If you want your name added to the Ladies of the Preserve list, just let me know.  If I have it wrong, then let me know to change them.   terri

Now that I'm back from my travels, I have time to post the pictures of Tamale Night.  I had a blast.  Hope everyone else did too.  I'm off again on Monday but I left tamales with Nancy for those that didn't get yours yet.

Anyone get pictures of Bunco?  

Cooking the ingredients for the veggie tamales
We had a chance to sit around and talk while we spread masa on the corn husks.
Masa Man was a big hit!

Recipes from Bunco at Shari's

Warm Artichoke Dip
Sheryl DeZengotita's recipe (from Nancy Thornton)

First, you have to learn to pronouse Sheryl's last name, then proceed with the recipe!

1 chopped onion
8 ounce cream cheese
8 ounces mayo
12 ounces grated parmesan cheese
1 can artichoke hearts (12-14 ounce can is good)

Use a mixer to combine all ingredients well. After placing in a casserole dish, cook in 450 degree oven for 45 minutes. Go ahead and double this one - everyone loves it. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.


Feta Cheese Dip
Cynthia Johnston's recipe (from Nancy Thornton)

16 ounces cream cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced (I use the roasted minced garlic in the jar)
8 ounces feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh dill

Mix all ingredients - shape into a ball - refrigerate. Garnish with more fresh dill and serve with crackers. YUM!

Bunco report on 2/21

The Preserve ladies are rollin' (dice) now that Bunco has begun in the Preserve. It began with a social time of getting to know each other and touring the Breese' home, including their new waterfall/pond. There was plenty of food and drink to entice the palate. And then the real fun began. Playing Bunco was a hoot! The true personalities of the ladies came out. Some were competitive and others clueless, (those names will never be revealed). Laughing was contagious and we all had an enjoyable evening.
The next Bunco event will be at Arlene Viele's home at 748 Drifting Wind Run on Thurs. March 6th at 7 pm. Her e-mail is aviele2@yahoo.com and her phone is #858-7533.
If you like to eat, drink, and laugh, then you should join us for an unforgettable night of fun!
Shari Breese
sbreese@austin.rr.com
#858-0715

Mark your calendars....

February 21st - Bunco at Shari Breese's on Leaf Dale Trail
March 6th - Bunco at Arlene Viele's, 748 Drifting Wind Run
March 27th - Food at Ronni Hill's home, 1013 Drifting Wind Run
April 10th - Bunco at Gail Naughton's on Leaf Dale Trail
April 24th - Food at Andrea Larsen's on Drifting Wind Run
May 8th - Bunco at Deanie Dart's home @502 Drifting Wind Run

Keep in mind that these ladies will need to know you are coming. In future blogs, their phone number and email will be posted so that you can call them a few days in advance to say yes.
Their correct addresses will be posted along with the time. See you there!

Tortilla Soup

The Preserve Ladies feasted on this wonderful soup at Terri Bill's house during Tamale Night on February 7, 2008.

This recipe serves 6 and can be doubled and tripled easily.

8 ounces carrots, diced
8 ounces celery
8 ounces onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons corn oil
4 cans chicken broth
1 can tomatoes, diced
1 can Rotel tomatoes & chilies, diced
1 1-1/2 ounce packet taco seasoning
1 (10 count) pkg. corn tortillas, broken into small pieces
12 ounces chicken meat, diced, poached or grilled fajita meat
1 cup milk
12 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
corn tortilla chips, broken into small pieces

1. Saute carrots, onions, celery garlic powder, salt and pepper in corn oil until tender.

2. Add chicken broth and bring to boil.

3. Add tomatoes, Rotel, taco seasoning, and chicken.

4. Cut tortillas into small pieces and add to broth mixture.

5. Let boil for 20 minutes or until tortillas are thoroughly incorporated into soup stirring occasionally to keep from sticking.

6. Reduce heat and add 8 oz. cheese. Simmer for additional 10 minutes.

7. Add milk and simmer for additional 10 minutes.

8. If thicker soup is desired, add more diced tortillas and let incorporate into soup.

9. Garnish with shredded cheese and broken tortilla chips.

Flan Recipe

This super easy recipe has never failed me.

Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Put 1 cup sugar in a warm pan and stir until the sugar melts and browns slightly. Quickly pour it into a oven proof bowl or 6 small casseroles.

Mix 6 eggs until smooth. Add 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth. Add two cans evaporated milk, and mix until smooth. Blend in 1/2 cup sugar. Add 1 tsp vanilla (I use Mexican vanilla and 2 tsp.)

Pour into pan over carmelized sugar.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 45 min. It's done when a knife inserted just off center comes out clean. The top will be browned. Flip it over to serve and the sugar will flow over the flan.

Now We're Cooking!!

Tamales at Terri's this Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7pm.