Peanut Butter and Cucumber on Rye Bread

We’re all familiar with the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You can even get them pre-made! It’s classic American childhood food, and it’s comforting. This peanut butter and cucumber sandwich on rye bread is not so familiar. It comes with a twist.

Now, you may think I’m nuts (sorry), but try this experiment.  Replace the jam on your sandwich with thinly sliced cucumber.

Then, replace the classic white bread with rye bread. You want the kind of rye that’s got a good crust and seeds.  I’ve seen rye that’s more like dark whole wheat. That just won’t do.

Suddenly, your old-fashioned childhood sandwich is much more sophisticated.  The cucumber adds sweetness and crunch which complements the salty, smooth peanut butter beautifully.

My mom invented this sandwich long ago and it’s become a family favorite.

You don’t really need a formal recipe for this (any more than you need one for old-fashioned PB and J).  All you need is some peanut butter, real rye bread, and a cucumber.

In this case, I used a hothouse English cucumber, so I didn’t have to bother to peel it, but the regular kind is fine too.

More Peanut and/or Cucumber Recipes

stir fry chicken peanut sauce recipeStir Fry Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Takeout without the takeout. It’s got chicken, crisp-fried veggies, and a creamy peanut sauce over it all.

 

spicy sesame noodlesSpicy Sesame Noodles Recipe for One Person

Sweet, crunchy cucumber with a spicy peanut sauce. Another takeout meal that’s really easy to make yourself.

 

lemony cucumber salad recipe

Lemon Cucumber Salad with Dill

A cool, refreshing salad that’s wonderful with a tuna or deli meat sandwich.  Easy to make too.

 

israeli chopped saladChopped Israeli Salad for One Person

Great as a side dish (or for breakfast, which is when Israelis eat it).  Just a bit of chopping and you’re done. Or put it in a pita with eggplant and hummus.

 

 




Small Batch Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

I just love stuffed cabbage, but making all those individual rolls is just a big pain in the neck.  It looks good, but it’s labor-intensive and all that work is just not worth it (unless you want to impress company). And, most recipes make enough to feed a small army.  Great for a crowd, but not so great when you’re cooking for one.  What I really wanted was a small batch unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe. Something easy to put together.

I decided there must be an easier way.  I saw a recipe for unstuffed cabbage rolls, made with meatballs and shredded cabbage.  Make the meatballs, shred the cabbage, and pile the meatballs on the cabbage. It sounded good (and more of a savory, than sweet/sour recipe).  That’s still quite a bit of work.

Then, I hit on an easier method. Instead of making individual rolls, or shredding cabbage, I would layer it instead. Like lasagna!

So, that’s what I did.  It’s easiest if you cut the core of the cabbage off first. Then the leaves will come off more easily.

I started with Joan Nathan’s Chosen Stuffed Cabbage Recipe, eliminated the raisins, reduced the quantities, and added sriracha for a bit of a punch.

I cut off a few cabbage leaves, made the filling and the sauce, and then put the whole thing in a square baking pan.

The first time I made this, I just cut the recipe in half.  It was enough for several meals, and proved to be a life-saver as I got sick a few days later.  Since I had all that unstuffed cabbage, I didn’t have to cook much.

I also used red cabbage instead of green. I bought the red to make no mayo healthy cole slaw.  I figured I might as well use it for this too.

However, when I wasn’t sick, I decided that I wanted to cut the recipe even further (because not being sick, I didn’t want to eat the same thing over several days). And, I decided I preferred the green cabbage (tradition!) So here’s the updated version.




Substitutions and Variations for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

  • use ground turkey instead of beef
  • try a combination of ground pork and beef
  • try adding 1/4 C raisins

More Cabbage Recipes

creole cabbage and sausageQuick Creole Cabbage and Sausage

Hungry? How about dinner in fifteen minutes? This New Orleans inspired dish gets a kick from creole seasoning and mustard. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, you can easily mix them from common pantry spices.

