Travel: My NC

July 2, 2019December 1, 2021 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

from-the-lake-to-the-mountain

My state is so beautiful. To the east we have beaches and to the west we have mountains. Truly, something for everyone. If you come visit, don’t miss these bright spots:

Grandfather Mountain: A mountain that is over 300 million years old and rising nearly 6000 feet above sea level is right here in North Carolina! Enjoy the mile high swinging bridge, walking and hiking to see the wild animals, and the nature museum! Definitely one of my favorite places. For more info: Grandfather Mountain

Biltmore Estate: This home is the largest private residence in the United States. Built in 1895, this 250 room French Renaissance Chateau boasts 175,000 square feet! On a tour, not only will you get to see this gorgeous home, but you’ll see the beautiful gardens, visit the winery on site and explore the village. I recommend you come at Christmas when the estate is decorated. For more information: https://www.biltmore.com/

Chimney Rock: Do you like magnificent views? Well, you need to get over to Chimney Rock. Hiking, animal den for learning and even animal encounters, rock climbing, music and checking out the gorgeous flowers: just a few of the activities that await on your mountain adventure. For more info: https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

The Outer Banks: The Outer Banks are islands right off of the coast separating the mainland from the Atlantic Island. Special because of their beauty, lighthouses and plenty of wildlife, people flock here to enjoy the wide open sea views and diving to see the ship wrecks off shore. Life is slower here and in some places the population is sparse. Come here to relax!

Clingman’s Dome: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views expand over 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles. It’s seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5-mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep and leads to an observation tower on top. For more information, visit: Clingman’s Dome

Recipe

Summer Grilling

June 28, 2019June 28, 2019 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

The one thing I love about summer is all of the grilling we get to do and the eating al fresco (that means outside, right?). Even if you have those indoor grill pans, nothing beats the carcinogens of an actual grill. I mean the grill marks.

Our dinner tonight was grilled chicken pitas. I’m going to give you the recipe for the grilled chicken (super easy) then you just assemble with your favorite toppings. Mine has lettuce, Ranch dressing, and red onion. Yum!

Grilled Italian Chicken Breast Fillets

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken breast fillets
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

Place chicken in bowl; return to refrigerator. In a separate bowl mix together lemon juice, salt, garlic and red pepper; gradually whisk in olive oil. Stir in dried oregano. Pour marinade over chicken to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour, turning chicken occasionally. Preheat grill to medium-hot. Remove chicken from marinade and discard. Grill until tests done.

Grilled Taco Chicken

Ingredients

2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
nonstick cooking spray

directions

Preheat grill to medium high heat. In a small bowl, combine taco seasoning mix, chili powder and salt. Spray each breast with cooking spray and sprinkle with spice mixture. Rub evenly to coat well. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, for 15 to 18 minutes or until no pink remains in the chicken and the juices run clear.

KRISTI’S DAD’S BASTING SAUCE

Funny story with this sauce. My college dorm mates and I took turns cooking for each other because we hated eating at the school cafeteria. A friend had a secret sauce that she used to grill burgers with, and they were delicious! Naturally, I asked for the recipe. She said “no, it’s a secret.” We waited for her to go to the bathroom and set up watches, while I rummaged through her desk. Two seconds later I found the sticky note with the info. Devious yes? Delicious? Also yes.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 cup water
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Bring to a boil slowly. Baste on meat liberally.

Charlotte · Cornelius · Davidson · Gastonia · Hickory · Miramar Beach · Mooresville

Best of Restaurants: Pizza

June 19, 2019August 5, 2022 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

I’ve heard it said that even bad pizza is good pizza. I challenge those people to try a Little Caesar’s Hot-n-Ready pizza. Blech. There are so many better choices, folks! Example:

Cheese Pizza from Alino’s in Mooresville, NC

Pepperoni Pizza from Tony’s in Hickory

Pepperoni and Meatball Pizza from Grimaldi’s in Miramar Beach, FL

Half Pepperoni/Half Cheese Pie from Life of Pie in Gastonia

Three Little Pigs Pie at Salty Caper in Mooresville

Pepperoni Pizza from Ava in Charlotte, NC

The Bonamassa from Mandolino’s Pizza in Davidson

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Pepperoni Pizza from Prosciuttos Pizza in Cornelius

Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza at Slice House Pizza in Huntersville, NC

Recipe

Recipe: 5 Minute Tomato Salsa

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

Mexican food is my favorite. And the one thing I love about Mexican food above all others is the salsa. This one reminds me of the salsa at one of my childhood favorite haunts: Pancho’s in Ft. Walton Beach Florida. Easy to make, and very fresh tasting!

