The Unemployment Cookbook: When Two Good Recipes Make a Third

Aug 29, 2017 | 3 comments

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Unemployment Cookbook

Hey y’all! I’m so excited for this recipe post!

Last week I celebrated my new career by going to WinCo. Along with a new day gig at the local paper’s ad and digital marketing division, This Girl got paid to present on social media vs. marketing at WOK in Bakersfield, and I bought food with that thar income. So I guess social media really does put food on the table.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Social Media does put food on the table.

Now, the day job won’t start for another day or two, but I quit the old job last week so I could take a few days for things like editing and cleaning and cooking and writing. (Can I get a woot! woot! on that last one? All right! Raise the roof with that noise!)

Girlfriend, let me tell you. My house hasn’t smelled this good since the Christmas cider two years ago. But these smells are a different cooking aroma. Lemme tell ya.

I made two recipes in the last few days. The first is a take on my Cheese Fondue. Now, I’m not gonna tell you how I made it, ‘cuz it was a little strong. Okay, so I’ll tell ya. But the printable recipe will have the better version.

Frankly, My Dear . . . Beer Cheese Fondue

I took 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded Italian 6-Cheese blend, one bottle of pumpkin beer, one bottle of regular beer, one packet of onion soup mix, two tablespoons of cornstarch, and a few dashes of salt and pepper. Honey, it was a lot. And it was spicy. Like, onion-spicy. You know those cooking shows where they tell the contestant to not do that? Yeah. Don’t do that. Instead, follow this recipe:

The Unemployment Cookbook: Beer Cheese Fondue

Ingredients

1 bottle beer
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 TBS flour or cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Carefully pour the beer into your fondue pot.
Turn on medium high.
While the beer heats up, toss cheese and flour in a small bowl.
Once the beer is warmed but not boiling, add cheese.
Stir occasionally, until melted thoroughly.
Reduce heat to medium.
Serve with dippers such as diced meats, crackers, fruits, and vegetables.

http://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/29/the-unemployment-cookbook-when-two-good-recipes-make-a-third/

As you can see from the photo, we enjoyed dipping pretzels, apples, diced meat, and a variety of vegetables.

That was Saturday.

Now lemme tell ya what was for dinner the next day.

This one’s just as easy-peasy. [And you can click on the photo to download the recipe for this month’s PDF.]

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

But wait! There’s more!

What’s a girl to do with leftover cheese fondue and BBQ pork?

Aww, yeah. You know where this is going, don’t you, my hungry little Swarm.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Toasted MoJo Melt Sandwich:

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Toasted MoJo Melt Sandwich

Just look at those layers of BBQ pork and caramelized onion covered with tangy cheese fondue on crunchy toast. The perfect blend of smooth and savory in every bite. I just found a new meal to feed my people. Honey, I’m gonna open a restaurant with this sandwich, it’s that good! Served with a few chips, apple slices, and some refreshing citrus-infused water, there ain’t nothing better on the block.

But don’t take my word for it. Until my restaurant dream becomes a reality, you’ll have to make it on your own.

What are some of your favorite ways to combine leftovers?

TWEET THIS: What are your favorite food leftover combinations? @RealMojo68 @WinCoFoods #amcooking #ameating

TWEET THIS: When two good recipes make a third. @RealMojo68 @WinCoFoods #amcooking #ameating

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

[To order your copy of The Unemployment Cookbook, please visit New Inklings Press.]

Sweeten my tea and share:

Recipe: MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf

Feb 27, 2017 | 4 comments

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Who says y’all have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday?

MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf

Y’all know my love for all things NOLA, right? The food, the parties, the spices, the food. Oh, did I say that already? C’mon. You know it’s worth mentioning again.

“It’s all about the food.
It’s always all about the food.”
~Rain [NOLA]

And y’all know my two favorite food companies are Zatarain’s and Winco, right?

And since tomorrow’s the end of this year’s Mardi Gras, as promised here’s this month’s meatloaf recipe. What makes it all that? The Holy Trinity of New Orleans cuisine, and Zatarain’s Creole seasoning.

