Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

The Appeal of Homemade Raisins Raisins are a popular and versatile dried fruit that are enjoyed by many around the world. While store-bought raisins are readily available, making your own homemade raisins can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Not only does it allow you to have full control over the process, but it also offers numerous benefits such as superior flavor, cost-effectiveness, and the satisfaction of creating a wholesome snack from scratch. In this article, we will explore the world of homemade raisins, discussing the advantages, methods, tips, and more to help you embark on your journey of making delectable raisins in the comfort of your own home. Let's face it, raisins are the unsung heroes of the snack world. They may be tiny, wrinkly, and sometimes mistaken for chocolate chips, but their sweet and chewy goodness is undeniable. And while store-bought raisins are readily available, there's something special about making your own homemade version. So, grab yo

Growing vegetables inside a low tunnel in the winter When winter arrives and the ground becomes frosty, many gardeners assume that growing fresh produce is out of the question until spring. However, with the help of low tunnels, it is possible to continue growing food throughout the cold season. Low tunnels, also known as hoop houses or mini greenhouses, provide a protected environment that shields plants from harsh winter conditions while allowing sunlight to reach them. In my article today, we will explore the benefits of using low tunnels for winter growing, discuss the selection of suitable crops for this purpose, and provide guidance on soil preparation, temperature management, irrigation techniques, pest control, and strategies for extending the winter growing season. By embracing the possibilities of low tunnels, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest even when the snow is falling outside. Introduction to Low Tunnels for Winter Growing What is a Low Tunnel? Winter can be a challengin

Cheesy tortellini with ground turkey Cheesy tortellini with ground turkey isn't just simple to create; it's also delightfully delicious once it's prepared. In fact, it's so delightfully cheesy that it will have your family asking you if they can have a second helping! Ingredients: 1 to 2 pounds of ground turkey 1 (12-ounce) package of tortellini 1 cup of shredded white cheddar or mozzarella cheese 1 tablespoon of canola oil to cook the ground turkey 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of onion powder 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder 4 to 6 quarts of water to cook your tortellini in Instructions: In a bowl, add 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix the ingredients well. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to a skillet, and allow the oil to get hot over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is brown

Pixabay/Willgard/Baked Goods Christmas Fairy   A Magical Christmas with Great Food Christmas is an enchanting time of year, filled with warmth, love, and cherished traditions. One of the most delightful aspects of this joyful season is the delectable food that brings people together. From traditional family recipes to indulgent treats, the holiday season offers an abundance of culinary delights that enhance the magic of Christmas. My post today explores the various ways in which great food enhances the spirit of Christmas, from festive meals and treats to the warmth it brings to our hearts. 1: Traditional Christmas Meals Christmas is synonymous with grand feasts prepared with love and care. Families gather around tables overflowing with traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. Whether it's roast turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, or roast beef, these succulent centerpieces are often accompanied by savory side dishes such as roasted potatoes, B

Delicious Bread and Butter Pickles Vivid, bright green, crisp, and super tangy, these bread and butter pickles are both thinly sliced and speared. I prefer preparing my bread and butter pickles so that I have spears to serve alongside a fish platter and slices to serve on hamburgers and other types of sandwiches. I add just a dash of seasoning salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to give my pickles an extra little kick of flavor. Those three ingredients are totally optional. Ingredients: 3 pounds (equals 12 cups for sliced) of cucumbers, sliced, and or speared 4 cups of fresh white onions, diced, or left in rings (I generally dice mine) ¼ cup of pickling salt 8-10 cups of ice cubes and water 1 cup of white granulated Splenda, or organic cane sugar 1-½ tablespoons of mustard seed 1 teaspoon of celery seed 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (optional) ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt (optional) 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional) 3 cups

Low calorie crock-pot meatloaf If you're looking for a meatloaf that doesn't require eggs, bread crumbs, ketchup, etc., then this might be the recipe for you. Today, I am creating a low calorie meatloaf without all the bells and whistles, but it still tastes amazingly good and has fewer calories. The meatloaf will be cooked inside my crock-pot on a meat rack. Doing this allows the excess grease to drip below the meatloaf as it cooks. Which in turn creates a pleasurable, greaseless meatloaf experience. Ingredients: 2 pounds of lean ground beef 1-2 bell peppers, de-seeded and diced finely (depending on size of the peppers), or 1 tablespoon of dried pepper flakes 1-2 tablespoons of onion flakes (amount depends on your preference) 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon of soul seasoning Sesame seeds and flax seeds, to sprinkle over the top of your meatloaf (optional) ½ cup of water, do pour inside your crock-

