Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

 Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

4 Cups cooked shredded or ground beef, turkey, or chicken

1 Cup baby carrots sliced

1 Cup frozen English peas

2 Cups broth

2 Tablespoons butter 

2 Tablespoons all purpose flour

2 garlic cloves minced

1 medium onion chopped

Mashed Potatoes (goes on top)

Cheese (goes on top potatoes)

Paprika for garnish**

With stove on medium high heat, place butter in medium sauce pan. When butter has melted, add flour. Add salt, pepper, garlic, onions. Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly. Slowly pour in broth while constantly whisking. Combine flour mixture and broth thoroughly. Taste for seasoning, Add carrots. Cook until carrots start to become tender and  mixture starts to boil and thicken.Add meat and peas. Pour into 9x9 pan.

Top with mashed potatoes, cheese, and paprika if desired.

** Smoke paprika is delicious in this dish.

Strawberry Pie

 

Strawberry Pie

Easy Strawberry Pie

On stove top:

In medium sauce pan, Boil for 5 minutes: 

1 cup whole strawberries and 3/4 cup water. Remove from heat. 

Mash the berries. Pour mashed berries through a strainer. 

Measure 1 cup strawberry juice. Pour juice into pan. (Use same saucepan)

Add 3 Tablespoons corn starch. 

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup sugar. Whisk together.

Place saucepan on medium heat. Whisking constantly. Bring mixture to boil for 3 to 5 minutes until mixture is clear. The mixture is cloudy at first. Remove from heat. Add 2 cups of whole or sliced strawberries. Pour into your favorite pie crust. Serve with whipped cream.

 

Easy Tzatziki Sauce

Easy Tzatziki Sauce  

1/2 English cucumber finely grated, strained

1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt

1 to 2 clove garlic finely grated

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

2 Tablespoons fresh dill (1Tablespoon dried dill)

Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl. Serve immediately or chill before serving. Serve with homemade pita chips (recipe in this blog under All In One Bread Recipe).

All in One Bread Recipe use for Pita Bread, Pizza Crust, Dinner Rolls

Clover Rolls

Pita Bread

Pizza Crust

 

 

 

 

Preheat oven 500 F. Place rack on lowest part of the oven.

 

2 1/4 cups (386 grams) all purpose flour

1 packet rapid rise or instant yeast

2 T oil

1 cup warm tap water

2 teaspoons  sugar 

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Use stand mixer with dough hook. Place all ingredients in the bowl. Mix on low. Once ingredients are combined: knead the dough for 5 minutes using the mixer. If kneading by hand, knead for 10 minutes.

Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with clean towel. Let rise for 60  minutes until doubled in size. Punch dough. For Pita Bread: Place dough on oiled surface. Cover with bowl and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut dough in half then cut each half in 4 sections. Roll out to 5 inch disk. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Let rest for 15 minutes. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Bread should rise and puff. Remove from oven. Cut into half for pita pockets or triangles for soft chips. Separate triangles and bake for 2 minutes @ 500 F for crispy chips. Serve with Tzatziki Sauce (recipe in this blog).

*This recipe converts easily to pizza crust and dinner rolls. For pizza crust, punch dough, cut into half, rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into desired shape for pizza or use small ice cream scoop to make clover rolls as pictured above.

Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles

1 1/2 cups self rising flour (if using all purpose flour add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda)

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 Tablespoons  sugar

1 large egg

3/4 cup half and half (any milk)*

2 teaspoons vanilla

 

Mix together in large bowl. Mixture will be slightly lumpy. 

Prepare waffle iron and cook waffles per manufactures instructions..Enjoy!

*Half and half makes the waffles fluffy on in the inside and crispy on the outside.

Tip: Want more chocolate? Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips. 

Go crazy add your favorite nuts. Top with slices of bananas and/or strawberries.

**Bonus Recipe: For pancakes pour an additional 1/4 cup half and half.

Quick Southern Biscuits

Preheat Oven to 375 F

2 Cups Self Rising Flour

2 Tablespoons Baking Powder (makes a lighter biscuit)

1 Tablespoon sugar (optional)

2 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (replaces the butter)

3/4 Cups evaporated milk (makes the biscuit taste buttery)

 

In a large bowl:  whisk together the dry ingredients, then stir in yogurt and milk. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough 7 to 10 times (more than 10 times and the biscuit will be tough). Roll or pat the dough to 1/4". Cut the dough using a biscuit cutter, butter knife, or glass. Place biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes. Remember oven temperatures vary. Check for doneness. Also if using a dark colored pan, drop the temperature 25 degrees. Makes 10 biscuits. Enjoy.

