I can definitely vouch for Debbie's Potato Leek soup.  It's great and
everyone in my family loves it.  Not to mention, soups are the perfect
food to cook & freeze with a friend.  In fact, I survive on the soups
I make with friends.

If you need to bring something to a Thanksgiving dinner, why not offer
a soup instead of a pie this year?  It is a big hit and something the
hostess usually doesn't want to think about.

And, it's really easy to get together with someone, make a big batch
and freeze --soup can freeze well for at least two months.This means
you could make soup now for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

If anyone else has a soup recipe to contribute, please post.

Alison

Hi Leah,

Real Simple magazine did a story several months ago
about what you should buy organic and what you don't
need to bother buying organic. For instance, anything
with a tough skin, such as avocados, bananas, etc. you
don't have to buy organic because the pesticides can't
get into the fruit. Some things you should ALWAYS buy
organic, such as grapes and strawberries. As far as
milk, it said if you're buying whole milk it should be
organic, but it's fine to buy low fat milk that's non
organic. I'm sure you could find the article on their
website.. it was pretty helpful. Good luck.

Jackie

--- "leah.rhyne" <leah.rhyne@...> wrote:

> Hey there!
>
> First, I'm happy that I'm a part of this group and
> look forward to
> getting to know all of you and share some fun
> recipes that I've got
> and learn a lot from your recipes!
>
> But before I start that, I just wanted to see how
> people feel about
> organic foods.  The reason I'm asking is that my
> husband and I went to
> the supermarket on Saturday morning, and bought most
> of our staples -
> dry goods, cereal (anyone else addicted to Kashi??),
> milk and all
> that.  For our veggies and meats, and particularly
> for fish that we
> wanted to eat that night, we ran back out later on
> to Earthfare, the
> southern equivalent to Whole Foods (we have that,
> too, but it's
> further away).  We spent about $80 on the regular
> stuff in the
> morning, and then another $80 on fruits, veggies and
> meats at
> Earthfare (granted...there were a few bottles of
> wine in there,
> too...but they have good wine!!).  This is slightly
> over (ok...well
> over) our weekly food budget, but we like the idea
> of eating organic.
>
> Certain things, I won't eat non-organic anymore -
> milk is right up
> there.  Organic milk just tastes better.
>
> But is organic really that much better for you? Is
> there really SUCH a
> difference that it's worth spending pretty much an
> entire Saturday
> (and it was PRETTY outside, too!) in different
> groceries, to get
> different things?
>
> How do you all (y'all - I live down south) feel
> about organic vs.
> non-organic? What are your thoughts? I'd be really
> curious to hear
> about it.
>
> Thanks, and I hope everyone is having a nice day!
> Leah
>
>
>




________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Low, Low, Low Rates! Check out Yahoo! Messenger's cheap PC-to-Phone call rates
(http://voice.yahoo.com)

--- Love the idea- I have done it for the past few years but don't
think I will be up for it this year with the new baby. However, Martha
Stewart's Everyday Food Cookie Issue is supposed to be amazing.

Hey there!

First, I'm happy that I'm a part of this group and look forward to
getting to know all of you and share some fun recipes that I've got
and learn a lot from your recipes!

But before I start that, I just wanted to see how people feel about
organic foods.  The reason I'm asking is that my husband and I went to
the supermarket on Saturday morning, and bought most of our staples -
dry goods, cereal (anyone else addicted to Kashi??), milk and all
that.  For our veggies and meats, and particularly for fish that we
wanted to eat that night, we ran back out later on to Earthfare, the
southern equivalent to Whole Foods (we have that, too, but it's
further away).  We spent about $80 on the regular stuff in the
morning, and then another $80 on fruits, veggies and meats at
Earthfare (granted...there were a few bottles of wine in there,
too...but they have good wine!!).  This is slightly over (ok...well
over) our weekly food budget, but we like the idea of eating organic.

Certain things, I won't eat non-organic anymore - milk is right up
there.  Organic milk just tastes better.

