Recipes

[tiny 2]

---

@RespectLife wrote:

I love that Dill gravy recipe @momtochloe 

It is a keeper!

Thanks for posting!

I copied it yet again so I don't lose it!

That meat looks a little over 'dead' to me....but what do you think the gravy is on?

Bread?  Bread Dumplings?

---

@momtochloe  Do you have the recipe for the bread dumplings

@RespectLife,"That meat looks a little over 'dead' to me"

I kinda like my meat dead, .

[tiny 2]

---

@Writer with Flair wrote:

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

@RespectLife wrote:

@Writer with Flair 

How are things going with you and Mr. Writer?

---

Yes @Writer with Flair , how are you doing my friend?  Where you been? 

Hope you and Mr. Writer are doing well . . . 

---

Dear Friends,

     To paraphrase Bette Davis in "All About Eve,"  It has been a bit of "a bumpy ride" in the past several months.

     My husband started a new job (very good) but then I got this weird arthritis (bad) thing where I was extremely fatigued and ached all over--especially in a hip and knee that were injured in a car wreck where a large car transporter hit my car (fortunately a Volvo) awhile back.  

     My computer had some sort of electronic hissy fit, so I made the change to a Microsoft Surface one which is doing much better. (Good).  

     My MIL had hip replacement surgery which turned out to be harder on her (and everyone else in the family, as a result) than she thought it would be.  She is not a very good patient. (bad)  

     My two closest cousins have had serious health problems (bad), but I am glad that I was able to be there for them (good).

     I am sorry that I have been out of pocket for a while and that I missed Dear Mustang's birthday.  You have not been forgotten but continue to be in my prayers. 

     I have been worn out from everything for a while, but currently am bouncing back--energy-wise.

     Thanks for thinking of me.

Love,

Writer with Flair

---

@Writer with Flair, We sure have been missing you. Sometimes all these things hit at once or without much of a breather in between.

I'm glad to hear you are feeling better and getting your energy back. Take it easy over the holidays and rest up some more. I hope you have a nice Christmas and things are better next year for you all.

[momtochloe]

---

@tiny 2 wrote:

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

@tiny 2 wrote:

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

---

---

@tiny 2  Now if you need any guidance as to how to hang your drapes with paperclips or tying up a curtain rod with ribbons from Aldi pj's, just let me know as I am your guy!  

Bless you my friend, I am so happy you have found a place as wonderful as you are . . . 

@momtochloe, This sounds like a couple of tricks I need to know about and have not a clue LOL

---

---

Hee oh @tiny 2  my friend, you do not want your draperies to look anything like mine!  

I knew when I bought this place it had zero window treatments so I came armed with those temporary paper blinds but let's just say I didn't think too far beyond that . . . ooops . . . I recognize the curtain rod configuration from my mom's house (think early 70's which was drapes-palooza) but not very helpful now (put a pin in that thought).  After a while those paper blinds can get cranky so off I went to Aldi as they had black out drapery panels, score!  Now how do I hang them, again ooops.  I knew I couldn't install curtain rods on my own so I decided to use those 70's rods and use opened up paperclips to attach to my Aldi find . . . and it worked!  It's also about 8" short of the floor but you can't have everything (I have also upgraded from the paper clips to regular drapery hooks, tres chic).

Now in the bedroom, I have a curtain rod suspended from the 70's rod with ties/ribbons from various Aldi purchases like a robe and some bedding.  Now that actually doesn't look too bad . . . not great but not too bad . . . 

I treated myself to that Worx cordless screwdriver during the free s/h weekend so goodness only knows what trouble I'll be getting into with that . . . stay tuned . . . 

Hope you are doing well my friend and that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving . . . 

---

@momtochloe  Somehow I thought I had answered this. I now have a new place and I hope to see you after Christmas with your new Worx screwdriver in hand. I have had good luck with that brand. I have electric leaf blowers that are so easy to use and much quieter than the gas blowers. I got mine years ago from QVC and they are still going strong.

I am missing your weekly Aldi reports. They have a heating pad this week if they made it in. I have not had time to check for sure. The supply chain issues are having an effect on the finds from Aldi and that pad is listed in the possible did not make it list.

I do hope you have a great Christmas and I'm sorry I did not answer you sooner.

---

Hee @tiny 2  I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to hear someone loved my Aldi updates . . . don't ask me twice, they will be back starting tomorrow!  

As for dumplings, I have two recipes I would recommend.  One is quick and dirty, and one is more traditional:

Quick and dirty:

Bread Dumplings (Houskove Knedliky) Recipe - Food.com

A bit more labor intensive:

Czech Bread Dumplings (Knedlíky) - Cook Like Czechs

When I was with my mom, we used to make the more labor intensive version (with yeast) and they are more tender and fluffier.  I like the quick and dirty as I make a much smaller amount so this works for me although the dumplings are much more dense (I also think I need a deeper pot to cook them in so maybe they would cook more evenly).  The flavor is there but I do miss the texture of the other recipe.

Please don't be intimidated about making dumplings especially the bread version.  The potato ones are a bit more complicated but if I can successfully make both, then everyone else is golden . . . 