 

 

5 alarm chili

5 Alarm Chili with Beans

In a large dutch oven:

Cook 1 lb ground meat (drain the fat)

Sautèe:

2 - 4 garlic cloves minced

1 large onion minced

 

After the onions become translucent Add:

1 Tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon

The Break Down Cafè chili seasoning* or your own

1 7.76 can oz (220 grams) Chipotle Adobo sauce

2 15.5 oz cans (439 grams)  Kidney and Pinto Chili Beans (do not drain)

1 can Rotel Tomatoes (do not drain)

4 cans water (use the bean can)

 

Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve with shredded cheese and crackers. 

* Chili seasoning recipe is in this blog.

 

 

Oh So Easy Fudge

Who doesn't love fudge? Who wants to slave over a stove with a candy thermometer to get the perfect smooth texture? The Break Down Cafè has got a smooth creamy fudge that can be made without a lot of fuss. We have found a solution using your microwave, a microwave safe bowl and 4 easy ingredients.

In a medium microwave safe bowl:

1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 12oz  bag semi sweet chocolate chips (white chocolate, peanut butter, or mint)

Melt chocolate mixture in 30 seconds interval in the microwave on high. Stir after each 30 seconds interval until mixture is smooth and creamy.  If mixture still isn't smooth and creamy after the second time in the microwave, start checking every 10 to 15 seconds. **Safety first check the heat of the bowl and use hot pads if needed. 

Stir in  1 teaspoon  extract (vanilla extract, mint extract, or almond extract) after the chips have melted.

Pour into 8x8 parchment lined pan.* If you prefer, add nuts before placing in the refrigerator.  Place in refrigerator for 2 hours. Cut into your desired serving size. Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 1 month.

Tip: Try different shapes. We used a silicon heart shaped ice tray. It worked great for heart shaped fudge. Try cookie cutters. You can cut some shapes free hand. Just have fun with this. Get the kids involved. 

Tip: Add pecans, almonds, peanuts, or walnuts. Go nuts and make it the way your family would love it.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This is the most delicious chicken noodle soup recipe you will ever try. It's even less time consuming and easier to make if you use rotisserie chicken and packaged chicken broth.

 

Chicken Soup

Equipment:

Large Dutch Oven

 

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked chicken (we used 4 boneless skinless chicken breast)

4 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking chicken or store bought)

2 cups water

1 large onion minced

2 celery stalks sliced

3 carrots sliced (we left the peel if the peel is bitter remove)

4 garlic cloves finely minced

2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest grated

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan or Dutch oven add all ingredients except broth and water, sautee over medium low heat for 2 minutes. Add the broth and water. Salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, add 2 cups egg noodles. Cook noodles per package instructions. Serve with lemon slices and additional grated ginger.

Taco Seasoning Salt Free

 Salt Free Taco/Chili Seasoning

1 teaspoon each red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic*, onion powder**, Chipotle chili powder, Ancho chili powder, Tumeric, black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons chili powder

Mix together. Store in glass container. Try this seasoning blend for enchilada bake in thebreakdowncafe blog. Great for chili and tacos.*** Enjoy!

* Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic

** Substitute with minced onion

***When making tacos, add an additional teaspoon of cumin. For chili add a teaspoon ground coriander.

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

 Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 Cup Self-rising flour (130 g)

1 large egg beaten

1 Cup Buttermilk  (120 ml)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (15 ml)

1 Tablespoon melted butter (15 ml) *

*Need extra butter to prepare skillet or griddle*

Here's how we make fluffy pancakes:

In a medium size bowl, whisk flour. Add liquid ingredients. Stir until just combined with a fork.

On medium low to medium high heat: Prepare a non stick skillet or griddle with butter. When butter has melted, pour 1/4 cup batter into skillet or on griddle. Wait for bubbles to form in middle of pancake before flipping (See picture). Serve with berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or warm maple syrup. Enjoy.

