Important Cooking Tools You Can't Go Without

Far too often people overlook the importance of using the proper tools when cooking fine meals. While there is nothing in the world that can quite compare to cooking with the finest and freshest of ingredients, these things can only be enhanced by making use of the perfect tools for the job at hand.

Image via WikipediaWhen it comes to pots and pans and skillets you should keep in mind that conductivity is of extreme importance. You should also select pots and pans that are made of a heavier gauge. This allows your pans to heat evenly avoiding hot spots, which can lead to food that may 'stick' to your pan or scorch during the cooking process. This means that simply stopping in at your local mass market retailer and purchasing any old set of pots and pans is probably not the best course of action for the best possible quality in your kitchen. I went ahead and purchased a great-quality set of pots & pans a few years ago - they are worlds above the cheap stuff I had before, and I am pretty sure they will last forever - they are not only beautiful, but incredibly sturdy and durable.

Kitchen knives are also important ingredients in the kitchens of today. If you plan to prepare many meals in your kitchen, then the quality of your knives is of the utmost importance. Your knives are an investment you shouldn't have to make too often in your lifetime. For this reason, select a really good set and be prepared to make a sizeable investment in your knives. You will never understand, unless you've tried to prepare foods with knives of inferior quality versus the good ones, just how important it is to purchase good quality and well-balanced knives for your kitchen. You should also try the handles in your hand if you can to see how comfortable they feel before purchasing a set of knives. If you do a lot of chopping and cutting during your meal preparation and cooking you will want to make sure that the knives you are using feel comfortable in your hands. And don't think you have to go out and purchase a 20-piece set. I have so many knives I never even use - you really only need 5-6 different knives at the most to cover all the different functions you are going to use them for (other than a steak-knife dinner set, if that is something you need). 

If you are like me and plan on cooking a great deal of meat then you should also invest in a jacquard. This useful tool helps not only when it comes to tenderizing rather rough and tumble cuts of meat but also pierces the surface so that rubs and marinades can penetrate for a more flavorful experience. This is by far one of my favorite kitchen gadgets and it isn't a sizeable investment for the added value it provides to meals.

A good quality grater is another tool that no kitchen should be complete without. There are many who feel that with all the pre-shredded cheese products on the market today this tool is obsolete but nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, pre-grated and pre-packaged cheese simply doesn't touch the quality of flavor that freshly grated cheese provides. Second, cheese isn't the only thing that these graters are useful for grating. Graters are excellent tools for grating citrus fruits, spices, garlic, chocolate, and even onions. If you do a good deal of baking in addition to your cooking you should not overlook the value of having a quality grater in your kitchen.

Image via WikipediaOf course there are many more cooking tools than I could possibly mention here. Those mentioned above simply happen to be among my personal favorites. There are all kinds of appliances that in my humble opinion no kitchen is truly complete without. In addition to these great appliances there are many tools that are simple matters of preference. Do you peel enough potatoes to warrant a special device for doing so or do you simply opt to purchase an ergonomically designed potato peeler and peel them by hand?

There are no one size fits all answers when it comes to kitchen tools and many of us are often limited by serious budget constraints and restrictions. My best advice if this is the situation for you is to purchase the best possible quality you can afford and build from there. Even if it means replacing one pot or knife at a time until you can manage a complete set of superior quality cooking tools you will find it well worth the price you've paid in the long run.

For some examples of great cooking tools no kitchen should be without, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/cookingfromscratch.html - it's a great place to find quality gifts for the special cook in your life (even if that's you)!

A Few Top-Quality Cooking Tools:
   

Recipe - Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Got leftover turkey??  Check out this delicious hearty recipe great for a cold winter evening! It's a tasty way to use up some of your Thanksgiving leftovers, or you could also make it anytime using leftover cooked chicken.

Image by Back to the Cutting Board via FlickrHearty Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:
1/2 cup wild rice, cooked according to package
2 tsp olive oil
3 celery stalks, chopped small
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
1 onion, diced small
1 tsp dried sage
6 cups turkey or chicken stock
2 cups finely chopped cabbage
2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, cut small
1/4 chopped parsley
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions:

• In a large soup pot over medium heat, put olive oil, celery, carrots, onions, and sage, cooking until vegetables are starting to soften, about 4 or 5 minutes.
• Pour in the stock, add the cabbage, stir and turn heat down to low, cover pot loosely, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cabbage is soft.
• Add the turkey, cooked wild rice, and parsley, and simmer very slowly (without bubbles), uncovered, for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar, taste and adjust seasonings, adding more balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper as desired.

