October 17, 2012

We Are Family

 

I love family cookbooks.  They are filled with memories, stories and laughs along with tried and true favorite recipes.

 

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My family doesn’t have a cookbook (yet) although looking through my co-worker Monica’s collection of family favorites makes me want to make one. 

 

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Monica, who also loves to cook, shared this with me last week and I have loved looking through every page and all the pictures – especially the pages with “love”.  These are the pages that are stained with ingredients and have handwritten notes, measurement corrections or stories written next to them.

 

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I’m thinking that by the looks of this page, either the Pierogies or Virginia Waffles are a favorite!

 

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My Nana’s name was even featured.  I think that’s a sign!

 

I am actually preparing two dishes from The Nierle Family Cookbook this week, the first one being this:  Spanish Skillet Rice.  It was easy, rich and homey.  I don’t know any of Monica’s family, but after eating this, I’m pretty sure they were wonderful people!

 

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Spanish Skillet Rice

Print this recipe!

3/4 C uncooked regular white rice

1/2 C chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lb. ground sirloin

1 (16 oz) can tomatoes (I used diced)

1 C water

1 jar chili sauce

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

dash of cayenne

1/4 C chopped green pepper

 

Directions:

In skillet, brown rice, onion and garlic in butter (1-2 T); stir frequently.

Add meat, brown just until meat loses red color; stir occasionally.  Drain excess fat.

Stir in tomatoes and next 6 ingredients.  Bring just to a boil; stir in green peppers.

Cover and simmer 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender.  Toss mixture well before serving.

 

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This dish would work as a one pot meal, but I opted to add some more protein by topping it with black beans and a little bit of sour cream and cheese for pizazz.  This would also be great for a cold night or even a chilly tailgating session.  It has comfort food written all over it!

 

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From Monica’s family to yours – enjoy!

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