Garantita (Algerian Chickpea Pie)

I am not sure if that is how you spell it! I saw the recipe in “The Great Book of Couscous” and they called it Karantika. This is popular in Algeria (and made in my house a few times per week). It is best served sliced with bread and a bit of harissa or on crackers. Baking time can be decreased to make a mushier version. A food processor is used to make sure you get a smooth combination of ingredients. Chick pea flour can be found in Indian Grocery Stores. It is called “Besan”.

Mexican Rice

Are you craving that great Mexican rice from your favorite taco stand? Here it is. This is just like a good Mexican restaurant rice. Many recipes taste good… but the texture just isn’t right. You know how it is… you have prepared scores of Mexican rice recipes but always have been disappointed. It may be delicious but kinda “gloopy and wet.” Try this. Everything is pureed and cooked in. There are no chunks of anything… just dry fluffy rice with all the seasonings and just the tiniest hint of a tomato flavor. I will throw away all of my Mexican rice recipes- this is the one I have been looking for for years! I don’t own a rice cooker but some people have had disappointing results using one. You will also need to adjust your cooking time if you want to use brown rice. I recommend following the cooking instructions as directed. Proceed at your own peril if you stray. Enjoy.

Fannie Farmer’s Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese

To me Fannie Farmer’s recipe is the only “real” Macaroni & Cheese. It’s from my 1946 edition of “Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking School Cookbook”. With time on it’s side – this recipe is hands down the best for traditional, homemade baked macaroni & cheese – comfort food. Please Note: If you use CHEAP CHEESE you will end up with a BLAND and FLAVORLESS DISH!

Kittencal’s Moist Cheddar-Garlic Oven Fried Chicken Breast

This is for serious garlic lovers. The chicken bakes out so moist and tender! Grated cheese may be sprinkled on top of the breast the last 5 minutes of cooking if desired but that is optional. Double all ingredients for more than four breasts and adjust the amount of garlic to suit taste. For the coating amount you might be able to get away with 5 or maybe 6 very small chicken breasts, but I would suggest to increase the amount slightly — to take this dish to yet another level, about 10 minutes before the cooking time is finished, drizzle the top of the chicken with a little pasta sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Return to oven for about 10 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked and sauce is hot and cheese has melted. For a lemon-garlic flavor add in 3 tablespoons lemon juice to the melted butter/garlic mixture — *NOTE* for a healthier alternative Smart Balance Butter Blend may be used in place of the melted butter — you will love this chicken! Visit my food blog, www.kittencalskitchen.com, for more of my recipes.

Scalloped Potatoes

Here’s a great scalloped potato recipe that’s so easy and absolutely delicious. The leftovers are just as good, maybe even better, the next day. This is one of my favorite and most prepared recipes, from my 1971 Florence Junior Welfare League cookbook.

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