But is organic really that much better for you? Is there really SUCH a
difference that it's worth spending pretty much an entire Saturday
(and it was PRETTY outside, too!) in different groceries, to get
different things?

How do you all (y'all - I live down south) feel about organic vs.
non-organic? What are your thoughts? I'd be really curious to hear
about it.

Thanks, and I hope everyone is having a nice day!
Leah

Hi all
I just made this soup last night and I'm always amazed at how easy it is to
make.

6-7 potatoes
3 Leeks
1 Lg Onion
2 Tbls olive oil
6-7 cups Chicken Broth (Better Than Bouillon)
4 tsp Butter
1/2 or 1 cup of Milk
salt and pepper to taste
* Hot Dogs

Chop leeks and onions in large pieces.
Add olive oil to soup pot and saute leeks and onions.
Add salt.
Peel and cut potatoes in round slices.
Add potatoes on top of onion mix.
Pour 6 to 7 cups of chicken broth to just cover potatoes.

Let simmer until potatoes feel soft.
I like to reserve a few cooked potatoes in a bowl before I puree the soup.
Puree soup with a hand held mixer (It becomes a one pot soup if you have a hand
mixer).
Add butter and milk.
Break up reserved potatoe pieces and stir in soup.
Salt and pepper.

* My husband has a secret ingredient which makes the soup more desirable to
kids-HOT
DOGS. Yes hot dogs. I personally don't need them but I do admit It's not bad.

--- In CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com, "Alison" <ajbermack@...> wrote:
>
> It's a great idea jackie and I would be happy to host. Let's shoot for
> a date close to the Holiday's -- before December 16th.  Reply if you
> are interested.  I would say that we need 6 people to participate.
>


Hi Alison'
I would love to exchange cookies.
Debbie

Is anyone interested in taking part in a cookie exchange this holiday season? I talked to
Alison about it and she has agreed to host...! Some of us could even get together in small
groups and bake ahead of time. Jackie

It's a great idea jackie and I would be happy to host. Let's shoot for
a date close to the Holiday's -- before December 16th.  Reply if you
are interested.  I would say that we need 6 people to participate.

Is anyone interested in taking part in a cookie exchange this holiday season? I
talked to
Alison about it and she has agreed to host...! Some of us could even get
together in small
groups and bake ahead of time. Jackie

Hi everyone. . .  Welcome new members.

How many of you have ever cooked with a friend? It's pretty awesome
isn't it?  If you haven't, there are some serious benefits (I hope)
you'll come to know.

The benefits can be as small as having a friend there to scratch
your nose or roll up your sleeve when you have your hands deep in
chopped meat and as large as coming home after just two hours with
32 meatballs and 2 quarts of better-than-jarred tomato sauce. And
hanging out with a friend is pretty fun too.

This site is about and for you, a community of internet-saavy women
(and a few men) who have been intrigued by the idea of cooking with
a friend. Some of you are food crazy, others realize that it has to
get done. Some of you are Fabulous cooks, others are improving.

In the coming weeks, I'll give you some tips to get started cooking
with friends.  If you are interested, we'll find a spot for you at
one of our hostess nights. I can also help you find a cooking match.

I hope this message board becomes a forum for CWFC members---and it
will if you use it freely.  Please familiarize yourself with
the "Post" feature under the "Messages" section.  This is a very
important part of this site. Useful information can be found in
the "Files" section too. There are already some Must Have,
save-you-lots-of-time cooking tools.  (ok, so far there's one.)
There are also several fabulous kids snack ideas and some yummy-
sounding Thanksgiving  recipes.  If you haven't already, please
visit the cookingwithfriendsclub Yahoo Group Home page. There are
links on the emails.

Please don't be shy -- use this site in anyway you would like. Ask a
question, post a favorite recipe, or recommend a tip or tool.  This
site is yours to use and build.  The more you post, the better it
gets and the better it will become for you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Alison

Every week I will be posting a tool that will make cooking with your
friend more efficient. These tools will save you and your cooking
friend much needed time.  Many of these tools are extremely
inexpensive but will help you maximize your time.

