Southern Shrimp & Grits

One of my favorite seafood meals is just plain ol' shrimp & grits.  I don't think you can find a more easier recipe than that.  There are so many recipes out there for shrimp & grits.  But I think I have found one I really like a lot.  

This recipe book was my mothers.  It looks like from the inside writing it was given to her by Dr. & Mrs. Johnson.  The inscription says, "Mary Jane, may you have fun trying new recipes".  It looks like my mom liked trying new recipes as much as I do!

I have taken a little here and a little there, but I think I have came up with the best shrimp & grits recipe, at least to my liking.  Give it a try!

The recipe for my shrimp & grits can be found here.

For this recipe, I used the Land O'Lakes Saute Express that I talked about in my previous post.  Instead of using 1T butter and 1 T olive oil, I just used a pat of the Saute Express Butter & Olive Oil butters.  It worked great!

Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Last night I made Lasagna Stuffed Shells my kids (all 5 of them) loved them! It is so hard to find something they will all enjoy.  Last night was a big hit, so I will definitely be making these again.

The recipe for Lasagna Stuffed Shells can be found here.

Homemade Banana Pudding

Homemade Banana Pudding

One of my customers ordered homemade banana pudding.  I was so excited to make it because it was the first time that I have had it on the menu.  In the past when I made banana pudding, I would use vanilla flavored Jell-O pudding and add banana and Nilla Wafers and then top it off with some Cool Whip.  Not any more!  

I discovered this recipe on Pinterest for "The Best Banana Pudding" and that it is!  I have to admit that I am intimidated when it comes to making meringue.  But this recipe is great, no problems.  I made a small pudding for me and the kids, I mean, I can't make something and not try it myself , right?

I would love to make one for you! If you would like to make one for yourself, you can find the recipe here

Homemade vanilla pudding, bananas, Nilla' wafers and meringue.

Veneto Rescue Beans

Original Veneto Rescue Beans Recipe

Are you looking for a unique side dish recipe?  This bean recipe has a story behind it (and you know I love that).  In the summer of 2001 we were living in Vicenza, Italy because my husband was in the Army and we were stationed there.  Guy's unit had to do a week-long training exercise called "Veneto Rescue".  If  you are not familiar with Italy, here is a brief geographical lesson.  Vicenza is located in northern Italy between Verona and Venice, which is known as the "Veneto Region" of Italy.

Anyway, after the week-long exercise the "unit" and their families got together to celebrate the end of this exercise and we did so with a feast.  One of the things served was something appropriately called "Veneto Beans".  These beans were made by my husband's commander's wife "LIz".  They are absolutely delicious.  They will be on the menu in January as a side to my Sausage & Potatoes meal.  I can't wait for you to try them!  Here is the recipe, the printable recipe can be found here.

Veneto Rescue Beans

Veneto Rescue Beans

1 8 oz can green beans, drained
1 8oz can yellow beans, drained

1 8oz can kidney beans, drained

1 8oz can lima beans, drained

1 16oz can pork and beans

1 C finely chopped celery

5 strips of bacon, chopped

2 C finely chopped onion

1 Can tomato soup

1 C brown sugar

2 tsp mustard

1 tsp chili powder

1 lb ground hot sausage

Mix all except ingredients together, top with bacon and bake 325 for 2 hours.

Pecan Crescents

Pecan Crescents

These little cookies have many names.  Some call them, Mexican wedding cookies, Snow Balls, Danish wedding cookies, but growing up, my mom called them, "Pecan Crescents".  She would make these every Christmas and give them to family and friends.  You cannot eat just one!  They are so buttery and literally melt in your mouth.  No one can make them like my mom.  Unfortunately, she cannot make them any more, so I have the recipe and I will attempt to follow in her footsteps and carry on the tradition.

This is another treasured recipe.  Not just for the recipe, but because it is in her handwriting.

In honor of my mom, next week, every one who places an order will get a special treat of these homemade pecan crescent cookies!

Make a batch this Christmas!

Pecan Crescents

1 Cup Butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 3/4 cup flour

Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla, nuts and flour.  Mix well and shape dough into 1/2 moon (crescent).  Bake at 350 until light brown.  Roll in powdered sugar while warm.  

Treasured Recipes

One of the things I cherish most are old family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.  I am fortunate enough to have my dad's Sour Cream Pound Cake recipe.

 I remember him making these every year for Christmas to give to family and friends.  Even though my dad "Big John" is gone now, his recipe lives on and I am so happy to be able to share it with you.  This is truly a fantastic pound cake.

One of the things I love is that I have his recipe in his own handwriting.  With today's technology, and the printers that we use, handwritten letters and recipes are becoming a lost art.  I would encourage you to write recipes down for your family and friends, they will be treasures one day!

The smell of this pound cake baking his heavenly.                                     

Although the pound cake recipe is perfect in every way.  I have added my own secret touches through the years.  I like to add 1/2 tsp of "Butter flavoring" it gives the pound cake a nice butter-enriched flavor and I add 1/8 tsp of Lemon flavoring, this is not noticeable, but I think tastes better with it.  

My secret ingredients

Enjoy!

Holiday Menu

Christmas will be here soon!

It's time to start thinking about parties and special holiday dinners.  

Let me help you do the cooking!

I can help plan menus, gather recipes and cook!  

Take a look at some of my specialities and see if there is anything I can cook for you!  I even do custom orders! 

**Large portions - serves 6+

Breakfast Casserole $20  (2) Pork Tenderloin $20

Sweet Potato Casserole $15  Pumpkin Pie  $10

Macaroni & Cheese  $15   Coconut Cream Pie $15

Hashbrown Casserole $15   Broccoli Casserole $15

Green Bean Casserole $15   7 Layered Salad $20

Sour Cream Pound Cake $20
Buffalo Chicken Dip $15

Let me help with your holiday cooking!

Allison Kerby – 615.448.5174

 www.cookedtoordertn.blogspot.com

Facebook:  cookedtoorder

Holiday Menu

Breakfast Casserole $20.00 USD (2) Pork Tenderloin $20.00 USD Vegetable Casseroles $15.00 USD 7 Layer Salad $20.00 USD Buffalo Chicken Dip $15.00 USD Coconut Cream Pie $15.00 USD Sour Cream Pound Cake $20.00 USD 1/2 Chocolate Sheet Cake $15.00 USD Pumpkin Pie $10.00 USD