WHAT'S COOKING? Seasoning is the spice of life

The St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry provides food to those needing assistance in the area, including dairy, various protein, fresh vegetables, and fruit, along with canned and boxed goods. January and

February is a good time for hearty homemade food on the dinner table to help "temper" the winter blues and brighten spirits.

Seasoning is key when cooking, and in life. Seasoning brings out or intensifies the natural flavor of the food without really changing it.

Mirepoix is a vegetable mixture with two parts onions, one part celery, and one part carrots.

The Holy Trinity, often used in Cajun cooking, calls for equal parts onions, celery, and bell peppers.

These two mixtures of diced vegetables - aromatics - are cooked slowly with some fat (like butter or oil) to sweeten and/or deepen the flavors of a dish.

Don't forget that ginger and garlic can be added to your seasoning as well.

See, using seasoning while cooking adds variety and maybe even spice to a meal.

"THE SPICE OF LIFE" is that which makes life interesting, exciting, enjoyable, or worthwhile. The proverb "variety is the spice of life" means that having many different experiences makes life interesting and memorable. What better way to do that than enjoying simple but tasty food at a dinner table with those you love?

This month's recipes focus on dinner suggestions using basics you will find from the food pantry to supplement your on-hand proteins.

Beef Stroganoff

1 1/2 pounds of stew meat.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

In a skillet, add 2 T. of butter, and brown meat. When meat is brown on all sides, remove from skillet and saute 1/4 cup of diced onion and 1 garlic clove, minced.

Add all of the ingredients to a crockpot.

Add 1 can of beef broth (14.5 oz), 1 can of mushroom soup (10 3/4 oz), and 1 tsp. of Worchestershire sauce.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

For the last 30 minutes, add 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir well.

Serve over noodles prepared according to package directions.

Hash

1 to 2 cups of chopped cooked left-over meat

2 cups of cubed potato

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp mixed onion and celery

3 to 4 Tbsp butter

Use equal parts of meat and potato. Melt butter in a frying pan. Saute potato, onion, and celery till done. Add meat. Add stock or milk to moisten the ingredients.

Cook slowly for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Pork Chops and Spuds

Grate or thinly slice potatoes (enough to spread in a buttered casserole dish) in a casserole dish. Add a can of mushroom soup plus 1/3 a can of milk, mix well.

Top with 4 pork chops that have been salt and peppered on both sides. Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour. Turn chops and bake for another 1/2 hour.

Ranch Wings

2 pounds of chicken wings split at joint and tips removed

3 - 1 ounce packets of ranch dressing mix

1 1/4 cup flour

3 large eggs

oil for frying

Toss the wings with 1 packet of dressing mix in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Whisk the flour and 1 packet of dressing mix in a large bowl.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, 2 T of water, and the remaining packet of dressing mix.

Dredge the wings a few at a time in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture and return to the flour mixture, turning to coat.

Transfer to a rack to rest.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; the thermometer should register 350 degrees. Fry the wings in batches until crisp and golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with your favorite sauce.

“What’s cooking?” is a question many families face daily. Some families don’t even bring up the topic because the cupboards are bare.

Food pantries provide families in need with items. However, there are times the family doesn’t know what to do with the free groceries delivered.

Annunciation’s St. Vincent de-Paul Food Pantry provides food to those needing assistance in the area, including dairy, various protein, fresh vegetables, and fruit, along with canned and boxed goods.

If you don’t know what to cook with the groceries provided, what good is the assistance?

That is why volunteers at the St. Vincent de-Paul Food Pantry want to provide recipes to help people use the groceries they receive.

The non-denominational food program helps “all God’s children,” and helps families stretch their food budget. The food pantry works to make sure Clay County families do not go without food.

People in need of assistance – either with food or to check on bill assistance available - call at 812-531-3637 or stop by the next food pantry event held each Tuesday

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Annunciation Church, 19 North Alabama Street, Brazil, 47834.