirring occasionally. Add red cabbage about an hour before serving. 12 servings. Note: You can add the red cabbage at the same time as the green but since the color will bleed out of it over time (no change in flavor), the presentation is prettier if you add it right before serving. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by foodonastump (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 15:14 noinwi - Probably started with something like this, whether homemade or store bought: o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ritaweeda (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 16:25 Here's one I posted before but I'll do it again. Smoked Sausage and Kale Ingredients: 2 pkgs. smoked sausage or Kielbasa, sliced into 2-inch pieces 6 large potatoes, cubed into large pieces, approx. 1/1/2 inches 1 large onion, sliced 2 cups baby carrots, whole 1 bunch kale or collards, washed and trimmed, or one small cabbage, cut into wedges 1 cup chicken stock 1 stick butter or olive oil salt, pepper to taste crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional) Directions: In dutch oven, on medium-high, heat butter or oil, add sausage and brown on all sides. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, stir about 1 minute. Add kale or cabbage, salt, pepper, red pepper, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, stir until kale has wilted, then turn down heat to simmer, covered, cook about 2 hours. Or put in a 300 degree oven for about 2 hours. Don't forget to make cornbread! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jasdip (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 17:25 German red cabbage cooked with cider vinegar is very popular here. I live in Mennonite country. It is a sweet and sour, and served with Schnitzel. It's delicious! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by Lindac (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 18:51 Sweet and sour red cabbage.... I have no recipe as such....because it's always mostly by taste. chop coarsely one smallish head of red cabbage Slice a large red onion thinly and quarter the slices. Put all into a non aluminum pan add ahout 3/4 cup brown sugar and 3/4 cup cider vinegar....or red wine vinegar. Simmer stirring often for about 45 minutes, taste and correct seasonings ( I usually want to add more vinegar) and add either sliced or chunked kielbasa or Dutch balogna or even brat wurst.....simmer another 20 to 30 minutes to cook the meat.... Yum! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by bbstx (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 19:14 This is from Southern Living a hundred years ago. Who names something "Sausage Surprise." It's good in spite of the name. Sausage Surprise 2 lbs smoked sausage or kielbasa, cut into 1/2 - 3/4 inch slices 1 lg onion, cut into eighths 1 medium cabbage, cut into small chunks 1/2 cup water 1 lb carrots, cut into 1/2" slices 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4" cubes Brown sausage in a Dutch oven; remove and drain on paper towels. Drain off drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in Dutch oven. Saute onion in reserved drippings 3 - 5 minutes; add sausage, cabbage, and water. Cover and cook over low heat 10 minutes. Stir in carrots and potatoes; cover and cook an additional 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Serves 8. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by mabeldingeldine (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 19:17 Yum, these recipes sound so tasty, and this time of year cabbage is one of the few veggies readily available at the farmers market. Here's what we just enjoyed for dinner with corn and black bean tacos: Quick Jalapeno-Lime Cabbage Salad 1/3 c mayonnaise Juice from 1/2 lime or more 1/4 t cumin 1/8 t ground chipotle chile powder diced pickled jalapeno rings to taste 1/3 c chopped cilantro, leaves and stems Stir together and taste for heat. Toss with 3+/- cups thinly sliced cabbage. Great with tacos, especially fish tacos. I use home canned candied jalapenos and add more lime juice. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 19:21 Sharon, thanks for posting Craftyrn's recipe for the cabbage rolls, I lost that recipe somehow. Last time I made them I had to do it from memory. As much as I hate to use canned soup, there is a flavor there that is just what I like. I also misplaced a recipe for a creamy coleslaw that I liked, I'll keep a watch to see if it gets posted. There are already some really great recipes here. I have to look at my recipes and see if there are any favorites that need to be on here, but it seems like my favorites are all originally from here.... Nancy o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by noinwi (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 21:09 Thank you Linda...I will definitely have to try it! