CULLMAN, Ala. – With so many people stuck at home for most of the day and restaurants limited to carry-out options, more and more people are faced with the task of cooking for themselves and their families for every meal every day. Some people may be used to this and have a variety of recipes and ingredients to rely on, but many people unused to the experience may be resorting to simple meals of cereal, sandwiches, frozen meals and boxed noodles over and over again. To help break out of the monotony and provide people with the chance to expand their cooking skills, The Tribune reached out to gather family-favorite recipes that anyone can try.
Skyline Chili
Contributed by Jane Phillips, Auburn University student
This is something my mom and I used to make. There really aren’t any specific measurements, so just go with your preferred taste on everything.
- ground beef – 1 lb.
- V8 tomato juice
- chili powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- garlic – at least one clove, chopped
- one onion, chopped (optional)
- dark chocolate or baker’s chocolate (semisweet or unsweetened) – 2 ounces
- cinnamon
- apple cider vinegar
- spaghetti noodles
- shredded cheddar cheese
While the spaghetti is boiling, cook the beef and season with salt and pepper. Drain the fat and add the chopped onion, cook until slightly translucent (about 2 minutes) then add the garlic. Add the tomato juice and bring to a simmer. Add a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and chili powder to your preference, and about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Finally, this is a sweet kind of chili, so add the chocolate and stir in until melted and combined. Some people like it sweeter than others, so you may want to break the pieces into smaller bits and add gradually. Spoon it out onto a plate of spaghetti and top with shredded cheese while it’s still hot.
Buttermilk Pancakes
Contributed by Marissa Swimmelar, Walmart Distribution employee
My family’s favorite pancake recipe. I made this when my friends in high school would spend the night.
- flour – 1 cup
- salt – 1 tsp.
- baking soda – 1 tsp.
- egg – 1
- buttermilk – 1 1/8 cups
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tbsp. of vinegar with each cup of milk and let sit for 10 minutes
- butter – 2 tbsp. (about 1/4 of a stick), melted
Preheat and lightly grease the pan/griddle. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda) together, then add the wet ingredients (butter, buttermilk, and egg). Stir together lightly but keep it lumpy. The batter should look spongy and puffy. Ladle about 1/3 cup onto the griddle and cook until lightly brown on each side. Serve with syrup or honey.
Banana Sushi
Also contributed by Marissa Swimmelar
- flour tortilla
- banana
- peanut butter
- honey (optional)
Spread peanut butter on the tortilla, lay down the banana and drizzle with honey. Roll the whole thing up and slice into rounds like sushi.
Sausage Pinwheels
Contributed by Allie Smith, Judson College student
- sausage of your choice
- cream cheese
- pizza dough (either fresh or canned)
Cook the sausage (you can add other fillings if you want) and mix with the cream cheese when it’s cooked all the way. Roll out the pizza dough flat and spread the mixture all over it. Roll the dough into a log and slice into rounds. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 375 F.
Italian Pork Chops with Homemade Fries
Contributed by Teresa Hunt, Cullman resident
A simple yet elegant home dinner.
- boneless pork chops
- egg – 1
- breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- skin-on potatoes – 2-3, thinly sliced
Toss the potato slices in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 350 F for 30-45 minutes until crispy. While the fries bake, prepare the chops by beating the egg in one dish and combining the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in another. Coat the chops in the egg, then the seasoned bread crumbs. Bake at 375 F for 15-20 minutes.
Copyright 2020 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
