Kitchen Notes

This has been a good week for recipes - so far all the new ones I've tried have turned out well and worth passing along!

Enchilada Sauce (this was SO easy and restaurant quality!)

Cheesy Enchilada Stack (I used frozen diced jalapenos instead of the canned chilies)

Sourdough Starter (very good for diabetics and it'll save yourself tons of $$ on yeast)

Chicken & Peppers with Balsamic Glaze (I diced my chicken stir-fry style and served over rice instead of whole - it cooks faster and goes farther! Also, I recommend doubling the sauce.)

Chili Powder - save yourself some money and cabinet clutter and make your own!

1 1/2 oz ground dried chilies

1/2 oz cumin

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp coriander

1/4 tsp cloves

Watermelon Granita - super easy summer dessert. (Can make with Splenda if desired.)

4 lbs watermelon

2/3 cup water

2/3 cup superfine sugar

4 tbsp tequila (optional)

1 vanilla bean (or splash of vanilla extract)

Dice watermelon and whirl in blender until smooth. Bring water, sugar and vanilla to simmer. Let infuse 20 min. Combine all ingredients and pour into 8" square baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and stick in the freezer. When it starts to freeze, mash gently with a fork. Repeat after another 2 or 3 hours as necessary. You should get a slushy/snow cone consistency. Spoon into fancy glasses and serve with spoons!

Two other quick food notes to pass along that have come up this week:

Honey - did you know that you should buy local honey if at all possible? Bees make honey using pollen from plants indigenous to their location, thereby imbuing every batch with unique characteristics. If you eat honey from your local area, you are exposed in small doses to local flora which helps your body assimilate them and reduces the likelihood and severity of allergies to your environment. (This, incidentally, is the same reason they tell you to give honey to children under age 2.) Although buying generic commercial honey is unlikely to hurt you, it won't give you the anti-allergen benefit either. You can find honey at local farm stands or your farmers' market. If you don't usually frequent those places, most will sell you gallon size jars of honey, which should minimize the number of trips you need to make! :-)

Garlic - although garlic is an incredible super food for humans, it is very bad for our furry friends! Both onions and garlic are toxic for dogs. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of homemade and upscale bakery doggie treats many well intentioned people who don't know this are including garlic in treats. Please check what you're giving your furry companion and make sure to choose safe options like ginger instead!