Recipe - Cranberry Ricotta Pie

Here is a tasty way to use up those leftover cranberries you didn't get to use yesterday. It's satisfying, tasty, and not too sweet - a welcome change from all the holiday candy and sugary cakes and pies.

Cranberry Ricotta Pie

Image by Shaw Girl via FlickrIngredients:
1 cup whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 1/4 cup ricotta
4 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
dash ground nutmeg
dash ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add the cranberries and, using a potato masher, mash them up a little bit to break them up.
3. Add to the bowl the remaining ingredients, stirring to mix; do not over-mix.
4. Grease, butter, or coat with cooking spray a large pie tin or other shallow baking dish about the same size.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 1-1/4 hour to 1-1/2 hour or until pie forms a crust-like top, browns slightly, and sets up.
6. Remove and let cool at room temperature.
7. Serve at room temperature with a dollop of whipped topping.

Recipe - Wild Rice Sausage Casserole

If you're looking for a unique low-carb addition to your Thanksgiving dinner, here is a great recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds! This will go great with your Thanksgiving turkey, and makes a unique addition to your plate, with the special flavor of wild rice combined with the richness of the sausage and woodsy mushrooms.

This dish can be made ahead the day (or a couple of days) before, and reheated for your Thanksgiving meal to make things easier.

Wild Rice & Sausage CasseroleImage by mpesce via Flickr

Ingredients:

2/3 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
3 1/2 cups stock (chicken or vegetable), divided
2 Tbsp olive oil or butter, divided
12 oz. ground sausage (your favorite kind - we like fresh ground all-natural sweet Italian)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
12 oz. mushrooms
3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped fine
salt and black pepper to taste
toasted almond slivers for garnish (optional)

Directions: 

1. Combine wild rice and 3 cups of stock in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, cover and let rice cook until tender, from 50 to 65 minutes, depending on the rice and your stove.  Check to make sure it's not cooking too hard after a few minutes. (Or follow the instructions on your package of wild rice.)
2. Drain the rice through a colander to make sure it's dry, then put in a large bowl.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. In skillet over medium heat, put the sausage and cook until just browned slightly; then dump into bowl with cooked rice.
5. In same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil or butter over low heat, and add the onions, cooking until they start to turn golden brown in color.  This will take a while, as the onions are carmelizing, possibly 10 minutes or more.
6. When the onions are golden and soft, add the thyme, stir and cook for 1 minute more, then add this mixture to the bowl with the sausage and rice.
7. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter, add chopped mushrooms and cook until they soften and get golden brown and the moisture from the mushrooms disappears.
8. Dump the mushrooms into the bowl with the sausage and rice mixture.
9. Then in the bowl, add the parsley, remaining 1/2 cup stock, and season with salt and pepper to taste, mix gently, then turn into a baking dish.
10. Cover and bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
11. Add toasted almond slivers when served if desired.

Holiday Cooking Tips for Better Outcomes

The holidays are an extremely hectic and chaotic time for many of us. We run from one place to another with more "to do" lists than we think we will ever manage to complete. One thing is certain and that is that throughout all the running around and festivities that are going on it is quite likely that you are going to either drive yourself crazy being obsessively over-organized, or you are going to forget one dinner, event, or gift during the season that is going to prove to be important enough for a mad dash out into the cold. Depressing though the thought may be, the following tips can help you avoid potential breakdown as a result of the constant insanity of the holidays.

Image via WikipediaFirst of all, you absolutely must adopt the KISS policy: Keep it simple silly. The meals you plan for your contributions to holiday cooking in your own home and for various events and pot lucks that take place this time of year should be simple to prepare, take little time, and cost as little money as possible.

Here are 3 simple tips to help you accomplish this:

1. Do things in bulk. Rather than trying to squeeze in a few minutes here and there, mark out large chunks of your calendar and dedicate those times to tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and wrapping and stick to that one thing during its allotted time slot rather than trying to cook, wrap, clean, and shop at the same time. This saves confusion and lessens the opportunity of something getting boiled, burned, splattered, ruined, or forgotten.

2. Plan ahead and shop ahead. This saves valuable time and money because you aren't impulse buying at the last minute. Whether you are shopping for food items for meal preparation and cooking, or the perfect gifts for friends or family, putting things off often tends to result in spending more money than intended and getting less value for that money.

Make sure you have enough room inside your fridge for the foods you need for preparation and storing the foods that need to be chilled once they've been prepared. Space is a must and if you do not have enough space in your refrigerator you need to be making other plans for food that needs to be kept cold in the interim.