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 21:25 This is really good. It's Sharon CB's recipe. The comments are from her. BRAISED SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE Serves 4 - 6 1 TBS olive oil 1 onion, sliced 1 large apple, cored and chopped 1 small red cabbage, quartered, cored and thinly shredded - (6 cups shredded) 1 full cup (9 fl oz) apple juice (250 ml) 3 TBS balsamic vinegar 1 TBS sugar substitute 1 teasp sea salt 1/2 teasp freshly ground black pepper 1. Heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat in a deep frying pan. Cook the onion and apple for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in the cabbage and toss well. Add the apple juice, vinegar, sugar substitute and seasoning and stir. 2. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until the liquid reduces completely and the cabbage is tender. Check seasoning and serve. Leftovers can be chilled for one day and reheated over a moderate heat. Source: Adapted from Rick Gallop's GI Diet Green-Light Cookbook This is a really good, tangy side dish for those who love red cabbage! I halved the recipe for just the two of us but it was so good we nearly finished it all, so no problem with making too much. When finely shredded � with a mandolin - the cabbage measured exactly 3 cups (200 grams) for my halved version. I used one small apple and half an onion but didn�t reduce the olive oil. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by teresa_nc7 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 22:07 Grainlady, I made your favorite Colcannon recipe with the cheese for dinner tonight. It was really delicious! I cooked the cabbage and onions in the microwave and there was no smell of cooked cabbage in the house at all! Could not find you said to do this, but.....thank you! Teresa o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ritaweeda (My Page) on Wed, Mar 14, 12 at 8:29 Asian Slaw 3 to 4 cups shredded cabbage, Napa is the best 1 cup shredded carrots 1 small onion or 1 bunch scallions, sliced 1 small bell pepper, preferably red, sliced 1 cup snow peas 1 cup cooked brown rice Dressing: 1/2 cup seasoned rice vinegar 3 Tbls. soy sauce 2 Tbls. Asian chili sauce with garlic 2 Tbls. brown sugar 1 Tbls. finely sliced ginger 2 Tbls. peanut butter 1 tsp. sesame oil 1/4 cup peanut oil or you can use olive oil You can add any other crunchy vegetable you choose, also. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jasdip (My Page) on Wed, Mar 14, 12 at 8:30 Teresa, thanks for reporting back on Grainlady's Colcannon. It looks really good!! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by grainlady (My Page) on Wed, Mar 14, 12 at 12:26 Teresa- Glad you liked it. It's one of those recipes, once made, you can make it with almost any amount of potatoes/cabbage without having an exact amount and never use the recipe again. Great idea cooking the cabbage/onion in the microwave. ;-) -Grainlady ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HIGH-CALCIUM CABBAGE BREAD 1/2 c. finely shredded red cabbage 1/2 c. finely shredded green cabbage (you can use all one color if you'd like) 1 t. lemon juice 1/2 c. plain yogurt 1/4 c. orange juice concentrate or 1/4 c. orange juice + 1 T. sugar 1/2 c. vegetable oil 1/4 c. nonfat dry milk powder 1 egg 1 c. whole wheat flour 3/4 c. all-purpose flour 1/4 c. toasted sesame seeds 2 t. baking powder 1/2 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt 1/8 t. mace 1/8 t. ground ginger 1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. 2. Place cabbage in small bowl and toss with lemon juice. 3. In a large measuring cup or medium bowl, combine yogurt, orange juice, oil, milk powder and egg, blending well. Stir in cabbage. 4. In a large bowl, cimbine flours, sesame seeds, baking powder., baking soda, salt, mace and ginger; mix well. 5. Gradually add the cabbage mixture to the flour mixture, and mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Pour the batter into a greased 8X4-inch loaf pan. 6. Place the pan in the preheated oven, and bake for 35-45-minutes or until a tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Turn the bread out onto a rack to cool completely before slicing it. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sprout26 (My Page) on Wed, Mar 14, 12 at 16:52 I cannot recommend enough Alton Brown's cabbage. Not lo-cal but oh so yummy. Leave out the caraway if you're not fond of it like my kiddies. FoodNetwork.com Shred, Head, Butter and Bread Recipe courtesy Alton Brown Prep Time: 20 min Inactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time: 10 min Level: -- Serves: 4 servings Ingredients 1/2 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup pulverized, seasoned croutons 2 pinches dry mustard 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 small head cabbage, shredded 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon sugar Directions Fill your largest pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil on high heat. Melt the butter and croutons in a skillet. Add the mustard and caraway seeds and stir over medium heat until the butter browns and smells nutty. Remove the skillet from the heat, but leave dressing in the pan. Add the salt and sugar to the boiling water and cook until dissolved. Place the cabbage in the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes exactly. Drain the cabbage in the bowl of the salad spinner or colander. Spin the cabbage to remove any excess water. Add the cabbage to the butter-crumb dressing and toss to coat thoroughly. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Wed, Mar 14, 12 at 17:12 My DD#2 was by yesterday and mentioned she had some corned beef to cook but couldn't decide what to cook with it. After several suggestions, I said"you could always make colcannon" and she said which is----? WhenI told her what the 2 main ingredients were her response was---"why would you do that to mashed potatoes? Silly woman! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Mar 15, 12 at 8:19 Thanks to Cloudy Christine and Sharon CB, I made the Braised Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage posted above for dinner last night. The only change I made was to use brown sugar instead of the sugar substitute and to simmer it an extra 15 minutes. It was very tasty and I would make it again. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Thu, Mar 15, 12 at 13:19 Ruthanna, I never used the sugar substitute either. I should have mentioned that. Glad you liked it. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Mar 16, 12 at 10:06 Cabbage is our mainstay green salad vegetable, particularly in the winter. I also add it to everything--soups, stir fries, casseroles, etc. And I make it as a side vegetable, usually braised. BF and I have a bit of a "coleslaw issue" lol! He does not like anything with a sweet-and-sour taste so he doesn't care for the type of slaw with an oil and vinegar and sugar type dressing. And I don't really love the creamy kind, because of all the saturated fat and calories. Why do that to a good, low calorie veggie? Don't answer, rhetorical question! But anyway, we compromise and eat slightly tangy, slightly creamy versions. Here's what's on the docket for dinner tonight, to go with grilled salmon and either potatoes or rice. Napa Cabbage and Snow Pea Slaw (from "Cooking Light") This salad tastes best after chilling in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup) Ingredients Dressing: 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger Dash of ground red pepper Slaw: 4 cups (1/4-inch) slices napa (Chinese) cabbage (I'll use regular cabbage, it is cheaper) 1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed and cut lengthwise into (1/8-inch) thin strips 1/2 cup fresh bean sprouts (I am not organized enough to sprout my own and hardly ever find good ones in the store, so I omit this.) 1/2 cup (1/8-inch) julienne-cut peeled jicama (I never have this on hand, so I use red radishes for the color) 1/4 cup (1/8-inch) julienne-cut red bell pepper (again, I use green peppers because they are cheaper) 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro Preparation To prepare dressing, combine first 6 ingredients, stirring with a whisk. To prepare slaw, combine cabbage and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add dressing, and toss well to coat. Chill 30 minutes. Lpink's notes: I usually don't have cilantro on hand so will use a combo of parsley with dried ground corriander seeds added to the dressing. Also will proably ad a dab of lite mayo for BF's taste. Also, I find Cooking Light recipes usually very "light" indeed on the dressing so will probably add more of everything, but your mileage may vary. Also, if you've never visited "Orangette's" blog, (great food writer IMHO), she has a couple of lovely cabbage articles with recipes. Here's a link to my favorite one about braising cabbage. However, I like her red cabbage and apple recipe better. Orangette - "Tender is the Cabbage." Orangette - "Outline of the Theory of Cabbage." (with a recipe for red cabbage with apples and caraway) o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by katiec (My Page) on Fri, Mar 16, 12 at 19:47 Oooo, goody. Cabbage was .38/lb. today so I have lots. Here's one more slaw. Our favorite... * Exported from MasterCook * Honey Mustard Slaw with Cranberries and Pine Nuts Recipe By :Katie, 2004 Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 4 -5 cups shredded cabbage or 1 bag cole slaw mix 1/4 cup very thinly sliced red onions 1 handful dried cranberries 1/3 cup pine nuts 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Combine cole slaw mix, red onions, dried cranberries and pine nuts. Whisk remaining ingredients and pour over slaw. Mix well and chill. -------- A friend from PA gave me a non-recipe for another favorite...haluski (sp?): Fry some bacon, add chopped cabbage, onion, S&P and when cooked, stir in noodles and fry a bit. Ugly but good comfort food. