Top Ten Recipes 2012

I love spending time in the kitchen developing recipes, cooking for my friends and family and sharing them with all of you.  I want to thank you for the awesome support that you give me on this blog, all the wonderful friends that I look forward to seeing on a weekly basis, you truly bring so much joy to my life.  These are the recipes that you liked the most in 2012.

Top Ten 2012

Crock Pot Au Gratin Potatoes

Old Fashioned Steak Fingers

Rosemary Pork Roast Slow Cooker

Cabbage and Sausage Stew

Fresh Green Bean and New Potatoes

Grandmothers Chow Chow

Chicken and Dumplings

Grilled Chipotle Chicken with Chipotle Sauce

Slow Cooker Green Chili Stew

Lemon Meringue Pie

Looking Forward To Spending Time With You In The New Year

Wishing You The Very Best In 2013

Miz Helen

This Post Is Linked To
Wisk Away Wednesday 
Cast Party Wednesday 
Two Cup Tuesday 
Tuesday Trivia 
Tasty Tuesday 
Try A New Recipe Tuesday 
Hearth and Soul Blog Hop 
Totally Tasty Tuesday 
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday 
The Gathering Spot 
Melt In Your Mouth Monday 
Made by You Monday 
The Bulletin Board 
On The Menu Monday 
Inspire Me Monday 
Busy Monday 
Gallery of Favorites 
Foodie Friday 
Weekend Potluck 
Foodtastic Friday 
Freedom Friday 
Foodie Friday 

Countdown to 2013 

Whats For Dinner Next Week 12-30-12

We have had a fabulous Christmas with friends and family and I am always a little sad to see it end.  It is hard to say good bye to loved ones that we don't get to spend time with very often. Now we are looking forward to saying good bye to 2012 and welcoming 2013.  It is a great time of reflection on the year passed and looking forward to the year ahead, so lets get started.

Sunday

Brunch

Cranberry Sausage Cookie

Vegetable Breakfast Bake

Fresh Fruit Bowls

Special Coffees

Monday

New Years Eve

Midnight Buffet

Good Luck Black Eyed Peas

Corn Bread

Grandmothers Chow Chow

Tuesday

New Years Day

Ham with Apricot Glaze

Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

Turnips and Greens

Tossed Green Salad

Cottage Bread

Best Cherry Pie

Wednesday

Ham and Pasta Casserole

Tossed Salad

Garlic Bread

Left Over

Cherry Pie

Thursday

Fresh Tomato Soup

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Fresh Fruit Compote

Friday

Seafood Casserole

Cole Slaw

Cheesy Dill Biscuits

 Key Lime Pudding

Saturday

Date Night

Wa Hoo!

Wishing You and Your Family The Very Best In 2013

Happy New Year!

Miz Helen

This Post Is Linked To
Friday Favorite Finds
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday 
Hearth and Soul Blog Hop 
Mix It Up Monday 
Martha Mondays 
Mom's Test Meal Monday 
Hunk of Meat Monday 
Melt In Your Mouth Monday 
Menu Plan Monday 
Made By You Monday 
Busy Monday 
On The Menu Monday 

The Bulletin Board 

 

Full Plate Thursday 12-27-12

Full Plate Thursday Where The Greatest Cooks On The Planet Gather

I am so excited to see you today for our very last party of 2012, it has been an awesome year with you!  I hope that all of you had a great Hanukkah and Christmas.  We have enjoyed our friends and family during this holiday time, and are so blessed to be able to spend this time with them.  We are now looking toward the new year with great parties being planned already. We can hardly wait to see what you are bringing to share with us today. 

 I am kicking this party off today with my Good Luck Black Eyed Peas

Good Luck Black Eyed Peas 

Wishing You and Your Family The Very Best In 2013!

This Is How I Filled My Plate Last Week
Breakfast
My Moms Apricot Crescents  at Black Fox Homestead
Kolachi Braided Circle Bread  at Stealthy Mom
 Morning Snack
Party Hot Chocolate  Lady Behind The Curtain

Red Velvet Fireplace Cookies  at The Peach Kitchen
Lunch
Bubble Up Enchiladas  at Picture Perfect Cooking
Spiced Cranberry Chocolate Cake  at Jazzy Gourmet Cooking Studio
Afternoon Snack
Peppermint Candy Cane Muffins  at Happy In Dole Valley
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch  at Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Dinner
Cornbread Dressing and Roast Turkey  at Fox In The Kitchen
Spiced Stuffed Acorn Squash  at Real Food Forager
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Pinenuts and Parmesan Cheese  at Simplify Live Love
Gingerbread Souffle  at Lulus Musings

Full Plate Thursday Background Story

When we were young and just starting out in life sometimes we did not have a lot of money. Most of our friends were having to stretch the dollars at the end of the month just like us. My girlfriends and I decided that we would pool our food for some of the evening meals right before payday... the last week of the month. I have some of the fondest memories from those days. We would all bring our food together and we had some great food and great fellowship. We would get the food on the table and everything ready, someone would bless the food and then the hostess would say "come fill your plate".
I have just a few suggestions before you leave your dish and fill your plate.

