Category Archives: Recipes

EASY MEXICAN PASTA SHELLS WITH GROUND BEEF

This pasta shells with ground beef recipe is so delicious and easy that anyone can make it. I learned to make this skillet from a friend of mine, but he told me that he has inspired it from his Mexican neighbor recipe who calls it Conchitas. The term Conchitas comes from the shape of the pasta that is very much like like a goulash but with a Mexican flare.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 Pound of ground beef
  • Garlic clove
  • Black pepper
  • Sazon perfecta seasoning.
  • 2 cups of medium-size pasta shells
  • 1/4 cup of oil
  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated knorr chicken bouillon
  • 4 tablespoons of the granulated knorr tomato bouillon
  • 3 diced serrano chiles
  • half of an onion
  • 1 can of Rotel
  • a handful of chopped cilantro
  • garlic and onion powder to taste
  • 2 packets of the red sazon
  • 1 bay leaf

INSTRUCTIONS

1 ) Brown the ground beef with chopped garlic, black pepper, and Sazon perfecta seasoning.

2 ) While the meats is cooking, in a deep skillet brown pasta shells in 1/4 cup of oil (just as you would brown rice a Roni).

3 ) Drain the grease from your ground beef and add the meat to the pasta shells.

4 ) Add 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of granulated knorr chicken bouillon, 3 diced serrano chiles, and 4 tablespoons of the granulated knorr tomato bouillon, chop in a half of an onion, a can of Rotel, a handful of chopped cilantro, 2 packets of the red Sazon, one bay leaf, and add garlic and onion powder according to your taste. 

5 ) Stir and cover cook on medium-high until your shells are aldente. serve! and enjoy this easy Mexican pasta shells with ground beef recipe.

ENJOY

Karen Valentine, the star of Room 222, recalls an ‘awful’ experience she had on The Dating Game

Karen Valentine remembers the difficult journey that got her to her acclaimed position as a student turned teacher in the popular television series Room 222.

Contrary to her time on The Dating Game, which she says was a “awful” experience with no love lost, the show that launched her into fame is a love she still cherishes.Celebrities including Suzanne Somers, Tom Selleck, Leif Garret, and Farrah Fawcett participated in the first dating reality show, The Dating Game, before they were well-known.

The show also served as a launching pad for upcoming actors.

One of those celebrities, Karen Valentine, was invited to the dating program that Chuck Barris also founded after making an appearance on his television series Dream Girl of 1967.

Valentine, a former teenage beauty pageant winner, was offered the chance to speak with three available men who were hiding behind a partition.She acknowledged that she had assumed the appearance would be “harmless fun,” but said that her “choice” had made the whole thing awful.

“That was awful, because the guy thought that this was really going to be a date, right? The Dating Game got more serious later where people would be sent on trips,”

Valentine, now 76, explained “I only got to go to the Ambassador Hotel to see a show, but the guy thought we were going to make out in the limo and it, was, like, ‘You know this is a first date, right?’ It was so sleazy. You’d go to dinner and then to a show, which is the prize I won, but the guy thought this was serious. I wanted to get out of the date. You know, ‘Save the money, who needs to go on a date? Let me do another show. Give me a shot at acting or something.’”

After putting that regret behind her, Valentine was hired for the 1969 television film Gidget Grows Up, which led to her main part in the popular TV series Room 222 (1969–1974). In the experimental television program, a black high school teacher who strove to instill tolerance in his students was portrayed by the award-winning actor Lloyd Haynes (1934–1987).

James L. Brooks, the man behind The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and movies like As Good as It Gets and Terms of Endearment, conceived the show, and Gene Reynolds, one of the MAS*H developers and producers, produced it.

Valentine and Michael Constantine, who were both nominated for supporting roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding in 2002, received Outstanding New Series awards for Room 222 in 1970. Michael Constantine also won Outstanding New Series for My Big Fat Greek Wedding in 2002.

“It was kind of mind-blowing to have that happen so soon, so quickly,” said Valentine of her first nomination and win. “And to meet Carol Burnett and her saying, ‘Well, congratulations for this.’ It was like, ‘Thank you.’ But that Carol Burnett would know me? Just incredible.”

When the young actress first met another renowned actor, she recalled feeling awestruck.

“I remember I was taking singing lessons at the time, and I went to my singing class,” Valentine started. “Also taking lessons was Gregory Peck… When he walked by, I was at the teacher’s piano and he saw me through the window and kind of mimed, ‘You did it!’ I was like, ‘Oh my God. It’s Gregory Peck!’ How was it that I had the fortune to meet these stars and talented people from the get-go?”