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by janicep (My Page) on Sat, Mar 17, 12 at 11:07 While visiting friends in South Carolina a few weeks ago, I went to a Publix market and sampled the recipes that they were demonstrating that day. Believe it or not, the best part of the menu was this. Really different and very good! Cole Slaw Crisp 2 TBSP butter, softened 8 ounce bag cole slaw mix 3/4 cup cole slaw dressing 1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese, divided 1/4 TSP salt 1/4 TSP pepper 3/4 cup plain bread crumbs Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut butter into pieces and place in a bowl. Combine slaw, dressing, 1 cup cheese, salt, and pepper; transfer to 2-quart baking dish. Mix bread crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup cheese into butter with fingertips until blended; spread over top. Bake 15 - 20 minutes or until golden and edges are bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes; serve warm. 6 servings A friend of mine makes haluski the same way as Katiec except she fries a pound of bacon sausage instead of bacon. Rich and REALLY good. Another friend of mine who came from PA gave me her family recipe for a similar dish. Not low-cal but wonderfully delicious comfort food: Haluski (Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodles) Servings: 4 4 cups wide egg noodles 8 TBSP butter 2 cups sliced onions, about 1/8 inch thick 6 cups cabbage, sliced thin Half teaspoon salt pepper Directions Cook egg noodles according to package directions, then drizzle with a bit of oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together and set aside. While noodles are cooking, melt butter in large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute, stirring occasionally for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until softened and just beginning to turn golden. Add cabbage to skillet, stirring well to incorporate with onion, and saute for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer until vegetables are soft. Turn heat back to medium, add cooked noodles, salt and pepper, and stir well until noodles are heated though. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 20, 12 at 10:07 I made Grainlady's Colcannon last night, and we enjoyed it very much. It would have been better if I hadn't used so much of the tough outer leaves, or maybe cooked the tougher leaves a little longer, but I will probably make it again. What happened was that I had a double head of cabbage from my garden at work, and when I tried to harvest the larger head, they both came up -they were conjoined twins. So, I decided to use the smaller head. Well, it turned out that the little bit of head there was was mostly core, with mostly tougher leaves surrounding. That's what I used. Anyway, I'll make it again for sure, but with the more tender leaves, or maybe with the kale that's needing to be harvested. Thanks, Grainlady! Sally o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 20, 12 at 10:21 I love colcannon, but made just cabbage with potatoes and onions along with my corned beef. I made this coleslaw to go on some Thai lettuce wraps we made with venison steak on Friday, I like this better than the creamy kind: SWEET AND SOUR COLESLAW 1 head cabbage 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup vinegar 1 tsp mustard seed 1 tsp celery seed 2 carrots, shredded Shred Cabbage and mix with shredded carrots. In saucepan heat sugar, vinegar, mustard and celery seed. Cook until sugar dissolves, about 10 minutes. Cool completely, pour over cabbage and carrots, and toss. Let sit at least 4 hours before serving. 12-16 servings Annie o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jessicavanderhoff (My Page) on Tue, Mar 20, 12 at 21:48 Lpink, that sounds awesome. I bought an extra head since they were 50 cents (well, I ordered up another head. Happily, bf does the shopping). Now I just need a thread on what to do with massive amounts of corned beef. . . o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Mar 20, 12 at 22:21 Jessica, my mom used to make this salad when we had leftover corned beef. REUBEN SALAD � 6 servings 8 cups torn leaf lettuce 1 cup corned beef cut into thin strips 1 (8 oz.) can sauerkraut, rinsed, drained and chilled 1 cup cubed Swiss cheese (4 ounces) 1 cup rye croutons ** 3/4 cup thousand island salad dressing 1/2 tsp. caraway seed Place lettuce in large salad bowl. Arrange corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese and 1 cup rye croutons on lettuce. Combine salad dressing and caraway seeds; pour over salad and toss. **Rye croutons: Brush both sides of 5 slices of rye bread with 3 Tbs. softened butter or margarine; cut into 1/ 2 inch cubes. Place on baking sheet. Bake in 300 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until croutons are dry and crisp. Store in a plastic bag or other airtight container. Makes 2 cups. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ynnej (My Page) on Wed, Mar 21, 12 at 0:53 Wow, these sound so good! All of this talk about sweet and sour cabbage has me craving German potato pancakes. (My mom always used the jarred kind, though- bet homemade would be just amazing.) I made a slaw salad with jicama, avocado, and roasted edamame, topped with a coconut caribbean jerk dressing. One day I will have a Cuisinart and the shreds will be beautiful and perfect- but that day was not today. But- today was the first time I've shredded my own cabbage for a slaw instead of using the bagged kind. What a difference! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jessicavanderhoff (My Page) on Wed, Mar 21, 12 at 8:39 Ruthanna, that sounds really good. I put some in mac and cheese last night, but there's still some left! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lalitha (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 0:30 I have never participated in a cook along thread but am a avid reader of all your wonderful recipes. Here is my maiden contribution. My DD 7 loves this dish with rice or pitas. CABBAGE STIRFRY (A dish from southern India) INGREDIENTS cabbage � medium size � finely chopped green chillies � 2 nos. I prefer serrano or thai chillies. Minced (OR) Red chilli (whole) - 2 nos (do not use if you are using green chillis) turmeric powder � 1/2 tsp oil � 1 tbsp brown or black mustard seeds � 1 tsp split pigeon peas or channa dal � 1 tbsp curry leaves � a few (If you can find them in Indian grocery store) salt � to taste Asafoetida � a pinch (optional) Fresh coconut grated or dry unsweetened grated coconut - 2 tbsp (optional) carrots � 2 (optional) grated onion � medium � 1 no. (optional) - fine dice Mung beans soaked and cooked till tender but not too soft(optional) INSTRUCTIONS Keep everything ready as this dish moves fast. Heat a wok or a wide saute pan. Add the oil. When it begins to smoke a bit, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter (covering with the lid or a splatter screen is a good idea here). When the noise dies down, add the asafoetida, the split pigeon peas or channa dal and toast until it begins to turn brown. Add the chilli and and the curry leaves (crumple a bit with your hands to bruise the leaves. This releases the essential oils). Saute until the chilli looks toasted. The oil is now seasoned with all the spices and will work magic on the veggies that follow. Turn heat to high and add the onion if using. Stir fry. When the onion begins to brown, add the cabbage and stir fry till it is well mixed. Cover and let cook for 3 mins or so. Add grated carrots and cooked mung beans if using and mix well. Sprinkle the turmeric powder and salt and mix well. Cover and cook. The stirfry is done when the cabbage is crisp tender.It should look pale and not turn brown. Depending on how dry the cabbage was or how much water content it had, this can be 5 mins or more. Stir occasionally to avoid the cabbage browning. Take off the heat and garnish with the coconut if using. This works beautifully with plain steamed rice or flat breads like lavash, chapathi or as a filling for pitas or mushu wrappers. Lalitha o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lalitha (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 1:09 I have never participated in a cook along thread but am a avid reader of all your wonderful recipes. Here is my maiden contribution. My DD 7 loves this dish with rice or pitas. CABBAGE STIRFRY (A dish from southern India) INGREDIENTS cabbage - 1 medium size, finely chopped green chillies - 2 nos. I prefer serrano or thai chillies. Minced (OR) Red chilli (whole) - 2 nos (do not use if you are using green chillis) Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp oil - 1 tbsp brown or black mustard seeds - 1 tsp split pigeon peas or channa dal - 1 tbsp curry leaves - a few (If you can find them in Indian grocery store) salt - to taste Asafoetida - a pinch (optional) Fresh coconut grated or dry unsweetened grated coconut - 2 tbsp (optional) carrots - 2 (optional) grated onion - medium - 1 no. (optional) - fine dice Mung beans (green whole)soaked and cooked till tender but not too soft(optional) INSTRUCTIONS Keep everything ready as this dish moves fast. Heat a wok or a wide saute pan. Add the oil. When it begins to smoke a bit, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter (covering with the lid or a splatter screen is a good idea here). When the noise dies down, add the asafoetida, the split pigeon peas or channa dal and toast until it begins to turn brown. Add the chilli and and the curry leaves (crumple a bit with your hands to bruise the leaves. This releases the essential oils). Saute