I’m crazy about Zatarain’s. Remember when Bedford Manor celebrated our five year housewarming, and the Big Z supplied the side dishes? [Read: NOLA, Zatarain’s Style.] Now that was a party. Of course I keep as much Zatarain’s in the pantry as I can, especially the seasonings.

So. You ready to get your flavor on? Then let’s head into the kitchen.

First, grab your gear: Eight simple ingredients, a mixing bowl, cutting board and knife, and meatloaf pan.

MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf ingredients

What, you ask, is the Holy Trinity? Only the best cooking base New Orleans has to offer. A blend of equal parts green pepper, onion, and celery.

NOLA FOOD HACK:
Add two (or more) dashes of
Creole seasoning to the
Holy Trinity during saute’.

MoJo Creole Meatloaf: Holy Trinity

Is your mouth watering yet? Are you needing the recipe like your sugar needs tea? Hold onto your Mojo bag, ’cause here it is.

Recipe: MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
Milk
1 egg
12 saltine cracker squares
New Orleans Holy Trinity (apprx 1/2 small white onion, 1 celery stalk, 1/3 bell pepper)
Zatarain's Creole Seasoning

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
Crush crackers into small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
Dice onion, celery, bell pepper. Saute on low until tender. Remove from heat. [Holy Trinity should equal apprx 1/2 cup when done.]
In large mixing bowl, add ground beef, egg, crackers, Holy Trinity, and 1 tsp Creole seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
Shape into loaf pan. Top with 1/2 tsp Creole seasonings.
Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes.

http://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/27/recipe-mojos-creole-meatloaf/

NOLA FOOD HACK:
Saute twice as much Holy Trinity
as your recipe calls for,
and keep the extra in an airtight container
in your fridge. It’s a great addition
to chicken salad, sandwiches,
and on its own.

Serve it up with some collared greens, corn bread, white wine and all the beads you can hang ’round your neck.

Mardi Gras at Bedford Manor

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Recipe: MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf

CLICK TO TWEET: Who say you to have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday?

With a Mardi Gras mask and Hurricane in hand,

Happy Eating!
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

[DISCLAIMER: Any outside product or company referenced in this recipe is not affiliated with Frankly, My Dear . . ., Molly Jo Realy, New Inklings Press, or The Unemployment Cookbook. I have not been compensated for any mention or reference in this or any other post.]

Save

Sweeten my tea and share:

Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Feb 2, 2017 | 2 comments

Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Five simple ingredients. Three hours. Can’t-get-enough-of-it taste.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

So, last month I promised y’all a new meatloaf recipe every month in 2017. But here it is, February, and you’re thinking (I can tell), “Where’s my meatloaf?! Where’s my recipe?!” Am I right?

Well, first. Thanks for not, you know, yelling through the blogosphere. Much appreciated. Second, aren’t you lucky. You’re gonna have two ~ yup, count ’em ~ two meatloaf recipes this month. Before the end of February, and just in time for Mardi Gras, I’ll share my Creole Meatloaf recipe.

But today, it’s all about the basics. Let’s face it. After the rush and scurry of the holidays, and during the cold weather rains and storms, we don’t always want or have time for complicated. But we still want good. Hearty. Delicious.

Ladies and Gentlemen, today I give you my wonderfully easy-peasy, palate-pleasing, no muss no fuss January (or should have been) Meatloaf.

I can’t believe how easy it is to put this together, and how not dry the meatloaf is. How flavorful, how . . . Well, I could continue but let’s just say you and your taste buds are gonna thank me for this.

Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
2 eggs
2 packets onion soup mix
16 Saltine cracker squares
milk

Instructions

Line slow cooker with foil. Spritz with cooking oil or nonstick spray.
Crush crackers into small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
In separate mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, and soup mix. Add crackers. Mix thoroughly.
Shape into loaf and place in slow cooker.
Reshape, keeping meatloaf away from sides of slow cooker.
Cover. Set on high.
Let cook at least three hours on high, or five to six hours on low.
When ready, slice and serve.

http://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/02/recipe-basic-slow-cooker-meatloaf/

Here’s a few tips:

Shape the loaf into an oval. It will retain its shape while cooking.
Crimp the foil around the edges of the slow cooker and gently press the lid into it.