This week's tool is a Fat Separator. I find it to be particularly
handy at this time of year when making soups.

It is usually plastic, has a handle and has a long spout.  When you
pour your broth or gravy into the pitcher, the fat will rise to the
top and only the "fat-free" part of the liquid will pour through the
spout.  This will enable you and your friend to make lower fat soups
in a short amount of time.

You can find one for under $10.00.

Hi, Just wantd to share a good pumpkin bread receipe, perfect for
this fall season.
Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin C and E Potassium, Beta-
carotene, high fiber

Grease 9x8 pan (I use Pam for baking)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Dry Ing:  Mix a large bowl set aside
1 1/2 cup flour (you could try whole wheat flour)
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking powder


Combine in another bowl
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl beat until creamy
6 tablespoons butter
Gradually add and beat on high
1 1/3 cup sugar or 1 cup sugar plus 1/3 cup of light or dark brown
sugar

Beat in one at a time
2 eggs

Add and beat on low speed
1 cup of pumpkin puree

Add the flour mixture in 3 parts alternating with milk mixture

You can add
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
1/3 cup raisins or chopped dates

Cook for 1 hour  until center is clean with toothpick
Cool in pan for 5 minutes
Unmold and cool completely

hmm, I don't know. I haven't tried that. But you could
just make it in a loaf pan and cut it into small
slices. My kids love it, and I feel like it's somewhat
healthy because of the bananas, etc.... good luck,
Jackie

--- Carolyn <cbc0813@...> wrote:

> That's a great idea! Can it be made in a mini muffin
> tin?
>
>
> --- In CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com,
> Jacqueline Mroz
> <jackiemroz@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > How about chocolate chip banana bread? Is that the
> > kind of snake you're looking for? It doesn't have
> any
> > nuts...  Jackie
> >
> > --- cbc0813 <cbc0813@...> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi everyone!  I have a question about preparing
> > > snacks for my son's
> > > class.  The catch is that 3 children in his
> class
> > > have severe nut
> > > allergies.  I am looking to make a somewhat
> healthy
> > > snack (for 24) that
> > > will excite the kids but I must avoid any nut
> > > products.  Does anyone
> > > have any fun ideas?  Thanks!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
> > http://mail.yahoo.com
> >
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Another great idea-thanks so much!

--- In CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com, "Jennifer Snyder"
<jennifersnyder@...> wrote:
>
> Another idea is trail mix.  You could do little cupcake liners full
of
> cheerios, raisins, pretzels, goldfish, and chocolate chips.  If you
wanted
> to make granola bars out of this mixture, just boil 1/2 stick
butter, 1/2
> cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup honey.  Stuff in all the snack stuff
you like
> and then press it down on a baking sheet.  Chill and cut into
granola bars.
> Jenn
>
>
>   -----Original Message-----
>   From: CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
Jacqueline Mroz
>   Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 5:21 PM
>   To: CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com
>   Subject: Re: [CookingWithFriendsClub] School snacks
>
>
>
>   How about chocolate chip banana bread? Is that the
>   kind of snake you're looking for? It doesn't have any
>   nuts... Jackie
>
>   --- cbc0813 <cbc0813@...> wrote:
>
>   > Hi everyone! I have a question about preparing
>   > snacks for my son's
>   > class. The catch is that 3 children in his class
>   > have severe nut
>   > allergies. I am looking to make a somewhat healthy
>   > snack (for 24) that
>   > will excite the kids but I must avoid any nut
>   > products. Does anyone
>   > have any fun ideas? Thanks!
>   >
>   >
>   >
>
>   __________________________________________________
>   Do You Yahoo!?
>   Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
>   http://mail.yahoo.com
>

That's a great idea! Can it be made in a mini muffin tin?


