Korean Beef over Rice

I came across this recipe the other day while on the internet and it really caught my attention because it was an asian dish using ground beef and usually these kind of recipes involve steak and it is hard to always chose a steak that is tender enough and not chewy but cheap and doesn't kill our budget as well. So ofcourse when I see a yummy asian style recipe using ground beef(so much cheaper than steak) I knew I had to give it a try. Not only was it delicious but it was so easy and came together in about 30-40 minutes(depending on how long you simmer it)If you need a fast and delicious meal give this baby a try and might I add it is even good enough to serve to a household full of guests as well.

Korean Beef

2lbs lean ground beef

2 medium onions chopped

1-2 T minced garlic

1-1 1/2 cup brown sugar(if you like it sweeter add the 1 1/2)

1 1/4 cup soy sauce

2 T sesame oil plus 1-2 tsp more for sauce

1-2 tsp FRESH GRATED GINGER

1-2 T, crushed red pepper flakes(depending on how spicey you like things-I did 2 T. and it wasn't even to spicey for my kids they loved it)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bunch green onions, diced(don't skip this it add to the dish)

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the 2 T.  sesame oil and ground beef and cook until almost done. Drain most of the fat and add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender. Meanwhile, in a bowl Whisk the brown sugar, soy sauce,1-2 tsp sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. pour this mixture over the beef and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes so the flavors can blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over steamed rice and top with the green onions.

Greek Yogurt

Today I have an awesome recipe for you all!!! Have you all jumped on the greek yogurt bandwagon? well if you haven't you need to!! Greek yogurt not only is thick and creamy but it is oh so good for you. It is packed with calcium and protein(i mean it has 2x the protein regular yogurt has) and lets not forget how good yogurt is for our digestive systems. Anyway, I switched my family over to greek yogurt a few months back but as many of you may know it is really pricey especially for those of us on a tight budget. So I was so happy to find a recipe to make yogurt or greek yogurt at home on one of my friends blogs. Go here to see her blog she has a lot of  great recipes and info on there!! I tried it out last night and it was so easy and so cheap and so creamy and yummy. All it takes is time people so you have to be patient but it couldn't be easier!!  It is so important for us all to be more self sufficient so get up and make yourself some yogurt!!

Greek Yogurt/Yogurt

(makes about 6 cups greek yogurt but would make way more regular yogurt)

3/4 of a gallon of milk(anykind fat free, 2% or whole doesnt matter)

3/4 cup plain yogurt(for a starter to get the process going)

1/2 cup powdered milk(optional) it makes the yogurt creamier especially if you are using a no fat or lower fat content milk

Crockpot

blanket

thermometer

mesh colander/strainer and cheesecloth or I used a flour sack towel(cause I didn't want to have to spend money on cheesecloth)

Pour your milk into your crockpot.(I have a 4 qt one that I used if you want to make more yogurt use your bigger crockpot just make sure your milk and yogurt ratio match up)

Heat the milk until it reaches 180 degrees(this took about 2 hrs for me) when it reaches 180 unplug your crock, take the lid off and let cool until it is around 110 degrees. In a seperate bowl mix together the plain yogurt and powdered milk and stir well. When your milk reaches 110, add your yogurt mixture and stir well. Place the lid back on and wrap the crockpot in a blanket till it is all covered with it. Let it sit on the counter for about 6 hours(i only had to let mine sit for 5)just until it is thick like yogurt. You will notice a watery substance on the top, this is the whey You can mix it in and put your yogurt in the fridge and it is ready to eat when chillled.

If you want Greek Yogurt you will need to place your flour sack towle or a couple layers of cheesecloth in a mesh strainer and place it over a bowl. Pour your yogurt into the lined strainer, put it in the fridge and let some of the whey strain out. Check it after a few hours to see if it is thick enough and if not, let it sit and strain some more.

You can make the yogurt or greek yogurt exactly how you like it. Add pureed fruit to it or chopped up berries or add a little agave or honey for sweetness because it is plain yogurt and will be a bit sour. I added honey and pure vanilla extract to mine and it was wonderful.

THis is how I ate if for breakfast with a little sprinkle of granola and a cut up banana. So good

This is what it looks like. believe me it is really creamy and smooth despite what the picture looks like and if you want it to look really smooth just whip it with a wire whisk for a few minutes.

Oh and don't throw your whey away. The liquid left in the bowl use it to replace the liquid in your bread or pancake recipes or to replace the buttermilk in biscuit recipes. Or add to smoothies. This stuff is oh so good and protein packed as well!!!

Dulce de Leche

Oh my where do I begin with this stuff. I have had this recipe on my to make list for quite sometime now and finally decided to try it out since I had another recipe I wanted to try that needed some Dulce de leche. Anyway both recipes were a success and let me tell this could not be any easier and I will never pay for dulce de leche in the store!! If you want some yummy caramely goodness give this easy recipe a try!! You will not be disappointed believe me. I found this recipe over at Mel's Kitchen cafe. Crockpot Dulche de Leche Makes 1 1/2 cups 2 (14-ounces each) cans sweetened condensed milk 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste, optional 3 (1/2 pint each) canning jars with lids and rings or I used 1 pint jar and 1 half pint jar because that is what I had Water Open the cans of sweetened condensed milk and portion them equally into the three canning jars. Wipe the tops and sides of the canning jars, if needed, in case any of the sweetened condensed milk spilled down the sides. Place a lid and ring on the canning jar and screw tightly to seal. Put the three canning jars in a slow cooker and cover with water by one inch. It doesn’t matter whether the jars are laying on their side or standing up straight – do what works best for the size of slow cooker you have. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set to low for 8-9 hours, until the dulce de leche is deep golden brown. Carefully remove the jars from the hot water and let them cool. If desired, open the jars and stir in 1/2 – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into each jar. Replace the lids and rings and store in the refrigerator. Do not turn the heat up to high and cook for less time or you will have a sticky burnt mess!!! Use as a dip or ice cream topping or in some of your favorite desserts instead of sweetened condensed milk!!