How you doin’?  My ninth birthday party was the best one I ever had. My mother let me invite 20 kids from my class for a Hopalong Cassidy birthday party.
 
I was dressed in my “Hoppy” cowboy hat, chaps and holster and six-shooters. Old mom really went off the rails—there was a clown, a magician (other kids had one or both) but I also had a pair of ponies—yes, those little kid-sized horses. Mom made a Cowboy Casserole which ended up being one of the best one-pan meals ever served for a “Hoppy” Birthday party.
 
The Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that's sure to please everyone at your table—birthday or not—despite the name,
 
Prep time:  20 minutes
Cook time:  50 to 60 minutes
 
Ingredients 
1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (you can use a store brand)
2 pounds ground beef or pork or a combination of both
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning (I prefer Lawry’s brand)
3/4 cup water
1 medium onion, halved and sliced (1 cup)
1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 ounces shredded Cheddar or pepper jack cheese, divided
2 medium sliced tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) jar sliced jalapeno peppers, drained (optional)
3 cups of Tater Tots
 
Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 375⁰ F.
2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
3. Roll out, place and press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the baking pan and halfway up the sides.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Leave the oven on.
6. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground meat until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes.
7. Drain the fat.
8. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
9. Transfer the cooked meat to a bowl and lightly wipe out the skillet.
10. Add the onion, bell peppers and corn to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
11. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 of the cheese and 1/2 of the onion-pepper mixture in a bowl.
12. Layer browned meat, tomatoes, onion-pepper mixture, jalapeño peppers, and sour cream mixture on top of prebaked biscuit dough.
13. Top with the artfully arranged tots .
14. Sprinkle with the remaining 4-ounces of cheese.
15. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the tots are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes.
16. Let sit for 5 minutes to slightly cool and plate up like lasagna.

ChefSecret:  Serve with a bottle Cholula brand hot sauce and add a shake or two to taste.

Quip of the Day: “Hoppy” broke all the stereotypes of the time by wearing all black (as the good guy) when the other western good cowboys wore all white.
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Do you have a question or comment?  Send your thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.
​
#Entree #CowboyCasserole #RefrigeratedBiscuits #Lawrys #HopalongCassidy #Dinner #2023Recipes #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
                                                                     ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023

How you doin’? One of the most ordered entrée salads at my Fanny’s Fish Markets was our Healthy Taco Salad—it outsold the next most popular salad by 2 to 1.
 
No one likes boring salads. What most guests are looking for is a lot of different ingredients far and away above just lettuce, tomato and shredded carrots.
 
Nothing beats my Healthy Taco Salad recipe in the summertime or any time. Crisp veggies, creamy dressing and crunchy corn tortilla strips make it fresh and fun to eat. This easy taco salad recipe makes for a filling lunch or fun dinner. Prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately for quick assembly. Oh, by-the-way, this recipe is gluten-free and vegan—we were way ahead of our time.
 
Prep time:  15 minutes
Cook time:  10 minutes
Yield:  2 to 3 servings
 
Ingredients 
For the salad
2 corn tortillas, sliced into strips (read the ingredient declaration—no wheat flour)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1 medium head chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed (canned is okay)
2 red thinly sliced radishes
1/2 cup sliced cherry tomatoes (cut in half) and/or pico de gallo
1 avocado, sliced
1 red jalapeño, sliced very thin (optional)
Vegan cheese shreds (optional)
Cilantro-Lime Dressing (see recipe), the creamy avocado variation
Sea salt, to taste
8 quartered lime wedges, for serving
 
For the shiitake taco “meat”
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and diced
1 cup crushed walnuts
1 tablespoon tamari
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 
Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the tortilla strips together with a tiny bit of olive oil and a few pinches of salt. Spread onto the sheet and bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until crispy.
3. Make the Shiitake Taco “Meat”: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring only occasionally, until they begin to brown and soften, 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the walnuts and lightly toast for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the tamari, the chili powder and cumin.
6. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir again. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble the salad with the romaine lettuce, cabbage, black beans, taco “meat,” radishes, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, if using, and generous dollops of cilantro-lime avocado dressing.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
9. Serve with lime wedges and extra dressing on the side.

 
                                                           Easy Cilantro-Lime Dressing 
This is a great dressing to have on hand in the fridge for topping salads, tacos, or burrito bowls.
 
Prep Time:  5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield:  About 1 cup
 
Ingredients 
2 cups fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
 
Directions

1. In a food processor, place the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, maple syrup, coriander and salt and pulse to combine.
2. With the blade running, pour in the olive oil slowly and process until smooth.

Make it creamy (optional)--blend with 1 avocado or 1/2 cup vegan yogurt.

Make it spicy (optional)— by adding a bit of jalapeño or a few pickled jalapeños.
 