Polish sausage with cabbage and potatoesOne Pot Polish Sausage and Cabbage with Potatoes

Another great one-pot fridge stable/shelf stable meal, with only a few simple ingredients.  The cabbage mellows as it cooks, and the potatoes make it a filling, hearty meal.

 

kielbasa with sauerkraut and applesKielbasa with Sauerkraut and Apples

Spicy kielbasa, sharp sauerkraut, and crispy sweet apples blend together for a festival of flavor. The mustard sauce adds an extra sweet/tangy kick. All in one pot!

 

bibimbap rice bowlBibimbap Rice Bowl with Meat and Vegetables

Earthy cabbage, sweet carrots, and a spicy sauce build lots of flavor into one little bowl.  Add ground beef, rice, and top with a crispy fried egg.

 

 




Penne with Feta Cheese Sun-dried Tomatoes and Olives

This penne with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives recipe is fairly hands-off, simple, and delicious. And, of course, it’s just one serving!

It also allowed me to make some progress using the enormous jar of sun-dried tomatoes that’s been in the back of my fridge forever! Add some pasta, a bit of feta cheese, olives, and a few leaves of fresh basil, and you get a tasty lunch with only a few minutes of real work. (I have a basil plant growing in my window, so that basil was really fresh).

The feta was leftover from making a feta and spinach omelette, so it also helps toward my goal of not wasting anything. I just hate having a couple of tablespoons of sauce, or a few random bits of fruit or vegetables turning into a science experiment.

Now, on to more tasty mental pictures.

If you get plain, dried tomatoes (without any oil), you’ll have to start by heating them and softening them up a bit.  You can do this overnight (if you’re organized), or just start them a few minutes before you start boiling the water for the pasta. If you get the kind in oil, you can skip this step.

Once the tomatoes are soaked and the pasta is cooked, the rest of the recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare.  Just cook the garlic, toss the remaining ingredients in the saucepan you used to cook the penne and heat them up with the pasta.

Since the entire meal only uses one pot, it’s also easy to clean up afterwards. I don’t have a dishwasher, so easy cleanup is good!




 

Substitutions and Variations for Penne with Feta Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives

  • add a handful of fresh spinach (maybe half a cup of torn leaves) at the end, after you drain the pasta; cooking it just a minute or two until it wilts
  • add 1/4 chopped eggplant, a couple of mushrooms, and a few slices of red bell pepper
  • put in some leftover cooked chicken, this makes it more substantial and suitable for dinner
  • try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of extra kick

Ingredients and Tools for This Recipe

sun-dried tomatoes

Roland Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The nice thing about sun-dried tomatoes is that they do last a long time (if you happen to have bought a giant jar because the price was great).  In addition to pasta, you can toss them on pizza, mix them in with eggs, add them to pesto, or put them in meatloaf.

 

olives

Jeff’s Naturals Whole Castelvetrano Olives

My mom only eats black olives and my dad only liked green ones. I never really liked olives of any kind that much until I tried these. They were set out as a bar snack (of all things). They are bright green, mild, and don’t taste sour or briny like most olives do. They’re great with this pasta dish, and also marinated in olive oil with slivers of garlic and rosemary (which is how the bar served them). Delicious and great for a wine and cheese cocktail hour (either just for you or for company).

More Single Serving Feta Cheese Recipes

strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing and feta cheeseStrawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Feta Cheese

Perfect for long, hot summer days, this recipe requires no actual cooking. Crisp, refreshing, salty, and sweet, all at once.

feta brined roast chickenFeta Brined Roast Chicken Recipe for One

Easy enough for a weekend, fancy enough for company. The feta brine helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor too.

 

summer pasta with green olives and feta cheeseSummer Pasta with Green Olives and Feta Cheese

Sweet, juicy tomatoes, plus salty olives and feta, equals an easy summer meal. The feta cheese and olives are slightly salty, while the tomatoes add sweetness. Add a squirt of lemon juice for a citrusy burst. Works either hot as dinner, or cool as a pasta salad.

