Strawberry Cake

1 box strawberry cake mix (make as directed on package, 2 layer 8"cakes)
2 cup strawberries , hulled and sliced thin (save some for top of cake)
4 cups whipped cream (beat with 1 or 2 tablespoon sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla, until thick)

Fill bottom layer cake with whipped cream,  place strawberries all over as much as you desire,
place top layer over bottom layer top with whipped cream, and strawberries.




* I like to slice each layer through the middle so I can make 3 layer cake but you will need more strawberries and double the whipped cream. Same process as above but you will 3 layer I like this because you get a lot more strawberries & whipped cream.

Easy Chicken Curry

5 pieces chicken thighs or drumsticks thawed
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
1 teaspoon ginger grated or chopped fine
1 large potato peeled and cut into cubes
1 large carrot peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
3 to 4 tablespoon curry powder ( curry powders vary some are stronger than others so add in to whatever suits your taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (or 1 teaspoon chili powder or fresh chili if you like it hot diced small seeds out)
3 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup water

If I am using thighs I like to take off the skin and cut the bone out then cut the chicken into cubes but, I still use the bone to cook the curry so that you get all the flavor so don't throw them away. If you use drumsticks you don't have to prep them just cook as directed in the recipe below.

In a large pan/pot heat oil on medium heat, cook onions for a couple of minutes then add ginger and garlic continue cooking for 1 minute add cubed chicken and the bones, brown chicken for about 10 minutes then add potato & carrots. Cook on medium heat about 15 minutes turn down heat to low add curry powder, paprika, chili flakes and water, stir until chicken mixture is well coated cook another 15 minutes or until potato & carrots are tender.

* serve with rice or if your lucky to have it in your grocery store Naan bread or my personal favorite  Roti.

Fried Chicken

I love fried chicken! I was 12 yrs old when I made my first fried chicken dinner with potato salad & corn..and it was a mess the chicken was raw in the middle and the potato's were not cooked all the way..that's what happens sometimes in cooking ,you just have to try and try again until you get it right,
Fried chicken is one of those recipes that anyone can make their own version meaning put what ever seasoning  you have on hand or your own preference...this is my version

6 to 8 chicken pieces completely thawed.
1 1/2 cup flour 

Seasoning for your flour, 1 tsp. garlic salt, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp. Paprika ( or cayenne pepper if you want spicy)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
about 4 cups of oil depending on the size of your pan.

I like to set up a flat plate or pan for my flour mixture and a flat dish with sides for my egg mixture

1 1/2 cup flour, seasoned flour

beat 2 eggs & milk with salt & pepper together in a flat dish/pan with sides.

take your largest frying pan (or wok or a pot if no large frying pan or wok available)fill halfway with the oil
heat on medium high for about 8 to 10 minutes (keep an eye on the oil stoves vary, sprinkle a little flour in it, if it sizzles really fast it should be ready.

dip pieces of chicken one at a time into egg mixture, shake off excess and roll into flour mixture until well coated. Drop one at a time into hot oil don't over crowd the frying pan lay chicken next to each other not touching (usually I can fit 4 to 5 pieces in one batch so I do 2 batches) turn down to medium heat. fry about
10 to 15 minutes on each side (if pieces are different sizes the smaller pieces will be cooked faster) you can cut a piece of chicken in the middle to make sure it is done.

* I love fried chicken with either creamy mashed potato's or potato salad...or any side dish or vegetables you like...possibilities are endless!

Cinnamon Rolls

DOUGH

1/4 cup warm water

1 packet dry yeast,

1 tablespoon sugar

½  packet vanilla instant pudding mix, small size

1 cup milk (room temperature)

1/4 cup butter softened 

1 egg slightly beaten

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups flour (a little more for rolling) 

In a small bowl combine warm water, yeast and sugar. Stir until dissolved,

set aside  for 10 minutes and prepare the rest of ingredients

In a large  bowl  add pudding mix , milk, egg and butter, beat until blended

Add in  yeast mixture, gradually add flour and salt mix by hand or mixer until

everything is well blended, turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead  for 10 minutes

If dough is too sticky sprinkle more flour over it until it is smooth and elastic, Dough should be

spring back when touched.  Lightly oil a bowl and place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth, set in a warm place to rise 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

After dough has doubled in size, place it on a floured surface and roll out a long 

rectangle shape approximately 16” x 10”.

 

CINNAMON SUGAR filling 

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup butter Softened

Spread softened butter all over dough leaving ½ inch border un-buttered . Spread the sugar mix all over the butter.

With the long side of the dough, roll up very tightly, as tight as you can get it. With a knife or bench scraper cut the roll in half , then half again so there are 4 pieces then slice each piece into 3 so you will have 12 pieces. Lightly butter a 9” x 13” pan, place the rolls in the pan (not too close so there is room to rise) and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth set aside in a warm spot to rise again. 30 to 45 minutes until rolls have doubles in size.

PreHeat oven to 350f/180c when rolls has doubled place in oven for 25 to 30 minutes,

Rolls should be golden brown in color or 195f to 200 in temperature if you have a thermometer, 

Let cool 15 minutes while rolls are still warm, Spread Cream Cheese Frosting all over

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

½ packet cream cheese

4 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar (Icing sugar)

2 – 3 tablespoons milk

Cream all ingredients together until smooth

Enjoy!