Cheesy scalloped potatoes

These are the best ever scalloped potatoes and should make about 8 servings. Easiest made in a blender.

6 med potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup celery leaves
2 springs parsley
3 tbsps flour
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 tsps salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1-2 cups grated old cheddar cheese

Blend everything except potatoes and cheese in blender, mixing thoroughly. Arrange potato slices in buttered 2 quart baking dish. Pour blender mixture over potatoes and sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake uncovered in 350 oven for approx 1 hour.

Curried Fruit

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 c butter
3 14oz cans fruit. (peaches, oranges, pineapple)

Combine sugar, salt, curry and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes (med to low heat) Drain fruit and keep juice for ham. Put fruit in buttered casserole and pour boiled mixture over. Bake at 300 for 25 minutes.

This is delicious with ham and scalloped potatoes.

Banana Bread

By adding 1 cup of chocolate chips it becomes chocolate chip banana bread.

2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
1 cup chocolate chips ( if using)
2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 large)
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 F and grease 9 x 5 loaf pan. In large bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate chips if using. In another bowl mash bananas add melted butter, milk and eggs. Mix together and pour over flour. Stir till just blended. Spread batter in greased pan and bake 50 to 60 minutes. Test by insterting tester in centre if it comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 15 minutes. Turn onto rack. Best to let cool completely before cutting. If you can resist.

Butter Chicken

This is a fairly new recipe and everyone loves this one. I have made it with uncooked chicken as well.
2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup chopped onions 1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric 1/3 cup cream (5%)
1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 cup plain yogurt
One 19 oz can diced tomatoes 1 tbsp fresh cilantro

One whole rotisserie chicken cut into chunks or I use uncooked chicken (3 breasts cut in 1 inch pieces) and cook it in frying pan with 1-2 tbsp olive oil first. It is really good if you marinate the uncooked chicken for several hours with lemon juice and tandoori spice. mmmmmm

Melt butter in deep skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook slowly, stirring often, until onions are tender about 5 minutes.

Add gingerroot, chili powder, turmeric and cinnamon. Cook 1 minute more. Add undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add cut up chicken ( or precooked chicken if using uncooked), cream and sour cream or yogurt.
Simmer 15 minutes more uncovered. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and serve or rice or with Naan Bread. (see recipe)

Apple Crisp

Orginally I told Julia that I would make a cookbook for her but I think I will surprise her and make it through my blog. That way she can look them up on her computer.

Today is Good Friday and I am grateful today for spring ( even though it is -12 .)
This is always one of everyone's favorites in our house, especially Julia.

Apple Crisp

6-7 apples
Set oven to 350 F and butter baking dish.
Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Add 1/2 cup butter by cutting it in small pieces and combining it with hands or in food processor.

Peel and slice apples to half fill baking dish and sprinkle with 1 tbsp white sugar and 1/2 tbsp lemon juice.

Put topping over apples and bake 40 minutes in oven.

I'm grateful for warmth

Today is extremely cold, minus 20 or something brrrrr. I am so thankful I have the ability to switch heat on when I am cold and that I have a warm house to abide in.

Every day is a new beginning

I remember reading an article connecting this to Yoga and today I am grateful to remember that holding on to painful thinking is nonsense and not only each day can be a new beginning but each moment is a new beginning.