until the chilli looks toasted. The oil is now seasoned with all the spices and will work magic on the veggies that follow. Turn heat to high and add the onion if using. Stir fry. When the onion begins to brown, add the cabbage and stir fry till it is well mixed. Cover and let cook for 3 mins or so. Add grated carrots and cooked mung beans if using and mix well. Sprinkle the turmeric powder and salt and mix well. Cover and cook. The stirfry is done when the cabbage is crisp tender.It should look pale and not turn brown. Depending on how dry the cabbage was or how much water content it had, this can be 5 mins or more. Stir occasionally to avoid the cabbage browning. Take off the heat and garnish with the coconut if using. This works beautifully with plain steamed rice or flat breads like lavash, chapathi or as a filling for pitas or mushu wrappers. Lalitha o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 9:34 Welcome, Lalitha! One of your listed ingredients, "Asafoetida - a pinch (optional)" is something I thought was a pouch of stinky stuff people used to wear to keep illness, and maybe every thing else away. Can you explain that ingredient? Sally o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 12:32 Thank you, lalitha, and welcome out of lurkdom! Elery is so going to love this recipe. I'm headed for the Mediterranean grocery in a couple of weeks and I'm putting asafoetida, mung beans and channa dal on my list. So that's two green chilies, minced? It says green chilies - 2 nos. That's two whole chilies? Annie o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lalitha (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 14:54 Sally --> Asafoetida is actually a commonly used ingredient in indian and srilankan cooking. It is derived from roots of a plant related to the parseley family. You can find in all indian grocery stores in a powder form in little boxes. It is highly fragrant and is believed to be a digestive aid. It is either used in seasoning a dish in the beginning when it is added to the oil seasoning or at the end when a tiny pinch can be dissolved in a tbsp of water and sprinkled on top. Annie --> Green chilli or red chilli is again for flavor.. feel free to reduce based on what your taste buds like. You can also just slit the chilli halfway and use that.. that will reduce the heat somewhat compared to mincing. For my daghter I usually use just 1 chilli slit. You can also use Urad dal (looks small white skinned and split lentil) instead of chana dal.. This is very fragrant and a great ingredient to have for making indian food. It kind of works like a flavoring/ thickening agent in chutneys and curries.. similar to how pinenuts or other nuts work in pesto. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 17:35 thanks, lalitha, I do have Urad dal, I have about 4 kinds of lentils, I like them and use them a lot. I'm a wuss so I'd go for the split chilies, but Elery likes stuff HOT, with a capital "H", so I'd make it for him with minced chilies. I'd just have to take my portion out first. Annie o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Thu, Mar 22, 12 at 23:10 Thanks for coming out of lurkdom Lalitha! I'm always interested in trying new Indian recipes, and this one sounds great. I already love palaak paneer, with another of my favorite veggies! I got some Asafoetida but I hardly ever use it. I can't even remember what I bought it for. I was thinking aloo mutter (sorry if that's not spelled correctly but I'm thinking of the dish with potatoes and peas) but I'm not sure it is one of the ingredients for that . . . I can't make aloo mutter anymore because my SO can't eat peas, he claims they are bad for his gout. I guess I could make it with broccoli, which he loves. I really miss peas, lol! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Fri, Mar 23, 12 at 9:44 I'm eager to try your recipe, too, Lalitha, if I can find the ingredients. I'm pretty sure I can - I can find almost anything in the Dallas area. I'm pretty sure there's an Indian grocery not to far from me. Thanks for the info on Asafoetida. Sally o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by Lindac (My Page) on Fri, Mar 23, 12 at 10:33 Because last weekend was busy, I made the traditional corned beef and cabbage on Tuesday. I bought a point cut, I like it better because although it has that large fat cap, I can cut it off and the rest of the meat has less fat throughout than the flat. I simmered the meat in my largest Dutch oven, just covered with water for a couple of hours, added about a pound of peeled carrots, cooked another hour or a little more, then added 6 peeled russet potatoes. Red would have been better but I had none, and when the pot had come back to a simmer, added a wedged up a head of cabbage. Yum but with only 4 people there were a lot of leftovers. So last night I made scalloped cabbage and corned beef hash, and