Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Luck Of The Irish Brownies

Hello from the sunny, warm SouthWest!!!!

Thinking of all of you who are shivering on the banks of the Great City on a Great Lake. Wish I could say 'wish I were there', but I cannot. Wait a minute, while I go and close the french doors leading out to the patio.....................

My Sister, Ms. Hawley Road, has made a request. Her workgroup is having a 'bring in the treats' party to acknowledge the worst consumer day of the year ----- the day credit card bills are mailed. Ms. Hawley Road thought this recipe would be a winner and with just a little bit of
Bailey's, I think she's correct..............


Luck Of The Irish Brownies

350 degrees, preheat

9x13 pan; line with foil and butter

Chocolate Stuff

1 cup butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (squares or a bar)
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 t. salt

Place butter and chocolate into medium saucepan; melt over low heat, stirring often.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Beat sugar and eggs together in bowl, w/ electric mixer, until light and fluffy (approx 4 minutes).

Add flour and salt gradually.

Fold into cooled chocolate mixture.


Cream Stuff

2-8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
3 T. Bailey's (I use the chocolate mint flavor, but 'regular' is good, too)

Combine cream cheese and sugar in another bowl. Beat until creamy.

Add egg and Bailey's and beat.


Pour half the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan.

Spread all of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer.

Pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the cream cheese layer and smooth, preferably with
an offset spatula.

If you'd like, swirl the layers to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Cool completely before cutting.

Major Hint: Cut with a plastic knife.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Today, while taking care of Little Sweetheart #5, I made dinner for her Mommy and Daddy (and for myself and Mr. Restaurant Quality). It's a side benefit of having me babysit --- I make dinner. Today, I even made portions of it one-handed, with a four month old on my hip - like riding a bike - you never forget. She is a very good assistant.

I made Sweet Tangy Plum Spiced Chicken. Came home and sat down to post it, but I see I already have. So, with a glass of wine in hand, I have to post something. Hence, the sweet and sour chicken recipe. It is delicious and comes together very quickly.

I serve it with brown rice (I use the instant stuff, already in a bag, and put it in the microwave for 10 minutes in a bowl of water).


Sweet and Sour Chicken

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar*
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. cornstarch
2 T. apricot preserves
2 T. oil, divided
1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces*
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 t. finely grated or minced ginger*
1 cup chicken broth
6 cups bite size pieces of vegies, such as snow peas, broccoli, bell peppers*
1 5-oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained

Whisk vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch and apricot preserves in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat 1 T. oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, undisturbed, for 2 minutes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside and just starting to brown in spots,, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.

Add the remaining 1 T. oil, garlic and ginger to the pan and cook, stirring until fragrant, 20-30 seconds.

Add broth and bring to boil, stirring constantly.

Add vegies, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook until the vegies are tender crisp, 4-6 minutes.

Stir in water chestnuts and chicken.

Whisk reserved sauce and add to the pan. Simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened
and chicken is heated through, about 1 minute.

Serve with rice.

My Notes:

* If you don't have seasoned rice vinegar, just use plain rice vinegar.

I don't buy chicken tenders, I buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For this recipe I use 3 halves.

I use bottled 'ground' ginger. It's kind of like a loose paste. You'll find it in the produce section of the grocery store. I eyeball it -- probably a teaspoon. (At some stores, it will be in a plastic tube like thing.)

The vegies --- I don't measure out 6 cups. I use 2 red peppers, a green pepper, a handful of snow peas. Eyeball it - use what you like.

Upon the recommendation of Fabulous Son #1 (an excellent cook and baker), I now throw in some fresh pineapple, or canned, at the end of the process, when heating the chicken.

Questions? Let me know..............

and Happy New Year!

Hello out there in 2009..............

After the Christmas holidays, it's great to be back at Restaurant Quality. Where the heck did the time go? And by that, I mean time to prepare Restaurant Quality food on a daily basis.

Christmas week was a blur ---- in both time passing and SNOW FALLING. Really got behind on
shopping because I did not want to slide through a stop sign on my way to get 'that just perfect gift'. But, as in all years past, it always gets done. And a great Christmas was had by all.

