Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Homemade chili beans Do you want to get your spice on? If so, I think you'll really enjoy my recipe for homemade chili beans. You can make the recipe with or without ground beef. It's really good either way.  To begin making this recipe, I started by cooking a sixteen-ounce bag of dried pinto beans first. If you are unsure how to cook dried pinto beans, I wrote an article a while back, teaching you how I prepare them in a crock-pot. If you don't want to make the recipe with homemade cooked beans, you can buy canned pinto beans to use as a substitute. However, keep in mind that a sixteen-ounce bag of dried pinto beans roughly makes close to six cups once they're cooked, while a fifteen-ounce can of store-bought beans equals about one cup and a half. Ingredients: 6 cups of cooked pinto beans 1-24-ounce jar of pasta sauce (your preferred brand) 4-6 chili peppers, chopped and diced 1-2 jalapeno peppers, chopped and diced 4 teaspoons of chili powder 2 teaspoons of cayenne pe...

Enjoy the Sunset With These Picnic Ideas There's something truly magical about watching the sunset, especially when combined with a well-planned picnic. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a peaceful escape from daily routines, a sunset picnic offers a perfect blend of nature, good food, and meaningful moments. In this guide, we'll explore creative picnic ideas that will elevate your sunset experience, making it unforgettable for you and your loved ones. Table of Contents Why Choose a Sunset for Your Picnic? Finding the Perfect Location Crafting a Delicious Picnic Menu Must-Have Picnic Essentials Creative Picnic Ideas for a Memorable Sunset Tips for a Smooth Sunset Picnic Experience Conclusion Why Choose a Sunset for Your Picnic? The allure of a sunset is undeniable. As the sky transforms into a canvas of warm oranges, pinks, and purples, it creates a serene and romantic atmosphere. Planning your picnic around this magical time allows...

Discover the Perfect 3 Bean Salad Recipe for a Refreshing and Nutritious Meal Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? The 3 Bean Salad is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with bold flavors. Whether you're planning a picnic, a side for dinner, or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious, nutrient-packed salad that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to your palate. Table of Contents Ingredients Needed Preparation Steps Helpful Tips & Variations Final Thoughts Ingredients Needed 1 cup cooked kidney beans or pinto beans 1 cup cooked navy beans or great Northern beans 1 cup cooked black beans 1 small red onion, finely chopped ½ cup chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to...

Slow-cooked Great Northern Beans Today's recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly delicious. This recipe yields enough Great Northern beans to feed your entire family. To achieve the perfect creamy texture, the beans are cooked slowly. Ingredients: 2 pounds of dried Great Northern beans 1 onion, diced finely (optional) 3 cloves of minced garlic (optional) 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt 5 quarts of cold water (for the crockpot) Instructions: Thoroughly rinse the great northern beans with cold water, ensuring to remove any defective beans. Transfer the beans to your crockpot. Next, add cold water, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and seasoning salt to the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on a medium-low setting. Allow the beans to simmer for 10 to 12 hours, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add additional water to ensure the beans remain covered with at least...

The Ultimate Vintage Bologna Salad Sandwich: A Nostalgic Delight If you're seeking a savory, nostalgic sandwich that combines simplicity with bold flavors, look no further than the classic Bologna Salad Sandwich. This vintage favorite has stood the test of time, offering a delightful mix of ingredients that come together on fresh bread for a satisfying meal. Let’s explore what makes this classic so irresistible and how you can craft the perfect version at home. Table of Contents History and Origin of Bologna Salad Sandwich Ingredients and Preparation Assembly & Serving Tips Variations and Tips for Perfection Conclusion History and Origin of Bologna Salad Sandwich The Bologna Salad Sandwich harks back to a time when simple, hearty ingredients were crafted into flavorful, satisfying meals. Popular in the 50's and 60's, especially in the Midwest and South, this sandwich combines the comforting taste of cooked bologna with the tang of mayonnaise and relish, laye...