ChefSecret:  Like all salad recipes, this one is great to play with. Swap in the veggies you have on hand or adjust the toppings to make something you really love.
 
Quip of the Day:  Q: How much do I love Taco Salads? A: From my head to-ma-toes!
 
Do you have a question or comment? Send your favorite recipes, pictures or thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com. Recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
​
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.

#Entrees #Salads #HealthyTacoSalad #CilantroLimeDressing #VeganSalad #GlutenFree #2023 #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                                   ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023

How you doin’? When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. Even then I loved to cook on an open fire. Nothing really special—hot dogs on a stick, chicken on a grill and S’mores. Summer campfire grills were a favorite. But what do you do when the weather turns cold, and you are no longer able to toast marshmallows over lapping flames? Well, I’m here to tell you there's more than one way to make S'mores.
 
This classic campfire treat can be just as satisfying from a home oven and microwave allowing you to enjoy S’mores come rain or shine. You can treat yourself to a combination of two classic favorites—S'mores and Blondies— with this inventive and mouthwatering S'mores Graham Blondie Pie recipe.
 
Yummmy… gooey marshmallow creme, velvety smooth milk chocolate and crunchy graham crackers in a buttery blondie crust. Perfect for any in-home gathering. Share nostalgic memories and tease tastebuds while transporting everyone to memories of cozy scout campfires all year round.
 
Prep time:  17 minutes
Bake time:  23 minutes
Cool time:  2 hours 30 minutes
Yields:  1 pie / 6 to 8 servings
 
Ingredients 
6 milk chocolate bars (1.5-ounces), divided (I prefer Hershey's milk chocolate)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/2 cups marshmallow cream (I prefer Kraft Marshmallow Fluff)
1/4 teaspoon butter
2 pints ice cream or 40 toasted miniature puffed marshmallow (optional)
 
Directions

1. Heat an oven to 350° F.
2. Grease a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Unwrap the chocolate bars, break into pieces. Set aside 1 tablespoon chocolate bar pieces.
4. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and sugar until blended.
5. Add the egg; beat until light and fluffy.
6. Stir in the flour, graham cracker crumbs and baking powder; mix until well blended.
7. Divide the dough in half and press half of the dough onto bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.
8. Spread the marshmallow creme over the bottom of crust.
9. Sprinkle the chocolate pieces evenly over marshmallow creme.
10. Form the remaining dough into a ball, place on sheet of waxed paper. With fingers, flatten and shape into a 9-inch circle.
11. Pick up the waxed paper, supporting dough with hands. Flip dough onto pie surface; peel off waxed paper.
12. Pinch edges of dough together and form crust edge.
13. Bake the pie for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
14. Melt the remaining (1 tablespoon) of chocolate bar pieces with butter, drizzle over top of pie.

To serve:

1. Microwave slices on high for 15 to 20 seconds until slightly warm and the marshmallow filling just starts to melt.
2. Top with ice cream or mini-marshmallows, as desired.

ChefSecret:  I like the taste of the original S’mores so I always use Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and Kraft Marshmallow Fluff.

Quip of the Day:  So, it's the 4th of July night and all the dead presidents are gathered around a campfire having a party. They're drinking and eating and just generally having a grand ol' time when President Washington puts President Lincoln on the spot.
W: "Hey there, Lincoln, do that speech you do!”
L: " What speech?"
W: "The speech! You know, the one!!!!"
L: "Ohhh, that speech. Yeah, that speech. Nah, I can't remember the words anymore."
W: "Whaddya mean you can't remember the words??? It's the speech; you've given it a million times!!! You've got that like burned in your brain, right?"
L: "Well, yeah, normally, sure, I've got it memorized, but that was four s'mores and seven beers ago!!!"
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your favorite recipes, pictures or thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com. Recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.
 
#Dessert #Smores #Blondies #SmoresBlondiePie #Hershey #Kraft #SummerFun #2023Recipes #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
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                                                                                ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023

How you doin’? I had a paper route that bordered on Pico Boulevard adjacent to Beverly Hills. When I used to collect for the Mirror Newspaper, I always had enough money to stop by the local Winchell’s Doughnut shop. This was one of the first stores in the chain.
 
On one visit I saw who I thought was the “boss man.” I sat down with my box of freshly made delicious doughnuts and listened to him train his new employees. When he was done, I went over to the counter and introduced myself. I told him I was looking to move up in the job market world and asked him for a job. He asked me how old I was. That when he told me that being only 12 years old I would have to wait about 4 years to work at Winchell’s.
 
He told me that he was Vern Winchell, the owner of the new chain.  He told me that after he was discharged from the army he spent all his money on used equipment—basically a fryer and mixer—and opened his first shop for under $500.  He told me that never wasted anything and showed me what he made from all the left-over doughs—apple fritters. Mr. Winchell would have learned this technique from his military experience by gently rolling all the dough in a large heap, adding some apple pieces, then cutting them into irregular shapes and deep fry them.  Mr. Winchell’s apple fritters were the very best.
 
Winchell’s grew to be a fairly large west coast franchise, so much so that Winchell’s bought out Denny’s restaurants several years later. Perspectives was hired to work with Denny’s in the mid 1980’s… that’s our paths crossed once again.
 
While this isn’t the original, original recipe it makes up one hell of an Apple Fritter—one that Vern would be proud of—I certainly am.
 
Prep time: 30 minutes
Fry time: 4 minutes per batch
Yield:  Serves 10
 
Ingredients 
For the fritters
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 large Honeycrisp apple (sweet-tart style), peeled, cored, and small diced
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and small diced
Vegetable oil, for frying
Spray oil, as needed
 
For the glaze
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
To make the fritters:
1.    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
2.    Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3.    In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs and applesauce until combined.
4.    Pour the wet ingredients into the center of the dry ingredients, and using a rubber spatula, stir until just combined.
5.    Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
6.    Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with 1-1/2-inches of vegetable oil and fit the pot with a candy thermometer.
7.    Heat the oil to 375⁰ F.  Adjust the heat as needed to maintain this oil temperature while frying.
8.    Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels.
9.    Grease a 1/4-cup scoop or measuring cup, a large flat spatula and a rubber spatula with non-stick spray.
10. Portion 1/4 cup of batter for 1 fritter, transfer the batter to the flat spatula, and using the rubber spatula, press the batter to 1/2-inch thick. Carefully scrape the flattened fritters off the spatula and into the hot oil, frying in batches of 3 or 4 fritters for 2 minutes on each side until dark brown.
11. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to the paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain.
12. Repeat steps 10 and 11 with the remaining batter, spraying the utensils as needed to prevent sticking.
13. Let the fritters cool completely before glazing.

To make the glaze:
14. Set a wire rack into a rimmed sheet pan.
15. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla extract.
16. Place each fritter in the glaze, turning it to coat both sides, and shaking off any excess glaze.
17. Place the glazed fritters on the wire rack to drip and dry, 15 minutes.
18. Then, Enjoy!

ChefSecret: It is important to flatten each fritter to 1/2-inch thickness in order for them to fry all the way through--so don’t skip that step.  Leftover fritters can be stored at room temperature in a with the lid slightly askew for up to 3 days.

Quip of the Day: "All you need in this world is love and donuts.”
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.
 
#Donuts #Doughnuts #AppleFritters #Winchells #Breakfast #Snack #Dessert #Kids #2023Recipes #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  

                                                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023

How you doin’? Two of my favorite things in life are really good bread and really great ice cream. I am especially partial to Ben & Jerry’s brand. Years ago, they were acquired by one of the giant international food companies, but they have kept up the quality of the ice cream and the inventiveness of the flavors and are still spot on. A while back I was hearing things about this new, easy-to-make Ice Cream Bread, and I needed to try it out.
 
At first, I thought it was just a joke, but I kept on reading more and more about it. I started asking all the important questions. Does it need any yeast or baking powder to rise? Does it have to be just plain vanilla ice cream? Can I use any mix-ins? I decided to give it a try.
 
The first time I made it, I had an unopened pint of B & J’s Cherry Garcia (cherry ice cream with cherries & fudge flakes) in the freezer. I quickly whipped up the batter and to my surprise, the bread actually turned out well! It was moist, yet fluffy. All of the ice cream flavors came through. And in future tests I discovered you shouldn’t use yeast or other leavening agents.
 
You can use most flavors of ice cream and you can add mix-ins in moderation in addition to those already in the ice cream such as fruit, chocolate chips and nuts. This is one of the easiest, most rewarding, fool-proof recipes I’ve come across, and it's fun for the kids, too! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
 
Ingredients 
1 pint ice cream—flavor of your choice
1-1/2 cups Self-Rising Flour
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (any complimentary chip flavor, dark, milk or white chocolate)
 
Directions
1.    Preheat an oven to 350º F.
2.    Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.
3.    In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix the ice cream and flour until combined.
4.    Scoop batter into the loaf pan.
5.    Bake for 40-45 minutes or until it springs back to the touch.
6.    Let the bread cool on a rack, slice and enjoy!
 
ChefSecret: For best results, use a premium grade of ice cream. I prefer Ben & Jerry’s; Häagen-Dazs also works well in this recipe.  Non-premium ice cream brands have much more air whipped into them and don’t deliver enough structure or flavor.
 
Quip of the Day: “If ever I am on life support, unplug me and plug me back in… see if that works.”
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to ed@perspectives-la.com. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross.

​#Baking #Breakfast #Snack #Dessert #Kids #IceCreamBread #Ben&Jerrys #HaagenDazs #2023Recipes #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
 
                                                                                   ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023