Ting-a-Lings I

Ting-a-Lings I

I remember my grandmother and my mother making these, so after reading through several recipes on the internet, this is what I put together. Lots of variables to make this your own signature candy.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 candies

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams almond bark, (1 lb)
  • 2 cups chow mein noodles
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 3/4 cup roasted peanuts

Instructions
 

  • Setup a double boiler on medium heat, add the almond bark or a combination of bark and chocolate chips. Line two baking sheets with parchment. (I had half a bag of chips on hand so I used those with the almond bark.)
  • While the chocolate is melting, measure out the noodles, marshmallows, and peanuts and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula and toss them together. (I used trail mix in place of the peanuts.)
  • When the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove from heat and let sit about 5 minutes to let it cool just a bit.
  • Pour the chocolate into the chow mein noodles.
  • Use the rubber spatula again and toss everything together. What works really well is using the spatula with one hand and a large spoon with the other hand. Toss until everything is coated with chocolate.
  • Drop by tablespoons on the prepared baking sheets. Set the sheets aside to cool.
  • When the candies are cooled and solid, remove from the parchment and place on a serving tray. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

For pricing in Thailand, I have never seen US made "chow mein noodles" as they are different than Chinese noodles which is a type of ramen. So a good alternative, and the original way ting-a-lings were made, is with corn flakes. With the corn flake alternative, this would be low cost per serving.
Variants: 1. Use almond bark only, or milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips, or any combination (I used 8 oz almond bark and 8 oz milk chocolate chips). 2. For the roasted peanuts, just keep that amount to 1 3/4 cups and consider using roasted almonds, cashews, mixed nuts, or trail mix (the trail mix I used was walnuts, dried apples, cranberries, and raisins). 3. For a Christmas theme, use vanilla almond bark and lightly sprinkle each candy with red and green candy sprinkles.
Adapted from several similar recipes.
Farmer’s Market Grilled Chowder

Farmer's Market Grilled Chowder

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ear corn, husked
  • 1 large potato, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices
  • non stick cooking spray, as needed
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 cup wheat beer
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, (2 oz / 56 g)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your grill for direct heat cooking with medium high heat. When ready, grill the corn and potatoes, covered, for 20 minutes or until tender, turning once during cooking.
  • Spray the zucchini slices with cooking spray, grill uncovered for about 4-5 minutes or until tender, turning once during cooking.
  • Cut the corn kernels off the ear, cut the potato into cubes, and cut the zucchini into bite size pieces.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan on medium heat, when hot, add the onion and saute for about 5 minutes or until tender.
  • Stir in the flour, thyme, and white pepper, cook while stirring for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the beer and milk, and bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the corn, potato, zucchini, and cheese. Simmer until heated through.
  • Ladle into bowls, serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Durango Chili

Durango Chili

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, (1 lb)
  • 500 grams stew beef, cubed, (1 lb)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes, (14 oz / 411 g each)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 bottle beer, your favorite, (12 oz / 330 ml)
  • 2 cans diced green chilies, undrained, (4 oz / 113 g each)
  • 3-5 fresh Jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced, as desired
  • 2-5 tablespoons chili powder, as desired
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 cans Pinto beans, drained, (15 oz / 425 g each), 3 cups cooked, Shortcut
  • toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or onion

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large saucepan on medium high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula, cook for about 5 minutes, then add the stew beef, cook for another 3-5 minutes to brown up the stew beef. Remove the beef to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
  • Drain off mos of the beef fat, then return the saucepan to heat and add the cooking oil, when hot, add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Return the beef to the saucepan.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, broth, beer, green chilies, jalapeno peppers, chili powder as desired and tomato paste. Give everything a stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours or until the stew beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the beans, continue to simmer, uncovered, until heated through.
  • Serve with toppings of your choice, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onion or sliced spring onion would be great choices. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Pinto Beans (Pressure Cooker).
Deviled Beef Short Rib Stew (Slow Cooker)

Deviled Beef Short Rib Stew (Slow Cooker)

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 kilos beef short ribs, trimmed, separated between each bone, (4 lbs)
  • 1 kilo small red potatoes, scrubbed and peel scored, (2 lbs)
  • 8 carrots, peeled, cut into chunks
  • 2 onions, cut into thick wedges
  • 1 bottle beer, your favorite, (12 oz / 330 ml)
  • 8 tablespoons spicy brown mustard, divided
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Place ribs on a rack fitted a broiler pan. Place pan in broiler, 6 inches from heat. Broil the ribs for 10 minutes or until well browned, turning once.
  • While the ribs are broiling, place the vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • When the ribs are ready, place them on top of the vegetables.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the beer, 6 tablespoons mustard, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, mix together. Pour mixture over the ribs. Cover the slow cooker and set to High setting and cook for 5 hours or until the meat is tender.
  • Transfer the meat and vegetables to a platter, keep warm.
  • Strain the fat from the slow cooker then pour the broth into a saucepan.
  • In a measuring cup, mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir into the broth, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of mustard and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Place on heat and bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook gravy, stirring often, for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Serve meat and vegetables with the gravy, and have additional mustard available for the meat, as desired. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Variant: 1. I will tailor this recipe to use pork ribs.
Trail Mix Cookies

Trail Mix Cookies

Adapted from an internet recipe.
These are excellent cookies, highly recommended.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 2 dozen

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup butter, room temp, (2 sticks / 1 block)
  • 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups quick cooking rolled oats, or old fashioned oats
  • 2 1/2 cups trail mix, your favorite type

