Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Barbecue chicken Today, I am preparing a whole barbecue chicken using two methods. First, I will boil the chicken in well-seasoned water for an hour. Then transfer it to a six quart, oven-safe dish, mop the chicken with homemade barbecue sauce, then finish roasting it inside the oven. The chicken will be so tender and extra juicy once it's finished cooking.  For this recipe, you will need a large pot to place enough water inside to cover a whole chicken. Once the chicken has cooked for an hour and the chicken stock has reduced to half, you'll need to lift the chicken out of the chicken stock and transfer it to an oven-safe dish to proceed with the recipe.  Ingredients: 1 whole chicken 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons of onion flakes 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika ½ teaspoon of soul seasoning ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning Water, enough to cover your chicken Barbecue sauce, to mop over the chicken before it's transferred to ...

Thrive Amidst Drought: The Ultimate Guide to Extreme Drought-Tolerant Fruits and Vegetables As climate change intensifies, many gardeners and farmers face the challenge of growing nutritious, flavorful produce in increasingly arid conditions. Fortunately, nature offers a resilient solution: a variety of extreme drought-tolerant vegetables and fruits that thrive with minimal water once established. Whether you're cultivating a backyard garden, managing a farm, or planning a xeriscape landscape, understanding these hardy plants can help you achieve bountiful harvests despite water scarcity. Table of Contents Introduction Drought-Tolerant Fruits Drought-Resistant Vegetables Tips for Growing Drought-Tolerant Crops Conclusion Introduction In regions prone to drought, selecting plants that can withstand dry conditions is crucial for sustainable gardening and farming. These resilient species are adapted to conserve water, develop deep root systems, and withstand high temperatures. Incorp...

Homemade barbecue seasoning This seasoning mix can be used on any type of meat or vegetables that you want to add a barbecue flavor to without using a wet, messy, drippy sauce. It takes food to the next level of greatness. You can use the barbecue seasoning as a dry rub marinade, or sprinkled on your food as a flavor enhancer before cooking. I use the seasoning not only when I am grilling food but also when I am baking, roasting, broiling, etc.. It takes only a few minutes to make my barbecue seasoning, and it truly turns bland food into a well-seasoned delight. I use a few spices in my mix, such as cayenne and cumin powder that can be omitted if that's what you'd prefer. I like to add a little spiced heat to enhance the flavor notes of the seasoning mix. The amount of cayenne and cumin powder that I add isn't enough to make the seasoning too spicy, but does add a sweet heat. Ingredients:  ½ cup of Splenda brown sugar substitute, or regular brown sugar ¼ cup of smoked papri...

Sweeten Your Day: A Delicious Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe If you're seeking a comforting side dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor, mashed sweet potatoes are a perfect choice. Rich in vitamins and naturally sweet, this versatile dish can elevate any meal — from family dinners to special holiday gatherings. Let’s explore an easy, professional recipe that delivers creamy, flavorful perfection every time. Table of Contents Ingredients Needed Preparation Steps Pro Tips for Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Final Thoughts Ingredients Needed 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired creaminess) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth Preparation Steps Cook the sweet potatoes: Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierc...

Crafting the Perfect Honeysuckle Jam: A Step-by-Step Guide to Nature’s Sweet Treasure Few things evoke the nostalgic charm of a home-cooked preserve, especially one as fragrant and delicate as honeysuckle jam. Imagine waking up to the subtle, sweet aroma of honeysuckle filling your kitchen, a testament to the bounty of summer and the art of homemade jam. Whether you're a seasoned canner or a curious beginner, this comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a luscious batch of honeysuckle jam that captures the essence of these beautiful flowers. Let's dive into the process, tips, and stories that make this recipe truly special. Table of Contents Why Make Honeysuckle Jam? Ingredients & Equipment Needed Step-by-Step Honeysuckle Jam Recipe Tips for Perfect Results Storing and Serving Suggestions Conclusion Why Make Honeysuckle Jam? Honeysuckle flowers are more than just a pretty sight; they carry a gentle sweetness that lends itself beautifully to homemade preserves. Ma...

Country-style barbecue rubbed chicken After making my barbecue seasoning this morning, I decided to marinate and roast a whole chicken using some of the seasoning. I roasted this bad boy over the burner of my wood stove this afternoon. Then I sliced the chicken breasts and made sandwiches from my homemade cheese bread for supper. Yes, I also baked a loaf of fresh bread while the chicken was roasting. I will be sharing the recipe for my homemade country-style cheese bread soon. Ingredients: 1 whole chicken fryer Homemade barbecue seasoning (the amount you use will depend on your taste) Mix the dry barbecue seasoning up in a small bowl. Set it aside.   Instructions: First, remove the giblets from the chicken's cavity. (Some chickens still come with the giblets inside, whereas some don't). The giblets can be cooked separately to make giblet gravy and for other recipes. Now, place your chicken in a Dutch oven, or roasting pan. Coat the chicken generously with the barbecue seasoni...

Delicious Sugar-Free Twinkie-Inspired Dessert: A Homemade Classic Reimagined If you’re a fan of nostalgic treats like Twinkies but want a healthier, sugar-free alternative, you’re in for a treat. This homemade Twinkie-inspired dessert combines the familiar fluffy yellow cake with a luscious sugar-free cream filling, all crafted with careful attention to flavor and texture. Best of all, it’s made with sweeteners like Splenda or granulated monk fruit, ensuring you can indulge without the guilt. Let’s walk through this delightful recipe step by step, so you can create a bakery-quality dessert right in your own kitchen! Table of Contents Ingredients Overview Baking the Sugar-Free Yellow Sheet Cake Preparing the Sugar-Free Cream Filling Assembling the Twinkie-Inspired Dessert Tips for Success & Variations Final Thoughts Ingredients Overview For the yellow sheet cake: 2 ½ cups almond flour 1 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener or Splenda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 4 large e...