Tapioca Revisited

I had a lot of milk in the fridge and I do not drink milk (haven't since about third grade when I got sick and blame the combination of a tuna sandwich and milk for lunch). I buy it for my son to have milk and cookies. I am lactose intolerant and I did not want to waste the milk so I decided to make tapioca pudding. I usually make it on top of the stove stirring it for about 15 minutes (I read as I stir to help pass the time). However, this time I made the tapioca in the microwave. I cooked it for 12 minutes, stirring every three minutes. The end result was the same as the stove top version. I add raisins, cinnamon/nutmeg and vanilla. I forgot the cinnamon but I now add a little orange extract along with the vanilla extract. It adds a nice taste to it-light and sweet. It is so good for my stomach. I definately will be making this again.

Salad prepared tableside

At Phillip's Seafood in Atlantic City I order salad with grilled shrimp often. This tossed salad has some bacon, cheese, red onion, greens and cherry tomatoes. I'm not a big fan of tomatoes but last night I cut these small tomatoes into even smaller pieces so that I would eat them. Since the salad is prepared right before your eyes you know it is gluten free (hold the croutons). The shrimp were translucent and I was hungry so I really enjoyed this meal and my cosmopolitan as well. The price is right. I have now earned VIP status (preferred seating is one perk) but I sit at the bar because I have become friendly with the bartender and the service is great. What more could you want?

Cookies

I have been trying not to purchase packaged cookies but this package caught my eye in Shop Rite. The brand name is Panderos Delights and they are GF Tapioca Cookies (lemon flavor). I also saw the original and chocolate chip versions on the shelf but opted for lemon. They are tiny cookies. 16 make a serving with only 7 grams of sugar. They are not so special but do have a melt in your mouth quality to them. I prefer to bake my own cookies but have been too lazy or busy. These cookies do not have any preservatives, artifical flavors or colors so that is a plus.

Crepes?

I am considering making crepes. I looked on QVC for crepe pans and I saw one that I liked at a clearance price with free shipping. SCORE! You really do not have to use a crepe pan you can use a fry pan. Of course, I will make them with my Pamela's GF baking mix, there is a recipe on the bag. There are so many options for filling. I like frozen strawberries with their juice and I am going to be searching for more ideas. Any thoughts?

Harrah's Buffet

This is not the first time I've eaten at this buffet but WOW was it good! I especially liked the collard greens with the seasoning they used and the meat in it. It was $29.99 per person and I was very satisfied but not stuffed. The sweet platanos were just right as well. Even the peel and eat shrimp was tasty and I was already full when I ate them. I ended the meal with a little rice pudding. There was a fancy gelato that caught my eye but that will have to wait for the next time.

Muffins

I came across a new muffin recipe. Orange and poppy seed muffins made with sour cream in the mix. I used my Pamela's baking mix as usual. You do not have to add baking powder, baking soda or salt as they are already in the mix. The recipe also called for cranberry orange butter but I forgot the cranberry sauce but I enjoyed them so much I did not miss the special butter. When I do make them again I will make them with the special butter.
I also have a recipe for pecan wedges with brown sugar whipped cream. I will finally get to use my springform pan.

Chili

It has been a while since I made chili. So I picked up some chop meat, beans, green pepper and onion. I added crushed tomatoes, chili powder, salt and pepper and some garlic. I also add a little sugar because I do not like a hot chili. We had some white rice and avocado on the side. This meal freezes well and will be lunch tomorrow.
I went through my recipe folder and I want to make muffins. I also have a springform pan that I haven't used yet and found a pecan recipe that sounds good. I have been relying on old staples but I need to make more veggies. I start to crave them when I slack off.
I was on jury duty for a few weeks and got home later than usual. It is so easy to get lazy!