Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Purchase canned chipotle peppers and freeze the leftovers, adding them to soups and chili when desired. When basting the burgers with barbecue sauce only use half of the sauce to begin, using more if needed. This way the bulk of your sauce won’t be contaminated with chicken juices, and it can be reused later on. Makes 3 cups (750 mL)

Ingredients:                                                                                               1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil

½ cup (125 mL) onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1½ cups (375 mL) ketchup

¼ cup (50 mL) molasses

½ chipotle pepper (or to taste), very finely chopped

1 tbsp (15 mL) yellow mustard

1 cup (250 mL) flavorful beer

Directions:                                                                                             In a small saucepan heat oil over medium heat, add onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.

Add ketchup, molasses, chipotle pepper, mustard and beer.

Bring to the boil, then lower heat and simmer for 40 minutes or until thickened; it should be the consistency of a regular barbecue sauce. Remove from heat and cool.

Christmas Pudding

Christmas Pudding:

 
This year, chefs in HM the Queen's Royal kitchens have shared their recipe for a traditional Christmas pudding. We hope that some of you enjoy making it in your own homes.
The recipe will make two 1kg puddings. (2.2 Pounds each) 

Ingredients:
250g raisins                            3/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon
250g currants                         3/4 cup plus  1 teaspoon                   
185g sultanas                         1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon
150g mixed peel                    1/2 cup
250g suet or vegetarian suet  3/4 cup 
250g breadcrumbs                 3/4 cup   
90g flour                                1/4 cup
12g mixed spice                     1 teaspoon
2 whole eggs                         2 eggs
180g demerara sugar              5/8 cup
275ml beer                            7/8 cup
40ml dark rum                      2 Tablespoons
40ml brandy                         2 Tablespoons
If you don’t want to use alcohol, you can substitute for orange juice or cold tea.

Directions:
On Christmas Day, reheat your pudding in a bain-marie for 3-4 hours. Remove from the basin using a rounded knife or palette knife, flip out onto a plate, garnish or flambé and serve with brandy sauce and cream.
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.Source: The Royal Family Instagram.

Penzy's Beer Bread

Penzy Beer Bread

I have found the greatest source for the highest quality spices.  Penzy Spices has a home office in Wauwatosa, WI.  They have retail stores throughout the United States and also publish a catalog listing their great selection of spices and spice blends along with recipes.  Shipping is free on a thirty dollar order or more.  About four or more times a year they offer a free gift with a purchase.  With the winter catalog, if you bring in the included coupon you receive a coffee mug.  With a mail order the mug is also included.  The previous Holiday catalog included a five-dollar coupon for a discount on two different gift collections of spices.

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Penzy's Beer Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1-1/2 tablespoon baking powder

3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon oregano, or basil,

    or cracked rosemary

1 12oz bottle beer at room temperature

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Topping:

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic powder

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Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and herbs if using.  Add the beer and stir until blended.  Pour the batter in a loaf pan (5 x 9 or 4 1/2 X 8 1/2) and bake for 1 hour.  Combine the butter and garlic if using.  When finished baking, pour the butter mixture over the top.  Allow to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before removing.  Bread cuts easier when cool.