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf

And that’s it. Simple, right? Delectable, yes? How stinkin’ excited are we for another recipe? So tell me: Do you cook your meatloaf in an oven or a slow cooker?

And do you let your family lick the plates clean?

Frankly, My Dear . . . : Berry Sunshine enjoying the last licks

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . : Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf.

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

Recipe: Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf

Dec 5, 2016 | 2 comments

Let’s talk winter comfort foods and family memories. Remember this little teaser from last month?

My Happy Planner: Recipe Teaser

That’s right. I’ve been using My Happy Planner for just over two weeks now. Talk about your sweet sauce! I’m tracking bills and budget, appointments, social media sharings, and the greatest of great, holiday gatherings. Of course, the first and most important reason was the great recipe organizer. How many people does this make happy?

I’m pretty sure Jacqueline will try to steal my chili recipe once we get to Blue Ridge. [Don’t tell her, but I think I’ll sleep with it under my pillow for safe keeping. The planner. Not the chili.]

But enough about that. Today, we’re talking winter comfort food. Today, we’re talking easy. Today, we’re talking meatloaf.

I mean, doesn’t the word itself conjure up happy memories of family mealtimes, maybe a potluck or party? Meatloaf is my happy place. I can make it nine ways to Sunday, and then some. And to prove that statement, I intend to give you a dozen meatloaf recipes in 2017. Yup, that’s right. I’m gonna haul my cart over to Winco, grab some grub gear, and make y’all some of the best meatloafs you’ve had in years. One each month. How do you like them apples? Eww. No. I’m not putting apples in the meatloaf. It’s a phrase, people. Just a phrase. Although . . .No. No apples in the meatloaf. Moving on.

Today’s recipe was inspired by my Magic friend, Hobbes. No, he’s not magical. Well, he is kinda special. He’s one of my gaming buddies. You know. Magic: The Gathering. [Yes. I know. I’m a nerd. We’ll discuss that some other time.]

Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf

Hobbes is kinda talented when it comes to building good gaming decks, and since I needed a deck I could assault Aaron with, let’s say I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’d organize my cards and I’d ~~let him live~~ feed him properly. Being the ~~overly perfectionist~~ attentive host that I am, I made sure to ask if he had any allergies, and what his fave foods are. He came back with a combination of chicken recipes and Mexican flavors, and also mentioned meatloaf and potatoes. So, voila! [Side note: When I was a kid, I always thought that was viola, as in, a mini violin. Maybe it made a high-pitched screech that got everyone’s attention, and that’s how the word came about? Apparently not. But now you know I wasn’t always the wordsmith I ~~pretend to be~~ ~~present myself as~~ am.]

So. Uhm. Yes. Voila! Say hello to Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf.

Recipe: Hobbes' Mexican Chicken Meatloaf

Rating: 41

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Serving Size: 1-2 slices

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup (apprx) Fritos chili-cheese chips
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilis, drained
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced seasoned tomatoes, drained
1/2 packet taco seasonings
2 eggs
milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
Crush Fritos chips in small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, green chilis, tomatoes, eggs, and 1/4 packet taco seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
Add Fritos. Mix.
Shape into loaf pan.
Top with remaining taco seasonings.
Bake 50-60 minutes.

Notes

Using chicken instead of ground beef makes this a healthier alternative to some other meatloaf recipes. Two eggs will help bind the loaf together for presentation, but doesn't affect the taste. Use just enough milk to soften the corn chips.

http://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/12/05/recipe-hobbes-mexican-chicken-meatloaf/

Did you ever think of using ground chicken instead of beef in your meatloaf? Well, now you have. You’re welcome.

Recipe: Mexican Chicken Meatloaf

Dice up a few potatoes, spritz with olive oil and season with dill or kosher salt, and you have a perfect side dish.

And here’s your bonus holiday food hack: Drop a half-cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts (or both!) into your banana bread batter for a delightful dessert.

Now it’s your turn: What are some of your favorite meatloaf dishes?

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

Save

Sweeten my tea and share:

2017 Prep: My Happy Planner

Nov 24, 2016 | 2 comments

Victory Coffee

Hey. How’s it going? Mind if I take a sip of chicory? Thanks. Mm. Good stuff.

