the Cooking Thymes - Make Ahead

Southwest Couscous Salad

Muse — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:34:48 GMT

Light, refreshing and ready in fifteen minutes. Couscous is generally sold in bulk at the market. It is a coarsely ground pasta made from semolina. The dressing gives this a southwest twist. Serves 8-10

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (do not substitute any other vinegar)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
8 green onions, chopped (greens and onion)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
¼ - ½ cup cilantro leaves, washed and chopped
1 cup frozen organic corn, thawed
2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Couscous
1 ¼ cups chicken stock

Directions

Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin.

Add green onion, bell pepper, cilantro, corn, and black beans. Mix well. Cover, refrigerate.

Boil chicken broth in the microwave. Stir in couscous. Cover, let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Combine cooked couscous with dressing and vegetable mixture. Salt and pepper to taste.

The Muse Gourmet

Slow Cooker Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

Muse — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:57:24 GMT

At our house, fall means one thing...football.

If you are looking for an easy dinner that can simmer all day while you enjoy watching your favorite team, this is a touchdown!

P.S. Don't tell anyone, but it's good for you too.

The Muse Gourmet

Slow Cooker Meaty Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Muse — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:48:55 GMT

A busy weekend and no time to fuss over homemade spaghetti sauce was the inspiration for this slow cooker version. I wanted something that gave the taste of all day tinkering without the work. This is it. Perhaps my favorite spaghetti sauce yet. If you have an extra cinnamon stick or the rind from some parmesan cheese, toss it in the slow cooker with the sauce for added flavor.

The Muse Gourmet

Caramel Apple Butter Recipe

Muse — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:17:58 GMT

Fill your home with the aroma of warm apples, cinnamon and honey on a windy fall day. Apple butter is similar to jam. Rich in color from the spices, it’s traditionally served on toast or pancakes but is great to mix in oatmeal for a healthy apple cinnamon flavor, in yogurt, or with ice cream instead of the artificially sweet toppings available at the market.

The Muse Gourmet

Kid Friendly Granola

Muse — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:16:02 GMT

Like granola? Looking for an easy project to do with the kids? This granola recipe makes the very best granola I've ever had...hands down! And, the best part...it's sooo easy. My son practically made this recipe by himself.

Simply start with a few simple ingredients. If you're doing this with children, it's handy to find a work space that's at their level.

Measure the dry oats, coconut, brown sugar and nuts into a large bowl and stir. Then measure in the wet ingredients and stir again.

Spread the granola on a lined baking sheet and bake.

When the granola is baked, transfer to a large bowl and add your favorite dried fruits.

The Muse Gourmet

Kid Friendly Granola Recipe

Muse — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:15:07 GMT

Easy to make and even easier to change up with your favorite ingredients, this granola recipe is the best tasting granola I’ve ever made.

The Muse Gourmet

Baked Potato Salad - All the Way

Muse — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:03:07 GMT

Just in time for the Fourth...we decided to have a potato salad throw down. Look for a new recipe each day this week!

The Muse Gourmet

Baked Potato Salad - All the Way Recipe

Muse — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:57:32 GMT

It’s like a twice baked potato; in a salad. Tastes great warm, right out of the oven; or at room temperature.

The Muse Gourmet

One Step Chicken Salad

Muse — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:18:23 GMT

The Muse Gourmet

One Step Chicken Salad Recipe

Muse — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:16:13 GMT

An interesting combination of flavors makes this chicken salad recipe something special. The grapes and almonds add a little crunch to every bite. Serve with crackers, rolls, salad, or whatever tickles your fancy.

The Muse Gourmet

Lazy Refridgerator Pickles

Muse — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:19:29 GMT

I think I must have ordered a deli sandwich for lunch everyday for the past two weeks.

I didn't order the sandwiches because I actually wanted them, I was just after the pickles.

Funny thing. I used to laugh when folks ate a sandwich M-F (in my mind they lacked creativity), but I've found the whole routine surprisingly comforting. There are so many unexpected things that happen at any time- it's sometimes nice to expect familiarity.

But the whole thing has got me thinking about pickles...and how my mom used to make homemade pickles in the summer.

I helped with canning pickles way more than I wanted, and my lack of patience always got me in trouble. It seems there's a right way and wrong way to pack a pickle jar (at least if you ask my mother, that's what you'll hear). The right way involves carefully and gently packing in the cucumbers, onions, garlic and peppers to be sure they are evenly distributed in the jar and tightly packed in between layers. The wrong way involves randomly tossing in slices of cucumber and seasonings to make layers and then pushing down from the top layer until everything is squeezed in.

That's how I like to make my pickles...the "wrong" way. I toss everything in a jar, pack it down, and pour over the brine. And the pickles are always wonderful! And easy! And you don't need to know anything about canning to make these!

The Muse Gourmet

Lazy Refridgerator Pickle Recipe

Muse — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:07:50 GMT

If you’ve never canned anything before, don’t have a lot of time and want to impress someone with a homemade treat, this recipe is for you. These are a slightly sweet bread and butter pickle that can be prepared in any variety of glass jars and stored in the refrigerator for two months.

The Muse Gourmet

Chicken Pot Pie Make Ahead Recipe

Muse — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:13:43 GMT

A make ahead version of a traditional favorite that can be frozen up to two months. The time spent making these is well worth the effort!! The end result is a rich filling with the savory flavor of chicken, vegetables and herbs.

The Muse Gourmet

Hot Dish Recipe

Muse — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:33:49 GMT

A quick, inexpensive meal that can be made ahead and frozen for later use. Simply freeze before baking, thaw when you’re ready and bake when you need it. Perfect for using up the last handful of leftovers in the refrigerator. A great meal to have on hand for evenings when you don’t have the time or energy to cook.

The Muse Gourmet

Savory Shredded Chicken

Muse — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:52:11 GMT

Versatile, easy to prepare, healthy, delicious, and inexpensive... this is sure to become a household favorite. The seasoned chicken can be used in tacos, enchiladas, added to corn chowder or tortilla soup or used to top a salad.

The Muse Gourmet