--- In CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com, Jacqueline Mroz
<jackiemroz@...> wrote:
>
>
> How about chocolate chip banana bread? Is that the
> kind of snake you're looking for? It doesn't have any
> nuts...  Jackie
>
> --- cbc0813 <cbc0813@...> wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone!  I have a question about preparing
> > snacks for my son's
> > class.  The catch is that 3 children in his class
> > have severe nut
> > allergies.  I am looking to make a somewhat healthy
> > snack (for 24) that
> > will excite the kids but I must avoid any nut
> > products.  Does anyone
> > have any fun ideas?  Thanks!
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>

-----Original Message-----
From: CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Jacqueline Mroz
Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 5:21 PM
To: CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CookingWithFriendsClub] School snacks

How about chocolate chip banana bread? Is that the
kind of snake you're looking for? It doesn't have any
nuts... Jackie

--- cbc0813 <cbc0813@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone! I have a question about preparing
> snacks for my son's
> class. The catch is that 3 children in his class
> have severe nut
> allergies. I am looking to make a somewhat healthy
> snack (for 24) that
> will excite the kids but I must avoid any nut
> products. Does anyone
> have any fun ideas? Thanks!
>
>
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

How about chocolate chip banana bread? Is that the
kind of snake you're looking for? It doesn't have any
nuts...  Jackie

--- cbc0813 <cbc0813@...> wrote:

> Hi everyone!  I have a question about preparing
> snacks for my son's
> class.  The catch is that 3 children in his class
> have severe nut
> allergies.  I am looking to make a somewhat healthy
> snack (for 24) that
> will excite the kids but I must avoid any nut
> products.  Does anyone
> have any fun ideas?  Thanks!
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi everyone!  I have a question about preparing snacks for my son's
class.  The catch is that 3 children in his class have severe nut
allergies.  I am looking to make a somewhat healthy snack (for 24) that
will excite the kids but I must avoid any nut products.  Does anyone
have any fun ideas?  Thanks!

Thanks for the great ideas! Jennifer--I am not making this up but my
husband said his #1 request for Thanksgiving this year is chorizo
stuffing..now I am all set. Also, thanks Alison for the great freezing
tips.
Shannon

By popular demand, here's my full proof freezing method:

Alison's No-Fail Freezing & Reheating Method
After all the hard work you've put into cooking your meals, you
don't want to ruin them with freezer burn.  That's why you should
follow these 6 Simple Steps.

1.Cooling – After cooking your food, drain excess fats and     cool
ever-so-slightly.
❊ For foods such as chicken tenders, cool only for 2-4 minutes;
❊ For chicken dishes, soups or stews, cool for a bit longer 10-20
minutes.

2.Transferring – Once your food is cooled, you will need to transfer
it to freezer safe containers and/or storage bags.

3.Freezing – Place in the freezer uncovered for a short period of
time (20 minutes or so) until food has completely cooled and has
begun to harden.

4.Sealing Out Air – Working quickly so that food does not begin to
thaw or does not get exposed to excess air, remove containers and
cover tightly with lids -- make sure no air can get into food.

5.Protecting – Wrap container a few times with saran wrap for extra
protection.  If using zip lock bags, squeeze out any extra air
before sealing. Although it's not necessary, you can place one zip
lock bag into another zip-lock bag.

6.Reheating – To reheat food, make sure that food does not defrost
first and cook it frozen – straight from your freezer.

Hi everyone.
I'd like to welcome a few new members to the group.  Specifically,
Abby Colen, Debbie Harner and Jennifer Snyder.  If you would like to
share a story about cooking with a friend (or someone else -- like
your sister) please share how it has enhanced your life.
Thanks!
Alison

hi shannon.
are you interested in an appetizer recipe?
my friend liz and i just made lamb meatballs and they are wonderful!
you can make in bulk and flash freeze them.  they reheat amazingly
well. they are served with a tatziki sauce which is super easy and has
to be made the day of.  how about a soup as well?
alison--- In CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com, "Shannon Henry
Kleiber" <kleiber@...> wrote:
>
> Following up on my last question...I'll be cooking all Thanksgiving
> week for 6 adults and 2 kids (my inlaws and sister in law and her
> husband will be staying with us). Do any of you have suggestions for
> meals I can make ahead and freeze for such a group? Alison--you must!
> I want to enjoy their visit but be able to feed them some good food
> while they are here. TIA! (Thanks In Advance)
> Shannon
>

