Tag Archive for breakfast

Enjoy A Burrito

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Easy Burritos - The Surprised Gourmet

Burritos are a quick and easy meal that is filled with loads of goodness

It’s the second day of October already, a good time to slow down your pace and enjoy a burrito.

The wonderful thing about burritos is you can use such a vast array of ingredients to fill them. Traditionally when you hear burrito you might think meat (usually ground beef) and refried beans as the filling along with some lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream. But you can also use rice, salsa, guacamole, chili peppers, well you get the picture.

You can even change things up and make the burrito for breakfast. These can include such fillings as scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, onions, and basically anything you want.

Burrito ingredients - The Surprised Gourmet

Fillings for burritos can be anything you like

I made a simple burrito the other night using a few ingredients we always have in the refrigerator. I heated the tortilla shells in the microwave for about 7 seconds just to make them easier to roll.

I put about a tablespoon of sour cream on each of the four tortilla shells and smoothed it out. Then I generously layered spinach (about a cup) over the sour cream. I followed that with slices of deli-style ham (three slices to a shell). I topped it off by sprinkling shredded Mexican Blend cheese (1/4 cup per shell) and putting a layer of thinly-sliced mushrooms down the center. I used one mushroom per shell saving several slices for the top. After rolling up the burritos, I added a little more sour cream, shredded cheese and the remaining slices of mushroom to the top of each.

Burritos on a plate - The Surprised Gourmet

Make your burritos simple or complicated

Burritos can be simple or as complicated as you want them to be. They’re a quick, easy and fun meal that can be filled with lots of tasty ingredients. You can load’em down so you have to use a fork to eat them or keep it simple so you can pick them up to eat. Either way, have fun with your food and add your favorite ingredients.

Stay traditional or think outside the box adding ingredients you’ve never had in a burrito before. There’s nothing set in stone that says you have to have things a certain way. Experimenting with food is one of the joys of cooking. You’ll be surprised sometimes by the wonderful dishes you create when you let your imagination take over.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you a fan of burritos? What are your favorite ingredients? What’s the most unusual ingredient you’ve tried in a burrito? If you try this recipe, be sure to stop back by and let me know how you liked it or if you post it online include the tag #thesurprisedgourmet. Always like to know how the recipes turn out for you.

Cucina Felice!

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Enjoy A Burrito

Prep time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 2 servings

Burritos can be made with a vast array of ingredients making them quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
  • 4 Tortilla shells
  • 4 Tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 Cup spinach
  • 12 Slices deli-style ham
  • 1 Cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese
  • 4 Mushrooms, thinly sliced
Instructions
  1. Warm tortilla shells in microwave for 7 seconds to make them easier to roll.
  2. Put about a tablespoon of sour cream on each of the four tortilla shells and smooth it out. Generously layer spinach over the sour cream. Follow that with 3 slices of deli-style ham per shell. Top it off by sprinkling ¼ cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese per shell and add a layer of thinly-sliced mushrooms down the center. Use one mushroom per shell saving several slices for the top. After rolling up the burritos, add a little more sour cream, shredded cheese and the remaining slices of mushroom on top.

 

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Banana Johnnies for Breakfast

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Banana Johnnies make a tasty alternative to traditional pancakes for breakfast

Banana Johnnies make a tasty alternative to traditional pancakes

Have you ever gotten up in the morning with the taste for pancakes for breakfast only to find you don’t have any pancake mix or any other ingredients to make traditional pancakes in your kitchen?

Well, I have an alternative recipe you can make that might just hit the spot. It’s simple and has a nice sweet taste all on its own without even adding syrup. I call it Banana Johnnies.

The secret ingredient is a ripe banana. This gives you the sweetness without having to add a lot of sugar or syrup.

I begin by peeling the banana, putting it in a bowl and mashing it up with a fork. Next, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of sweet milk (I use whole) and a 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavoring. I mix this together and then add the twist to the traditional pancake mix – 1 cup self-rising corn meal mix. That’s right, I’m using corn meal mix instead of flour or a Bisquick mix. Combining the corn meal mix with the banana mixture, I make sure it’s well incorporated.

I heat up a non-stick skillet on medium high and add about a tablespoon of Canola oil to cook the Johnnies in.

When the pan is hot, I carefully spoon the pancake batter into the skillet. You can make the pancakes any size you want. This can also be cooked on a griddle, if you prefer.

Banana Johnnies are sweet and good for breakfast

Adding a banana makes these pancakes sweet on their own

I cook the pancakes for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden brown and not coming apart when I lift an edge up. Then I flip them over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on that side until it is golden brown.

I serve them hot right out of the skillet with a tab of butter on top. The pancakes have just a hint of sweetness on their own from the banana. If you like your pancakes sweet, you may want to add a splash of syrup on top. This makes about 6 or 7 pancakes depending on the size you desire.

