{rise 'n shine} kitchen sink hash

Whenever you refer to something that has to do with food as "the kitchen sink" it usually turns out to be a soulful combination of what you have in your refrig or pantry. So it was last weekend.

kitchen sink hash by ann west

Of course any good breakfast dish starts with a little bacon!

I had a couple of peppers, a quarter of a red onion, some eggs, cheese. Hmmmm

starting off good. Saute the bacon then add the potatoes and cook for a bit. Add the onion and pepper and cook until the potatoes are soft and they start to brown.

Scramble some eggs. Salt and pepper to taste on it all. My kids like a little cheese... and they ate every bit. happy breakfast!

{crave} cream of wheat

"please sir can i have some more?"

I think cream of wheat will always remind me of my big brother. He used to make it in the morning before school when we were young. When it is cooked just right it is creamy, but not watery, thick, but not a paste. My brother had it down. It is pure comfort food for me. (The only down side - that dirty pan. It is a pain to get clean.) I like mine with a tad of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar or maple syrup. A blueberry or two as well.

I crave this after a run in the cold weather. It does the trick!!! Make as directed on box but use 1/2 water and 1/2 milk and stir slowly. (That's my brothers tip by the way). enjoy!

{just for you} - granola to share

I think granola is one of the best gifts to give. I have been know to make some bags out of parchment paper and tie it with kitchen twine - darling. Who wouldn't want to receive something like that. This is a great treat to give over the holidays when we are inundated with sweets. Kids love making this too. enjoy!

great granola by ann west

3/4 cups canola oil

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 cup brown sugar

1 tbls vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

8 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - not instant!

1/2 cup or so sunflower seeds

1/2 - 3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 c almonds roughly chopped

1 cup dried apricots - chopped

3/4 cup dried cherries - chopped

1/2 - 3/4 cup golden raisins

sesame seeds (optional)

pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a sauce pan heat the oil, honey, syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. In another large bowl combine the oats, sunflower seed, coconut and almonds. Pour the warm mixture over it and stir. (warning don't add the fruit yet it will burn and stick). Spread the mixture on a jelly roll pan lined with parchment and bake for 20 minutes stirring several time. The granola should be a deep golden brown. Cool and then loosen with a spatula. Cool completely before adding the fruit. Toss together. enjoy!

{sharing meals} brunch menu - #1

photo by ann west

Growing up my mother loved to entertain. Her favorite meal to make was brunch. Eggs, english muffins, salads... it was never over done or too fancy just really good. Today we are having family over for brunch. It is beautiful out today no rain. A great way to start the day!

here is my menu recipes below:

...

mimosas

virgin mimosas (orange juice and ginger ale)

leek and asparagus quiche

bacon and cheese quiche

spinach salad with walnuts and cranberries

roasted tomatoes

fresh fruit

yeast rolls with orange honey butter

coffee and iced tea

...