Although Room 222 received high marks from critics, its fourth season saw a decline in viewership, leading to its midseason cancellation.

“Why things changed, I have no idea,” Valentine said, recalling when the network told the cast the show was cut. “But they did have the wherewithal to give us the word that it was happening, and it was sad … well, it’s always sad, but especially when you feel you have a good product and a good show, for it to be taken away. But in the end, the network made the decision to go in a different direction. That’s what they always say, ‘We’ve decided to go in a different direction.’”

She starred in Karen (1975), a show Reynolds produced after Room 222 was canceled, but it was discontinued after four months due to low ratings.

Describing the show’s premise as “controversial political stories that were a savvy, humoristic reflection of then-current headlines,” Valentine said, “The original opening titles were a take-off of the opening of the film ‘Patton.’ Instead of George C. Scott, you had me marching up to an American flag background. Really clever, but never aired.” She continued, “It was changed to me riding a bicycle around D.C. The network envisioned something softer, more romantic and personal, and not too complicated, as opposed to an issue-oriented drama/comedy in the political arena. I’d say it was ahead of its time.”

Valentine, a stage performer who has previously made appearances on Broadway, maintained her career as a guest star on The Hollywood Squares from 1971 to 1977 as well as in episodes of Murder She Wrote and The Love Boat.

Her most recent movie, Wedding Daze (2004), which aired on the Hallmark Channel, featured her alongside John Laroquette.

Valentine recalls Room 222, which brought her success very early on, with only good memories:

“Working with all of those people, and to have that kind of experience first time out–the show just brings back the fondest and best memories in the world to me.” She adds, “…It also kind of spoiled me, because it set the bar really high. So when other things come to you, you think, ‘What is this?’ It was different, you know. But I was fortunate that I did get material that was pretty fun and well done.”

DIRTY RICE STUFFED CORNISH HENS

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 small white onions, diced (about 1 cup)
1 small green pepper, seeded and finely diced
1/2 pound chopped chicken livers
1/2 cup chicken gizzards, chopped
2 to 3 cloves chopped garlic
1 tablespoon ground dry oregano
1 tablespoon dry, ground thyme
1/4 chopped parsley
2 cups cold, cooked white rice
4 12-ounce Cornish hens
3 tablespoons soft butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large saute pan, heat olive oil. Add onions and green pepper and saute.
Add livers and gizzards and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Add garlic, oregano, thyme and parsley. Combine and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove mixture from the heat and cool thoroughly.
Combine stuffing with rice. Divide and stuff hens immediately prior to cooking. Tie legs closed. Brush hens with butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until hens are cooked and temperature of stuffing is 155 degrees.

Enjoy

Rod Stewart announces death of brother – just 2 months after passing of older sibling – rest in peace

We all feel the loss of a loved one differently, but the connecting theme that runs through every period of grief we all suffer is that it’s never easy.

Processing and dealing with the passing of a loved one or dear friend takes time – sometimes, we’re simply never the people we were before we lost them.

Spare a thought, then, for legendary singer Rod Stewart, who yesterday announced the passing of his brother, Bob, just two months after the death of another brother, Don.

Stewart, 77, took to Instagram on November 30 to share the unfortunate news, explaining that Bob had passed away the night before.

The Young Turks singer went on to state his hope that Bob and Don – who passed away just two months ago – were playing football together in the sky.

“I’ve lost two of my best mates in the space of two months. RIP Don and Bob ‘irreplaceable buddies’ Sir Rod Stewart.”

Stewart issued a heartbreaking statement wherein he described the two deaths as having left him without his two best friends. Back in September, Rod uploaded a similar post after his older brother Don’s passing, one that included a photo of a crown on a black background. Don was 94 when he died.

Back in January 2019, Rod attended an event to celebrate his sister, Mary Cady, turning 90. There, he paid tribute to her and the now-late Don, describing them as being invaluable help on his road to success.

He said at the time: “I’ve got to tell you, these guys were instrumental in supporting me, helping me get into music and just being there for me.”

All told Rod had four siblings growing up, though only Mary is still alive now after recent Bob’s death. In his book, “Rod: The Autobiography“, Stewart shared how his other sister, Peggy, had been “taken too soon”.

As for his relationship with his sister and brothers, the Scottish-born star said: “These guys have just been [expletive] brilliant throughout my life.”

The 78-year-old Rod Stewart is still touring and will soon travel to Florida to perform. He has always praised his brothers for supporting him – so 2023 will be a challenging year for Rod.

“I’ve got to tell you, these guys were instrumental in supporting me, helping me get into music, and just being there for me,” he told The Sun in 2019 and added:

“Whether it was football or washing my dirty underpants, I can’t speak highly enough about these guys.”

In his post on Instagram to announce Bob’s passing, Rod wrote: “It’s with great sadness that I announce the loss of my brother Bob last night, who joins my brother Don on the great football pitch in the sky.

“I’ve lost two of my best mates in the space of two months. RIP Don and Bob ‘irreplaceable buddies’”

As per the Daily Record, Rod is currently on tour in his native Scotland. He is set to return to Glasgow on Saturday, December 3.

My heart goes out to Rod Stewart at this most difficult time. Losing a family member is always heartbreaking, always immeasurably painful, but to lose two in the space of such a short time … leaves me without words.

Please share this article on Facebook if you want to send your love and support in Rod’s direction.

Homemade Cherry Cheesecake

Have you ever tried something so delicious you can barely stand it…and something that you’re even more shocked that you actually made. This is one of those recipes. When you make this Homemade Cherry Cheesecake, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. My whole family loves this recipe so much. If it were for them, I’d be making this every day! Give it a shot, you’ll love it!!To Make this Recipe You’ Will Need the following ingredients:

INGREDIENTS:

For the ingredients we need:
500 g of Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough, I used the mini cookie dough pieces. [THE CRUST ].

The filling:
4 large eggs.
2 tsp pure vanilla extract.
1 cup white sugar.
1 1/2 can cheery pie.
Cream cheese.

DIRECTIONS :

STEP 1 : Press the cookie dough into the bottom of a round pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Let it cool.

STEP 2 : Beat cream with granulated sugar, add vanilla, and eggs beat well.

STEP 3 : Pour into crust, and bake again for 1 hour . until browned.

STEP 4 : Chill in the fridge and top with canned cherry pie filling.

ENJOY.

Every day, a squirrel bangs on the house window: After eight years, they understand what she wants to say

Although there can be very profound bonds between humans and animals, we must exercise caution when it comes to wildlife. It might be challenging to determine exactly how we should treat wild animals, but one thing we must always remember is that we must not interfere with their innate instincts or capacity to live in the wild.

However, there are times when it might be appropriate to offer assistance, particularly when it comes to a matter of life or death, as this amazing narrative begins.

2009 saw the discovery by Brantly Harrison and her family of a four-week-old squirrel that was on the verge of death following an owl attack. They had no idea that this would be the start of a relationship that would last a lifetime with the small animal.

I picked up this adorable infant today. We’ll watch over her till she gets to a rehab facility. I’m very happy to have even a tiny influence on this baby’s life.

Once brought home, the family took care of the squirrel by feeding it. They chose to refer to her as Bella.

The Harrisons quickly developed a close bond with their new little buddy, according to Metro.

They returned Bella to the wild once she recovered.

I look half asleep, but it’s great to have my girl visit me in the morning!

After a few years, a visit…
The family never imagined they would see Bella again, but when they answered the door a year later, Bella was there.

The little squirrel had undoubtedly matured, yet she remained grateful to the family who had spared her life.

Bella kept going to their garden on a daily basis. She was an actual member of the Harrison family.

Every day, Sweet CID waits patiently at the door for Bella to pay her a visit. I’m constantly curious about what each of them is.

A new family
Bella came by again one day, and this time she rapped fervently on their glass, as though she had something essential to tell them.

When the family learned Bella had injured her foot, they took her in right away, giving her medication and a comfortable box to recuperate in.

But at that point, they realized what Bella was actually attempting to convey to them. They found three small baby squirrels inside the box as they laid Bella down; these were the three arrivals that Bella had clearly wished to present to her other family.

If you think animals are fantastic, feel free to share this story with your friends on Facebook!

WOOLWORTH CHEESECAKE

Ingredients:

° Evaporated Milk, I using a well-chilled 12 OZ can .

° Lemon Jello Gelatin, I used -3 oz, but you can use any flavor you want.

° Cream cheese, you will need PKG.Og-8oz-. • 1 m. And 2/3 Graham crumbs.

° 1 C boiling water.

° 1 C granulated sugar.

° 1/2 tsp. Confectioner’s sugar

° 6 T. From margarine, you should melt it.

° 4 T. From fresh lemon juice.

Instructions :

Step 1 – Shake the evaporated milk, to start with, also cool for at least an hour to cool down.

Step 2 – Dissolve Lemon Jello in hot water in a shallow mixing bowl with a wire whisk for two minutes.

Step 3 – Mix the graham crumbs with confectioners’ sugar and melted butter. To decorate, keep a third of a cup of the batter.

Step 4 – Push the rest firmly into the bottom of a medium sized plate. Put it in the freezer.