These are called Johnnies after the old-fashion Johnnycakes that use corn meal instead of flour. I remember eating Johnnycakes in my youth. In searching the web, I learned Johnnycake is prepared from Newfoundland to Jamaica. New England cuisine still features a modern Johnnycake, while in the South (where I live) the cakes are sometimes referred to as hoecakes. To find out more about Johnnycakes, click HERE.

Have you eaten Johnnycakes before? Are they called something else where you live? Okay, now what’s your favorite item to pair with pancakes?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cucina felice!

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Banana Johnnies for Breakfast

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 6 to 7 pancakes

This is a tasty alternative to traditional pancakes.
Ingredients
  • 1 Banana, ripe
  • ½ Cup Milk
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Canola oil
  • 1 Large egg
  • ½ Teaspoon vanilla flavoring
  • 1 Cup self-rising corn meal mix
Instructions
  1. Peel the banana, place in a bowl and mash with a fork. Add 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 large egg, ½ cup of milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring. Mix well and add the twist to the traditional pancake recipe - 1 cup self-rising corn meal mix. Combine the corn meal mix with the banana mixture making sure to incorporate all the ingredients well.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium high. Add 1 tablespoon Canola oil and when the skillet is hot carefully spoon the batter into the skillet making them the desired size you want. This batter can also be cooked on a griddle.
  3. Cook the pancakes for about 2 to 3 minutes or until you can lift the edges without them coming apart and they are golden brown. Flip pancakes and cook 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
  4. Remove from pan. Add butter on top, if desired. These pancakes will be a bit sweet on their own so you may want to try them before pouring syrup over them.

 

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Popeye the Sailor Muffins

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Delicious breakfast dish includes spinach

Delicious breakfast dish includes spinach

One ingredient that probably doesn’t quickly come to mind when you think of breakfast is spinach, unless of course you’re Popeye the Sailor.

Am I right? Tell your family they’re having spinach for breakfast and I don’t think you’ll get a lot of “Oh, yummy!” or “Can’t wait” replies from them.

Its how you present the spinach and what you prepare it with that’ll make the difference. In fact, this dish can be served for any meal of the day (or night). That’s just one of the reasons it’s enjoyed so in our house. We call it Popeye the Sailor Muffins because it features fresh spinach, a favorite of the cartoon character from our youth.

First I began by seeding and finely dicing 2 Roma tomatoes, then I took 6 slices of deli-style ham (I used Buddig Original Ham) and julienned it. I put 1 tablespoon of butter (you can also use margarine) and 1 tablespoon of Canola oil in a skillet on medium heat. Once the skillet was hot, I put the tomatoes and ham in, stirred it about and reduced the temperature down to medium low. I added a couple of turns of fresh ground black pepper and kosher salt. You can season to your taste.

While that was cooking, I julienned 1/3 cup of fresh spinach and finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of green onion tops. It makes the recipe go smoother if you prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Since I decided on new ingredients as I cooked, I chopped and julienned as I went.

All the ingredients come together in a creamy mixture

All the ingredients come together in a creamy mixture

I added the spinach, oregano and onions to the tomato mixture and cooked for a couple of minutes more. Taking another skillet, I added a splash of Canola oil (about 1 tablespoon) and browned the halves of 3 English muffins.

I went back to the tomato mixture and added 1 cup of cottage cheese, stirring it in.

I had some of the julienned spinach leftover (about 2 tablespoons) so I sprinkled it over the English muffin halves (putting 3 halves to a plate). I topped that with the tomato mixture and sprinkled shredded Mexican Blend cheese over all of that.

The cottage cheese and the tomatoes blend together creating a creamy, smooth texture similar to melted Velveeta cheese. The ingredients come together in a burst of flavor and you forget you’re eating spinach for breakfast.

This dish, like many others, is very versatile and can be made using additional or less ingredients as you desire. As I mentioned earlier, it can also be served for any meal of the day.

Do you enjoy dishes that can be adapted for any meal of the day? Do you enjoy preparing dishes that work just as well with or without additional ingredients depending on your taste at the time?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cucina Felice!

