tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90163533025444252022024-03-13T19:59:20.537-07:00Blackberry PocketsThe Cooking Blog You Want to Read!Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-10333011765401333652011-02-19T20:04:00.004-07:002011-06-18T19:59:46.325-07:00Basic Tomato Sauce for Pizzas and PastasBroiled Tomato SauceA basic tomato sauce recipe is essential for any home cook and the cornerstone of a variety of dishes. My version eschews the use of pre-stewed, canned tomatoes (and their canny taste), and ,instead, relies on all fresh ingredients for a more vibrant flavor. But don’t fret, friends; this recipe is still very simple. By broiling your tomatoes, you will be able to cook and peel Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-82070026913797251532011-01-28T14:52:00.002-07:002011-01-28T15:03:17.005-07:00Soft Sugar Cookies RecipeSoft, frosted supermarket sugar cookies, or Lofthouse style cookies, are always a treat, but I think this recipe for soft, cake cookies is even better! In fact, the homemade versions are fluffy clouds of sugary bliss. Sweet, addictive, habit-forming, cookie clouds. They are so good, that I have started calling them crackies, and have found that an entire batch can easily be consumed in a day or Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-60279109385922035022011-01-23T17:25:00.007-07:002011-02-12T20:36:25.401-07:00Cold Italian Pasta Salad and Dressing RecipeThere is something comforting and addictive about vinegary pasta salads, and I find myself eating them at least once a week. Cold Italian-style pasta salad is my favorite, and if I see it on a menu, I order it; if I have the ingredients on hand, I make it; if it’s left out unattended on your dining table, I steal it. Cold Italian pasta salad is an easy and refreshing dish at any time of the Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-70605398143687878562011-01-20T15:56:00.004-07:002011-01-20T16:18:48.829-07:00Slow Roasted Tomatillo SalsaSlow roasted tomatillos provide a tasty variation to my standard salsa verde recipe. This tomatillo salsa has a deep, rich flavor, a creamy texture and a tangy bite that makes it perfect for dipping salty chips and smothering your favorite burro. ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA RECIPE 6 Tomatillos – split in half across the poles 1 Poblano chile – seeded and split in half 1 tablespoon of extra Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-76284322591654399362011-01-18T15:53:00.005-07:002011-01-18T16:14:52.857-07:00Big Ass SandwichSmoked turkey. Candied bacon. Steak. Caramelized onions. Fried eggs.Every great sandwich has a great filling. Only one sandwich has them all!I don’t mess around when it comes to making sandwiches, and a great sandwich recipe is useful to have in your arsenal if you need to bribe friends for a favor: <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> “If you come help me, I will make sandwiches!” “Big ass Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-62176926298124190682011-01-14T19:39:00.005-07:002011-01-15T13:06:53.339-07:00Candied Bacon - Three WaysWhat’s better than crispy, salty, bacon? SUGAR COATED, crispy, salty bacon! OMG! Candied bacon is the perfect way to remind your tongue that you guys are still best buds! I can pretty much eat this stuff all day long, which is why I make it rarely and sparingly. In my most recent bacon candying exploit, I experimented with three kinds of coating: white sugar, brown sugar, and teriyaki sauce. Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-85441299548287006642011-01-11T14:12:00.002-07:002011-01-11T19:17:10.670-07:00Dad’s PancakesWhen I moved to Tucson, AZ in 2000 for my first round of college, I asked my dad to provide me with a collection of my favorite recipes of his. He jotted a few of his classics down on a notepad, which I keep to this day. Among these gems is my dad’s recipe for the best pancakes! This is, by far, my favorite recipe for pancakes. They have a chewy texture with a crispy exterior that, in my Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-5290003617568338652011-01-09T12:23:00.002-07:002011-01-09T12:28:01.820-07:00Kung Pao WalnutsThe New Snacking Craze!I stumbled upon this technique while making a classic gongbao chicken. I was frying my ingredients separately and decided to deglaze the pan of nuts with a teriyaki sauce; the sauce vaporized as it hit the pan, the nuts were almost instantly glazed, and they went on to become the highlight of the meal. Afterwards, I decided that these nuts were actually one heck of a snack,Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-1119890180100159902011-01-02T07:12:00.004-07:002017-12-28T11:07:32.509-07:00Tamale Time