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate

S'mores Hot Chocolate

 Ingredients: 1 cup half & half (any milk including vegan milk)

                     1/2 cup chocolate chips*

                     1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

                     Marshmallows (optional)

Place milk and chocolate in a large sauce pan on stove with heat on medium low. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. When chocolate is melted and the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into your favorite mug add marshmallows or not. Serves one. Enjoy!

Traditional Hot Chocolate

Tip: Try this with white chocolate chips and use 1/2 tsp almond extract. Yummy. 

* 4.4 ounces Chocolate bar

** Roasted marshmallows with graham crackers crumbled on top makes a s'mores hot chocolate. Delicious.

***For an extra chocolate flavor, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder per mug

Vegan Fried Rice

 Vegan Fried Rice

 

 

Ingredients 

 

• 1 Tbsp grape seed oil (any oil will do except olive oil)

   1 mini bell pepper or half bell pepper
• ¼ cup onions, chopped
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 12 oz. rice
  

  

  
  
• ½ cup green peas frozen
  
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp green onion, sliced (optional)

   1/2 tsp each red pepper flakes and black pepper (optional)

 

In large pan, heat oil on medium high, add all the veggies except frozen peas and green onion. Cook for 3 minutes. Add rice, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and green peas. Cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!  

BONUS RECIPE! substitute soy sauce with 1 Tablespoon Tumeric and 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo sauce for spanish rice. Delicious!

Dalgona Iced Coffee

 Dalgona Iced Coffee

Equipment: Small mixing bowl

                    Electric Mixer Hand Held

                    Measuring spoons

                    

Ingredients: 2 T Instant Coffee (not flavored)

                    2 T Hot Water

                    2 T Sugar

                    Milk

                    Ice

Measure 2 Tablespoons each coffee, water, sugar in small mixing bowl. Blend with hand held electric mixer on high.* When caramel colored and fluffy, spoon over the top of milk that has been poured over ice in your favorite glass. Stir in the Dalgona and enjoy. It is perfectly sweetened. This recipe yields two (2)
glasses.

* My mixer took about 1 minute to achieve desired texture. We used tall shooter glasses. This yielded us 8 shoots.

Simple Buttemilk Biscuits

 Simple Buttermilk  Biscuit

This is the easiest biscuit recipe you will ever find. You only need 2 ingredients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment: Rolling pin**

                    Biscuit cutter

                    Sheet pan lined with parchment paper and sprayed will oil

 

In large bowl: Stir together.

2 Cups (268 grams) self rising flour

2 Cups (404 grams) room temperature Greek yogurt* (use cashew yogurt for vegan version)

 

 

Preheat oven 450º F (232ºC).

Turn dough onto floured surface. Dough will be very wet and sticky.  Knead for 5 minutes.** May need to use extra flour on hands and surface during the kneading process. Cut into desired shape. If no biscuit cutter, cut with a knife. You can garnish with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or leave them plain. Place in preheated oven for 20 - 25 minutes. They are delicious with strawberry jam.

*Although there is no buttermilk in this recipe. The Greek yogurt gives the biscuit a buttermilk flavor.

**No time to knead. Spray to spoons with oil and make drop biscuits.

Southern Style Cornbread

 Southern Style Cornbread

This cornbread goes really well with a lot of meals especially brown beans (recipe in this blog).

Here's all you need: a cast iron skillet or cake pan

 

1 1/2 cups yellow or white cornmeal

1 cup all purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar (optional) 

1 1/2 cups milk

1 stick butter  or 1/4 cup vegetable oil/shortening, or 4 tablespoons each butter and bacon drippings

Mix all ingredients together except butter/bacon drippings/oil.

Preheat oven to 425º F.  While the oven is preheating, place butter and bacon bacon drippings in the skillet. Remove after 3 minutes and add some of it to the batter. Stir the melted butter mixture into the cornmeal batter then place in oven to bake.

Bake cornbread for 25 minutes (oven temps vary). Remove from oven when golden brown and center is completely done. Check by using a knife inserted in center of cornbread. If the knife comes out clean, it's done. Serve with butter. 

This is a delicious recipe we encourage you to try.

