Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Stretch Your Meat Budget: Time-Tested Tips from a Grandparent’s Wisdom In times of rising meat prices, many families find themselves tightening their belts at the grocery store. But what if I told you that there are simple, effective ways to make your meat go further without sacrificing flavor or quantity? Having grown up listening to my grandparents' stories of surviving during the Great Depression, I’ve learned firsthand how resourcefulness and ingenuity can turn a modest meal into a satisfying feast. Their lessons (passed down through generations) are more relevant today than ever before. Why Listening to Our Ancestors Matters My grandparents lived through the Great Depression, a period marked by scarcity and hardship. I always paid attention and listened to their life stories on how they survived through those times. They knew how to make a little go a long way, less meat, more filler, and a dash of creativity. Recognizing that history tends to repeat itself, I real...

Mastering the Art of Stewed Chicken in Tomato-Based Sauce: A Delicious and Flavorful Recipe If you're searching for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish to add to your culinary repertoire, look no further than a classic stewed chicken in tomato-based sauce. Rich in taste, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish combines tender chicken with a savory, tangy tomato sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore more complex flavors, this recipe offers a delightful culinary journey you won't want to miss. Table of Contents Introduction Ingredients Needed Preparation Steps Pro Tips for Perfect Stewed Chicken Serving Suggestions Conclusion Introduction There’s something undeniably comforting about a slow-cooked, flavorful stew. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce evokes warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This recipe is versatile and a...

Glazed Chili Pepper Chicken Indulge in the mouth-watering glazed chili pepper chicken, expertly crafted to strike the perfect harmony between spicy and sweet flavors, leaving your taste buds tingling with delight. Ingredients: 10 to 12 chicken legs 1 tablespoon of ground chili pepper 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey 1 tablespoon of soy sauce 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper Instructions: Thoroughly wash the chicken legs under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground chili pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. Place the chicken legs in a large baking dish, e...

Beef and bean quesadillas Here's another simple and awesome weeknight meal that you can prepare in mere minutes. I stuffed my quesadillas with cooked ground beef, refried beans, and cheese. Then I finished crisping the tortillas on the griddle, and they turned out so delicious. Of course, you can add sour cream, green onions, black olives, avocados, etc. if you want. Plus, you can stuff your quesadillas with cooked, ground, or shredded pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables and rice. The possibilities are endless. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of canola oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 pound of lean ground beef 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 (15-ounce) can of refried beans or 2 cups of homemade refried beans 4 to 6 large 10-inch self-shell flour tortillas, depending on how thick you want your filling to be in each quesadilla 1 cup of your preferred shredded cheese (I used cheddar) Instructions: In a large skillet, add three tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced oni...

Vintage Fried Bread and Rice Dinner Recipe: A Nostalgic Comfort Classic There’s something truly special about a hearty, homemade dinner that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Today, we’re diving into a timeless vintage recipe and combining fragrant rice with crispy fried bread, that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking to recreate a beloved childhood meal or explore a unique dish to serve at your next dinner, this fried bread and rice dinner is sure to satisfy. Table of Contents Introduction Ingredients Needed Preparation Steps Serving Suggestions Pro Tips & Variations Conclusion Ingredients Needed 4 cups of rice (preferably long grain or jasmine) Bell peppers (any color), diced (optional) Onions, diced fine 1 can of cream of chicken soup, or any other cream of soup that you prefer. Seasonings (seasoning salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your preferred blend) Vegetable oil for cooking For the Fried Bread: 2 cu...

Strawberry Pancakes  There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a stack of fluffy, fruity strawberry pancakes. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, this recipe combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the warmth of freshly cooked pancakes. Whether you're cooking for family or enjoying a quiet morning alone, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ingredients 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 2 large eggs ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced Extra strawberries for garnish (optional) Maple syrup or honey for serving Preparation In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. ...

2-Alarm steak chili This chili recipe is somewhat spicy. Hence, the reasons why I call it my 2-alarm chili. It has chunks of cooked steak, ground beef, and pinto beans added to it. It equals about seven quarts of homemade chili when it's finished cooking. The beans alone make about twelve cups when cooked. So, you'll definitely need a huge pan for this recipe, because the chili will be prepared inside the same pan that the beans are cooked in. When making homemade chili, taste it as you are cooking it. The seasonings that I use may be too spicy for some, or not spicy enough for others.  Ingredients:  2 pounds of dried pinto beans, or 6 cans 15-ounce cans of store-bought pinto beans (chili beans also work nicely for this recipe) 2 pounds of steak, cubed 1 pound of lean ground beef 2 quarts of pasta sauce (I used homemade tomato sauce and seasoned it to taste.) 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, plus I added extra to the beans and meat 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, to add to the meat...

