Spaetzel, Knaidlach & Knepp (Homemade Noodles) - Margaret Ullrich

No, that's not the name of a law firm.

They're nice, simple, cheap homemade pasta.





Pasta and noodles used to be a nice cheap thing to buy.

Well, not anymore.

But, they are still cheap to make.

And easy.



Pick a recipe according to your taste or salt restrictions.





                        Spaetzel (German or Hungarian Style)



German:

1 1/2 Cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4

Sloppy Joes and Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix - Margaret Ullrich

Those packages of pre-mixed spices are handy.

But, if you use them a lot, the cost does add up.

And if you're making Sloppy Joes, you're not on a steak budget.





Make the seasoning at home and buy the leaner ground meat.

Less fat to drain.

Healthier, too.



We're all in this together...





Sloppy Joe Seasoning



2 Tablespoons dry minced onion 

2 teaspoons green pepper flakes

2

Celery Seed (or ground) / Homemade Seafood Spice Blend - Margaret Ullrich

We all know about celery.

The dieter's friend.

Yeah, that's how it's sold.

But, that's not how it goes.



Usually it goes, as a wilted or slimy mess, into the compost or garbage.



Sometimes a recipe calls for celery.

But usually not very much celery.

Back to the compost or garbage.

What a waste...





Welcome to Celery Seed!! 

It has the flavor of celery, but doesn't wilt or need

Use It - NOW! - Margaret Ullrich

According to the church calendar, the Christmas season is over. The Boxing Month Sales are almost over. People are trying to find some corner where they can stash away the bargains. 
Ah, holidays. Does anything else make us work this hard?
A few weeks ago everyone was talking resolutions. The usual plans to stop smoking, lose weight and get into shape. Fine. Health is important. 
But, I didn't

Homemade Candied Fruit Rind Snack - Margaret Ullrich

Citrus fruit is a good buy right about now.



The only problem with citrus is all that rind.

If you've got a composter, it's smelling lemon fresh.

If not, your garbage can is.





Fruit Rind can also be made into a snack.

Yes, really.



Have I ever lied to you?



            Homemade Candied Fruit Rind

              

Makes 1 1/2 pounds of candied rind



Peel rind in quarters of

3

Chicken Souvlaki with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (Greek yogurt dressing) - Margaret Ullrich

I know... That honking big box of chicken breasts was a really good buy.

And we Winnipeggers love really good buys.



What we don't love is the same old chicken, night after night.





Here's an easy recipe that'll use up 1 1/2 pounds of breasts.



The Tzatziki Sauce is a Greek style yogurt dressing.



Yes, I know you can buy it ready made.

But, sometimes you've got to wonder about store

Coriander (seed and ground) / Homemade Curry Spice Blend - Margaret Ullrich

Coriander seed is another unsung hero in the kitchen.

Especially since I can't spoof it like I did Cumin.

Aren't you glad of that?





Coriander seeds are the seeds of the cilantro (Chinese parsley) plant.

In case you've never tried it, cilantro tastes like a sweet lemony sage.

So, give it a try the next time you roast a chicken.





If you've bought a bag of Coriander seeds but don't want

Beef Stew and Homemade Dumplings - Margaret Ullrich

Got an e mail...

The Vegetarian Chili is great, and goes well with burgers.


Okay.  I can take a hint.

Nothin' spells lovin' like a roast in the oven.

Or a beef stew.



This is an old favorite recipe.

And it has some vegetables.

And some meat.

Next time stew meat is on sale, try this recipe.



Fair warning, you have to start a stew 3 hours before you need it.

No, you don't work on it

Vegetarian Chili and Toppings - Margaret Ullrich

Like I said, the weather's been weird.

And cold!

Now's the time for something warming.

Bring on the stews, casseroles and chili.

Yah!!





I know what you're thinking.

I've gotten a bit of flack from some folks.

Vegetarians, to be exact.

I've had too many meat recipes.

I don't think so, but some folks do.



Before you vegetarians e mail me, read on.

This is a vegetarian recipe.

Happy

Cumin (seeds and ground) / Homemade Fajita Spice Blend - Margaret Ullrich

He'll be cumin 'round the mountain, when he comes.....



Sorry.

Cumin really is too good a spice to be stuck in a bad joke.

What can I say?

Let's just blame it on the weird weather we've been having in Winnipeg.





Cumin isn't as famous as pepper or cinnamon.

But it is essential in curry and chili powders.

Yes, those are blends of spices.

Now you know.





Cumin seeds can be stirred

Paprika: Homemade Spice Blends for Fish, Salads and Seasoned Butter - Margaret Ullrich

Want more Spice Mix recipes?

Okee dokee...



Don't be afraid to buy a bag of paprika.

We'll have some more fun with it in a few weeks.





Fish Seasoning Spice Blend



1/4 Cup paprika

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon basil leaves, crushed

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground marjoram

1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1/16 teaspoon ground black pepper



Makes about 4 Tablespoons



**

Cayenne (ground red pepper) / Homemade Tandoorie Spice Blend - Margaret Ullrich

Man does not live on bread or cookie alone.

Although, during the holiday season, it sure seems that way.



It's January.

On to the more savoury spices.

The main course spices.

Spices like cayenne.



Did you always wonder what the heck cayenne is?

It's ground red pepper.

Really.



Cayenne goes well with many recipes.



Cayenne gives a lift to egg dishes.

Stir a bit into cream cheese