“Delicious, Fast & Easy Party Wraps”

Fast and Easy Party Wraps:

If it’s a gathering or party, you may want to double up some.  Mix and match ingredients or put your own flare into these easy to make treats.

You can use flavored tortillas or flavored wraps.  To add a naughty touch, add a few strips of bacon before rolling them up.  Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

2  3 oz. packages of cream cheese

12 thin slices of tomato or cucumber

12 large spinach leaves or rocket (americans call it arugula; LOL I know I am American!)

4 8-10 inch flour tortillas or wraps (any flavor)

2 tbsp. of chives (optional)

2 tbsp. of dill (optional)

Thin Slices of ham, roast beef, turkey, Salami or chicken (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

This makes enough for 4 for a meal, but you can halve or double the recipe for parties.

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, chives and dill until blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread about 1 tablespoonful over one side of each tortilla. Layer with tomato and spinach; spread with remaining cream cheese mixture.  For meat lovers add slices of your favorite meat, fish or whatever else you’d like.
2. Roll up tightly; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Unwrap and cut each into four slices.

Suggestions:

If you like dice up your favorite chili and sprinkle over cream cheese mixture.

Add a bit of Tobasco or your favorite hot sauce.

Add chopped nuts or even dried fruit.

For a variation, add hummus instead of cream cheese!

“Be The Talk of the Super Bowl Party With This Easy & Delicious Salsa”

James’ Jammin Salsa:  (SUPER FAST!)

-1 (28-ounce) can whole chopped tomatoes, drained well (found in tomato sauce section of grocery store)

-1 red or white onion, cut in quarters

-1 Serrano or Jalapeno chili (more if you want; or do a different chili)

-1 clove of garlic (you can use more or omit it)

-Small or large handful of cilantro leaves, washed (more or less to taste)

-juice of one lime with some lime zest

-salt, pepper to taste

Optional:

-1 bell pepper, orange, red or green (optional; I don’t like peppers lol)

-1 Shalot

-Pinch of Cayenne pepper

Put the cilantro, seeded chili, and garlic in food processor and pulsate a few times to the size that you want.  (Taste the chili to see how hot it is.  Each chili will vary in heat.)

Other than the tomatoes, place all other ingredients in the food processor to desired size.

Finally, add the drained tomatoes.  ONLY Pulse a few times because if you over do it, you will create a froth and ruin the texture of the salsa.

Tips:

-Use any chili’s that you want.  Remember with Jalapeno’s they very greatly in hotness.  One will be super hot and one will almost be like a bell pepper.  Take a small piece on the tip and taste first.

 -You can add anything that you want.  A touch of oregano, a little chili flake, chili salt, or anything that you’d like.

 -For easy guacamole, take a cup of the salsa and add a cup of avocado.  Add a juice of a lime with a little zest.  Easy, fast and so good.

“SUPER Fast & Easy Amazing Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo”

ANYONE CAN MAKE THIS, EVEN TEENS!

I hope that everyone’s New Year has started out well. It’s time to get back into the swing of things and I’m starting out with a bang!  Jim Jax

Fettucine Alfredo is thought to have been invented by Alfredo di Lelio I in 1914 at his restaurant, Alfredo, in Rome.  It was made famous when newly wed A list movie star couple Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks fell in love with the dish on their honeymoon in 1920.  It’s been a huge favorite world wide ever since.

This is actually the original recipe from Chef Alfredo.  It is so simple, easy, fast and amazingly delicious.  Wow your date or special someone or create a great family dinner treat.  Use variations.  It’s not for every night but everything in moderation!  People will never forget you after you serve this one!

SUPER Fast & Easy Amazing Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo:

-2 heaping tbsp of whipped sweet butter (land of lakes is one; its found where the butter section is; you can use regular butter but whipped tastes best)

-box of fettuccine, cooked.

-1/2 cup cream

-pepper to taste (lots of it for most)

-3 tbsp parmigiano-reggiano or parmesan cheese (or any other hard cheese)

Optional:

-broccoli florets or roasted veggies

-chicken pieces

-frozen peas

-roasted vegetables

-chopped up cooked Bacon or Pancetta

Put the butter and the cream on medium heat in a large pan and begin to melt the butter.  Don’t brown it and be patient.  When the butter is near melted add in the COOKED fettuccine.  Then add 3 tbsp of cheese.  Add optional items such as chicken, peas, broccoli or roasted veggies.  I love it with broccoli and chicken.

*cook very quickly.  After the fettuccine is in the pan, cooking should only take a couple of minutes and then you are done.

Put it on a plate and top with freshly ground pepper and optional cheese.  Serve with crusty French bread and wine.  Wow!

“Amazing & Easy Classic Drinks to Wow Your Family and Guests This Winter”

Here are some of my favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic Winter Recipes.  (ok I love them all the time).