Hi everyone.
I just made this great dip for a friend's party.
In a cuisinart, combine:
-one chopped onion
-one chopped large bunch fresh dill (washed of course)
-1/2 tsp. kosher salt
-8 oz cream cheese
-1 container 16oz sour cream (low fat)
So easy and so yummy.  It's got the green color too which would be good
for the holiday's. I am serving it with a vegetable crudite.  It could
also be used as a sauce for salmon.
Alison

-----Original Message-----
From: CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Shannon Henry Kleiber
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 6:46 PM
To: CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CookingWithFriendsClub] Thanksgiving stuffing tips?

Hi everyone, We are having a full house for Thanksgiving this year.
I've had good success with brining the turkey and some special side
dishes like spinach souffle and a great sweet potato concoction. But I
never seem to find a good stuffing recipe. I'm open to anything
unusual--cranberries, oysters, whatever..as long as it isn't all dried
out like most of my stuffings tend to be. Does anyone have a great
stuffing recipe to share? Thanks and I look forward to sharing food
thoughts with all of you!
Shannon

i have a very basic but delicious stuffing recipe that i make over
and over again every year. . . if you want something with chestnuts,
jackie says she has a great one. as for my very basic one:

saute chopped onions (1 large one), 4 chopped celery sticks, 12
crimini mushrooms (chopped) in 1 Tbs. olive oil & 1 tbs. butter until
onions are lucid.  salt & pepper.  chop fresh parsely & any other
herbs desired into mixture -- thyme is nice but go easy. add chicken
stock (check proportions on back of bag)add 1/2 bag pepperidge farm
herbed stuffing mix after liquid comes to a boil).

that's it!
you can add some diced apples instead of mushrooms if you like it
sweet.  i've also added bacon. . .i overall prefer the basic.

  --- In CookingWithFriendsClub@yahoogroups.com, "Shannon Henry
Kleiber" <kleiber@...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone, We are having a full house for Thanksgiving this year.
> I've had good success with brining the turkey and some special side
> dishes like spinach souffle and a great sweet potato concoction.
But I
> never seem to find a good stuffing recipe. I'm open to anything
> unusual--cranberries, oysters, whatever..as long as it isn't all
dried
> out like most of my stuffings tend to be. Does anyone have a great
> stuffing recipe to share?  Thanks and I look forward to sharing
food
> thoughts with all of you!
> Shannon
>

Following up on my last question...I'll be cooking all Thanksgiving
week for 6 adults and 2 kids (my inlaws and sister in law and her
husband will be staying with us). Do any of you have suggestions for
meals I can make ahead and freeze for such a group? Alison--you must!
I want to enjoy their visit but be able to feed them some good food
while they are here. TIA! (Thanks In Advance)
Shannon

Hi everyone, We are having a full house for Thanksgiving this year.
I've had good success with brining the turkey and some special side
dishes like spinach souffle and a great sweet potato concoction. But I
never seem to find a good stuffing recipe. I'm open to anything
unusual--cranberries, oysters, whatever..as long as it isn't all dried
out like most of my stuffings tend to be. Does anyone have a great
stuffing recipe to share?  Thanks and I look forward to sharing food
thoughts with all of you!
Shannon

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
CookingWithFriendsClub group:

I would be Interested in Finding a Cooking Friend to:


   o Prepare Meals for the family
   o Cook/Bake for the Holidays
   o Bake Cookies & Candies for teacher gifts.
   o Make meals for Charity Organizations
   o Bake for bake sales
   o Make baby food


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CookingWithFriendsClub/surveys?id=2078306

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
CookingWithFriendsClub group:

What would you like to make and freeze?

   o Soups
   o Sauces
   o Main dishes
   o Desserts
   o Breakfast foods
   o Showy dishes
   o Hors d'oervres
   o Baby food
   o Kosher food


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CookingWithFriendsClub/surveys?id=2078324

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!