invited a friend who's family was out of town. Oh my! Almost better than the original meal! For the scalloped cabbage, I rough chopped the already cooked cabbage and layered it in a casserole with just a little thinly sliced onion, pepper on each layer, and poured about 3/4 cup of half and half mixed with a couple of Tablespoons of flour over the top....added some dry bread crumbs and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Baked it at 350 for about 45 minutes.....and it was heaven!! o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by dukerdawg (My Page) on Fri, Mar 23, 12 at 11:22 Scalloped cabbage!?? Interesting...sounds great! Never thought of that. I love cabbage but I usually just add a couple tablespoons of bacon fat to a big deep pan, added rough chopped cabbage and a sliced onion, a handful of garlic cloves ...it gets like oven roasted garlic...very tasty but I love garlic..drizzle with some olive oil or vegetable oil, salt, pepper and fry until it looks good enough to eat! Don't overcook or it turns to mush :-( Duane o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by Lindac (My Page) on Fri, Mar 23, 12 at 11:29 Well....this was pretty well mush. A lot of the flavor was due to the fact that the cabbage had been cooked in with the corned beef, then cooked again in a sort of cream sauce... Yep...mush but good mush!! If you aren't cooking the cabbage in with the corned beef, then you need to add bacon drippings of some crumbled bacon. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Mar 23, 12 at 12:51 Coleslaw report on the Cooking Light recipe I posted. BF downright hates it! It is just not "traditional" enough for him. Coleslaw must be creamy in his book. I like it and brought it to a party and it was well received. For cilantro lovers only, that's what makes the dish. This is another favorite of mine, sort of like cabbage rolls deconstructed. I have to alter, because again, BF doesn't like sweet sour tastes. Slow Cooked Italain Sausage Agrodolce (I usually make on the stovetop in my braising pan, and then finish in the oven. Also, I usually use fake meat italian sausages, or chicken or turkey ones) 2 TBLSP pine nuts toasted (can't afford these, usually use some other kind of seed or nut, like pepitas or walnuts) 1.5 lbs. mild italian pork sausage (or much less!) 1 TBLSP evoo 10 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced into bite sized pieces. Can use the savoy cabbage but I use regular, it's cheaper 3 cups peeled and diced red onion (how many onions this is depends on the size of onions you get. My local stores only seem to sell huge ones) 1/2 cup golden raisins (I use the regular brown ones most of the time) 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil. Or add your own garlic to a can of diced tomatoes. 1 6 oz. can tomato paste 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 1/2 cup red wine vinegar (I use WAY less than this. I think I just add a splash of balsamic vinegar. It might work with 1/2 cup red wine, not vinegar but I haven't tried it that way.) 1 TBLSP sugar Brown sausage and set aside. I chop it up into smaller pieces. Layer cabbage and onions in slow cooker, if using. I just sautee them in the evoo. Combine raisins with tomato sauce ingredients. Pour atop the mixture and then top with the reserved sausages. Set cooker on high for 4-6 hours or low 8-10 hours. Honestly my cooker cooks so fast that 3 hours on high or 5 on low would be about all it would take. Serve garnished with toasted nuts if desired. I like also with a dab of lite sour cream. Could also serve with a poached egg. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 25, 12 at 23:39 Time to think about our next ingredient, I draw a name tomorrow morning. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ynnej (My Page) on Mon, Mar 26, 12 at 0:52 LPink, the slaw sounds like it would be right up my alley, although I have yet to find a good substitute for fish sauce (and the vegan ones I've tasted haven't really compared.) My hubby is the same way- his slaws have to be drenched in mayo, which I just can't stand. Lalitha, your dish sounds wonderful as well. o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Mar 27, 12 at 8:43 Sorry, I got involved in spring house cleaning yesterday and forgot about this.... Just drew a name: *************LindaC************ Linda, I'll set up the next Cookalong when I find out what you want. Post it on this thread. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Mar 27, 12 at 11:08 Linda has picked lamb for Cookalong #44 Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #44 -----Lamb o RE: Cookalong #43 ------ CABBAGE! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sheilajoyce (My Page) on Thu, Mar 29, 12 at 23:39 FUMI SALAD 1 head cabbage 8 Tbsp slivered almonds (I double this) 8 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (I double this too) 8 green onions, chopped 2 pkgs Top Ramen Noodles, DRY Dressing (I make 1/2 this recipe) 3 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp pepper 1 c oil 2 tsp salt 6-8 Tbsp rice vinegar 1/4 tsp dry mustard Slice cabbage thin like cole slaw. Toast almonds and sesame seeds. Mix dressing and toss with salad. Throw out the Top Ramen seasoning packet. Crush the raw noodles and add them just before serving. This would taste good with shredded chicken added too.