Two Minute Decadent Nutella Hot Chocolate:

My love for Nutella is of legend and this is a great treat during a crisp fall evening or a rainy or snowy winters night.  Make naughty editions for the adults, or add tasty treats for kids of all ages.  Make big batches or treat yourself!

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (Any type of milk; from nonfat to whole)

1 ½ tablespoons Nutella

Optional:  shaved chocolate or caramel sauce and/or whip cream to top it.  Candy canes and peppermint sticks, cognac and brandy.

Instructions: 

Heat milk to steaming in a microwave or a stove top pan.  Mix the Nutella immediately into the milk until it melts.  Top with whip cream, shaved chocolate and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.  Warms up ANY cold night.

Suggestions:

Put candy canes or peppermint sticks in the mugs for stirrers.  For adults add a splash of cognac or brandy for a warm kick that will heat up the coldest of nights.

Toasted Almond:

1 oz. Amaretto

1 oz. Kahlua

2 oz. Cream

Mix ingredients and pour over ice.  For a naughty touch top with whip cream, drizzle chocolate sauce over it with sliced Almonds.  Wow!

Keoke Coffee:

A total old school favorite that will warm up any winter night.

½ oz. Kahlua liqueur

½ oz. Brandy (I like E & J)

4 oz.  Hot Coffee

Whip cream

Shaved chocolate or chocolate sauce

Optional:

½ oz. crème de cacao

 

Put hot water into a cup.  Pour out water.  Add all ingredients but the coffee.  Add the coffee last.  Top with whip cream and shaved chocolate or drizzle chocolate sauce over the whip cream.  Awesome!!

Snowball cocktail:

I saw this recipe on PBS and I was shocked.  I liked it.  This is in honor of my sister and nieces cat, the great Snowball.

Ingredients:

½ oz. of your favorite rum

½ oz. peppermint schnapps

½ oz  of hazelnut or kahlua or amaretto liqueur

½ oz. half and half cream

Shake ingredients into a large cold shaker or glass and mix.  Put it into shooter/shot glasses or in a glass with ice and enjoy!

“You’ll be a Huge Hit during the Holidays with my Famous & Easy Summer Ginger Splash!”

An amazing drink for the summer and spring months, or for a great wow factor beverage during the holidays, my Summer Ginger Splash will make you the talk of the party.  Step out to a whole new level of flavors!

“Summer Ginger Splash” 

For a refreshing and unique twist try this great drink.  I like adding maraschino cherries and a slice of lime or lemon.  Add a zest of fresh ginger on top of each glass and you are in heaven!

Ingredients:

fresh mint leaves (add 1 tbsp. of mint per glass; more or less per your taste)
1 cup cherry juice, OR cranberry juice, OR pomegranate juice OR Guava, OR Peach, etc…. 

4 tablespoons lime juice
3 cups ginger ale

*add a tbsp of sugar if you are using pomegranate juice

Directions
Add the desired amount of mint to each glass. Mash the mint with the back of a wooden spoon or crusher. In a large pitcher, add the cherry and lime juices. Stir. Add the ginger ale. You can either fill the glasses with ice or the pitcher with ice.  Pour into glasses, and garnish with any fruit you like.  Place fruit on a tray and let your guests choose!

TIPS:

****For garnish, after pouring into glasses put a thin slice or a small mince of fresh ginger on top of each glass.  I like it with a slice of lime and maraschino cherries as well!

-Slice up various amounts of fruit.  Peel oranges or grapefruit and cut into slices or chunks,  Use cherries, mango, lychee, blackberry, blueberry.  Use your imagination!

Yield: 4 servings  Enjoy!!

“Easy, Fast and Amazing Broccoli Soup”

Gordon Ramsey’s simple and elegant recipe for broccoli soup shows what’s good about cooking.  Fast, easy, simple and so tasty.  Enjoy on a cold winter night!!

Broccoli Soup:
INGREDIENTS
to taste Water
to taste Salt
to taste Black pepper
2 heads Broccoli very fresh
to taste Olive oil optional, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the florets off the heads of broccoli. Cut the stems into similarly sized pieces. Add all of the broccoli — florets and stems — into a pot of rapidly-boiling, salted water (2 tablespoons salt in 5 quarts of water). Cover. Cook 3.5 to 4 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, put the cooked broccoli pieces into a blender. Fill blender about halfway with cooking liquid. Blend carefully since it’s hot. Add more cooking liquid as necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Check seasonings.

If desired, add cheese (goat cheese or cheddar cheese) to the bottom of the bowl before pouring the soup in. Serve, drizzled with olive oil or a bit of cream if desired.  Add croutons for a crunch and some love a ton of black pepper in it.  Use your imagination!! Enjoy!!

