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Best Grilling Rubs and Marinades

May 12, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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There is saying “variety is the spice of life”- and that certainly applies to using grilling rubs and marinades. It is fun exploring international flavours – herbs and spices, along with other indigenous ingredients, help give your grilling efforts the helping hand that will make your meals a great success!

I have put together some of the most popular seasoning, rubs and marinades from international menus – all you have to do is choose a flavour, prepare seasoning mix and use as either a rub or a marinade.

You can store the Seasoning Mixes in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months, refrigerate rubs for up to 5 days but mixed marinades need to be used and discarded after use.

Directions for Seasoning mix:

Mix in storage container with tight-fitting lid. Shake or stir before each use.

Directions for Rubs:

Brush meat with oil and rub with seasoning mix

Directions for Marinades:

Mix all ingredients, pour over meat in resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Recipes:

Carribbean:

Seasoning Mix:

  • 1/3 cup of minced onion (instant is fine)
  • 1 tablespoon of dry mustard
  • 2 teaspoons of ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of Caribbean Seasoning Mix

Marinade:

2 tablespoons of Caribbean Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup of pineapple juice
1 tablespoon of grated orange peel
2 tablepoon of vegetable oil

Mexican:

Seasoning Mix:

1/4 cup of ground red chillies or chili powder
3 tablepoons of dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon of ground cumin
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of Mexican Seasoning Mix

Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoon of Mexican Seasoning Mix
  • 1/4 cup of dru white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

North African:

Seasoning Mix:

1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro
1/4 cup of fresh chopped mint
1 tablespoon of paprika
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of crushed or ground turmeric

Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon of North African Seasoning Mix

Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons of North African Seasoning Mix
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Provencal:

Seasoning Mix:

  • 1/4 cup of dried tarragon leaves
  • 3 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves
  • 3 tablespoons of dried sage leaves. crumbled\
  • 2 teaspoons of onion pwder
  • 3/4 teaspoons of salt

Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon of Provencal Seasoning Mix

Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons of Provencal Seasoning Mix
  • 1/2 cup of dry red wine or chicken broth
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

Thai:

Seasoning Mix:

  • 1/3 cup of chopped fresh lemon grass
  • 3 tablespoons of grated lemon peel
  • 1 tablespoon of Chinese five spice powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon of salt

Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of Thai Seasoning Mix

Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons of Thai Seasoning Mix
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of chili-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Hope you enjoy using these recipe and I will welcome and appreciate your comments, suggestions and experiences!


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Deviled Steak Recipe

April 23, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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deviled-steakThis steak is quick to prepare, doesn’t have to be marinated for a long time and cooks up beautifully!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons of fresh copped rosemary leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves)

1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

4 boneless strip loin steaks, each about 1 inch thick

Directions:

Mix mustard. rosemary, pepper and garlic. Cover and let it stand for about 30 minutes

Brush grill rack with vegetable oil.

Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat

Spread mustard mixture on both sides of the steaks

Grill uncovered 4-5 inches from medium heat for 1 minute on each side to seal in juices.

Cover and grill 8-9 minutes longer for medium doness, turning once.

Hope you enjoy this recipe – please send in your comments, suggestions or experiences – your input is always welcomed and very much appreciated!

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Best Pizza Recipes

February 4, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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pepperoni_pizza_slice_2471467Your Super Bowl Sunday party will not be complete without pizza! I know that it is easier to pick up the phone and order varieties that will come to you hot in cardboard boxes, but believe me – making your own pizza is easy and it really is so much better!

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and keep them in ziplock bags or plastic containers ,all ready to put on the crust you either purchase from your local bakery or make it yourself.

My absolute favourite is Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza – ever since I made it the first time, it has been very hard to order a pizza – you will keep on comparing and changes are that you will decide you will always make your own!

Here is how to go about making your own pizza and few of my favourite recipes:

How to Make Your Own Pizza

And please do try making the Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza – you will not be sorry!

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

If you want the Authentic Italian Pizza – check out these recipes! You will also find directions to make you own pizza sauce:

Authentic Italian Pizza Recipes

There are more recipes available on this site :

Homemade Pizza on the Grill

Homemade Summer Pizza Recipes

Enjoy making your own pizza and enjoy your Super Bowl party!

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Steak with Beer Marinade

September 3, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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steakHere is a great recipe for you that will make a round steak,which is usually a little tough to grill, absolutely tender and delicious! The best advice I can give you to go visit your local butcher and ask to have the steak cut to at least a 2 inch thickness — especially if you like your steak cooked rare!