• Link directly to YOUR RECIPE  and not to your web page.
• Scroll down to the button that says "click here to enter"
• You will be asked to give your URL ( which will be your direct link to your post), the name of your recipe, and your email which we will not be able to see.
• Then you will be asked to select a thumbnail from your post that will be uploaded to your entry.
• Please include a link back to Full Plate Thursday, somewhere on your post. We will give you a gentle reminder if you forget...
• Please leave me a comment before you leave the page and let me know that you are here, I want to be a good hostess.
• Don't forget to visit with all the others, after all that is part of the fellowship that makes it so much fun, in addition to all the good food of course...
• Grab The Full Plate Button if you like and take it home with you.
• Now God Bless you and your food and everyone fill your plate!

Thank You So Much For Coming Today and Come Back Soon!

Quiet Time Christmas Angel

As the low fog begins to roll in over the little village and the houses in the distance there is a fascinating glow that comes through the fog.  The colors of Christmas dance through the fog and a stillness is felt as I look up in the sky to see the winter moon. I wonder for a moment what those shepherds must have felt all those years ago when the angels came down to announce the birth of our King, God's great gift to mankind.  We will be celebrating His birth and honoring His birthday with friends and family.  We will gather and enjoy all the wonderful food that has been prepared for the feast then we gather round the tree and listen as someone reads the Christmas Story from the Bible. 

  Luke 2:8-14
"In The same region shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of The Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.  This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying  in a feeding trough.  Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors."

 Then we have that family gift exchange, just like God sent us the great gift of His Son, we exchange our gifts as a symbol of that gift.  We will remember those friends and family who are not able to be with us this year and pray that where ever they are tonight that they to are enjoying the Christmas traditions that have been passed down in our family, we love you very much and you are in our heart always.

Wishing You and Your Family

All The Blessings of Christmas

Merry Christmas

Miz Helen

Whats For Dinner Next Week 12-23-12

Our Cottage is a busy little place right now with all the Christmas activity.  All the decorations are done and we are busy doing some baking, the kitchen is filled with memories of  the wonderful Christmas holidays that we have had with friends and families.  We are so blessed that we have had so many wonderful traditions passed down to us and that we can still pass them on to other friends and family. We hope that you are sharing warm memories and traditions with your friends and family during this season.

Sunday

Cranberry Beef Sliders

Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges

Tossed Green Salad

My Mothers Divinity

Monday

Christmas Eve
Mexican Buffet

Green Chili Pork Tamales 

Sopapillas 

Mexican Bread Pudding 

Tuesday

Christmas Day

Rosemary Prime Rib Roast 

with

Rosemary Jelly

Butter and Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Green Beans with Onion and Bacon 

Kale and Grapefruit Salad

Yeast Rolls

Peppermint Pie

Wednesday

From The Leftovers

Prime Rib and Potato Stew

Pumpkin Biscuits 

Leftover

Sweet Goodies

Thursday

Cran Pomegranate Spaghetti

Green Tossed Salad

Garlic Bread

Rocky Road Fudge

Friday

Clam Chowder

Fresh Onion Buns

Key Lime Fudge

Saturday

Help Yourself Night

Cooks Night Off

Wishing You All The Blessing Of This Christmas Season

Peace Love and Joy

Miz Helen

 This Post Is Linked To
Made By You Monday 
On The Menu Monday 

Menu Plan Monday

Full Plate Thursday 12-20-12

It's Full Plate Thursday Where All The Greatest Cooks On The Planet Gather

We are coming into this week with a quiet spirit and heavy hearts, recovering as a nation from the recent tragic events in Oregon and Connecticutt. We cling to the peace and love that the Christmas season brings us.   I am very happy to see you today, coming together in fellowship and sharing food is one of the ways we begin to heal, surrounding each other with warm caring love. 

Wishing You And Your Family

Peace, Joy and Love

Merry Christmas

Miz Helen 

This Is How I Filled My Plate Last Week

Breakfast

Breakfast Quesadillas   at Mere Thoughts From A Mommy Of Boys

Morning Snack

Cranberry Orange Scones  at Don't Waste The Crumbs

Lunch

Pumpkin Wonton Ravioli with Creamy Sage Sauce  at Sunflower Supper Club

Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta  at Who Needs A Cape?

