Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Cherokee Indian fried bread This morning, I felt like going back to my roots and making homemade Cherokee fried bread. When I was a little girl, my great-grandmother (who was Cherokee Indian) taught me how to make simple, but oh so delicious Cherokee fried bread, while she'd tell me about the hardships my ancestors went through while walking the Trail of Tears (American Indian removal that began in 1831, ended in 1850). Many American Indians suffered from hunger, disease, and brutality. The Tribes were given minimum government provisions (white flour, salt, and lard) and they had to learn how to make the most from what they were given, while rationing the provisions to survive. I was told that it was during this gut wrenching journey that my Cherokee ancestors learned how to make fried bread. It's not considered being the healthiest bread ever made, but it is a traditional survival bread recipe that dates back to the Trail of Tears. Traditionally, great-grandma used 3 cups of a...

Authentic Cherokee Bean Stew: A Heritage Recipe with Gin Lee Food is much more than sustenance — it's a gateway to history, culture, and tradition. Among the rich culinary heritage of the Cherokee Nation, the Cherokee bean stew stands out as a comforting, hearty dish that has nourished generations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the authentic Cherokee bean stew recipe, sharing insights, tips, and stories that connect us to this cherished heritage. You'll discover how to craft this flavorful stew that celebrates Native American cuisine and preserves a vital part of Cherokee history. Table of Contents Introduction to Cherokee Heritage and Food The Significance of Bean Stew in Cherokee Culture Ingredients for Authentic Cherokee Bean Stew Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions Cooking Tips and Variations Connecting with Heritage through Cooking Conclusion: Preserving Heritage, One Bowl at a Time Introduction to Cherokee Heritage and Food The Cherokee Nation boasts a vibrant culinary tr...

Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Chewy Treats/Sweet Potato Jerky To make this dog treat recipe, you'll need sweet potatoes, a sharp knife, a dehydrator, and time. The hardest part is slicing the sweet potatoes. For this recipe, I do not peel the potatoes, because the peels have so much goodness in them for my fur baby. Contrary to some beliefs, the skin of sweet potatoes is not poisonous. My dog loves sweet potato chewy treats and I love that she does, because they're so healthy for her. They're not only high in fiber, but they're also loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, and iron. Vitamin A alone helps build healthy muscles, eyes, skin, and fur.  One sweet potato makes several treats, but when I make these treats for my fur baby, I generally slice at least six to eight (depending on their size) sweet potatoes at a time to dehydrate. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes (the amount depends on how many trays that you have to fill) Ins...

Make Your Own Delicious Vegan Jerky: Easy Step-by-Step Recipe If you're looking for a protein-packed snack that's both healthy and cruelty-free, homemade vegan jerky is the perfect choice. Not only does it beat store-bought options in freshness and flavor, but it also allows you to customize the seasonings to your taste. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based snacks, this simple recipe will have you enjoying savory, chewy jerky in no time. Table of Contents Ingredients Needed Step-by-Step Instructions Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Jerky Final Thoughts Ingredients Needed 1 cup vital wheat gluten 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 cup vegetable broth 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon olive oil Step-by-Step Instructions Prepare the Dry Mix: In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika,...

Transforming Zucchini into Flavorful Jerky: A Creative Twist on a Classic Snack If you're a snack enthusiast or someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, you've probably tried your hand at homemade jerky. But what if I told you there's a unique, healthier alternative that transforms humble zucchinis into a savory, smoky treat? Welcome to the world of zucchini jerky — a delicious, plant-based snack that combines bold flavors with a satisfying chewy texture. Let’s dive into how you can craft this inventive snack at home, with simple ingredients and a touch of culinary creativity. Table of Contents Why Choose Zucchini for Jerky? Key Ingredients & Their Roles Step-by-Step Preparation Tips for Perfect Zucchini Jerky Serving Suggestions & Storage Final Thoughts Why Choose Zucchini for Jerky? Zucchini is a versatile summer squash that’s typically celebrated for its mild flavor and tender texture. However, when sliced thin and seasoned thoughtfully, it becomes an exce...

Peppered Beef Jerky: A Yummy Meat Treat If you like spicy jerky, my peppered jerky will be right up your alley. Today, I used lean cut organic Angus beef round steak for this recipe, with a dry rub marinade. The jerky was completely done in about five hours; some of the pieces were done dehydrating in three hours. So you can start the beef jerky early in the morning and it will be done some time before lunch. Beef jerky is a wonderful meat snack to have on hand. It can simplify your meals when you're going hiking, camping, fishing, traveling, working, or when you're just sitting home relaxing. It's also nice to have on hand should the power go off and you get the munchies, but have no way to cook.  My peppered jerky recipe is very simple to make and the best part is that it doesn't take an entire day to prepare it.  Ingredients: 2 pounds of lean beef, cut into slices (I used round steak) 2 teaspoons of cumin powder 4 teaspoons of ground black pepper 2 teaspo...