Steak with Beer Marinade:

Beef inside round steak, cut at least 2 inches thick

Marinade:

1 Can of regular beer

1/4 cup of cooking oil

2 tbsp. of  apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp. of brown sugar

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon of ground thyme

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground pepper

Directions:

Pierce steak in several places with thin metal skewer or fork and place in shallow dish.

Marinade: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Pour over the steak and turn to coat. Cover and marinade in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours – better overnight, turning several times. Drain, reserving marinade.

Boil reserved marinade in a small saucepan for about 5 minutes.

Preheat barbecue to high. Place steak on a greased grill. Close lid and cook for 4 minutes per side. Turn off centre or left burner and move steak to the unlit side. Close lid and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour or until meat thermometer reads 155F for medium or until desired doneness, brushing twice with reserved marinade.

Remove bay leaf from the marinade and discard it, then remove the onion from the marinade to no -stick frying pan. Add a pinch of brown sugar and cook, stirring well. Cook on medium until onion is softened. Pour in remaining marinade and boil until reduced by 1/3.

When your steak is done, place on a wooden board to tray and cut across grain into 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick strips. Top with onion mixture and serve.

Hope you enjoy this recipe and I will welcome your comments and input!

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Old Fashioned Grilled Country Ribs

July 10, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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bbq_pork_ribsUsing this easy recipe will give you finger lickin’ tender ribs that are covered in a delicious sticky sauce  – sure to be a family favourite and to impress your guests when entertaining ! Serve them with tasty salads or try coleslaw and baked beans!

Old Fashioned Grilled Country Ribs:

4 lbs. of bone-in country-style pork ribs

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup of canola oil

1 cup of ketchup

1/4 cup of packed brown sugar

1/4 cup of cider vinegar

1/4 cup of hot pepper sauce

2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons of prepared mustard

  • Place ribs in a greased 13 x 9 inches baking pan. Cover and bake at 350F for 1-1/2 to 2 hours until no longer pink.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  • Drain ribs. Grill, covered, over indirect low heat for 45 minutes. Baste with barbecue sauce. Grill 15 minutes longer or until meat is tender, turning and basting frequently.

Hope this recipe turns out well for you and I welcome your comments or suggestions anytime!

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How to Grill Vegetables

July 8, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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grillveg_291_20080529-114832The easiest way to grill vegetables on the grill is in a foil packet, because you don’t have to worry about anything burning or falling through the grill. The other advantage of grilling your vegetables this way is that you can flavour them as desired.

Here are simple directions for you:

  • Cut double thickness 24-inch length of heavy duty foil and fold in half crosswise
  • Unfold foil, mound your vegetables (see vegetable guide below) on one side, close to fold. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs and about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Fold foil over; fold in sides and seal to form packet. You can prepare this ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  • Place your vegetable packet over medium-high heat, close lid and cook, turning once until vegetables are tender.
  • To serve, shake gently to distribute seasonings.Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice if desired.

Vegetable and Time Guide:

1. Asparagus - 1 lb. – Cook time – 10 minutes

2. Potatoes (new,mini,halved) – 2 lbs. – Cook time – 18 minutes

3. 3 cups of corn, peas or other frozen vegetables – Cook time – 6-8 minutes

4. 12 oz. of green beans,trimmed and 1 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms – Cook time – 12 minutes

5. 4 cups of carrots and 1 small onion,sliced – Cook time – 15 minutes

6. 4 cups of broccoli florets and half red sweet pepper, chopped – Cook time – 9 minutes

Hope you will enjoy preparing your vegetables this way – your comments and suggestions are as always very much appreciated!

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Old Fashioned Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

July 7, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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drumstick4Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive and are always favourite – especially with kids. Try this recipe – chicken drumsticks smothered in homemade barbecue sauce.

Old Fashioned Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks:

1 cup of tomato sauce

1/3 cup of tomato paste

1/4 cup of packed brown sugar

1/4 cup of cider vinegar

1/4 cup of Dijon mustard

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoons of molasses

1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning or chili powder

1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

8 chicken drumsticks, skinned

In saucepan, bring tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar,mustard,onion,garlic, molasses, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Pour into blender; puree until smooth.

Place chicken on greased grill over medium heat. Close lid and grill, turning once, until juices run clear when chicken is pierced – about 30 minutes. Add to the bowl of barbecue sauce, toss to coat. Return chicken to grill; grill until slightly crusty but still saucy – about 5 minutes.

Serve with reserved sauce.

Hope you enjoy this Old-fashioned Barbecued Chicken recipe – your comments on how it turned out for you along with any suggestions or experiences are always welcomed!

