hot dog!! hot dog hash

for those of you that have followed me in the past--you may recognize some of these recipes and pics---I think this was my very first blog---about hot dog hash!!

and hey---don't judge--till you've tried it-
my mother would make this---usually on a night when she had a busy day-----

just hot dogs---onions and potatoes----sometimes I add green pepper---which does bring a lot of extra flavor-----

I gotta tell ya---for some reason this is better with canned potatoes but only the round sliced ones--but my mother always cut up her own potatoes--

be sure and let your hot dogs get a head start--cooking well-----and don't be afraid to use enough oil------

add your favorite mustard to the table----a nice salad and maybe some cornbread----

my family really loves hot dogs period--- they love chili dog night--- and what could be better than hot dogs and cheese--- I split them down the middle---stuffing with lots of sharp cheddar cheese and bake them in the oven---

but hands down the hot dog hash is the house favorite---

greens greens greens

my family loves them some greens----whether turnip---mustard--kale---spinach---they are a favorite--

now I don't always use fresh---but I never or at least any longer use frozen to eat alone but frozen spinach works well in some pasta dishes I make---I think that is one of the vegetables that loses something when frozen---but canned are great---

and oh I forgot about Stouffer's frozen spinach soufflé--it's been around for years and it's delish--

and if you've never tried making your own spinach soufflé you should-- it's just basically egg spinach cream and butter-- just don't peek and it turns out great-- very impressive

but the way I like them best is fried----

one night when I realized I didn't have anything for a side dish---I decided to try frying them---kinda like the cabbage thing----I think I had mixed greens that night

I squeezed the water out of them and fried away----adding some margarine and salt and pepper---and garlic salt----they are fantastic this way----

you may like them with just a splash of vinegar or lemon juice---Frank likes hot sauce on them--

fun with Fajitas

fajitas can be fun and easy---especially when you cut the work in half by using frozen chopped peppers and onions and Tysons beef or chicken fajita strips-----some people use their own seasonings but I just use the packaged fajita seasonings mix---be sure to cook the peppers and onions on high to start and then simmering till desired consistency-----

brown your tortillas in a hot pan--they won't take long at all--be sure and flip em--

add some cheesy quesadillas with maybe some diced tomatoes--since the plain ones tend to be a little dry-

I like to have rice too---I usually just go for one of the package ones----there is taco flavored---Mexican and Spanish---I think we like the Spanish one the best---

put out lots of garnishes----taco sauce---salsa---sour cream---refried beans and guacamole--and limes

use your brightest dishes and set the mood with some Spanish guitar music-

Entertainingly Entertaining

it's a birthday---a wedding shower---an anniversary party or just good friends or family coming by----

if you like to plan and make lists---then you likely are a born host or hostess-----

sometimes pick a theme---shop for bargains that may become your theme----

buffet---finger foods---pizza and salad----your special touches will add to everyone's enjoyable time-

I love giving small gifts or goody bags to each guest---or even a big bowl of candy that they can pick through----

if you are not going to use real plates and cups---make sure you have almost double paper or plastic wares than you have people attending----and triple the napkins and flatware!

splurge on little extras such as decorative toothpicks---straws----and cute salad plates and separate dessert plates-

the small appetizers and desserts are still in fashion---so get daring with those dainty cute containers---search places like party city---dollar store---target and big lots for many choices and great prices--

make it a party--make it a memory-

diningware

sometimes it's great fun to get out the dishes your mom passed to you or your great aunt Lily---or the bargain ones you found on that great sale----

whether tablecloths or placemats or even bare table----it's always good to change things up----

my grandkids always look forward to the sparkling ciders on Thanksgiving--and for sure they have always had a real fancy glass!

fresh flowers are such a nice touch but get creative---sometimes some dollar store candle holders and plastic fruit can look amazing-

yes on those special occasions---use it all---bring out the gravy boats and the jelly dishes----maybe even those hardly ever used cloth napkins----and don't be afraid to mix and match---

whatever your taste or style---you will appreciate the day as you look back on it-

boil that Cabbage down

cabbage has got to be one of my favorite vegetables----and there are hardly any calories---but ya still gotta watch how much you eat---not only is it lots of water but works other areas too---

now it does smell awful when it's cooking----I thought I knew a secret to overcoming that---maybe y'all know--please share--

I love the stalk part---don't throw it out!!

cook it and cook it some more----add lots of salt and pepper and I now only use some margarine---I used to use bacon grease---

my grandmother Queenie used to fry hers-----it is awesome that way but very rich---

oh and she always put potatoes in hers---I sometimes do and when I do---I just use the can whole potatoes----you cannot tell the difference--

can't beat a good bowl of Beef Stew

my family loves when I make beef stew---whether I make it the little bit harder way or way of the mixed frozen vegetables---it's always enjoyed------

I recall when I was pregnant with my daughter Eden---I had so much nausea---I could barely look at food----one night my friend Sharon brought over her beef stew---it was so good---I think I ate 3 bowls!


some tips

always brown your beef first--in a bit of oil
I use brown gravy mix or the beef stew mix--the dry packs---and to thicken you can add canned or jar gravy or instant mashed potatoes----
if I am cutting up the potatoes and carrots myself---I like to add in a frozen package of the tiny pearl onions--

oh and make sure you're having a kinda relaxed in day---cause it's so much better the longer it cooks

just add your favorite biscuits(I use refrigerated grands) and maybe just a bagged salad with an interesting vinaigrette-- and while you're having comfort food pick up a refrigerated banana cream pie