Cabbage

Bountiful Basket items used: Cabbage, celery

Cabbage is not something I had ever cooked with before - so these recipes are all new to me! I used the large head of cabbage and cut it in half and got out the center core. I used half for each recipe.

Haluski

Boil noodles (we used 2 pkgs ramen with 1 pkg chicken seasoning)

Melt butter in large skillet (about 1 cube - but less would be okay too)

Add cut up cabbage (if I make it again, I would cut it up smaller)

Sprinkle about 1-2tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cover and let cabbage cook down (I let it go too long - you still want a little crisp and color to it)

Then add the noodles with a small portion of the water and mix

Serve hot.

Sweet coleslaw

Use the second half of cabbage and slice thinly (or use food processor to shred)

Cut up 1 celery stalk very finely and add to cabbage (you can add any other veggies, like carrots, if you want to add more flavor and color)

Sprinkle 1-2 Tbsp dried onion flakes (or chop real onion) to cabbage

Mix. Then sprinkle about 4 Tbsp sugar onto mixture and mix to coat. Let sit for a couple minutes.

Add 1/3 cup of mayo and add salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well. Chill till ready to serve.

Full Meal from Previous Baskets

Bountiful Basket items used: onions, grapes, bananas, pears, eggplant, potatoes

These items are pretty random...and I've been forgetting to post them! So they're from previous weeks baskets!

The first one really doesn't have to be a BB recipe...but I loved it!

Cook chicken on grill along with skewers of whole mushrooms, onion chunks and pepperoni pieces. Chop up the mushrooms, onions and pepperoni pieces once they're done. Spread honey mustard on the chicken and top with the chopped mixture and then cover with cheese of your choice (we used cheddar). Melt cheese over the chicken and serve!

This next one was a random fruit salad I made my girls to use up the fruit. I chopped up grapes, pears (peeled) and bananas. Then I put in 1 strawberry gogurt and 1 banana gogurt and mixed! (Any yogurt would work though!) The girls loved it!!

Tried out the eggplant by frying it. (Not a huge fan though and probably wouldn't do it again!) Whip up a few eggs and dip the slices of eggplant into the egg. Then put into italian seasoned bread crumbs and coat. Then put into hot oil and fry till golden brown on each side. Put hot slices onto paper towel to soak up the extra oil.

This last one isn't really a recipe...since I use a premade packet..but it's a yummy way to make potatoes! Cut the potatoes into wedges (half and then into thirds lengthwise). Place wedges into a plastic ziploc bag and add about 3 Tbsp oil. Then shake in Potato Seasoning mixture (found in the produce section near the potatoes). Bake on cookie sheet at 375 for about 35 minutes or until soft.

Everything but the Chicken!

Bountiful Basket items used: English Cucumber, Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Tomato, Watermelon, 9 Grain Bread

Tonight we had a dinner full of Bountiful Basket items! Some were just simply done - other's were more complicated! So, I'll share them all!

Cucumber Canapes

Make this the day before you plan on using it:

In a food processor (or blender) mix up:

1 C Mayo

3 oz. Cream Cheese

1 1/2 Tbsp Green Onion

1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 clove of Garlic

1/4 tsp Paprika

1/4 tsp Curry

1/8 tsp Oregano

1/8 tsp Thyme

1/8 tsp Basil

1/8 tsp Dill

1 Tbsp Parsley

Once blended place in the fridge for 24 hours (if possible)

This can be great as an appetizer or just a side dish with your dinner.

Use the 9 grain bread (or another darker bread like pumpernickle or rye) and cut the edges off. Toast a little bit in a pan to get it somewhat crispy.

Peel three sides of the cucumber and then drag your fork along the skin left on the cucumber. Then slice pretty thin.

Spread the mixture onto the bread, place the cucumbers on top and shake a little bit of dill on top.

Top with a small slice of tomato (or sweet red pepper if you have one)

Sweet Butternut Squash
Wash the squash and slice in half (with a very sharp knife)

Heat oven to 350

Put slices of butter along the top of the squash and cover with brown sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon (you can always add more later if needed).

Cook for 45 min - 1 hour (test with fork to see if it's soft enough)

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Use the white potatoes from last week's basket (or the red ones if needed)

Wash and peel the potatoes. Place in water and cover the pot. Boil until potatoes are soft. Drain the water and place potatoes in a bowl to mix. Add in about 1/4 C. butter and a few tablespoons of milk (depending on how many potatoes you cook). Mix till smooth!

Homemade Gravy

This is not something I measure - so it turns out a little different every time.

Boil 2 C water and add in 2-3 tsp Chicken flavored Bouillion (sp?)

Add 2-3 Tbsp of chicken drippings from cooking chicken if you have it (if not - it's not a big deal - you can add any other seasonings you want)

In a small measuring cup add about 3 Tbsp cornstarch and enough cold water to make it liquid and smooth. Slowly add it to the boiling liquid while whisking.

(If you don't have the chicken drippings - like I didn't this time - the gravy will be a pretty light color... this is normal!)

We also cut up some of this week's watermelon to serve with our dinner! It was a nice sweet addition to the meal. Just add in the chicken (or whatever meat you want) and you've got a full dinner!

Bountiful Side Dishes

Bountiful Basket items used: Cantelope, Corn on the cob, Squash

Tonight we used a random mix of the produce to go with our BBQ chicken. (We're really into BBQing lately, if you haven't noticed!)

Cut the cantelope in half, then slice them into "smile" shaped pieces. Using a smaller knife, slice the fruit off of the rind, and then cut into 3 or 4 smaller pieces.

We did grilled corn on the cob. Shuck the corn and place in tin foil, brush with melted butter and fold up the foil. Place on the grill for 10-15 minutes (rotating occasionally).

We also used the squash on the grill...but it wasn't that great. Better way to cook it below!

Picture of the corn when it's done.

Boiled squash: Cut up squash and place in pot, fill with water to just above the squash. Cover and boil on med heat till soft. Drain the water and place as much butter as you want into the squash and stir around. Shred mozzarella cheese onto the squash, cover the pan and let the cheese melt. Serve and enjoy (with salt and pepper is best)!

Brussel Sprouts

Bountiful Basket items used: Brussel Sprouts

I'm not sure how many people have actually tried brussel sprouts - but I was not one of those people....until today! It's one of those veggies that has a really bad reputation. But it wasn't so bad!! My kids even ate them and thought they were pretty good! So, for all of you brussel sprout haters - try this!

Sauted Brussel Sprouts

Wash the green balls and then cut off the ends of them.

Heat about 1/4 c. butter in a pan and add the balls into the butter. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes. Then cover and cook about 5 more minutes on medium heat. Add more butter if necessary or a little water if desired. The bottoms of the brussels will still feel very firm, but once you bite into them, they're quite tender. Salt and pepper generously! Enjoy!