Jan 14, 2010

Jacks Super Bowl Snacks

Here are some tasty ideas for the ‘Super Bowl Game.’
I updated this from last time...
This plans out every game quarter including something for half time.

Some Serving Items:
Six Glass Beer Mugs (place these in the freezer at least 24 hours prior to the game) … to be safe allow 2 mugs for each beer drinker.
Large 4 to 5 quart bowl.
Large Diner Plates (I prefer these over serving trays).
Pack of Toothpicks.
Paper Plates.
Paper Towels (guys are messy).
Plastic Sporks.
Ice.
Large Plastic Drinking Cups.
Beer (I prefer bottles).
Bacardi Rum.

Cooking Utensils:
Can Opener.
Medium to Large Frying Pan.
Sharp Kitchen Paring Knife.
Toaster (optional).
Microwave.
1 large Baking Tray.
Serving Spoon.
Blender.

Ingredients and Preparation by Item:

First Quarter Food:
(1) Microwave Popcorn (buy unsalted)
When popcorn is ready and hot place in large 5 quart bowl and lightly sprinkle some Cajun Creole Powder, mix well … serve with First Frosted Beer in glass mug
…. While the hungry Jack’s are munching on the popcorn and engulfing their first beer

(2) Saltine Cracker Munchies...
Buy low fat salted Saltine Crackers, Extra Sharp Cheese (in block or wedge), Golden Spicy Brown Mustard, and Italian Fresh Tomatoes.
Allow about 2 crackers per person.
On the cracker - slice about ¼ inch thick piece each of extra sharp cheese and tomato, lightly add some fresh ground black pepper, and top with some Golden Spicy Brown Mustard.
Serve on paper diner plates with a second Ice Cold Mug of Beer.

(3) From the frozen food section, buy some Potato Tots.
On a large oven baking tray, place in oven and heat until golden brown (follow package instructions).
When they are done, remove place on diner plate while hot, sprinkle with some Cajun Creole Season Powder.
Place a toothpick in each one for easy handling.
Yes, more Cold Beer (secret, keep the beer in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours, make sure it is towards the back). Before serving, place beer bottle in freezer for about 5 minutes, not as good as frosty mug, but still good ...
Caution: Do NOT leave Beer in Freezer for than 10 minutes.


Second Quarter Food:
Jack’s Nacho Supreme
Using 2 separate Diner Plates prepare as follows:
Nacho Chips (flour or corn, your choice or one of each).
Place chips so they slightly overlap on the plate.
Sprinkle Monterrey Jack Shredded Cheese and microwave for about 30 seconds.
Using One Pound of Ground Beef, pan fry beef in deep pan with olive oil, when almost done add 1 tablespoon of L & P Sauce and 1 Tablespoon of A1 Steak Sauce, a pinch of salt and fresh ground black pepper.
Now add in 1/2 bottle (8-ounces) of Salsa.
Cook until liquid has almost evaporated.
Pour over Nacho Chips.
Add to both plates…
Fresh white onion finely diced.
Shredded Lettuce.
Sour Cream (secret – add a small amount of hot water to the sour cream, stir .. it makes it easy to spread.)
Add to only one plate ....
Some sliced Jalapeno Peppers (I buy mine in a can).
Serve these at same time, use a serving spoon so each person can get their own, and use paper plates and plastic sporks for individuals.
And, YES more Cold Beer.


Half Time Food and Beverage....
(1) Food …
Egg Burrito Surprise
Soft Flour Tortilla Shells
2 Eggs per Tortilla Soft Shell does it.
Fry scrambled eggs in pan, add Cajun Hot Sauce and fresh ground black pepper while cooking.
Place on Tortilla, add Shredded Taco Blended Mix Cheese and sour cream.

(2) Beverage.....
This makes a great mixed drink.
1 can of frozen Lime Aide Juice (you can use lemon aide, but not as good)
Bacardi Rum
Pour Frozen Concentrate into Blender
Using same can add one can of Water
Using same can add one can of Rum
Add in 2 Tablespoons of Sugar
Fill remaining part of blender with Ice to top
Blend thoroughly makes a thick frosty mixer like a Slurpee.
Note: Hold lid of blender very tight
Pour in plastic beverage cup

Note: Serve these two items together.


Third Quarter Food.....
(1) Melba Toast Treats
On Melba Toast add some Port Wine Cheese Spread, place on separate diner plate and serve. Allow 2 per person.

(2) Using Extra Sharp Cheese and Mild Cheddar Cheese
Cut cheese into small cubes, use toothpicks for easy handling.
Place on diner plate and serve. Allow about 4 pieces per person.