Plan a quick and easy back up in case something goes wrong with one of the more complicated dishes or casseroles. A last minute substitution that is quick and easy is a much better option than not having enough to go around. You never know what's going to go wrong when dealing with holiday cooking, and it is best to be prepared when something does.

Make sure the turkey or ham is properly thawed and that you've allotted the necessary time for cooking. In fact an extra hour is often the best way to go as you never know what kind of differences there will ultimately be in cooking time for your main course.

3. Clean as you go. This little tip will save so much time, trouble, and pulled hair that you will never really know how wonderfully valuable this nugget of advice really is. Dishes are simpler to clean when still warm and before food has time to dry and set in, and you will feel so much peace when you finish your meal and realize you only have a few dishes to clean up afterwards (and that's what the kids are for)!

These tips do not guarantee a perfect holiday cooking experience but they are an excellent way to guarantee less stress in the mix.

Recipe - Heat & Eat Pancakes

Here is an easy from-scratch pancake recipe which you can use for the "Pigs in a Blanket" breakfast idea in the previous post (or just eat them as is!). The recipe describes how to freeze them for later use - a quick breakfast when you are on the run, but want something home-made and not junky fast-food.

Heat & Eat Pancakes

Image via WikipediaWhat You Need:
2 1/2 C milk (preferably whole, non-homogenized)
2 free-range eggs
1/3 C extra-virgin coconut oil, melted (or other healthy cooking oil - see our previous post on healthy cooking oils here)
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 C honey or maple syrup
1/2 C whole wheat flour
4 tsp baking powder
Couple of dashes of cinnamon (optional)
Enough all-purpose flour to thicken batter to your liking
Wax paper cut in pancake-sized squares
Freezer bags

Cooking Instructions:

• Place the milk, eggs, oil and vanilla into a large mixing bowl. Whisk until just blended together.
• Add the salt and honey or syrup. Beat until smooth.
• Add the wheat flour and baking powder. Beat until smooth.
• Add just enough all-purpose flour to thicken batter to your liking.
• Heat a griddle over medium high heat. Griddle is hot enough when a drop of water dances on the griddle.
• Pour about 1/2 C batter onto hot griddle.
• Cook until pancake begins to bubble and edges begin to dry.
• Flip and cook about 2 minutes or until both sides are lightly brown.
• Continue cooking until all the batter is used.

Freezing Instructions: 

• Cool pancakes completely.
• Place a piece of wax paper on a flat surface.
• Place a pancake onto the wax paper.
• Place another piece of wax paper on top of the pancake.
• Then another pancake and continue until all the pancakes are used alternating with wax paper and pancakes.
• Place into a freezer bag and freeze up to 6 months.
• To reheat, just drop into the toaster. Toast 2 cycles if necessary.

5 Time & Money Saving Breakfast Ideas

It is the first meal we eat when we get up in the morning. After a long night of sleep, we can’t do without it if we want to get our bodies going. No, I’m not talking about coffee. I’m referring to breakfast. Here are some ideas for a quick and healthy breakfast that don’t require a drive-thru window.
Image via Wikipedia

1. Have a piece of casserole. It takes time to cook eggs and bacon for breakfast. No one wants to ruin their clothes with the mess it can create. On Sunday night, get breakfast done early. Put together a casserole using your favorite ingredients. Fewer eggs are needed in a casserole than when frying or scrambling them for breakfast each morning. Depending on the size of your family, the casserole may last two to three mornings.

2. Yogurt. Yogurt is a healthy and economical breakfast choice. When you are eating on the run, grab a container of yogurt and some dried or fresh fruit. Cutting up fruit on top of the yogurt adds carbohydrates to fuel you for the morning in addition to the calcium and protein in the yogurt itself.

3. Breakfast shake. This is even quicker and can be ingested while driving without taking your eyes off the road or both hands off the wheel. Put together some frozen fruit favorites, ice cubes, yogurt, and unsweetened juice in a blender. Pour into travel cups to keep it cold (the kind with lids and straws makes it easy to avoid spills in the car). Everyone can grab a cup on the way out the door. The nutritional effect is about the same as yogurt (or better if you add lots of yogurt), but without the spoon.