Christmas Eve was a noisy blast from the past: The Little Sweethearts, Numbers 1-4 were at our house, with their Mommy and Daddy. Reminded us of the days when what are now The Big Sweethearts were little. Also chiming in were Fabulous Daughter #2 and Fabulous Son #2, as well as Ms. Mequon. Ms. Mequon particularly enjoyed her partnership with Fabulous Son #2 in a Pictionary duel.

Food was casual: shredded turkey sandwiches, thai pork, taco dip, bacon wrapped waterchestnuts, mini pecan tarts and cherried butter cookies, just to mention some of the things on the table.

Christmas Day was quiet at our house (but not at The Nuthouse --- home of Little Sweethearts, Numbers 1-4). For dinner, we had an outstandingly prepared standing rib roast. Will be posting the simple recipe in the days to come. It was a joint effort with Mr. Restaurant Quality; man, was it good. Lip smackin'........

After Christmas, a mad rush to 'de-decorate' the house and get ready to go to warmth and sunshine, from where I write this.

Spent today taking care of Little Sweetheart #5, all four months of her. What a doll!!!

So, now I am enjoying the traditional post babysitting glass of wine. And, with that glass of wine, I raise it to all of you (I just did), and wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year. May 2009 bring you what you wish upon a star for.....................

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry Christmas

It's Chrismas Eve's Eve. We are betwixt and between snow storms. Thank you to Mr. Restaurant Quality for being my driver this morning, for a last minute dash to the Mall. (I have come to detest driving when it is snowing.)
Life is coming at me about 75 miles per hour, so no time to tell you of some of the great new recipes I've come across. Lots of time for that in January.
Tomorrow, we'll retrieve Fabulous Daughter #2 from the train station. Happy to have her home for the long Christmas weekend.
Then, in the evening, The Little Sweethearts (1-4) and their Daddy and Mommy will be at our house, along with Fabulous Son #2 and another long time member of the family, Ms. River Forest Drive. Much merriment will ensue.
It's a casual food night: Fabulous Son #1 will bring his turkey sandwiches (shredded turkey). I'll make taco dip, bacon wrapped waterchestnuts, vegie salad. Ms. River Forest Drive is bringing shrimp. Lots of good eating, coming our way. And, of course, a few of the well-iced well-proportioned old fashioneds (it wouldn't be Christmas without them).
We'll miss Fabulous Daughter #1, Fabulous Son-in-law #1, and Little Sweetheart #5. They'll be enjoying Christmas, while wearing shorts and NOT shoveling anything.
Christmas Day will find Mr. Restaurant Quality preparing prime rib. I'll make baked potatoes, garlic green beans, blueberry muffins, and Boder's pie (chocolate crust, filled with mint ice cream). FD #2 and FS #2 will be here, still in a gift-induced trance. A very nice, relaxing day is anticipated by all.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. And, if you can, listen to Mannheim Steamroller's Silent Night.....it will soothe your soul.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

French Toast Souffle

As we all hunker down for 8"-12" (tonight, alone; not to mention what is coming this weekend), Fabulous Son #1 and Fabulous Daughter-In-Law #1 have asked for this recipe. They will be serving it on Christmas Morning to The Little Sweethearts, Numbers 1-4.

Very easy to prepare (the night before) and toss in the oven in the morning for 30 minutes. Your guests (and your family that you treat like guests) will LOVE it. Ms. Oconomowoc has served this quite abit, including at Sister Gifts last weekend.

Ok, everybody, Look At Me.......print this recipe!! You won't be disappointed.


French Toast Souffle, With Berries


1 loaf french bread, cut into about 3/4" slices
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 T. vanilla extract
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries*
1 cup sliced strawberries, optional

9x13 pan, lightly buttered


Arrange bread slices in pan. 'Smush' to fill the entire pan. You may/may not use the entire loaf. Don't obsess over it.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla.

Slowly pour over the bread. Press lightly with the back of a large spoon to moisten the bread.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge, overnight.

In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Using pastry blender (or your hands, the 'original' pastry blender) cut in butter until pieces are the size of small peas. Cover; chill in fridge, overnight.**

In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove the pan from the fridge, 30 minutes prior to baking.

Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread (which has now absorbed all the egg/milk mixture).