Holiday Flock Blocks Made With Applesauce Welcome to my guide on creating delicious and nutritious Holiday Flock Blocks made with applesauce! Designed to provide your flock with a festive and healthy treat, these homemade blocks are packed with the goodness of applesauce and can be customized with various flavors and ingredients. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using applesauce in flock blocks, provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them, suggest creative variations and flavor combinations, offer tips on storing and presenting the blocks, discuss the health benefits for your flock, address common questions and troubleshooting, and conclude with our final thoughts. Let's dive in and create some delightful treats for your feathered friends this holiday season! Introduction to Holiday Flock Blocks Made With Applesauce What are Holiday Flock Blocks? Holiday flock blocks are a fun and nutritious treat for your feathered friends during the festive season. These hand

 In the Spirit of the holiday, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Go Dance Yourself Fun Face made this video possible. Love you guys! Sincerely, Gin Lee

The Perfect Thanksgiving: Focusing on Gratitude and Relationships   As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves immersed in thoughts of family gatherings, scrumptious feasts, and a whirlwind of preparations. Thanksgiving, in particular, brings with it a sense of tradition and nostalgia. However, in our quest for the "perfect" Thanksgiving, we often forget the true essence of this cherished holiday.   Contrary to popular belief, a perfect Thanksgiving is not determined by the amount of money we spend on an elaborate turkey dinner or how much food we can gorge ourselves on. Instead, it is a time to reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and to appreciate the relationships that enrich our existence.   In a world consumed by materialism and the constant pursuit of more, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to pause and show gratitude for the awesome relationships and experiences we have with one another. It is a time to cherish the moments spent with loved ones and to

Hashbrown Breakfast Pizza Ingredients: 2 potatoes, peeled and grated 12 pepperoni slices 4 eggs 1/4 cup of grated American cheese 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder 2 tablespoons of canola oil for the skillet Instructions: Peel and rinse 2 large potatoes (I used Russet potatoes). Then grate them. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold ice water for ten minutes to soak. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil for the skillet and allow it to get hot over medium-high heat. Drain the water off the potatoes. Then pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder over the grated potatoes. Flip the potato pieces with your hands so that the spices are mixed well. Then transfer the seasoned potatoes to the skillet. Allow the bottom of the hashbrown to brown even

 Happy Holidays “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.” By Edith Sitwell From my home to yours, I sincerely wish you great joy, comfort, love, and so many more blessings- Especially great food and health!

Water bath canning tomato sauce Yesterday, I canned about 55 pounds of tomatoes. I know, that's a lot of tomatoes! So, I broke my recipe down to make it more manageable for my article today. Each quart jar, on average, will hold about 6 1/2 pounds of tomatoes when you're making tomato sauce. To make my sauce recipe, you'll need a water bath canner or a large enough stockpot that the quart jars can be submerged in. Note also that the water will need to cover the jars by about an inch. This is one of the simplest ways to make homemade tomato sauce because you do not peel, take the seeds, or the core out of the tomatoes. You'll only want to cut the stem portion off the tops of each one. Ingredients: Tomatoes, an average of 6 1/2 pounds, will be needed per quart. 4 tablespoons of 5 percent white vinegar per quart You can also use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice per quart, or use a dash of citric acid per quart, if you prefer. Spices of your preference (I didn't add any to

Southern catfish nuggets Are you all set for a southern fish fry? Today, I will be sharing my recipe for preparing fish the way my husband likes it. I hope that you'll enjoy it too! So, let's get started! Ingredients: 10 to 12 catfish nuggets 3 eggs 1/2 cup of milk 1 tablespoon of soul seasoning 2 cups of yellow cornmeal 2 cups of self-rising flour 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 tablespoon of onion powder 1 tablespoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper Canola oil (to fry the fish in) Instructions: In a gallon Ziploc bag, add 2 cups of yellow cornmeal, 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper. Zip the bag and give it a really good shak