Thx M .. will try some out

US

mmmm... sounds good. thanks mystique.

Sounds very yummy. Think I`m going to give it a shot at making that bread this weekend Am I becoming domesticated or what!

Add some green 'herbs' to the brownies for best results. kthnxbye.

Glad you like them, and let me know how things turn out... Also, if you have any special requests, let me know since I'm sure I either have or could easily find a recipe to suit most occasions...

Anyone interested in some simple veggie side dishes?

hmmm.... depends.

if you are, say so.If there's something in particular you woud like,say so.. Its a simple thing...

Depends what vegetables... i hate sweet potatoes, and whenever someone offers to make an interesting vegetarian meal it always ends up bein sweet potatoes. so i'm interested.

I hate sweet potatoes too, so you're safe But I have some really easy methods for carrots, green beans, baby marrows, eggplant, mushrooms, mielies, etc... let me know what you're looking for, and I'll post them...

hmmm... my dad's a great cook, but he always does carrots the same way... engish style... steamed until they're like orange mash. i don't normally have alot of time to cook myself tho, so a quick and easy way to prepare a different carrot dish would be great...

thanks... and it's good to know that i'm not the only one who hates those evil sweet potatoes!!

ok, Carrots...

peel and chop about 1- 1 1/2 carrots per person
put in microwave safe dish and fill with hot water until almost covered
cover and microwave 5-10 minutes, or until soft but not mushy...
drain out the water, stir in 1 teaspoon butter, a little bit of sugar, and some nutmeg to taste... there you have it...
other variations... boil in milk rather than water(only about half the amount if using milk) and only add half the butter, along with a 1/2 teaspoon of flour
or add ginger instead of nutmeg
or stir in some chopped garlic

just use your imagination... This also works well with frozen carrots

Thanks myst...

i feel like a sponger here... if you want some recipes just say the word... i am the pasta king... so anything italian, i can do.

thanks again...

Ok Mystique .. here's a recipe for ya . It's a family recipe so I doubt you've eaten it. It's also my favourite.

Chicken and Spaghetti - Time to make should be 45min. - 1hr.

Big Pressure cooker pot (the one with the gage)
1 Whole Chicken / 1 Packet of cut chicken pieces
1 BIG Onion chopped into little pieces
1 big tablespoon Tomato paste full (I use All Gold);
4-5 Bay Leaves (or as needed)
1 Chicken Stock cube
1 x 500g Box Macaroni Spaghetti (you can use noodles too if you want)

Ok clean the chicken and chop it up into pieces (or if you have the already cut pieces pack) throw into the pot. Put on the stove (big plate) at highest setting. Now throw water into the pot so that it just covers the chicken and put on stove. Chop up the onion and throw into the pot. Throw in the Chicken Stock cube. Throw in some bay leaves (I throw in around 4-5 or as needed). Throw in one table spoon heaped up of Tomato Paste.

Stir everything, put the lid on and let it cook for 30 min (stir around at 15min.). Now throw in the spaghetti (or Macaroni if that's what you want) and make sure it's in the water/sauce. Turn the heat down to halfway (or the spaghetti might stick together). Cook for 15min. (stir if you have to) and if you feel the spaghetti is cooked enough remove pot from stove. (else let it cook for a while longer; up to the hour mark - Remember this depends on the stove)

Servers 4 (if they eat alot) - 6 people

Hope you enjoy it. I know I do Also never ever had any complaints about this dish after i've made it. Everyone really enjoys it.

P.S. You can throw in mushrooms if you really want to.

US

Thanks US! I tried a smaller variation of that last night... halved the recipe and added a salad... It was really good...

So here's my newly concocted recipe for lemon pepper chicken, with a twist...

1 chicken breast per person, cubed
1 pack mushrooms chopped
1 small clove garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper (or to taste)
and the twist: 1tsp lime juice

brown the chicken in a pan until light golden
add the mushrooms if you want them
add the garlic and pepper
cook the chicken about 5 minutes and add the lime juice
let it cook until the chicken is done right through

serve with mashed potatoes and choice of veggies... I also sprinkled some chopped spring onions over the chicken before serving...

yummy mashed potatoes... Add the milk and butter while mashing, and also add some grated cheese... mash til smooth, then take a fork and "whip" the potatoes until you see air pockets in them... this makes them light n fluffy...everyone I know loves that recipe

Ok, my new favorite side dish... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Buttermilk dinner rolls

3/4 cup warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm buttermilk
1 egg, room temp, beaten
2 tblsp melted butter
2 tblsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 - 3 3/4 cups bread/ self raising flour

Pour 1/4 cup of the water into a small cup and add the yeast, stir. Let it stand for 10 minutes until the yeast has dissolved and is foamy

while that stands, in a large bowl whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of water, buttermilk, egg, butter, salt and sugar. whisk in the yeast mixture to combine. Slowly stir in 3 1/2 cups of flour until a soft dough forms. It should not be extremely sticky. If it is, add a little more flour. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl.

On a lighty floured surface, knead the dough (or just carefully stretch and fold the dough) until it looks smoot and elastic. Put in a bowl that has been lightly buttered and turn to coat all over with butter. Cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel. put it in a warm place to rise for an hour until it has doubled in size.

Gently hit the dough down removing any large airpocket that formed. Place on a lightly floured surface and divide in half, and each half in 8 pieces. Shape each piece as desired and put on a lined baking tray. Cover with plastic wrap again and let the rolls rise for 30- 40 minutes until they double in size again. (to make these ahead, shape them and leave in the fridge overnight, but take them out 30 minutes before you plan to bake them).

Now heat the oven to 175* C and bake about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

For best results, bake right before serving. You can also top with cheese for a yummy variation. Takes a bit of time, but they will become a favorite

OMGawd. This thread is making me so hunngrrrey!