I found this article about roses and drought: http://paulzimmermanroses.com/care/summer-care/should-you-water-your-roses-during-a-drought/ The roses in my personal garden haven’t been watered in over a decade. And that includes during a drought. but then I read this in our rose breeder's newsletter: http://www.ludwigsroses.co.za/newsletter/ The way trees drink Scientists who study forests say they’ve discovered something disturbing about the way prolonged drought affects trees. It has to do with the way trees drink. They don’t do it the way we do — they suck water up from the ground all the way to their leaves, through a bundle of channels in a part of the trunk called the xylem. The bundles are like blood vessels. When drought dries out the soil, a tree has to suck harder. And that can actually be dangerous, because sucking harder increases the risk of drawing air bubbles into the tree’s plumbing. Plant scientist Brendan Choat explains: “As drought stress increases, you have more and more gas accumulating in the plumbing system, until they can’t get any water up into the leaves. This is really bad news for the plant because this is like having an embolism in a human blood vessel.” Like a human embolism, the gas bubbles stop the flow of fluid. If that persists, it means thirst, starvation and eventually death. Choat is from the University of Western Sydney in Australia, a region that has seen years of record-breaking drought. He wondered: How much drought does it take before trees start choking on air bubbles? He and a team of researchers studied 226 species of trees around the world, including desert trees, rain forest trees and many others. They discovered that for most, it doesn’t take much drought at all. “So this is the key thing,” Choat says, “that it would only take a small shift in terms of the moisture environment, the temperature … to push these plants across the threshold.” The threshold between drinking and choking, that is. The reason there’s so little margin of error is that trees have to finely balance eating and drinking. To eat, they open holes in their leaves, called stomata, to absorb carbon dioxide. But the more they do that, the more they lose water by transpiration through the stomata. Lose too much, and they have to start sucking harder — and risk a deadly embolism. Choat’s research, in the journal Nature, shows that it doesn’t take much drought before trees start to self-destruct. But what about trees that have evolved to live in really hot, dry places? They’re sippers, not gulpers. Plant scientists like Bettina Engelbrecht figured they’d have a larger margin of safety before they choke. “Instead,” she says of Choat’s research, “we find, well, it’s all the same — everyone is right at the edge and has a very risky strategy.” Engelbrecht, at the University of Bayreuth in Germany, studies rain forest trees. “Now, we have to worry about all of them,” she says. “We have to really deal with the problem at the global scale.” That’s because temperatures are rising around the globe. That makes drought more likely and more intense. Big droughts have hit southern Europe, Russia, Australia and the U.S. in recent years. The first 10 months of 2012 were the warmest ever in the continental U.S. Along with the heat came widespread drought, which still persists in the Southwest. Nathan McDowell, a plant scientist at the government’s Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, actually puts trees under plastic to see how they deal with less water and more heat. He says trees are adaptable, up to a point. “Now we’re changing that climate range really fast,” he notes, “faster than any of the living plants here have experienced. So can they change fast enough to adapt to that? You know, the preponderance of evidence right now is saying that [at] lots of locations around the world, they’re not adapting fast enough.” When they don’t adapt, they stop growing. Beetles and other insects invade. If droughts last long enough, the forests just die, and get replaced with something else. Please help me to understand this Straw.... What I've noticed in the past with severe droughts myself is that once a plant has reached it's threshold no amount of water can make it grow and live again...and if it does, it is usually riddled with all kinds of fungal (and other) diseases and bad insects. How can not watering your roses during a drought be a good thing, as stated in the site on the top?