Growing Apple Trees from Store-Bought Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cultivating Your Own Orchard There's something truly rewarding about growing your own apple trees from store-bought apples. Not only do you get to enjoy the journey from seed to tree, but you also contribute to sustainable gardening and potentially harvest fresh apples in the future. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through the process of transforming a simple apple from your grocery store into a thriving young tree. Let’s dive into the details! Table of Contents Why Grow Your Own Apple Trees? Collecting and Preparing Apple Seeds The Stratification Process: Preparing Seeds for Germination Planting and Caring for Your Apple Seeds Final Tips & Troubleshooting Conclusion Why Grow Your Own Apple Trees? Growing apple trees from store-bought fruit offers a unique blend of satisfaction and sustainability. It allows you to: Experience the joy of ga...

Spice Up Your Snack Game: The Ultimate Southern Spicy Fries Recipe If you're a fan of crispy, flavorful fries with a fiery twist, you're in for a treat. Southern spicy fries have become a beloved street food staple in the South, combining the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and savory goodness. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or craving a bold snack, this recipe will elevate your fry game and leave everyone asking for more. Ready to dive into the secrets behind these irresistible spicy fries? Let's get started! Table of Contents Why Southern Spicy Fries are a Must-Try Ingredients Needed Preparing the Perfect Fries Creating the Southern Spicy Seasoning Mix Cooking Techniques for Crispy, Spicy Fries Serving Suggestions and Tips Pro Tips & Variations Conclusion Why Southern Spicy Fries are a Must-Try Southern spicy fries are more than just a snack; they're an experience. The Southern influence shines through in the seasoning, featuring bold f...

Refried Pinto Bean Burgers If you're looking for new ways to create affordable meals today, I'd like to share my delightful refried bean burger recipe with you. Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) can of refried beans 2 teaspoons of canola oil 1 onion, finely diced 1 bell pepper, finely diced 1 cup of breadcrumbs 1/2 cup of self-rising flour 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika Instructions: Over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of canola oil to a large skillet. Allow the oil to get hot. Then add 1 onion, finely diced, and 1 bell pepper, finely diced. Sauté the vegetables until they're nice and tender. In a bowl, add 1 (16-ounce) can of refried beans, then add 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Stir until the breadcrumbs and beans are combined. Now, add the sautéed vegetables to the bean mixture. Mix them together well. Add 1/2 cup of self-rising flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper, ...

Healthy and Delicious: Spaghetti Squash Boats with White Beans and Swiss Chard If you're looking for a nutritious, satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and visually appealing, these spaghetti squash boats with white beans and Swiss chard are the perfect choice. Combining the natural sweetness of roasted squash with hearty beans and vibrant greens, this dish offers a wholesome dining experience packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. Table of Contents Why Choose Spaghetti Squash? Ingredients Needed Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions Pro Tips for Perfect Results Health Benefits Final Thoughts Why Choose Spaghetti Squash? This vegetable is an excellent low-carb alternative to pasta, offering a similar texture while adding valuable nutrients. Its mild flavor makes it an ideal canvas for the savory toppings and fillings like white beans and Swiss chard, creating a balanced and hearty dish. Ingredients Needed 1 medium spaghetti squash 1 can white beans (drained an...

Savory Italian cheddar bread This is the perfect bread to serve alongside any of your favorite pasta dishes. It's truly yummy! To create the savory Italian cheddar bread, I add shredded cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning to my dough before the dough's ten hour rest. Ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 cup of whole-wheat flour 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt ¼ teaspoon of active dry yeast 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning 1-½ cups of warm water, add more if needed 1-½  cups of shredded Cheddar cheese Instructions: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, and add the yeast. Stir well. Then add the Italian seasoning and the seasoning salt; stir until all the ingredients are incorporated well. Now, add the warm water to the flour mixture; combine with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the dough mixture. Combine well until the dough comes together. Cover the bowl of dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough ...