Simple Cajun Seasoning

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Do it yourself and have on hand instead of paying for expensive store prices!

- 2.5 Tbs Salt
- 1 Tbs Dried Oregano
- 1 Tbs Paprika
- 1 Tbs Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tbs Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Tbs Onion Powder
- 1 Tbs Garlic Powder


1) Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, store in an airtight container or jar.

Notes:
by D. Archer
This seasoning can be placed in a small jar tied with a decorative ribbon, include a recipe that utilizes this seasoning for an easy and fun homemade gift! I bet it would be great sprinkled over french fries.

Party Punch

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Super easy and fun to make, great for parties or kids.

- 4 Tbs Instant Iced Tea Mix ( flavor of your choice, in this case I used Passion Fruit Orange )
- 1 packet Kool-aid mix, makes 2 quarts ( again, flavor of your choice, I used black cherry )
- 1 c Sugar
- 1 Can of Sliced Pineapple in juice
- 3.5 quarts water ( More or less to your own taste )


1) In a large pitcher or bowl ( you need to be able to hold 1 gallon of liquid ), put in the kool-aid packet, sugar, and mix with 2 quarts of water.
2) Add in 4 Tbs iced tea mix and 2 cups of water. Mix all together and add in the pineapple WITH the juice. Stir then chill until cold or if there is space, add ice to chill.

Testimonials:
by D. Archer
I made this tonight for a picnic we are having tomorrow, it tastes nice and refreshing! It can be made to look more elegant by adding in slices of orange, served in a wine glass with crushed ice, and topped with a sprig of fresh mint.

Cantaloupe-Strawberry Blended Juice or Slush

Recipe & Photos sent in by:
N. Marion

Healthy, refreshing, and super easy.






Preparation time: 5 minutes. Makes: 2-3 servings.
- 1 whole cantaloupe, pref. organic and local (for juicy freshness!)
- 2 cup strawberries, cleaned and hulled (freeze for a "frozen" drink!)

Do Ahead If you want a cold drink, have your cantaloupe in the fridge. I like to freeze the strawberries also.
1) Clean and cut the melon in half. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Using a big spoon, scoop out the flesh and put it into your high-speed blender. Be sure to catch all the juice that comes out when you're scooping and add that to the blender.
2) Place strawberries in next. Place lid on blender and blend on high for about 1 minute, or until the cantaloupe and strawberry have turned to juice.
Note:
If you have a dryer melon, you might need to add a little water to get it moving. ~Also~ If your blender is not super powered, you might have to add a little water to help get things moving.

Enjoy!

Pan-Seared Polenta with Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce

Pairs nicely with Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce

8 servings
- 8 cups water
- 5 tablespoons (or more) olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce (click for recipe)
- Fresh basil sprigs (for garnish; optional)

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish on rimmed baking sheet. Combine 8 cups water, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 teaspoons salt in dish. Gradually mix in polenta.
2) Place baking sheet with polenta in oven. Bake polenta 1 hour. Add pepper and stir to blend. Bake 20 minutes. Stir again and spread evenly. Bake until polenta is very thick, about 20 minutes longer. Cool polenta to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours (polenta will become firm). Using metal spatula, press polenta all over to even thickness.
DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover with plastic wrap; chill.

1) Preheat oven to 325°F. Cut polenta lengthwise into 4 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 6 squares. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add polenta squares. Sauté until crisp and beginning to color, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer polenta to small baking sheet; place in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining polenta, adding oil to skillet as needed.
2) Divide polenta among plates. Top with warm Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs, if desired.


Recipe from bon appétit, for more information: Pan Seared Polenta with Spicy Tomato-Basil Sauce