Step 5 – Mix cream cheese with granulated sugar and lemon or vanilla juice together in another large mixing bowl, using a mixer, until creamy and fluffy.

Whisk until mixed well in the cooled jelly.

Now, cool the mixture.

Step 6 – Shake the package again and drain the chilled milk can be evaporated into another large mixing cup. Whisk, until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, on a high mixer. The consistency of crushed egg whites should be present. Add the cream cheese / jello mixture.

Step 7 – On the chilled crust, pour the mixture.

Step 8 – Sprinkle the rest of the breadcrumbs mixture onto top. Until cut into squares, cool for several hours.

* Notes:

A larger plate can be used, such as 9 “or 12” and the dessert will be smaller.

Pour it into small bowls and put it in the fridge for an easy creamy snack if you have a lot of toppings for the little jar.

Enjoy !

BEEF ROAST POT

Chuck Roast beef is the perfect pot roast beef. It is a cheap piece of beef with a lot of fat that needs to be cooked slowly to break up the connective tissues to make it extra tender for consumption.

INGREDIENTS :

Baby Carrots
1 Potato
3 tablespoons Creole seasoning
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon celery flakes
1 tablespoon Parsley
1 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS 

Chop Potato and Carrots

Beef roast- season with ingredients and Pan Sear on Stove top skillet
-place in casserole dish
– add cup of water
-add more Creole seasoning to liking and cover with foil

Bake at 350 temp for 2 1/2 hours
– remove foil – add Carrots and Potato
-place back in oven and bake uncovered for additional 30 minutes or to liking

Enjoy!

We Grew Up Eating Spam, But We Never Knew The Truth About It

Retro foods are getting renewed attention, including that classic meat in a can, Spam. How much do you know about this food, however? Whether you love it, hate it, or have never tried it, it’s interesting to note that Spam has a long history, dating all the way back to the 1930s. According to the Spam website, 8 billion cans of Spam have been sold worldwide since it first burst onto the scene.

Spam was first introduced in 1937, during the Great Depression. Since fresh pork was too expensive for most people and hard to come by, this canned meat product quickly became a household favorite for its affordable price and convenience. During World War II, the product was in hot demand, with the military purchasing 150 million pounds of Spam by the war’s end.

According to the Spam website, the canned meat is relatively simple in its ingredients – there are just six, in total: pork with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite.

What’s in a name? Well, it’s not entirely clear why it’s called Spam, but the name was the brainchild of a brother of a Hormel Foods vice president. Many have guessed that Spam means “shoulder of pork and ham” or “spiced ham,” but it’s never been confirmed. Mental Floss explains that “the name was suggested by Kenneth Daigneau, an actor who received the $100 prize in a contest Hormel had sponsored.” He also happened to be the brother of a Hormel executive.

Spam has quite a huge following in Hawaii, who is the biggest consumer of the product, where it makes a showing in, among other applications, a fried rice and seaweed pocket called Spam Musubi. The Spam website notes, “Hawaii eats seven million cans of Spam products every year.”

South Korea is the second largest consumer of Spam and it’s often used as an ingredient in a sushi roll known as kimbap.

Did you know there are many varieties of Spam available? In addition to the original flavor, the following flavor options exist: Spam Lite, Spam Bacon, Spam Turkey, Spam Teriyaki, Spam Cheese, Spam Garlic, Spam Black Pepper, Spam Hickory Smoke, and Spam Portuguese Sausage!

A museum dedicated to all things Spam is located in Austin, Minnesota, the birthplace of the Spam brand. According to the website, the museum “pays tribute to its presence across the world.” Additional Spam bragging rights: Spam product packaging was donated to the Smithsonian in 1998.

If you haven’t been bold enough to give Spam a try, the product’s website explains the taste as: “In a word: magic.” They note, “Of course, we’re biased, and if you haven’t had the good fortune of tasting magic before, that won’t tell you much. Speaking objectively, they taste kinda like ham. They also taste a little like pork roast.” Spam can be grilled, baked, or fried, resulting in different tastes and textures.

The website also explains the process of making Spam, which involves adding ingredients to pre-ground pork and ham, before the mixture is canned, vacuum sealed, and then cooked and cooled for three hours. Labels are applied and the cans are placed in cases and distributed.

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake

Experience blueberry thrills, whatever the season! This no-bake blueberry cheesecake recipe is as quick and easy as cheesecake recipes.

Ingredients

  • 1 graham cracker pie crust (6 oz)
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 can (21 oz) blueberry pie filling

Instructions

  1. With a mixer, beat the cream cheese until frothy. Gradually stir in sweetened condensed milk, beating until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into crust. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.
  2. Once cooled, top with pie filling.