5 MINUTE TOMATO SALSA

Very fresh, make as spicy as you want by leaving seeds of jalapeno in if desired.

Source: The Best Quick

1/2 small jalapeno, minced
1/4 small red onion, peeled
1 small garlic clove, pressed and minced
2 tablespoons packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime juice
14 1⁄2 ounces diced tomatoes, drained

Pulse all ingredients except tomatoes in food processor until minced, about 5 times.

Add tomatoes and pulse 2 times. Transfer to fine mesh sieve and drain for one minute.

Charlotte · Clarkesville GA · Denver · Hickory · Myrtle Beach · Nashville

Best of Restaurants: Breakfast

May 27, 2019November 21, 2021 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

The most important meal of the day, yo

Eggs Benedict and Strawberry Nutella Crepes at Croissants Bakery in Myrtle Beach

**Eggs Benedict, Potato Casserole and Ambrosia**

Biscuits and Jelly from Loveless Cafe in Nashville

Acai Bowl with Fruit from Bowl’d Berries in Denver, NC

Hashbrowns from Hart and Soul Cafe in Hickory, NC

Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Omelet from Sautee Trail Cafe in Clarkesville, GA

Eggs Benedict at Bistro La Bon in Charlotte, NC

Biscuits and Gravy from Watusi in Hilton Head, SC

French Toast from Citrus, the Diner in Denver, NC

Thoughts

Tips and Tricks for your kitchen

May 16, 2019 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

To stabilize and sweeten your whipped cream add powdered sugar. It dissolves instantly and the little bit of cornstarch it contains will stabilize your whipped cream, so it can be made ahead of time and it won’t deflate. Start by whipping the cream into soft peaks, then beat in 2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar for every cup of cream. (Tip from Bon Appetit Magazine)

To clean your iron skillet without losing its seasoning, add a splash of water to a teaspoon of course salt. Use paper towel to wipe off food! (HGTV magazine)

To clean your nasty cookie sheets, sprinkle baking soda on the sheet, follow it up with some hydrogen peroxide and then sprinkle more baking soda on top. Let it sit for as long as two hours, then wipe it all away with a rag or coarse sponge. (Tip from Food & Wine)

Keep your crudites fresh for up to 12 hours: cover everything with damp paper towels, then wrap the platter in plastic wrap and store in fridge until ready to serve. (Real Simple magazine)

Eggshells are excellent natural seed starters. Fill the empty shell with soil and seeds and when the plant sprouts, plant the shell, which becomes compost. (Real Simple magazine)

If you have overbaked your cake layers, make a simple syrup of 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla; boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then brush the cake layers with syrup on both sides until they are “revived.” (Paula Deen)

Use lemon or lime juice as a marinade to tenderize chicken. (Paula Deen)

Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to beef stews to tenderize the meat.

Recipe

Mixing it up

November 19, 2018July 18, 2021 Suzanne StrengthLeave a comment

The other night I found myself with all of the makings for tacos, except for a packet of taco seasoning. Ugh! No way was I going back to the grocery store for one ingredient. I searched the web, and found this delicious alternative…and the plus side? Yep, I had all of the ingredients right in my spice cupboard. I decided to look up other spice mixes that I can keep on hand to jazz up dinners and found some other fine ones. Try one tonight!

Taco Seasoning Mix

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons instant onion, Minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper, Crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon instant garlic, Minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin, Ground

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well.
Spoon mixture onto a 6-inch square of aluminum foil and fold to make airtight. Label as Taco Seasoning Mix.
Store in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months.
Using the above recipe as a guide you can increase the amounts to make any number of packages.
Taco Filling: Brown 1 lb lean ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; drain the excess grease. Add 1/2 cup water and the seasoning mix.
Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Greek Seasoning Mix

1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
2 tsp Parsley
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Thyme
2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg

Mix all spices together.

Makes approx 1/2 cup of seasoning mix

Adapted from: He and She Eat Clean

Daddy’s Hot Chocolate Mix

30 ounces Nestles Quik
11 ounces coffee creamer
16 ounces powdered sugar
25 ounces powdered milk Cafe1 Mix all this together.

2 Store in container.

3 When ready to use fill mug or cup with half mix and then fill with hot water.

CAFE MOCHA MIX

¹⁄₂cup instant espresso instant coffee granules or ¹⁄₂ cup instant coffee granules

¹⁄₄cup unsweetened cocoa

¹⁄₄cup non-dairy coffee creamer

6 tablespoons powdered sugar

In small bowl, comine all ingredients, mix well. Store in airtight container. To serve, spoon 1-2 tablespoons mix into cup. Add 3/4 cup boiling water; stir to dissolve.