Brown Onion Gravy

Brown Onion Gray

 Ingredients: Here is what we need:

 

Brown Onion Gravy

2 Tablespoons oil

2 Tablespoons all purpose flour

2 Tablespoons minced onion (omit onion for brown gravy)

2 cups milk (whole, 2%, evaporated)

salt and pepper to taste

Method: Here is how we prepare it:

Heat oil on medium low heat in  same skillet used to cook Salisbury steak. Add flour and onion. Cook and stir together until onions are translucent. Turn down heat to low. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously.  Tip: Make gravy brown by adding a splash of Kitchen Bouquet. Mashed potatoes goes really well with this dish too.

Tip: This recipe can be used for white gravy. For white gravy, do not add onion or Kitchen Bouquet.

Salisbury Steak

 Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak is a throwback meal that is easy to prepare and delicious. Your family will love it. Serve this dish with twice baked potatoes and onion gravy (both recipes can be found in this blog). Enjoy.

1 lb ground meat (The Breakdown Cafe used ground turkey)

2 cloves of garlic minced

1 small onion chopped 

5 green onions chopped

1 mini bell pepper chopped

2 Tablespoons oil (The Breakdown Cafe used garlic infused olive oil)

season to taste (The Breakdown Cafe used red pepper flakes, Tony Cachere's)

Let's get cooking: In a large bowl, add ground meat, veggies, and seasoning. Toss gently. Do not over work. It will make the steaks tough. Flattened the mixture in the bottom of the bowl. Divide into 4 or 8 equal parts. In a large skillet, cook steaks for 2 minutes on each side on medium high heat. Remove from skillet. Prepare brown onion gravy in same skillet. Add steaks and let simmer covered for 20 minutes.  Tip: Make gravy brown by adding a splash of Kitchen Bouquet. Mashed potatoes goes really well with this dish too.

Brown Onion Gravy

2 Tablespoons oil

2 Tablespoons all purpose flour

2 Tablespoons minced onion

2 cups milk

salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil on medium low in  same skillet used to cook Salisbury steak. Add flour and onion. Cook and stir together until onions are translucent. Turn down heat to low. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously. Add steaks and let simmer covered for 20 minutes.  Tip: Make gravy brown by adding a splash of Kitchen Bouquet. Mashed potatoes goes really well with this dish too.

Chocolate Frosting

This chocolate frosting is creamy, smooth, and delicious. Best of all, it's easy to make. Here's what you need:

Equipment: Medium Bowl

                    Electric hand held or stand mixer

                    knife to spread frosting

                    measuring cups

                    measuring spoons (the cap on most vanilla extract measures 1 teaspoon)

Ingredients: 3 cups confectioner's sugar

                    2/3 cup cocoa powder

                    1/3 cup coffee, almond milk, or milk

                    1 stick butter (vegan butter for vegan version) 

                    1 teaspoon vanilla

In a medium bowl use a hand mixer on low setting: Cream the butter then add all other ingredients. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick and unable to spread easily, add a splash of milk until desired texture is achieved. Spread on cooled chocolate cake (recipe in this blog). Enjoy!

Chocolate Cake

 

This chocolate cake is moist delicious and easy to bake. Here's what you need:

Equipment: 2 round cake pans 9" (spray with    vegetable oil and dust with flour or cocoa)

                   1 large bowl

                   whisk or spoon

                   1 electric mixer (hand held or stand)

                    measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar

                    1 3/4 cups cake flour

                     3/4 cup 100% cocoa powder

                     1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

                     1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

                     1 teaspoon Kosher salt

                     2 large eggs (room temperature)

                     1 cup milk (room temperature)*

                     1/4 cup sour cream (room temperature) **

                     1/2 cup vegetable oil

                     2 teaspoons vanilla extract

                     1 cup hot coffee

Preheat oven to 350° F. In large bowl whisk or stir together dry ingredients. Then add all the wet ingredients except the hot coffee. Beat with stand mixer on medium for 1 minute. Add hot coffee. With mixer on low, incorporate hot coffee for 1 minute. Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into center of cake has no wet batter. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pans and place on wire racks. If desired, frost cake. Chocolate frosting recipe is in this blog. Enjoy!

*Vegan version use almond, oat, coconut or cashew milk

** May omit for vegan version