Beef, Bean, and Cheese Tacoritos Beef, Bean, and Cheese Tacoritos is a tasty and affordable meal option that will satisfy your cravings and extend your hard-earned money. Ingredients: 2 pounds of ground beef 1 medium onion, diced 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika 1 tablespoon of chili powder 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes  1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 tablespoon of dried red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 2 cups of refried beans 1 cup of salsa (optional) 1 cup of softened Velveeta cheese 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise (the amount depends on preference) Flour tortillas (5-inch size recommended) Butter for the skillet Instructions: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add ground beef, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, dried red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Cook for 12 minutes, drain excess gr...

Mexican style refried bean burgers & Mexican salad If you can't afford beef, or don't like meat in general, here are a couple of meatless alternatives for you. The Mexican style refried bean burgers are pretty simple to make and they're also delicious when used in a Mexican salad. Plus, there are alternative ways to use bean burgers as well. I will be listing those alternative options at the end of my article. Ingredients: 16 ounces of refried beans (homemade or canned) 1 cup of pinto beans, or black beans, drained well 1 cup of uncooked old-fashioned oats, or bread crumbs (add extra if you're having trouble shaping the burgers) 1 onion, diced 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper ½ teaspoon of cumin powder 1-2 jalapeno peppers, or chili peppers, banana peppers; diced  ½ teaspoon of sriracha powder ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika Enough potato flakes or cornmeal to coat the bean burgers in well Cooking oil, enough t...

Mastering Tomato Pruning: Boost Your Garden’s Productivity and Fruit Quality If you’ve ever wondered why some tomato plants flourish while others struggle, a key factor lies in proper pruning. Not only can pruning enhance air circulation and reduce disease risk, but it also helps your plants channel their energy into producing delicious, bountiful fruit. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understanding the nuances of pruning different tomato varieties can transform your gardening success. Let’s delve into the art and science of tomato pruning, backed by fascinating historical tidbits and practical advice. A Brief History: Why Was the Tomato Classified as a Vegetable? Before jumping into pruning techniques, it’s interesting to note that in 1887, the U.S. government legally classified the tomato as a vegetable. This classification stemmed from tariff laws that taxed vegetables differently from fruits. Ironically, the tomato is botanically a fruit, a berry to be ...

Pink Salmon Burgers In my recipe, I use red bell pepper, but if you don't like peppers, it can be omitted. I also use two eggs as a binder, but they can also be omitted because I also use two slices of bread in the recipe. (The bread is also a binder that helps hold the salmon patties together while they are cooking.) Ingredients: 1 large can of pink salmon 2 slices of dried bread, crumbled up 3 tablespoons of onion, finely diced 1 teaspoon of garlic powder  3 tablespoons of red bell pepper, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons of flour 2 large eggs ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper 3-4 tablespoons of canola oil Preparation Drain all the salmon juice off of the meat. Transfer the pink salmon to a medium-sized bowl. Then add the two eggs, along with the diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, bread crumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, flour and salt and pepper. Mix together until well blended; form the salmon mixture into ...

Spicy Dorito Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Twist on Comfort Food If you're seeking a bold and flavorful dish to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than this irresistible Mexican Chicken Casserole. Combining crunchy spicy Dorito chips with creamy Velveeta cheese creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to craft this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe? Let’s dive into the details! Why This Casserole Works This dish is a fantastic blend of simplicity and flavor. The spicy Doritos infuse the casserole with a zesty kick, while the Velveeta cheese provides a rich, cheesy base. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where comfort food is a must. Ingredients You’ll Need 1 bag of spicy Dorito chips 1 block of Velveeta cheese 2 cups cooked shredded chicken 1 cup sour cream 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional) 1 teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper to taste Step-by-Step Preparation Prepare the base: Cook and shred your chick...

No Beans, Beefy Layered Burrito Introducing the No Beans, Beefy Layered Burrito, a delectable and satisfying dish that is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a flavorful beef burrito. Ingredients: 2 pounds of ground beef 1 finely diced onion 1 teaspoon of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of chili powder 1 (15-ounce) can of nacho cheese sauce 1 small container of sour cream 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend 1 package of 10-inch soft shell flour tortillas Instructions: In a skillet, add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook on high heat for about fifteen minutes (until the meat is browned). Drain the grease. Then transfer the cooked meat to a bowl. Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper flakes, seasoning salt, black pepper, and chili powder to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine. Lay out a flour tortilla and spread a ge...