Image by Dead Air via Flickr

4. Pigs in a blanket. This is the homemade version - much healthier without all the preservatives and trans fats of the store-bought kind. Whip up a batch of pancakes and freeze them in short stacks of three. A package or two of frozen link sausage is needed to create this quick and economical meal idea (local and hormone-free if at all possible). Thaw out a stack of pancakes. Heat up three sausages in the microwave. Wrap a pancake around each sausage. Voila! You’ve got an instant pig in a blanket. Eat it as you watch the last of your favorite morning show or as you walk to the bus stop. It can be eaten in the car without too much fuss or mess. For a sweeter taste and less mess, add a little maple syrup or honey to the batter when making the pancakes.

5. Breakfast sandwiches. In the evening, while you are getting things ready for the next day, grill up a few breakfast sandwiches. Choose whatever you like: natural turkey slices, sulfate-free ham slices, cheese, tomato, bacon, etc. When the sandwich cools, cut it into bite size pieces and put it in a container. In the morning, just grab a container; pop it into the microwave for fifteen or twenty seconds and breakfast is served.

These breakfast ideas are time saving and money-saving too. They make use of items you might buy normally and also whatever you have around the house to create delicious fare for a morning rush. No more excuses for skipping breakfast or swinging into the fast food restaurant every morning!

Eating Healthy On the Go

People use many excuses to give reason to why they are not eating healthy foods. One of the most common of these excuses is that they have no time to worry about choosing the best foods and cooking them for themselves and their families. These people usually grab fast food or take-out instead of healthier foods, and these quick dinner fixes are full of bad fats and cholesterol, sugar, and empty calories. However, no matter how little time you have to spend in the kitchen and at the supermarket, there are ways in which you can eat in a healthy way without much time. Learning how to eat healthily even when you're super busy can make all the difference in perfecting your diet.

Image via Wikipedia

Eating healthy foods begins with healthy ingredients, but if you are short on time, you may find that spending lots of time time in the grocery store does not fit into your schedule. To maximize your time, plan ahead for two weeks at a time. Instead of having to go to the store every time you need an ingredient, make a list and keep your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry stocked with good, healthy ingredients. You can make your shopping list during a meeting, while eating lunch, or while you are on the phone. A list will also help you cut back on impulse buying, which is when we purchase a lot of the foods that are bad for us.

Along with planning your shopping list, plan your meals as well. If you find little time to cook during the week, you can instead try making a few healthy meals in advance on the weekend and than putting them in your freezer. Before you go to work in the morning, simply stick the frozen dinner in the refrigerator to thaw and then pop into the oven to cook when you get home from work. This will help you avoid having to pick up fast food. Keep healthy drinks on hand at home as well instead of purchasing soda.

Healthy eating on the run isn't always easy. However, putting a tad bit more time into planning ahead and cooking your own meals from scratch is worth the extra effort, because you’ll be living a longer and healthier life in the end.

Breakfast in Mexico

El Desayuno is the word for breakfast in Mexico. It normally consists of a hardy meal containing many colors, spices and flavors. Breakfast varies depending on the region. Some produce is not available in other regions. It also varies because of ethnic diversity. Breakfast dishes have a long history that dates back to the Aztecs and Mayans and also from Spanish rule for more than three centuries.

Tortillas are not just for dinner. You can find most people in Mexico eating them for Breakfast. The tortillas are made into burritos, tacos, and tostados. Beside the tortilla on their plate, are usually colorful fruits and vegetables. It is common to eat a variety for Breakfast. Vegetables include tomatoes, and red green Image via Wikipediapeppers. Fresh fruits enjoyed at Breakfast are Watermelons, Oranges, Pineapples, and Strawberries. Plato de Frutas is a great breakfast dish that consists of many different fruits. It is pretty much what you would find a fruit salad. Some fruits in Plato de frutas are melons, bananas, mangoes, and sometimes papayas.

Eggs are also common in Mexican breakfast. A dish that has become popular in much of the Americas is Huevos rancheros. The name means eggs that are ranch-style. The most common version of the dish consists of corn tortillas that are lightly fried and fried or scrambled eggs with a chili sauce. Other foods that are typically added to the dish include beans, olives, avocados, and fried potatoes. Another dish that involves eggs is Huevos Motulenos. The eggs are made on tortillas and covered with tomatoes, beans, peas, ham, and chilies. A dish that doesn't include eggs, but is seen during breakfast in Mexico is Chilaquiles. It is tortillas that are stir fried with onions, and spices and sometimes with added chicken. It is topped with cheese and served with a type of gravy sauce.       