(3) Buy some Ruffle Edge Potato Chips
Serve these with the remaining Nacho / Taco Chips with a side bowl of Salsa for dipping.
And, YES more Cold Beer


Fourth Quarter Food (round-up).....
(1) On Italian or French Bread, slice into ½ inch thick pieces, place on baking tray, pour some Olive Oil or use butter, bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove, place on plates. Now slice into ¼ inch thick pieces some fresh Mozzarella Cheese top with ¼ inch thick slices of Italian Tomato, cover with Virgin Olive Oil and serve. Allow about 3 pieces per person.

(2) Cheese Quesadillas, simply and easy to make
Buy a standard package of flour tortilla shells
Buy a large package of shredded Mexican Blended Cheese, or any of your favorite shredded cheese.
On medium heat, place tortilla shell, wait about 30 second. Sprinkle shredded cheese, move to one half side of shell, fold shell over to cover cheese, press down. Wait another 30 seconds, flip over and heat another one minute.
Cut into 4 equal pieces, serve.

(3) Final Meal for those Hungry Jack’s
On Rye Bread use either fresh sliced deli ham, corn beef, or pastrami add some Swiss Cheese, heat in microwave for about 20 seconds, remove, cut sandwich into ¼ sections, serve. Allow about 2 sections per person.
DON’T forget the Cold Beer.

You just had one hell of a Super Bowl Feed Bust
Enjoy the Game
See you next year ....

////////\\\\\\\\
Now You're Cooking with JACK
Just Another One of Jack's Famous Recipes
Got a Question, Comment, Suggestion or would like to submit a tasty recipe meal, email me at:
jacksrecipes@yahoo.com

I would like to know what you think of Jack’s Super Bowl Snacks Recipe, please go to the comments section and leave me a comment. Thank you.


Also if you would be so kind, please follow this blog and share it with others.

Jan 9, 2010

Jack’s Recipes - How to Cook Rice

I mention rice in a few of my recipes, so I have gotten quite a few emails asking me how I prepare rice and what type of rice I use.

I use Indian Basmati Rice
















Here is how to Cook Basmati Rice:
Basmati is a variety of long grain rice, famous for its subtle aroma and delicious taste. The grains of Basmati rice are much longer, they are wide and they grow even longer as they cook. They stay firm and separate, not sticky, after cooking.
When cooked, Basmati rice puffs up length-wise and becomes very fluffy, fantastic for mingling with spicy foods and sauces.

Steps in Cooking Basmati Rice

Preparation:
Before using either method to cook the rice, do the following:
Rinse the Basmati Rice with cold water thoroughly before cooking, because there is so much starch clinging to its grains. Wash two to three times with your hands.
Then leave to soak for about 30 minutes in fresh cold water.


1) - Stove-Top Method:
Directions-
Put the Basmati Rice into a medium saucepan.
Drain the water again and then fill with fresh water.
The quantity of water should be a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1 1/2 cups water to boil if you want firm rice.
Add the correct amount of water and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil.
Make sure you cook it in a heavy pot and do not disturb the rice or take a peek while its in the middle of cooking.
When it boils, lower the heat, simmer for 12 - 14 minutes before turning off the heat.
Remove from heat and stand covered, for another 5-10 minutes. until you're ready to serve. The rice should have absorbed all the water and will just need fluffing up with a spoon or fork.


2) - Cooking Basmati Rice Using the Rice Cooker:
Directions-
Important Note: This is my preferred method of cooking rice.
If you are not comfortable using the stove-top method you can always use the rice cooker as an alternative, using a rice cooker to cook Basmati or any type of rice is simple and convenient.
Put the desired amount of rice you need in the bowl of the rice cooker.















Wash the Basmati Rice and adjust the quantity of water.
Example: If you use 2 cups of Basmati Rice, the water level in the rice cooker should be 2 1/2 level, if you like your grains more tender.
Or 2 cups of rice, the water should be in 2 level of the rice cooker if you want firm rice.
When the rice is cooked, the rice cooker will automatically turn down the heat so there is not a problem of burning the rice.
Once done, let sit for about 10-minutes, open and fluff with fork or spoon.


For some healthy food serve this as a veggie side dish, with any meal, dish up onto serving plate or into bowl and just add butter to the hot rice.
My children grew up loving this and my grandchildren love it to.
Try following the Asian method, eat rice with a spoon. For children this is certainly easier and they wont get frustrated trying to eat it with a fork.

////////\\\\\\\\
Now You're Cooking with JACK
Just Another One of Jack's Famous Recipes
Got a Question, Comment, Suggestion or would like to submit a tasty recipe meal, email me at:
jacksrecipes@yahoo.com

I would like to know what you think of Jack’s Recipe for Cooking Basmati Rice.
If you could, please go to the comments section and leave me a comment.
Thank you.


Also if you would be so kind, please Follow this Blog and share it with others.
Happy Cooking.