Ronda's Web Log

Celebratory Meal or Comfort Food

Wed, 03 Nov 2004 18:01:15 GMT

The election is over! It was exciting, the debate was inspiring and I had a lot of fun helping to usher President Bush back into office for another 4 years. I sincerely hope that he does the job we expect of him. I would never expect that he could make everyone happy but hopefully he will keep the majority of the country proud and hopefully pull some of Kerrys' supporters into his confidence.

My daughter came home from college to vote and we had a great evening watching the election returns together before she had to go back. Since the temperature in Dallas dropped 20 degrees just in time for the election we planned a succulent, but easy meal. If you have ever had La Madeleine's Tomato-Basil soup you know that it is a decadent soup. This is a knock-off recipe from www.recipezaar.com that I think you will find quick and easy. We had garlicky french bread and a caesar salad to accompany.

La Madeleine's Tomato-Basil Soup

Ingredients
4 cups of Fresh Tomatoes, cored/peeled/chopped
OR you may use 4 cups of canned whole tomatoes crushed
4 cups of Tomato Juice or 3 cups of tomato juice and a can of chicken sotck
12-14 Fresh Basil Leaves
1 Cup of Heavy Cream (commonly called whipping cream)
1/4 lb of Sweet Unsalted Butter
Salt
Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions
Combine the tomatoes, juice/and or stock in heavy saucepan
Simmer 30 minutes
Puree, along with the basil leaves in a blender or food processor
Return to saucepan and add butter and cream while stirring over low heat
Garnish with Basil Leaves

This soup will make you feel good about any Presidential election... if the election is not going your way then have a second serving!

Cranberry Salad

Sun, 11 Apr 2004 09:22:38 GMT

EVERY single Thanksgiving my best friend calls me for this recipe. I don't know why she doesn't write it down. I thought I would go ahead and post it so that she can bookmark it. Now if she can find her bookmark we will be okay!

Cranberry Salad

Ingredients
1 bag of cranberries
1 cup of pecans
1 cup of sugar
1 pint of whipping cream
1 package of mini-marshmallows

Grind the cranberries up in your food processor. Cover them with sugar and stick in the fridge overnight. Chop the nuts, whip the cream, add the marshmallows and stir it all together. We usually double this for family events.

It is THAT easy Lisa!

Fantasy Peanut Butter Fudge

Sun, 11 Apr 2004 08:44:25 GMT

Happy Easter! One of my daughter's favorite holiday treats is her grandmother's fudge. The trick is to keep it boiling for a full 4 minutes or it doesn't set up correctly but not to overboil it or it will be crumbly.
Good fudge is a tricky accomplishment in life.

Ingredients

3 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 small can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)
1 cup peanut butter (mom's revision)
1 jar (7 oz) Marshmallow Cream
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 cup of Pecans

Heat
Sugar, butter & evaporated milk to full rolling boil in 3 quart heavy saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil on medium heat for 4 minutes (suggested 234 degree Farenheit with candy thermometer if you have one), stir constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
Stir
In peanut butter and marshmallow cream until melted, stir in vanilla and nuts.
Spread
Spread immediately in foil-lined 9 inch square pan or a buttered glass casserole dish. Cool at room temperature at least 4 hours. Cut into squares. Makes about 3 lbs of fudge.

Original Source - Kraft foods - Substiantially revised by my Mother