Mexicans love chocolate and enjoy it in the morning. You may be thinking of chocolate bars, but for residents of Mexico, it is to drink. The chocolate is thin discs that are put into water or milk and melted. People also add other ingredients that make it not the same as hot chocolate. This may include vanilla, cream, egg yolks, and cinnamon. Even though chocolate is a favorite, Mexicans still like having coffee in the morning like the rest of North America.

Image via WikipediaMexican coffee is more light and nutty in flavor than Coffee in the United States with a touch of a chocolate taste. It is comparable to expensive brands of coffee in America. When drinking, it may leave a burnt after taste at first, but it becomes normal after a few more sips. Coffee is Mexico's most popular morning drink.

If ever on a vacation in Mexico, try staying at a Bed and Breakfast. You will be served an authentic Mexican breakfast. If you do not travel, look in your local white pages for your nearest authentic Mexican restaurants. Many of them serve breakfast items.

Another good way on trying breakfast Mexican style is by searching for recipes and giving them a try. Once you try the foods, you might just add them to your everyday morning!


Tasty Breakfast and Other Mexican Recipes:
   

Tasty and Healthy Mexican Recipes

We are continuing "Mexico week" with a collection of great recipes - we've tried to stick to authentic ones, and with a healthier slant. Check out the links below for everything from Mexican breakfast ideas all the way to breads and desserts. And we'd love your feedback on your favorite Mexican recipes as well!

Be sure to check back Friday to learn about Mexican breakfasts, and for some great Mexican recipe resources. 

Image via WikipediaMexican Molletes recipe
Molletes recipe from authentic Mexican cuisine. This is an easy to cook authentic Mexican breakfast recipe that is both filling and super delicious!
Publish Date: 10/04/2011 1:03
http://eauthenticmexicanrecipes.com/mexican-breakfast/mexican-molletes-recipe

Easy Authentic Mexican Food Recipes - Shrimp Broccoli Fettuccine ...
This article contains a collection of easy and authentic Mexican food recipes that you can try at home. Intensely flavoured, uniquely spicy and brilliantly colourful, authentic Mexican cuisine has something to offer to everyone.
Publish Date: 07/22/2011 18:16
http://feelhungry.com/easy-mexican-recipes

Mexican Soup – Traditional Menudo Recipe
Other popular ingredients in menudo include crushed red chilies, oregano, onions and cilantro, although there are various recipes for menudo and each is slightly different. Hominy is added to this soup in northern Mexico ...
Publish Date: 11/02/2011 1:33
http://bestproductdetail.com/mexican-soup-traditional-menudo-recipe/

My Sweet Mexico: Recipes for Authentic Pastries, Breads, Candies ...
Most of the recipes are ones you will not have seen, unless you too have been to Mexico. Many of the recipes are regional or even city treasures. Somewhat like Italy, Mexico is divided by mountains into regions, each with its ...
Publish Date: 11/03/2011 10:52
http://cookingbythebook.com/blog/cookbook-reviews/sweet-mexico-recipes-authentic-pastries-breads-candies-beverages-frozen-treats/

Calabaza En Tacha, Mexican Candied Pumpkin
Calabaza en Tacha; Candied pumpkin; Mexican; recipes; Mexican pumpkin; Mexican Candied Calabaza en tacha or candied pumpkin is a traditional food served for el Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. El Dia de ...
Publish Date: 11/02/2011 4:42
http://www.spiciefoodie.com/2011/11/02/calabaza-en-tacha-mexican-candied-pumpkin-vegetarian/

 

More Tasty Mexican Recipes:

• Three-Course Mexican Meal for Two or Four Including Appetizers, Entrees, and Desserts at Chiles & Chocolate (Up to 68% Off). Four Options Available. (bxcheapskate.com)
• Mexican Spiced Flan for Dia de los Muertos (beautifulmemorablefood.wordpress.com)
• Recipe for Easy Guacamole Tostadas (kalynskitchen.com)
• Food Diary: Fajitas ARE Paleo-Possible! (easypaleo.com)
• Healthy Recipe: Beef Enchiladas (skinnypinkninja.wordpress.com)

How Healthy is Mexican Food?

If you ask majority of Americans on when the last time they ate Mexican food, usually it is within the last week. Mexican foods have become very popular in the United States. The problem is that the Mexican foods in America are not the same as they are in Mexico. Americans have added super fat and super sized the meals. If you go down to Mexico, you may not even find the same dishes because the dishes were created in America. Authentic Mexican food is rich in fresh vegetables, protein, and nutritious vitamins and spices.

Image via WikipediaTaco Bell comes to mind as a popular food chain that serves Mexican foods. You will find tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. People in Mexico usually do not eat big platters of tortilla chips in their everyday meals. Because of the food sold in the United States, it is not very healthy. The Mexican foods in America are not as rich in nutrients. It contains high fat, sodium, and calories. It also does not include as many fresh vegetables.

Most traditional Mexican dishes have less fat and calories. This doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the foods served in American restaurants. You can add more healthy foods to the dish. Tomatoes are high in vitamins and have lycopene which has cancer-fighting properties. Tomatoes can be added to many Mexican dishes. Beans carry high protein and fiber. Instead of eating the beans refried, try getting them whole. It cuts back on the fat. Corn is another vegetable that is healthy in Mexican foods. It is high in vitamins and contains fiber. Adding these to your Mexican dishes will make them healthier than what you are served at Taco Bell.

You may be wondering if people in Mexico eat healthier foods. In America we have the choice to go to health food stores where we can find organic foods and foods not as fattening. The only drawback is that not everyone can afford to buy these foods whenever they grocery shop. In Mexico, healthier choices are available. Each year the health food market in Mexico makes over $500 Million. The consumers make up 5 percent of Mexico's population. Their age range is from 20 to 50 years old. They usually live in metropolitan areas and can afford to buy these types of healthier foods. If they cannot afford it, they still are not getting all the fats and calories that we find in American foods, especially fast-foods. Authentic Mexican foods still carry many vegetables and ingredients that are good for your body, and also the way the food is cooked is healthier.  

You are probably wondering again, is Mexican food healthy for me. Authentic Mexican dishes are, because they carry many vitamins and are generally low in fat. America has fattened up the Mexican dishes making them not a good choice. If you want to go out to eat, try avoiding the major Mexican food chain restaurants. Find a restaurant that serves authentic dishes. It is healthier and will taste even better knowing you are giving your body good foods. 

Cook Healthy Authentic Mexican Foods:
   

Video - Ancho Chile Cornbread Stuffing

Here is a good one to bookmark and save for Thanksgiving. As someone who's really not a big stuffing fan overall, this stuffing looks amazing! Of course, I would recommend making the cornbread from scratch - that way you can control the sugar and salt content, and despite what she says, it's really not much more difficult to make from scratch - all you need is about 2 minutes to measure out the ingredients, and then mix in the liquid (which you would have to do with a mix anyway). Cornbread uses baking powder and/or soda - not yeast - so you won't need to wait for anything to rise or do any kneading - etc. Just mix and pop in the oven - it's very easy. (See below for some helpful resources for making great cornbread.)

Then check out this video to see what an amazing dish you can make with it:

SG Cooking With Pleasure
Ancho Chili Sausage Cornbread Stuffing


Resources for Making Awesome Homemade Cornbread:
   

Recipe - Cream Of Roasted Broccoli Soup

This rich and delicious soup will warm you up inside and out, and it contains lots of heart-healthy broccoli. Even the kids will eat this one! A perfect comfort-food for cold fall evenings, it takes a bit of preparation, so put on some music, grab a glass of wine, and enjoy the process!

Image by Sebastian Mary via FlickrCream Of Roasted Broccoli Soup
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:
4 cups broccoli florets and stems, cleaned, cut into small pieces
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 Tbsp olive oil
8 strips lean bacon
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
48 oz. chicken stock
2 bay leaves
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tsp fresh marjoram, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups half and half

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Arrange the broccoli and carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil, mixing veggies a bit to coat. Put in preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning several times during cooking time, until tender and browned slightly; remove and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, fry bacon until crisp in a large soup pot over medium heat; remove to paper towels to drain.
4. In same soup pot, add onion and celery and cook in the bacon drippings for 3 minutes or until soft.
5. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 
6. Add chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, parsley, and bring to a boil; turn to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Pull out bay leaves.
7. Add roasted broccoli and carrots to soup in pot, and continue simmering over low heat for 15 minutes or until vegetables are very soft.
8. Remove from heat and allow to cool enough to handle.
9. Strain soup through sieve or colander (retaining liquid) and put solid veggies from colander into food processor.
10. Add 2 cups reserved cooking liquid to food processor and blend until solids are smooth. Add more cooking liquid if necessary until you have a puree.
11. Return puree back to soup pot, pour reserved liquid in, and reheat over low heat only until hot; do not boil. 
12. Remove from heat and stir in half and half.
13. Serve immediately in soup bowls with added toppings if desired, like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkling of crispy bacon bits, or fresh grated Parmesan cheese.