Tamales are a popular holiday treat for many families in the Southwest. In our house, we have had the tradition of preparing a wide variety these steamed delights for our Christmas Eve dinners for several years, and they are always a crowd-pleaser. Our green corn tamales are typically the most popular and that’s the recipe I am going to share with you today! Plus, I’ve halved the fat Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-2832656808046007202010-12-31T14:38:00.004-07:002010-12-31T16:00:14.413-07:00Cuppa Hot JonesHere is a holiday treat to help you ring in the New Year with froth and with luster and all that they bring! I am a big fan of www.homestarrunner.com and have noticed that from time to time, both Homestar Runner and Strong Bad have mentioned drinking a cuppa "hot jones". And according to the Homestar Runner Wiki, “Hot Jones, a popular wintertime beverage, is a steaming white liquid with red Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-6033753894497891372010-12-30T08:24:00.005-07:002010-12-30T14:27:15.366-07:00Sweet Potato and Black Bean EnchiladasIt’s the end of enchiladas month here, at Blackberry Pockets, and after providing two classic sauce and casserole options to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings, I’m going to close with something a little different:Sweet Potato and Black Bean EnchiladasWhen you make enchiladas as often as I do, it becomes important to switch things up from time to time. Although I think it’s probably difficult (if not Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-21365189472876564912010-12-27T09:10:00.003-07:002010-12-27T09:16:11.846-07:00Sweet Potato SalsaSWEET POTATO ENCHILADA SAUCE Bored of the typical, red or green salsa choices? Looking for something a little more orange, perhaps? Look no further, my sweet potato salsa recipe is excellent topped on tacos, baked in enchiladas, or gulped by the spoonful! SWEET POTATO SALSA RECIPE 1 medium sweet potato 2 poblano chiles 2 tomatillos 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1/2 onion - diced 2 cloves ofBlackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-77971655822767988542010-12-22T12:30:00.010-07:002010-12-30T08:27:28.774-07:00Enchiladas RojasRed Cheese Enchiladas Recipe Continuing with my enchiladas theme this month, I am now presenting my recipe for enchiladas rojas. This is a classic baked cheese enchilada recipe with a rich and delicious red chile sauce.ENCHILADAS ROJAS RECIPE <?xml:namespace prefix = o />2 cups of chile roja sauce (recipe available by clicking here)18 corn tortillas½ large sweet onion - diced½ pound of blended Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-86131246351671300112010-12-20T17:05:00.005-07:002010-12-20T17:30:48.303-07:00Enchilada SauceChile Roja Sauce RecipeRed chile sauce is delicious for dipping chips, smothering burritos, or cooked in cheese enchiladas. Although, to me, it is not as day-to-day tasty as salsa verde, homemade red chile sauce is still an excellent condiment to add rich depth of flavor to your Mexican and Tex-mex dishes. ENCHILADA SAUCE RECIPE 10 dried red chile pods ¼ cup fresh cilantro, oregano, or basil Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-62651463742247828102010-12-15T13:49:00.003-07:002010-12-15T14:23:02.986-07:00Enchiladas VerdesGreen Enchiladas with Sweet Potatoes Recipe I have a bit of an addiction to enchiladas! There is something about the combination of a savory salsa, melty cheese, and chewy tortilla that I find irresistible. I typically make a casserole, or baked, style of enchilada because they can be prepared ahead and they are just so delicious. Like a Mexican lasagna! I began making them fairly regularly Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-15783428460302140142010-12-13T11:05:00.004-07:002010-12-13T14:13:29.386-07:00Salsa VerdeTomotillo Salsa RecipeSalsa verde, or tomatillo and green chile salsa, is one of my favorite things to make because it goes great with everything. Salsa verde is incredibly versatile, and it can be applied to a variety of dishes ranging from the traditional enchiladas verdes to the less obvious green chile pizza. Sometimes I just make a big vat of it and have a glorious day on the couch with someBlackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-52716450813841057832010-12-09T19:08:00.004-07:002010-12-13T12:55:51.015-07:00Friday Quick BitesCucumber, Tomato, Basil Salad with Lime DressingHere is a quick and easy salad that is sure to please. With just three core ingredients, this salad’s simple construction belies its complex flavor. In addition to the ease with which this recipe comes together, its