Caramelized Onions, Biscuits  at In Cindy's Kitchen

Light Pumpkin Bread Pudding  Food Done Light 

 Afternoon Snack

Peanut Butter Fudge  at Love Bakes Good Cakes

Key Lime Fudge at  Everyday Mom's Meals 

Dinner

 Enchilada Cups  at Lamberts Lately

Texas Ranch Chicken Casserole  at What's Cooking In The Burbs

Caramel Toffee Crunch Cheesecake  at cook With Sara

 My Gift To You

Rosemary Jelly 

 If You Were Featured Today Please Take The Red Plate Home

 The Code Is On The Side Bar

Full Plate Thursday Background Story

When we were young and just starting out in life sometimes we did not have a lot of money. Most of our friends were having to stretch the dollars at the end of the month just like us. My girlfriends and I decided that we would pool our food for some of the evening meals right before payday... the last week of the month. I have some of the fondest memories from those days. We would all bring our food together and we had some great food and great fellowship. We would get the food on the table and everything ready, someone would bless the food and then the hostess would say "come fill your plate".
I have just a few suggestions before you leave your dish and fill your plate.

• Link directly to YOUR RECIPE  and not to your web page.
• Scroll down to the button that says "click here to enter"
• You will be asked to give your URL ( which will be your direct link to your post), the name of your recipe, and your email which we will not be able to see.
• Then you will be asked to select a thumbnail from your post that will be uploaded to your entry.
• Please include a link back to Full Plate Thursday, somewhere on your post. We will give you a gentle reminder if you forget...
• Please leave me a comment before you leave the page and let me know that you are here, I want to be a good hostess.
• Don't forget to visit with all the others, after all that is part of the fellowship that makes it so much fun, in addition to all the good food of course...
• Grab The Full Plate Button if you like and take it home with you.
• Now God Bless you and your food and everyone fill your plate!

Thank You So Much For Coming Today and Come Back Soon!

Green Chili Pork Tamales

We always look forward to our Christmas Eve Mexican Buffet and the long standing traditions that have been established in our family.  There is nothing like a great homemade Tamale and all the trimmings. Every year I try to make a new Tamale to add to the menu.  This year I am presenting a Green Chili Pork Tamale and I am very excited to share it with you today.

Green Chili Pork Tamales

Green Chili Pork Tamales
Miz Helen's Kitchen 
The Filling 

2 1/2 lb. Boston Butt Pork Roast

The Rub

Mix the following ingredients for a rub

2 tsp Kosher Salt
2 tsp fresh ground pepper 

1 tsp Chipotle Chili Powder

2 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Add

2 cups chopped Green Chile's

2 cloves garlic minced

2 cups water

For The Sear

1 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

• Wash the Roast and pat it dry cover the Roast with the rub.
• Sear the Roast in 1 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a very hot skillet
• Place the Roast in the warm Slow Cooker pan.
• Add the Green Chile's, Garlic,  and the water.
• Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours
• Take the Roast out and let it stand for 5 minutes,then pull the meat apart with forks

The Tamale Dough

Miz Helen's Kitchen

Makes 12 Tamale
2 cups Masa Harina
2 cups Boiling Water
11 tablespoons vegetable shortening or Lard chilled
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/2 cup chicken stock, chilled

Directions

• In a mixer with paddle attachment mix the Masa Harina, cumin, and Cayenne pepper
• Add the boiling water in a steady stream to the mixing bowl while the mixer is on medium speed. Continue to mix until the dough forms a ball. Continue to mix  for five minutes.
• Transfer the dough ball to a clean bowl and refrigerate the dough for one hour.
• Returning the dough to the mixer, beat the dough on medium to high for five more minutes.
• With the mixer running add the vegetable shortening 2 tablespoons at a time and mix well with each addition until the entire shortening amount has been added and the mixture is smooth.
• Combine the salt baking powder and chilled Chicken stock, slowing adding the mixture to the dough while the mixer is running. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Prepare the Tamale

• Fill the prepared Corn Husks with the dough 

• Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling down the center of the dough

• Roll and tie the Tamale

• Steam the Tamale 1 hour 

Print Recipe

 If this is your first time to make Tamales you might want to check out the Christmas Eve Tamale Tutorial that is linked at the bottom of this post.

 Serving with Mexican Rice Casserole

 Enjoy!

You Might  Like To Visit Our Other Tamale Recipes And The Tutorial At These links

Christmas Eve Tamale Tutorial

Corn and Black Bean Pork Tamale 

Turkey Cranberry Tamale

Pomegranate Tamale with Flan Sauce
Sweet Potato Tamale Dessert 

We are wishing you and your family the Happiest Holy Days and may the joy of this season be with you though out the year.
Peace and Joy
Miz Helen 
This Post Is Linked To
Gluten Free Fridays 
Foodie Friday 
Real food Wednesday 
Slightly Indulgent Tuesday