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How to Grill Chicken

July 7, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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Grilling Chicken

Grilling Chicken

Chicken meat is definitely one of the favourites and it can be done number of ways on the grill. If your barbecue has a rotiserie, it is possibly the easiest way to prepare the meat – but there are some great recipes for grilling chicken parts, such as breasts.

You can grill chicken with or without the skin, but removing it not only cuts the fat to one-fifth of the original, it also reduces flare-ups when fat drips into the fire. When barbecuing chicken with skin on, you will need to turn it more often to prevent scorching.

Grill over medium high heat as follows: bone-in chicken breasts and leg quarters for 45 minutes, bone-in thighs for 20 minutes, boneless breasts for 10-12 minutes and boneless thighs for 12-15 minutes.

Chicken is cooked when the white meat is no longer pink inside and juices run clear when the thickest part of the dark meat is pierced.

Citrus Sesame Chicken

Citrus Sesame Chicken

Citrus Sesame Chicken:

1 each orange, lemon and lime

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce

6 chicken breasts, skinned

1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

1 tablespoon of sesame oil

1 tablespoon of liquid honey

Finely grate rinds of orange, lemon and lime into large bowl. Squeeze our juices and add to bowl. Stir in soy sauce,vegetable oil and hot pepper sauce. Add chicken and turn to coat. Let stand for 20 minutes. If you are making the marinade ahead of time, you can refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Reserving marinade, place chicken, bone side down  on greased grill over medium heat, brush generously with marinade.

Meanwhile, combine sesame seeds, sesame oil and honey. Brush over both sides of chicken, Grill until no longer pink inside – about 10 minutes.

Chicken and Mango Kabobs

Chicken and Mango Kabobs

Grilled Chicken and Mango Kabobs:

1 teaspoon of grated line rind

1/4 cup of lime juice

1 tablespoons of vegetable oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 teaspoons of chili powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

3 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.)

2 teaspoons of liquid honey

2 mangos

1 sweet pepper

1 small red onion, cut in 1-inch chunks

In small bowl, whisk together lime rind and juice, oil. garlic, chili powder, sale and cayenne pepper.

Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, place in separate bowl. Pour half of the marinade over top and toss to coat; let stand for 20 minutes. Stir honey into remaining marinade; set aside.

Meanwhile, cut off mango flesh from each side of the pit. Cut grid pattern of 3/4 inch squares in flesh of each side down to (but not through) skin. Gently push skin to turn inside out; cut off flesh. Chop any flesh left on pit.

Core, seed and cut red pepper into 3/4 inch pieces. Onto each of 4 or 9 short skewers, alternately thread mango,red onion and red pepper pieces; brush with the reserved honey marinade.

Place kabobs on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning and basting chicken with remaining honey marinade, until fruit is softened and chicken is no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes.

Hope you enjoy these recipes – let me know how they turned out for you – your input is always welcomed!

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How to Grill Steaks

July 6, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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Summer means barbecuing. Although we can grill just about anything, the favourites are still the basics: steaks being one of them. Here is a guide to picking your steaks, cooking guide and even a few great recipes. Enjoy!

There are two categories of steak cuts suitable for grilling: tender grilling steaks and less tender marinating steaks.

  • Grilling steaks and the smaller grilling medallions are ready to cook right away, although you may want to marinate or coat them with a rub for flavour.
  • Marinating steaks and marinating medallions need 12 to 24 hours in an acid based mixture to tenderize them. Grill marinating steaks until rare or medium-rare, beyond medium doneness they become tough.

Grilling Steaks:

  • Bottom Sirloin Tri-tip Grilling Steak
  • Rib Eye Grilling Steak
  • Rib Grilling Steak
  • Strip Loin  Grilling Steak
  • T-Bone Grilling Steak
  • Tenderloin Grilling Steak
  • Top Sirloin Grilling Steak
  • Wing Grilling Steak

Grilling Medallions:

  • Bottom Sirloin Tri-Tip Grilling Medallions
  • Rib Eye Grilling Medallion
  • Strip Loin Grilling Medallion
  • Top Sirloin Grilling Medallion

Marinating Steaks:

  • Eye of a Round Marinating Steak
  • Flank Marinating Steak
  • Full Round Marinating Steak
  • Inside Round Marinating Steak
  • Outside Round Marinating Steak
  • Sirloin Tip Marinating Steak

Timing:

1/2 – 3/4 inch thick steak – 3-4 minutes for rare; 4- minutes for medium

1 inch thick steak – 4/5 minutes for rare; 6-7 minutes for medium

1-1/2 inch thick steak – 8-10 minutes for rare; 10-14 minutes for medium

2 inch thick steak – 10 – 14 minutes for rare, 14 – 18 minutes for medium

Grilled Sirloin Steak

Grilled Sirloin Steak

Best Grilled Sirloin Steak:

Note: Ask the butcher to cut the steak 2 inches thick – especially if you like to cook it rare!