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Popeye the Sailor Muffins

Rating 

Serves: 2-3 servings

A delicious way to introduce spinach into your breakfast without a lot of fuss
Ingredients
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 2 Tablespoons Canola oil
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 6 Slices deli-style ham
  • ⅓ Cup julienne spinach (+ 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh minced oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh finely chopped green onion tops
  • 3 English Muffins
  • 1 Cup cottage cheese
  • Shredded Mexican Blend cheese to sprinkle on top (optional)
  • Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh ground Kosher salt (to taste)
Instructions
  1. Begin by seeding and finely dicing 2 Roma tomatoes, then julienne 6 slices of deli-style ham. Put 1 tablespoon of butter (or margarine) and 1 tablespoon of Canola oil in a skillet on medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the tomatoes and ham, stirring and reduce the temperature to medium low. Add a couple of turns of fresh ground black pepper and fresh ground kosher salt seasoning to your taste.
  2. While that cooks, julienne ⅓ cup (plus 2 tablespoons) of fresh spinach and finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of green onion tops. It makes the recipe go smoother if you prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking.
  3. Add the spinach, oregano and onions to the tomato mixture and cook for a couple of minutes more. Taking another skillet, add a splash of Canola oil (about 1 tablespoon) and browned the halves of 3 English muffins.
  4. Go back to the tomato mixture and add 1 cup of cottage cheese, stirring it in.
  5. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of julienned spinach over the browned English muffin halves. You can serve it for 2 with 3 halves each or for 3 with 2 halves each. Top that with the tomato mixture and sprinkled shredded Mexican Blend cheese over all of that.
  6. The cottage cheese and the tomatoes blend together creating a creamy, smooth texture similar to melted Velveeta cheese. The ingredients come together in a burst of flavor and you forget you're eating spinach for breakfast.

 

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Simple Pleasures Breakfast

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Enjoying breakfast outdoors

Enjoying breakfast outdoors

Do you and your family have a favorite breakfast ritual? Is there anything special that y’all do concerning breakfast on those days everyone can enjoy it together?

For our family, it’s eating outdoors on the picnic table when the weather permits. And we have been known to eat out there even when the wind was blowing so hard you had to anchor everything down to keep it on the table.

The pleasures of breakfast outdoors
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There’s just something about eating outdoors, looking out over the lake that enhances any meal. Maybe it’s because the experience relaxes you and you’re able to enjoy your meal that much better without the interruptions you have indoors from TVs and such.

You can take simple dishes and make them an enjoyable meal. You have little stress preparing the food and the time to enjoy the simple pleasures of those you’re with.

Cutting the ingredients for the muffin

Cutting the ingredients for the muffin

One of our favorite breakfast meals is homemade fries and an English muffin filled with ham, scrambled egg and a slice of Kraft Velveeta Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Pair that with a cup of fresh ground Dark Italian Roast coffee and you have a delicious combination.

A meal doesn’t have to always be fancy and elegant to be enjoyed. The time you spend enjoying the meal with family and friends is what makes it special.

I start with four average size potatoes, wash and pat dry. Then cut them into wedges leaving the skins on. Put enough Canola oil in a skillet to cover the potatoes completely. Turn the oil on high to begin with. Once it’s heated up, turn the heat to medium, add potatoes carefully and cook until golden brown, turning occasionally.

The home fries cooking in Canola oil

The home fries cooking in Canola oil

While the potatoes are cooking, cut English muffins in half and toast. Just pop them in the toaster to achieve your desired texture.

Using a cookie cutter (or plastic Tupperware container like I do), cut the ham and cheese into circles the same size as the muffins. Scramble your eggs, but leave them in an omelete-like texture so you can also cut circles out of them. You can add the excess pieces from the circles to the muffins if you want a little extra in your muffin. You can add butter, mayonnaise, mustard or nothing to your muffin before you begin assembling it.

Ready to enjoy

Ready to enjoy

When the potatoes are done, carefully remove them and place on paper towels to drain. Quickly sprinkle your choice of seasoning on them. I use Lawry’s Garlic Salt and fresh ground black pepper for a nice bite.

Assemble your muffins and home fries on a plate, grab a cup of coffee and joins us at the picnic table. It’s a great way to enjoy good food, good company, and watch the boaters go by.

Cucina felice!

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Simple Pleasures Breakfast

Rating 

Serves: 2

Ingredients
  • 4 Average size potatoes
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 2 Slices Kraft Velveeta Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 4 Slices cooked sandwich ham
  • 2 English muffins
  • Canola oil
  • Lawry's Garlic Salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Wash and dry potatoes, cut into wedges. Heat Canola oil in skillet (enough to completely cover potatoes). Once oil is hot, turn down to medium heat and carefully add potatoes. Cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  2. Scramble eggs in a splash of Canola oil. Cook until the texture of an omelet and remove.
  3. Cut English muffins in half and toast.
  4. Using cookie cutter, cut circles the size of the muffins in the eggs, ham and cheese. Excess from the circles can be added to the muffins.
  5. You can add butter, mayonnaise, mustard or nothing to the muffins and then begin your assembly. Place the ham, cheese and egg on a muffin half, top with the other muffin half and place on a plate.
  6. When the home fries are golden brown, carefully remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle your choice of seasonings (garlic salt, black pepper, etc.) on the fries while they are piping hot. Add to plate with English muffin and serve.
  7. The home fries are good by themselves or dabbed in your favorite condiments.

Yum

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