[momtochloe]

---

@Writer with Flair wrote:

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

@RespectLife wrote:

@Writer with Flair 

How are things going with you and Mr. Writer?

---

Yes @Writer with Flair , how are you doing my friend?  Where you been? 

Hope you and Mr. Writer are doing well . . . 

---

Dear Friends,

     To paraphrase Bette Davis in "All About Eve,"  It has been a bit of "a bumpy ride" in the past several months.

     My husband started a new job (very good) but then I got this weird arthritis (bad) thing where I was extremely fatigued and ached all over--especialy in a hip and knee that were injured in a car wreck where a large car transporter hit my car (fortunately a Volvo) awhile back.  

     My computer had some sort of electronic hissy fit, so I made the change to a Microsoft Surface one which is doing much better. (Good).  

     My MIL had hip replacement surgery which turned out to be harder on her (and everyone else in the family, as a result) than she thought it would be.  She is not a very good patient. (bad)  

     My two closest cousins have had serious health problems (bad), but I am glad that I was able to be there for them (good).

     I am sorry that I have been out of pocket for a while and that I missed Dear Mustang's birthday.  You have not been forgotten but continue to be in my prayers. 

     I have been worn out from everything for a while, but currently am bouncing back--energy-wise.

     Thanks for thinking of me.

Love,

Writer with Flair

---

Oh gosh @Writer with Flair  so good to see you!  Congratulations on Mr. Writer's new job, great news but phooey, not good news on yours and your family health especially your MIL but I get it  . . . goodness it can take it's toll on you my friend . . . prayers being sent for everyone's good health and a thankful prayer for Mr. Writer's new job . . . 

Wishing everyone a good day and a great week and sending healthy prayers to one and all that you all stay safe and protected. . . oh and stay tuned for my Aldi update tomorrow . . . hee! 

[RespectLife]

@tiny 2 

Yeah, every time I have gone to Aldi's for a special item, it was not rec'd by either of the 2 stores I am near.

I gave up going unles I need other things.  Seems I am wasting my trips for things I don't really need anyways!

So did you sleepy your first night at your new place....or are you having some work done?

[RespectLife]

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

@tiny 2 wrote:

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

@tiny 2 wrote:

---

@momtochloe wrote:

---

---

---

@tiny 2  Now if you need any guidance as to how to hang your drapes with paperclips or tying up a curtain rod with ribbons from Aldi pj's, just let me know as I am your guy!  

Bless you my friend, I am so happy you have found a place as wonderful as you are . . . 

@momtochloe, This sounds like a couple of tricks I need to know about and have not a clue LOL

---

---

Hee oh @tiny 2  my friend, you do not want your draperies to look anything like mine!  

I knew when I bought this place it had zero window treatments so I came armed with those temporary paper blinds but let's just say I didn't think too far beyond that . . . ooops . . . I recognize the curtain rod configuration from my mom's house (think early 70's which was drapes-palooza) but not very helpful now (put a pin in that thought).  After a while those paper blinds can get cranky so off I went to Aldi as they had black out drapery panels, score!  Now how do I hang them, again ooops.  I knew I couldn't install curtain rods on my own so I decided to use those 70's rods and use opened up paperclips to attach to my Aldi find . . . and it worked!  It's also about 8" short of the floor but you can't have everything (I have also upgraded from the paper clips to regular drapery hooks, tres chic).

Now in the bedroom, I have a curtain rod suspended from the 70's rod with ties/ribbons from various Aldi purchases like a robe and some bedding.  Now that actually doesn't look too bad . . . not great but not too bad . . . 

I treated myself to that Worx cordless screwdriver during the free s/h weekend so goodness only knows what trouble I'll be getting into with that . . . stay tuned . . . 

Hope you are doing well my friend and that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving . . . 

---

@momtochloe  Somehow I thought I had answered this. I now have a new place and I hope to see you after Christmas with your new Worx screwdriver in hand. I have had good luck with that brand. I have electric leaf blowers that are so easy to use and much quieter than the gas blowers. I got mine years ago from QVC and they are still going strong.

I am missing your weekly Aldi reports. They have a heating pad this week if they made it in. I have not had time to check for sure. The supply chain issues are having an effect on the finds from Aldi and that pad is listed in the possible did not make it list.

I do hope you have a great Christmas and I'm sorry I did not answer you sooner.

---

Hee @tiny 2  I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to hear someone loved my Aldi updates . . . don't ask me twice, they will be back starting tomorrow!  

As for dumplings, I have two recipes I would recommend.  One is quick and dirty, and one is more traditional:

Quick and dirty:

Bread Dumplings (Houskove Knedliky) Recipe - Food.com

A bit more labor intensive:

Czech Bread Dumplings (Knedlíky) - Cook Like Czechs

When I was with my mom, we used to make the more labor intensive version (with yeast) and they are more tender and fluffier.  I like the quick and dirty as I make a much smaller amount so this works for me although the dumplings are much more dense (I also think I need a deeper pot to cook them in so maybe they would cook more evenly).  The flavor is there but I do miss the texture of the other recipe.