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F), line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together then set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar and cream together. Mix in the eggs one at a time then mix in the vanilla.
  • Add half the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mix together until well combined, then add the remaining flour mixture and mix again until well combined.
  • Add the oats and trail mix, and mix together until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
  • Drop by heaping tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the sheet for 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Variant: 1. If your trail mix does not contain chocolate chips, reduce the amount of trail mix to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Beer Cheese Soup II

Beer Cheese Soup II

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, Shortcut
  • 1/2 cup beer, your favorite
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded, (12 oz/340 g)
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot on medium heat, melt the butter, when melted, add the onion, thyme, white and cayenne pepper, and cook until onion is tender, stirring often, about 3-5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the broth, beer, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is mixed in fully.
  • Stir broth mixture into the pot. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat.
  • Simmer 5 minutes, then stir in the cream.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cheese with the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch.
  • After the cream is mixed in, gradually add the shredded cheese to the soup, stirring until the cheese is mixed in before adding more cheese. Repeat until the cheese is all mixed in. Taste and add hot pepper sauce as desired.
  • Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Chicken Broth (Pressure Cooker).
Beer-braised Chili

Beer-braised Chili

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 kilo beef stew meat, cubed, (2 lbs)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 can Mexican style diced tomatoes, (14 oz / 411 g can)
  • 1 bottle beer, your choice but not a dark beer, (12 oz 330 ml)
  • 1/2 cup salsa, Shortcut
  • 1 can black beans, drained, (15 oz/425 g can or 2 cups cooked), Shortcut
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained, (15 oz/425 g can or 2 cups cooked), Shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan, when hot, add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir for 5 minutes to lightly brown the beef.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, and red pepper. Mix together with the beef.
  • Add the tomatoes, beer, and salsa. Stir together and bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until beef is tender. Stirring halfway through the simmering time.
  • When the beef is tender, stir in the beans. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until thickened as desired.
  • Ladle into bowls, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Beer & Cheese Soup I (Slow Cooker)

Beer & Cheese Soup I (Slow Cooker)

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 slices pumpernickel bread, or rye bread
  • 1 can chicken broth, (14 oz / 411 g, or 1 3/4 cup fresh), Shortcut
  • 1 cup beer, your choice
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, (6 oz / 170 g)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 220° C (425° F). Slice the bread into 1/2 inch cubes, place on a small baking sheet, bake 10-12 minutes or until crispy and browned on the edges. Stir the cubes once during cooking. Remove and allow to cool, there, you just made the crouton topping for the soup.
  • To your slow cooker, add the broth, beer, onion, garlic, and thyme. Stir together then cover and set to Low Setting and cook for 4 hours.
  • Turn the slow cooker to High Setting and stir in the cheese, milk, and paprika. Cover and cook 45-60 minutes or until heated through.
  • Ladle into serving bowls, top with some croutons you previously made, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Chicken Broth (Pressure Cooker).
Beef Chuck Chili (Slow Cooker)

Beef Chuck Chili (Slow Cooker)

Adapted from a recipe card in ''Cooking With Beer''.
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 1/2 kilos beef chuck roast, boneless, trimmed, (5 lbs)
  • 3 cups onion, minced
  • 4 poblano peppers, diced
  • 2 serrano peppers, diced
  • 2 green bell peppers, diced
  • 3 jalapeno peppers, diced
  • 2 tablspoons garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes, (28 oz / 794 g)
  • 113 ml Mexican lager beer, (4 oz)
  • 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • cornbread, or hot rice, for serving, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large pan on medium high heat, when hot, add the roast, cook 6-8 minutes, browning all sides.
  • When browned all over, place the roast in your slow cooker.
  • Same hot pan, add the onions, peppers, and garlic. Saute for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is tender.
  • Add the cooked onions and peppers to the slow cooker.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Cover the slow cooker and set to Low Setting and cook for 4-5 hours or until the beef shreds easily.
  • Remove beef to a cutting board, shred with two large forks.
  • Return the beef to the slow cooker. Stir in the beer, cumin, and hot sauce. Heat for 5-10 minutes.
  • Serve with cornbread or cooked rice, as desired, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Beef & Noodles IV

Beef & Noodles IV

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a basic recipe for using canned beef for a quick and low cost meal, and it is very versatile. Read the Variants. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams dry macaroni, or any bite size pasta, (1 lb)
  • 1 can beef, (750 g / 1½ lb)
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, (10½ oz / 298 g each), Shortcut
  • 1 packet beef gravy mix, Shortcut
  • 1 can peas, drained, or 2 cups frozen and steamed
  • salt and pepper, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Heat a pot of salted water, when boiling, add the pasta and cook until tender, drain.
  • While the water is heating for the pasta, prepare the packet of beef gravy in a small sauce pan.
  • While the water is heating for the pasta, open and drain the can of beef, add to a pot and add the canned soup. Heat the pot on medium low heat, breaking up the beef with your spatula.
  • When the pasta is tender and drained, add to the pot with the pork. Stir to combine, taste, and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Add the peas and gravy, mix in. Cook until everything is heated through.
  • Serve with a side veggy or salad. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Beef Gravy Mix.
Variants: 1. Add a can of drained vegetable, such as corn, diced carrots, or even mixed vegetables in place of peas. 2. Add a can of diced tomatoes. 3. Saute a diced onion, diced bell pepper, or even sliced mushrooms, or any combination of these, before adding the pork. 4. Add a jar of sliced green olives with pimentos. 5. Season with fajita seasoning. 6. Add rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, in addition to salt and pepper. 7. Use fresh ground beef or pork in place of canned.