Monday Mojo - Olive Oil

OLIVE OIL -

Around 350 BC olive oil began to be used for more than cooking and medicinal uses.  For those couples that had problems with lubrication, this wonder tonic brought moisture to even the most dry places.

No doubt in my mind why it's a favorite item in the kitchen.

 

 

Romance In the Kitchen

 Gram always said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." I'd say it's the same with some women too. Flyboy and I are foodies. We love to eat and we love to cook, especially together!

We prepared a special dinner for our anniversary.

According to studies, "when a couple cook together they have a tendency to stay together". Cooking together creates feelings of happiness and contentment as well as a relaxed atmosphere.

Flyboy is all about presentation.
Somebody watches too many cooking shows.

* Builds Cooperation

* Improves Communication

* Talk out issues

* Share Memories

* Laugh

* Staying at home takes the pressure off your wallet

* Have FUN being together

Sipping on drinks, XM Radio playing...we always have fun!

An article from the Casual Gourmet by the Culinary Institute of Virginia talks about why couples who cook together, stay together. CLICK HERE

Sweet Failure - #PotatoPancakes

 In Jessica Peterson's book Southern Charmer, the hero quickly gains the attention of his neighbor by feeding her breakfast. (Being shirtless while cooking certainly helps.)  Elijah Jackson inspired me to cooks some special breakfasts for my honey. In the book, Eli uses simple ingredients and old fashioned recipes.

Flyboy has certainly enjoyed my recent cooking habits. Especially on Fridays when I don't have to go into the office and our youngest is in school. *wink, wink*

Anyways...I've mastered cheesy grits and any dish made with eggs and fresh veggies. My gram would be proud. I thought I'd venture to a new recipe. Sweet Potato Pancakes.

The picture looks yummy.

I chose a recipe from a favorite cookbook, Taste of Home Ultimate Skillet Cookbook. 

Get the cookbook HERE

Shredded apples and sweet potato are added to the flour and egg mixture. 

A little weird shaped but still a pretty sight in a well-loved cast iron pan.

I admit it was a a lot of work and I certainly don't have the right technique for making hashbrowns or potato pancakes. They tasted yummy and Flyboy enjoyed them. Even the teenager gobbled down cold leftovers.

The first few...several... ah...most were a bit well done.

#TastyTuesday - Minnesota Sticky Buns

 Mom and Dad just got back from being with family in Minnesota. Of course we talked about the food and now the guys are craving Aunt Rosemary's stick buns. 

Yum! Can you smell the caramel and cinnamon?

Mom gave me the recipe and at big family gatherings the rolls are still the highlight (and the most requested breakfast item). The Minnesota family tradition continues.

Gram tells the kids they have to share.

While on our family vacation last summer, Mom made the rolls for our growing family. This was the first time with our new daughter-in-law and significant other. As usual, there were no leftovers.

Mom and Dad have been married for 64 years, still find romance in the kitchen.

Overnight Caramel Rolls

Ingredients:

2 loaves frozen bread dough (cut into 24 pieces) or frozen rolls (24 little rolls)

1 pkg (cook-type) butterscotch pudding

4 Tbsp milk

3/4 c brown sugar

1 stick butter

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan. Cut loaf of bread dough into 12 pieces, place in pan.

Mix butterscotch pudding, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved. Pour over dough. Set on counter overnight.

 

In the morning, back at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Romance With An Apron

Since the bronze age, aprons have been used by priests, tradesmen and homemakers. In so many of the faded photos in our family album, women are wearing aprons for various designs and lengths.

Gram's aprons were used to hold small cucumbers and tomatoes from her garden. As a small child I enjoyed wrapping myself in the warm comfort of the material while she finished the dishes. I still think of Gram when I look at aprons. 

My mom had several different designs, as she was a great entertainer. An apron for each holiday and event! Dad would often tie Mom's apron for her then with a spin, he'd hold her tight, dancing to a song on the radio in the kitchen.

After ruining several very nice (and expensive) blouses while cooking, I've invested in an apron. 

Well actually, hubby purchased my first one and the boys picked out my second. I find an apron very useful, not just keeping my clothing clean, but also for holding a spoon and quickly wiping my hands.

I even bough hubby his own apron. (He's ruined several shirts while barbecuing.) 

Some of the moments I enjoy the most with hubby are when we have our aprons on, sharing a bottle of wine while cooking together. 

A little bit of romance while wearing an apron. Give it a try.

Cheers & romance from the Quast Kitchen.