Please don't be intimidated about making dumplings especially the bread version.  The potato ones are a bit more complicated but if I can successfully make both, then everyone else is golden . . . 

---

I really want #2 but I think I am going to wimp out and try the non-yeast #1 first!

[RespectLife]

No wait...THIS is the one I want to try first...from @momtochloe 

Sorry @tiny 2 ...she is holding out a recipe on ya!   LOLOLOL

Bread Dumplings (Knedliky) and Cabbage (Zeli) from My Bohemian Mother-in-Law

Bread Dumplings (Knedliky)            From my mother-in-law, Ann Cordes          Serves 6

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup warm water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 slices of dry or stale white bread, cut into small cubes (about 2 cups)

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the flour, baking powder, water, eggs and salt. Add the cubed bread and blend thoroughly (a flexible plastic scraper is helpful for mixing the dough). Using floured hands, form the dough into 2 logs about 6 inches long (the dough will be a little sticky – do the best you can and remember these are rustic dumplings).

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the logs into the rapidly boiling water (not the whistling teapot – Ann’s note!) and boil for 20 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn the dumplings over a few times so they cook evenly.

Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon to a plate. You can eat the dumplings right away, or chill overnight. The texture improves if made ahead and chilled so I recommend this method. When the dumplings are cool, wrap in plastic tightly and chill overnight.

When ready to serve, use a serrated knife to slice into 3/4 inch slices. Warm the dumplings in a steamer. I also warm by wrapping the sliced logs in foil and placing them in the same pot with the roast beef I am reheating.    Serve with cabbage (recipe follows) and a roast with lots of meat juices.

Bohemian Cabbage (Zeli)     From my mother-in-law, Ann Cordes   Serves 6-8

1 medium onion, chopped
Vegetable oil for sautéing onion (Ann used duck fat)
1 1/2 pounds green cabbage, shredded
1 cup water
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (or more to taste)
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
Salt to taste

In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onion. Saute onion over medium heat until soft and beginning to brown. Add the cabbage, water, caraway seeds, sugar and vinegar. Simmer and stir for about 20 minutes, adding some salt and tasting along the way.

Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with the dumplings.

[tiny 2]

---

@RespectLife wrote:

No wait...THIS is the one I want to try first...from @momtochloe 

Sorry @tiny 2 ...she is holding out a recipe on ya!   LOLOLOL

Bread Dumplings (Knedliky) and Cabbage (Zeli) from My Bohemian Mother-in-Law

Bread Dumplings (Knedliky)            From my mother-in-law, Ann Cordes          Serves 6

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup warm water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 slices of dry or stale white bread, cut into small cubes (about 2 cups)

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the flour, baking powder, water, eggs and salt. Add the cubed bread and blend thoroughly (a flexible plastic scraper is helpful for mixing the dough). Using floured hands, form the dough into 2 logs about 6 inches long (the dough will be a little sticky – do the best you can and remember these are rustic dumplings).

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the logs into the rapidly boiling water (not the whistling teapot – Ann’s note!) and boil for 20 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn the dumplings over a few times so they cook evenly.

Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon to a plate. You can eat the dumplings right away, or chill overnight. The texture improves if made ahead and chilled so I recommend this method. When the dumplings are cool, wrap in plastic tightly and chill overnight.

When ready to serve, use a serrated knife to slice into 3/4 inch slices. Warm the dumplings in a steamer. I also warm by wrapping the sliced logs in foil and placing them in the same pot with the roast beef I am reheating.    Serve with cabbage (recipe follows) and a roast with lots of meat juices.

Bohemian Cabbage (Zeli)     From my mother-in-law, Ann Cordes   Serves 6-8

1 medium onion, chopped
Vegetable oil for sautéing onion (Ann used duck fat)
1 1/2 pounds green cabbage, shredded
1 cup water
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (or more to taste)
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
Salt to taste

In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onion. Saute onion over medium heat until soft and beginning to brown. Add the cabbage, water, caraway seeds, sugar and vinegar. Simmer and stir for about 20 minutes, adding some salt and tasting along the way.

Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with the dumplings.

  @RespectLife   AH HA!!! Sneaky @momtochloe ,LOLLOLLOL! Ok, so which one to go with the dill gravy????

[RespectLife]

I'm hedging my bet on the last one I just posted.   I am aiming for this adventure in the New Year!

It looks just like my gram used to make....BUT....she did it the italian style.

Added parm and oregano, basil...green spices!  It was baked in a bird as a stuffing OR in a meatloaf pan....not boiled etc.

[tiny 2]

---

@RespectLife wrote:

@tiny 2 

Yeah, every time I have gone to Aldi's for a special item, it was not rec'd by either of the 2 stores I am near.

I gave up going unles I need other things.  Seems I am wasting my trips for things I don't really need anyways!

So did you sleepy your first night at your new place....or are you having some work done?

---

@RespectLife, No not yet. My lawyer is going to pick up the keys today.

There are some carpeted areas so I am going to have those taken up and replaced with wood floors. I am hoping they will be able to match the existing floors. I have trouble(fall) on squishy carpet plus I have Persian rugs that I want to use. I will be here for awhile longer. I need to go over and measure some things to decide on the furniture pieces I will take.