Robyn's Recipes

Meal of the Week

I've decided to feature a two-for-one week:  Brunch & Dinner!

My first recipe is for Popovers, a great alternative to waffles, french toast, or pancakes.  They're just a little different, and if you've never had them, now's the time to try them! 

A few years ago, my brother, Doug, and his son, Brian, visited me for a weekend from out of town.  They had to leave on Sunday morning to return home, and I decided to give them the best send-off I possibly could, so I served this great brunch.  They both ate like regular oinksters,  :)   then left to begin their journey.   Brian enjoyed the popovers so much, that I wrote the recipe down so he could take it home to his mom to make for him.   ('Course, now he's old enough to make them for himself!)

Brunch

Popovers

Serve these with a side order of home fries, eggs done any style, and bacon, canadian bacon, or sausage links.  This is a genuine feast!!!

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup milk
This batter will not be thick like pancake batter.... but rather thin and runny.

Combine flour and salt in a bowl.   Make a well in the center of the flour and add the eggs, melted butter, and milk.   Beat until smooth with a blender or mixer. 

Grease or spray a muffin pan, (even if it's teflon) and then fill each muffin cup half full with batter.  Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until brown and crisp.  Serve with pancake syrup.   (If you're serving with all of the above: home fries, eggs, and a meat, you'll want to time it just right so that you can serve these immediately when they come hot out of the oven.  They tend to cool down quickly.  If they cool down too fast, nuke them for just a few seconds, but not too long or they will soften, or you can heat them in oven for a few minutes to warm them again.  But, best if served immediately!)

Makes about 8 popovers.

Home Fries

4-5 medium sized potatoes
1 cup chopped onion, optional
1 cup chopped green pepper, optional
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4-5 tablespoons vegetable oil, canola, or your choice

Either slice potatoes or cut them into bite sized cubes.  (I leave the skins on, but you can peel the potatoes, if you prefer.)

Heat oil in a skillet, keeping your heat at medium high, and add all ingredients.  Keep a lid on your fry pan, and turn your heat to medium or medium-low, and toss the mixture every so often to keep from sticking to pan and to allow for even cooking.  Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. 

Serve both of these dishes with a side of eggs done any style, and don't forget the sausage, bacon, or canadian bacon. 

Beverage:  Orange Juice, Tomato Juice, or Grapefruit Juice.....and brew that pot of coffee!!

Dinner

Entree

Easy Pork Chops Creole

4 thick pork chops
1 cup tomato juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup chopped green pepper (optional)
1 envelope pork gravy mix

Brown pork chops in a skillet in about 2 tablespoons oil.  Drain oil.  Add tomato juice, water, green pepper, and gravy mix.  Cover;  simmer for about 45 minutes, or until done.  (Add a little water or a little more tomato juice).   Makes 4 servings.

Side Dish

Easy Seasoned Rice
(Come on, you can do it!!!!  Rice isn't as difficult as you might think!!)

2 cups water
1 cup long grained rice (I use Uncle Ben's Converted, NOT INSTANT!! Try it!!!)
5 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon dried parsley

In saucepan, brin 2 cups water to a full boil.  Add bouillon cubes. 
Once water begins to boil, add rice to water, and stir a little.
Cover, and turn down head to medium low, and simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
When done, fluff rice with a fork, and then add parsley, and fluff some more.

I never use oil in my rice.... a myth that most people believe is a must!!!   Using oil is absolutely NOT NECESSARY!!

Green Beans Pollanaise

1 16-oz. bag frozen green beans, cooked and drained
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons instant minced onion OR 1/4 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
few drops of lemon juice

In oven-proof dish, heat beans in 300 degree oven.  Melt butter over low heat.   Set aside until milk solids have settled to bottom.  Skim, discarding solids.

Add garlic powder.  Heat butter until melted.  Saute onion.  Add bread crumbs and lemon juice.  Cook until browned, being careful not to burn crumbs.

Drain beans and keep warm.  Top with buttered bread crumbs and serve.

Dessert

Lemon Bars

Mix together:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar (10X sugar)
1/2 cup butter (cut in as in a pie crust, using two knives)

Press with fingers into 9X12 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees or 20 minutes.

For the filling:

2 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup lemon juice

Beat eggs, sugar, then remaining ingredients.  Pour onto top of baked crust.  Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.   When cool, sift powdered sugar over top and cut into bars.