combination of sweet grape tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and fragrant basil make it a go-to side dish when I’m crunched for time or when IBlackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-12691720867490808872010-12-07T12:27:00.005-07:002010-12-08T19:49:11.783-07:00Brick-Oven Pizza at HomeHow to Make Pizzeria-Style Pizza in Your Home Oven Previously, on Blackberry Pockets… Our pizza dough had proofed, risen, and been shaped. This time, I will show how to achieve the taste and texture of a brick-oven pizza in your very own home! I would like to thank my friend Pam who gave me the idea to try broiling my pizza. This suggestion put me on the path to figuring out my now tried and Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-11019894256775405852010-12-05T15:02:00.004-07:002010-12-30T17:44:42.607-07:00Pizza Dough RevisitedThe more I learn about bread, the more I realize just how much more there is to learn. Almost as soon as I think I have bumped my bakin’ up to the next level (level 2!), I find myself humbled by true talent. Fortunately, I remain excited by the prospect of learning it all! Bread baking has become my favorite hobby and mastering this craft can clearly be a life-long pursuit.So, after admitting my Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-10701130617360979422010-07-17T15:51:00.009-07:002010-07-26T13:44:51.348-07:00Fruit GemsAKA Pates De Fruit or Pectin GelsOh, pates de fruit (pronounced paht day fwee), my old adversary, long you have vexed me. I’m sure many of you have come across tantalizing blog posts featuring pates de fruits, written by a variety of reputable bloggers, tempting us with beautiful images, and enticing us with delicious tales of these seeming pinnacles of patisserie. How could anyone not want to Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-76834091021750710662009-07-31T05:41:00.003-07:002010-07-21T07:27:20.911-07:00Oven Roasted TomatoesOven Dried Tomatoes: How to reduce 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes into about 3 ounces magic! Oven roasting tomatoes is a great way to use up your garden surplus or to improve mediocre store bought toms. These tomatoes intensify sauces, make excellent pizza and salad toppings and enhance just about anything else you add them to. That is, of course, if they make it to your dishes without being eaten Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-17265455304109458512009-06-21T14:56:00.005-07:002010-12-05T16:46:55.084-07:00Father's Day BreadOatmeal Cinnamon Raisin BreadMy dad, in addition to being the number one fan (and often only reader) of this site, was the person who taught me that homemade bread can be easy and is so much better and more satisfying than anything you can get at the store. More than that, though, he has inspired in me a passion for cooking and an ardent desire to master bread baking, and he has given me a Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-77788785233168350142009-05-31T07:38:00.003-07:002009-07-31T05:38:44.084-07:00Polenta for KellyCheesy? Yes. Corny? Absolutely. But never tacky!Polenta! That creamy dish of boiled cornmeal, nearly identical to grits, can be served either hot and soft, like a savory cornmeal pudding, or cooled and firm, like a flourless cornbread. Polenta makes a great breakfast, appetizer, or side but seems to be particularly appealing as a late night snack after a long day of making TV magic.2 cups course Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-69824469252429490592009-02-08T21:02:00.002-07:002009-02-08T21:08:50.586-07:00Fresh Tabouleh SaladTabouleh is found throughout the Middle East and every bite of this refreshing salad is alive with fresh herbs, tomatoes and bulgur wheat. I prefer a higher bulgur to salad ratio than what is traditional and have also made a few other additions to my recipe in order to make it a little heartier. This recipe makes a great accompaniment to grilled salmon, tuna, or steak, or you can simply toss it Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9016353302544425202.post-82368792163985817252008-08-06T22:22:00.003-07:002008-08-06T22:29:07.507-07:00Basic White BreadWarm homemade bread is one of my favorite comfort foods. This recipe produces a white bread that is soft, a little crusty, slightly dense and serves as the perfect medium for sopping up that last bit of soup or pasta sauce.Recipe3 C flour1.5 tsp salt1 and 1/8th C warm water2 tsp yeast1tsp honey1 tsp olive oilMethodAdd the yeast and honey to the warm water and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Mix Blackberry Pocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08688158613593335382noreply@blogger.com2