Boost Your Garden's Success: Proven Tips for Faster Seed Germination Starting a vegetable garden is an exciting journey, but one of the biggest challenges many gardeners face is ensuring their seeds germinate quickly and successfully. Patience is key, but did you know there are scientifically-backed methods to give your seeds a head start? In this post, we'll explore effective techniques, ranging from natural soaking solutions to seed sterilization to help you achieve sprouting success in less time. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these tips will set your garden on the path to thriving growth. Table of Contents Soaking Seeds in Hydrogen Peroxide Enhancing Plant Strength with Aspirin Seed Sterilization with Diluted Bleach Additional Tips for Faster Germination Conclusion Soaking Seeds in Hydrogen Peroxide One innovative method to boost germination involves soaking your seeds in a hydrogen peroxide solution. Use a mixture of 1/4 cup of ...

Discover the Art of Making Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide Few dishes have achieved the status of a national treasure quite like Hainanese chicken rice, a beloved culinary icon originating from Hainan, China. Known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this dish has become a staple in countries like Singapore, where it’s celebrated as a culinary heritage. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, mastering the art of Hainanese chicken rice offers a rewarding experience that combines tradition, technique, and bold flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key ingredients, step-by-step recipe, and tips to perfect your own plate of this iconic dish. Table of Contents Introduction Key Ingredients Preparing the Chicken Cooking the Rice Making the Chili Sauce Assembling and Serving Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Rice Conclusion Introduction Hainanese chicken rice is more than just a dish; it’s a cultu...

Bean & cheese tortilla roll-ups If you love bean burritos, then here's a recipe for you to sink your teeth into! Today I will walk you through the instructions on how I slowly cook pinto beans, make refried beans, followed by my recipe for the bean & cheese tortilla roll-ups. This entire meal cost me under ten dollars to prepare. Of course, I already had the cheese, spices, onion, and garlic. The bags of dried pinto beans that I purchased at Wal-Mart cost only a dollar for the sixteen ounce bags. When I make refried beans, I normally make them from the dried beans that I cook. The recipe for my bean and cheese tortilla roll-ups doesn't use the amount of beans that I pre-cook. What I do is cook a crock pot of beans and use them to make different recipes. Because it takes so long for dried beans to slow cook. Two cups of dried beans once cooked, equals about four fifteen ounce cans of cooked beans. That's the equivalent to six cups of cooked beans. Ingredients to cook...

Mom’s BBQ Coon: The Unexpected Taste of Southern Hospitality In the deep South, where stories are as plentiful as sweet tea and every dish comes with a side of family history, there's one tall tale that still makes us chuckle—especially when it involves cousin James, a college kid with a big appetite and even bigger opinions about wild game. This is the story of how my mom’s legendary BBQ coon turned a skeptic into a believer, all served up with a hearty dose of Southern humor. The Backstory: Wild Game and Family Adventures Growing up in the South, hunting and fishing are more than hobbies, they’re traditions. My dad, ever the outdoorsman, loved to take his shot at the game, sometimes coming home with surprises. And by surprises, I mean raccoons. Yes, raccoons. To many, they’re pests, but to my dad, they were just another challenge to conquer. Mom, on the other hand, is a pro at turning whatever’s on hand into a feast. She’s skinned, cleaned, and cooked everything from ...

Homemade country-style milk bread If you haven't ever had homemade country milk bread, you're going to be in for a real treat. Milk bread is one of my favorite breads to make and to eat. It's light, fluffy, and easy to pull apart in rich airy layers. Plus, it's absolutely yummy! It's great to serve with breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and even to eat at snack time. With this recipe, there are a lot of steps to take. The dough will need to rest and rise a total of three times altogether. I will walk you through each step the best that I can and place the ingredients within each step as they are needed as we go through each step together. (Hopefully, it will be more helpful for you to follow.) Step one: To start creating your milk bread, you'll need these ingredients:  4 cups of bread flour 3 tablespoons of granulated white Splenda, or regular granulated white sugar 1-½ teaspoons of salt (I prefer using seasoning salt to add extra flavor.) 3 tablespoons of cold ...

Harness the Power of Nature: How to Make Fertilizer Tea for a Thriving Vegetable and Fruit Garden Imagine nourishing your garden with a completely natural, safe, and cost-effective fertilizer with absolutely no chemicals, no harsh additives, just the pure bounty of your own backyard. Making fertilizer tea using grass clippings is an eco-friendly way to give your vegetables and fruits that extra boost they need to flourish. This simple, all-natural method not only recycles waste but also provides your plants with essential nutrients quickly and effectively. Ready to transform your lawn waste into garden gold? Let’s dive into how to make fertilizer tea and reap the benefits of this sustainable gardening practice. Table of Contents Gather Materials Preparation Steps Brewing Process How to Use Your Fertilizer Tea Benefits of Fertilizer Tea Conclusion Gather Materials Before you start, gather these simple supplies: Fresh grass clippings: preferably from your lawn or garden A lar...