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

2 tablespoons of wine vinegar

4 cloves of garlic, smashed

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

1 top sirloin grilling steak, 2 inches thick

In large shallow dish, whisk together rosemary, oil, vinegar, garlic,Worcestershire sauce,salt and pepper.

Trim fat around edge of steak to 1/8 inch thickness. Slash fat just through to flesh at 1-inch intervals. Add to marinade, turning to coat; marinate for 20 minutes.

You can make the marinade ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Grfilled Rib Eye Steak

Grfilled Rib Eye Steak

Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Ginger Butter:

2 tablespoons of rice or cider vinegar

2 tablespoon of soy sauce

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

4 cloves of garlic, mashed

4 rib eye steaks (about 6 oz. each)

Ginger Butter:

1/3 cup of minced fresh coriander,parsley or green onion

1/4 cup of butter, softened

2 teaspoons of grated ginger root

1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce

In small bowl, stir together coriander, butter, ginger and hot pepper sauce until smooth. Spoon onto plastic wrap, shape into log and wrap tightly. Refrigerate until firm. To make this ahead, refrigerate or freeze for up to 2 weeks.

In large shallow glass dish, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce oil and garlic. Add steaks, turning to coat; marinate for 20 minutes.

reserving marinade, place steak on greased grill over medium-high heat,brush generously with marinade. Close lid and grill until desired doneness – about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to warm plates, tent with foil and let stand 3-5 minutes. Slice butter into rounds and place on steaks.

Hope you enjoy this simple guide and the recipes! Let me know it you tried them – your comments are always very welcomed!

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10 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

July 2, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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grilled-cheese-sandwichHere is the great thing about grilled cheese sandwich – crusty on the outside, gooey in the middle… grilled cheese sandwich spells comfort no matter how you slice them. You always start with good melting cheese, and beyond that, the combos are endless.

Here are 10 of them – hope you try them and enjoy!

1. Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

Spread 2 think slices of italian bread with garlic butter. Cover with sliced Mozzarella cheese. Top with roasted red peppers and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves. Sandwich together, butter on the outside and cook in the frying pan or sandwich grill.

2. Parisian Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

Spread a slice of crusty french bread with garlic butter. Top with cooked asparagus spears, crumble with Roquefort over top or cover with slices of Camembert. Generously sprinkle with dried tarragon and broil until melted.

3. Mediterranean Pita Grilled Cheese:

Spread a pita with pesto. Add a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes. Mix feta cheese with sun-dried tomatoes and chopped black olives, then sprinkle overtop. Broil until it melts.

4. Spiced Apricot Grilled Cheese:

Spread 2 slices of white bread with mango chutney. Lay slices of Mozzarella cheese on both. Sprinkle with cumin. Top one slice with slivers of dried apricots. Sandwich together and butter the outside. Cook in a frying pan or sandwich grill.

5. Smokin’ Cheddar Grilled Cheese:

Layer 2 slices of white or rye bread with smoked cheddar or smoked Gouda cheese. Cover 1 side with pickles, the other with Prosciutto. Sandwich together, butter the outside and cook in a frying pan or sandwich grill.

6. Sweet and Spicy Grilled Cheese:

Cover 2 slices of raisin bread with Havarti cheese with jalapenos.Add a few arugula leaves. Sandwich together, butter on the outside. Cook in a frying pan or sandwich grill.

7. German Ham and Cheese Grill:

Spread 2 slices of rye bread with grainy mustard. Cover with a layer of Muenster, Tilsit or Cambozola cheese. Lightly sprinkle with caraway seeds, then add a slice of Black Forest Ham. Sandwich together, butter the outside and cook in frying pan or sandwich grill

8. O Canada Grilled Cheese:’

Cover a slice of bread with nippy cheddar cheese. To with a slice of cooked peameal bacon or thin apple wedges sprinkled with cinnamon. Sandwich together, butter the outside and cook in frying pan or on sandwich grill.

9. Hot-pepper grilled cheese:

Lightly spread 2 slices of  egg bread or baguette with spicy red pepper jelly. Generously crumble goat cheese over 1 side. Sandwich together, butter the outside and cook in frying pan or on sandwich grill.

10. Stampede Meltdown:

Stir shredded leftover pork or beef with enough barbecue sauce to moisten. Add a dash of hot sauce if you like. Pile on a big piece of crusty bread. Top with a thick slice of Swiss or Fontina cheese and broil until melted.

Hope you enjoy these! Let me know which one you think was the best – your comments are always welcomed!

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