Sprinkle the flour/brown sugar/cinnamon mixture over the blueberries.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees, for 25-30 minutes, or until knife inserted off-center comes out clean. You may need up to 40 minutes baking time.

Let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into desired size serving and top with strawberries.

* If using frozen blueberries (which I use), do NOT thaw. Use them directly out of the freezer.

** I don't 'cover' this mixture. I put it into a ziploc bag and place in the fridge.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Dad's Meatballs and Sauce

Well Hello,

Where have I been for 11 days? Can't believe it's been that long since I've sat down at Restaurant Quality.

'Tis the season to be very busy, as is everyone else. Have been to Chicago twice in the past 11 days ---- once to celebrate the birthday of Fabulous Daughter #2 and once on a fun-packed shopping trip with Ms. River Forest Drive (we met Fabulous Daughter #2 for lunch at Grand Lux Cafe). The open bar on the return bus trip made for a very pleasant travel experience! Had a few days of taking care of The Little Sweethearts (numbers 1-4; can they get any cuter?) On Friday, I kicked it into gear and accomplished quite abit of cyber shopping, with a trip to Mayfair thrown in at the end of the day. Yesterday, Sister Gifts and Ornament Exchange. Always a highlight of the Christmas Season. Seven sisters, daughters-in-law, nieces, and granddaughter gather for food, Bellinis and Mimosas (thank you, Nancy for the adult beverages and Peggy for hosting), gifts and ornaments. Today, watched the Packers become moot for the remainder of the season. I am praying to St. Anthony to help the Packers find their defense.

Back to Restaurant Quality....

This recipe comes at the request of Fabulous Daughter #1. Mr. Restaurant Quality is known for 'his' meatballs. When he's feeling the vibe, he'll make several dozen and freeze them in sauce. Fabulous Daughter #1 has depleted her freezer bounty and needs to make some, on her own. So, here's the recipe.


Mr. Restaurant Quality's Meatballs

This recipe is adapted from 'Grandma Maroni's' recipe, which was brought over from Italy.

1/2 pound ground chuck
1/2 pound ground pork*
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs seasoned with 1 t. Italian seasoning
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup grated romano cheese*
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
2 ounces finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves (eyeball it)
2 ounces finely chopped fresh basil leaves (eyeball it)
1 t. worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking sheet with Pam.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in large bowl. If mixture seems too loose to you, add some additional bread crumbs.

Roll meatballs loosely about the size of a golf ball. Place on baking sheet.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.


* If you cannot find fresh ground pork, use Italian sausage.
You can substitute the romano for parmigiano-reggiano cheese.


The Sauce

adapted from Giada's recipe

Olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 28 oz cans, crushed tomatoes.
2 t. Italian seasoning

Use a large pan.

Once around the pan with the olive oil.

Heat the oil and add the onion and garlic. Saute about 3 minutes, over low heat.

Add the tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce to simmer and simmer for 1 hour.

Option: throw in a splash of red wine when you begin to simmer the sauce.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Cherried Butter Drops

Happy Birthday, Fabulous Daughter #2!

An addition to her birthday list were the cherry butter cookies I make. And, so she shall have them. We're driving down to Chicago this afternoon (stop snowing, please), and the cookies are cooling as I type this.

They are small (1-2 bites). The ingredients get dumped in the bowl, all at once (except for the cherries), and I mix them with my squeaky clean hands (cherries are then added). Really tasty, just ask Mr. Restaurant Quality or Sarah Ferris...............

Cherried Butter Drops

1 cup butter, softened
2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 t. salt
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. almond extract

1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Use ungreased cookie sheets (I use parchment paper on them).

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, except cherries. Mix well; I use my hands. Will form a ball.

Add cherries and mix with your hands.

Form 3/4" balls (I use a cookie scoop). Place on cookie sheets.

Bake about 15 minutes.


My Notes: I made the first two pans and had a small amount of dough remaining (enough for about 8 cookies). I threw in about 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips. Glad I did. I think you'd like that variation. For a full batch, throw in about 3/4 cup.

If you'd like, you can put a dab of frosting on the cookies. Whip up your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache and give these tasty babies a dunk.