“Easy & Fast Decadent Shortbread”

This is the fastest and easiest way I know to make amazing short bread cookies.  I used unsalted sweet butter and it is so tasty.  Eat it with my nutella hot chocolate, a cup of great coffee, or with a great brandy, cognac or glass of wine.  With a cold glass of milk, you are in heaven.

You can’t stop eating these amazing favorites!  I always try to make a double batch because they are so addicting!  Enjoy and save one for me!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Preparation:

Cream sugar and butter. Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour and mix thoroughly. Turn out onto a surface floured with remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Knead dough until it cracks on surface. Roll out 1/4-inch thick and cut out with cutters. Prick cookies with fork tines and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 275° for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Makes about 2 dozen shortbread cookies.

Suggestions: 

-I sprinkle a little sugar on the top of mine before baking.  I’ve even used colored sugar for a unique look.  This is not an overly sweet cookie; the key to the taste is the butter.

-Dont use margarine!

-If you dont eat them right away, let them cool and store in an air tight container and they will stay good for days.  I’m sure they wont last hours though.

“Lightning Fast Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus”

Lightning Fast Roasted Red Pepper Hummus:

I’ve been making hummus for years.  It is very easy and inexpensive to make a large batch.  I use the roasted red bell peppers in a jar that you find in the olives section in the grocery store as a cheat.  Once you eat this you will never buy it in a store ever again.  Use your imagination and create your own recipe.  This recipe takes 2 minutes.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 can of chick peas/garbanzo beans (15 oz) (drained and rinsed but it’s optional)
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (lime juice can be used too)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed to taste
• 1/2 cup -3/4 cup roasted red peppers (to taste)
• Pinch of Paprika

PREPARATION:

I like to drain and rinse the beans because I don’t like the liquid in the can.  In a food processor, put the garlic in and mince it or crush it by hand and add into the food processor.   Then add the bell peppers and give 2-4 pulses.  Now combine the rinsed beans, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.  Process it to the desired consistency.  After putting it into a bowl for serving, dust with a pinch of paprika, and/or top with a good olive oil.  If you’d like, top with thinly sliced green onions as well.  For a kick, put a pinch of cayenne pepper before processing.

Put it in a bowl on a plate, and surround it with vegetables and pita or flat bread.  You will impress your friends and family with this fast and classic staple that will be the talk of any gathering.  After eating this you will never buy store bought again!  Enjoy!!!

Tips and Variations:

For garlic hummus, use 3-5 cloves of crushed garlic to taste and knock the socks of your guests.

Use the Hummus instead of mayonnaise for a tangy treat in your sandwiches.

You can also go non traditional.  Slice up a baguette or use any type of French bread if you don’t have pita bread.  Slice it and crisp it in the oven to create a texture difference.

Use with any type of cracker.  The hummus is an amazing addition do sandwich roll ups.

I’ve heard of some people using it on their eggs, and I have two friends who are addicted to using it on their hamburgers and even dip their French fries in it!  I’m not going to judge.  Enjoy it the way you like it.  Remember, use your imagination!

Two Minute Nutella Hot Chocolate

Two Minute Decadent Nutella Hot Chocolate

My love for Nutella is of legend and this is a great treat during a crisp fall evening or a rainy or snowy winters night.  Make naughty editions for the adults, or add tasty treats for kids of all ages.  Make big batches or treat yourself!

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (Any type of milk; from nonfat to whole)
• 1 ½ tablespoons Nutella

Optional:  shaved chocolate or caramel sauce and/or whip cream to top it.  Candy canes and peppermint sticks, cognac and brandy.

Instructions: 

Heat milk to steaming in a microwave or a stove top pan.  Mix the Nutella immediately into the milk until it melts.  Top with whip cream, shaved chocolate and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.  Warms up ANY cold night.

Suggestions:

Put candy canes or peppermint sticks in the mugs for stirrers.  For adults add a splash of cognac or brandy for a warm kick that will heat up the coldest of nights.

“Super Fast and Easy Pumpkin Mousse”

Super Easy Pumpkin Mousse

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

20 min

Cook Time:

5 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (if you dont have it do 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp all spice, 1/8 tsp nutmeg.  The nutmeg and cinnamon are essential)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Ginger snaps, for garnish (optional)
• Candied Ginger for garnish (optional)
• Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
• Whip cream for garnish

Directions

Combine pumpkin, 1 cup cream, sugar and spice in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool fully and then put it into the refrigerator to cool completely.

Whip remaining heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks and fold into cooled pumpkin mixture. Pour into a serving dish and crumble the ginger snaps over the top before serving.

Suggestions:

You can also put the ginger snaps on the side and eat them with the mousse.

Top the mousse whip cream and then with candied ginger and/or chocolate.

It also would be great with Amaretto cookies.  Eat it all year long!