So. You’re prob’ly wondering why I haven’t posted much lately. Or you don’t care. In either event, I have a plan to change both. I have a plan, and I have a planner.

It’s no secret I can get a little, well, shall we say, frazzled? [Note to Self: Stop saying fun words five times fast. Just get on with it.]

The more I put on my plate, the more plates I need, and the more I put on them . . . You tracking this circle with me? Yup. That’s right. Plates = Projects = More Plates = More Projects. [Get the food reference? Awesome. Remember this for later in the post.]

I keep myself pretty busy. So busy, in fact . . . Well, I’m not sure I want to admit to this . . . Don’t tell anyone, okay? But I keep myself so busy I’ve actually been forgetful. Yup. I’ve dropped the ball on promoting the Firsts in Fiction podcast. The housecleaning? Fuggettaboutit. And writing takes second chair to editing which takes second chair to whatever daily project I have emergency flares sent up for.

My purse-size organizer that I’ve had for ten years just doesn’t cut it anymore. Sure, it’s great for a wallet and small notes. But keeping track? Notsomuch. What’s This Girl to do?

I’ll tell you what. After months of distant admiration, I finally snagged myself a Happy Planner. For realz. That’s what it’s called. And that’s how it makes me feel.

MoJo Happy Planner

I want to scream from the rooftops how this planner has saved me, and I’ve only had it for a week! Already I’m making lists and creating recipes and keeping track of posts I’m writing for other sites as well as who’s guest blogging on Frankly, My Dear . . .

It’s like responsible scrapbooking. And who doesn’t love a good scrapbook?

I have about twenty photos I could share, but you don’t want all that. Am I right? You want the highlights? Well, let me run it down for you:

Sturdy construction, laminated covers
18-month calendar with month- and week-at-a-glance pages
Monthly page to mark important dates and other noteworthy items
Inspirational quotes
Completely personalized

My Happy Planner: Recipe Teaser

Remember the food reference I asked y’all to remember? Here’s why: I recently contacted Winco Foods and asked, “How much do you miss me?” “So much,” they said. “Please blog for us again.” “Of course,” I said. And I knew I’d need a better way of tracking test kitchen concoctions. The Happy Planner’s Recipe Organizer Extension Pack was what sold me. It has everything I love. Room to write, margin notes, prep and cook time. It’s perfect.

My Happy Planner is so fun responsible necessary I went back the next day and picked up the Home Planner pack. Now this is a working woman’s dream. It’s got a chore list, people. A chore list! I wish Dot was still home so I could show her how much fun it is. A meal planner complete with organized grocery list page. A budget sheet? Won’t that come in handy with my credit recovery posts? Yeah, yeah. And the actual home budget, too. I know. But what really made me buzz is the large To Do lists.

MoJo Happy Planner: To Do

Seriously! A full-size lined page that gives me the freedom to mark it up how I want. It’s not numbered. It’s not dated. It’s just a list! I lalalove it, don’t you? And as you can tell, I have quite a few regular post ideas to share. [Not seeing a topic you’d like? Let me know in the comments.]

And the day after that, I realized I need to protect this piece of gold, so I went to the store a third time and to get a case for it. Of course the case is gold. No pun intended, but there it is anyway. Ya just can’t escape fate.

And y’all know how things just sort of come full circle, right? Well. As it turns out, the accent color of my Happy Planner case happens to be the same accent color of my newest nutcracker, whom I call King, which happens to be the nickname of the main character, Dwayne Pride, of NCIS: New Orleans. New Orleans, people! As in, NOLA, the setting for the novel I’m writing. Coincidence? I think not. And both of which are similar to Raven’s shell. Yes, Raven. You know. My new laptop. [Oh, like you’ve never named your inanimate objects. Sip your coffee and move on.]

Anyway. They very closely resemble Tiffany Blue. Yes, of Tiffany & Co. Also of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Which is with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, and filmed in New York, which is where Central Park is, which is where my second novel will be set, which will be written when I finish NOLA, which my Happy Planner tells me I need to work on this weekend!