 

spinach and feta cheese omeletteSpinach and Feta Cheese Omelette

Spinach and feta pie flavors, with a lot less effort. Make this for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

 

 

 




Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe for One Person

I recently found myself craving spicy sesame noodles. Unfortunately, I had trouble finding a ready-made recipe that appealed to me. One recipe was too sweet, another was too bland.  Yet a third called for ingredients I didn’t have at hand, like tahini and sesame paste. While those would be good, I dislike buying an entire jar/package/bottle of something just for one recipe. It did give me the idea to include some ginger, which I liked. Besides, I wanted spicy sesame noodles right then and there, not several hours or days in the future!

So, I combined and improvised.  And, of course, cut down the recipes from eight or four people to just one serving.

I also didn’t have long  rice noodles, only linguine, so I used that.  If you use rice noodles, follow the directions on the package to cook them.  There are instructions in the recipe for both.  If you only have linguine (or even short pasta) use that and don’t worry about it.

So, instead of a ready-made recipe, I ended up with my own twist. But, I’m happy to say it turned out really well.

A bit of a warning about this recipe. As is, it’s really spicy, since that chili garlic sauce packs a punch, so if you prefer a milder version, leave it out.

It’s great for a hot summer day, as it requires only that you cook the noodles, and nothing else. Just chop, mix, arrange in a bowl, and eat.

 




Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe for One Person Substitutions and Variations

  • if you don’t have rice vinegar, use white vinegar
  • top with diced fresh bell pepper
  • add lightly cooked snow peas or broccoli
  • if you want a heartier meal, add in some cooked chicken
  • add 1 tsp tahini  to the sauce
  • garnish with sliced cucumber
  • use the peanut butter and cucumber to make a peanut butter and cucumber sandwich — yes, really)

More Spicy Noodle Recipes

spicy beef noodle soupSpicy Beef Noodle Soup for One

Exactly one serving of hot, spicy soothing soup. And it only takes a few minutes to prepare too.  You don’t have to simmer it for hours.

 

szechuan chili noodlesSchezuan Chili Noodles

Think Dan Dan noodles, but faster and easier.  You only need a few ingredients, and you don’t have to order out either.

 

easy singapore noodles with chickenEasy Singapore Noodles with Chicken for One Person

Nobody knows how this got its name. It’s not really from Singapore. But, it is crunchy, slightly spicy, warm, and delicious. Also a good way to clean out the fridge.

 

chinese chicken noodle cabbage soupChinese Chicken Noodle Cabbage Soup for One Person

Infused with garlic, chili, and just a touch of sweetness, this is a wonderful, quick soup that’s perfect for a cool fall day.

 




Chili Citrus Chicken Thigh

This chili citrus chicken thigh recipe was inspired by a friend.  She used orange zest and marmalade, but I didn’t have either of those things.  And, I’m not a fan of marmalade anyway.  I figured lime would do just as well.

The citrus gives it a bit of a tang, the chili garlic sauce adds heat, and the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

It’s a pretty easy, hands-off recipe.  First, you mix the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, pour the marinade over the chicken, and let it sit for half an hour or so and bake. And that’s just about it.  If you’re really in a hurry, you can skip the marinating time, but the flavor improves if you let it sit.

UPDATE: I’ve changed the way I make this. The new method is easier, faster, and yields better results.  I’ve increased the cooking temperature, reduced the cooking time, and eliminated the need for an extra pot. And, the chicken ends up with a crisper skin and juicier meat.




More Chicken Recipes for One Person

one person chicken curryEasy Chicken Curry Recipe

Quick, and pantry friendly too. This dish requires only a few fresh ingredients, and some spices. It’s got plenty of flavor though, from onions, garam masala, and cumin.

 

chicken with mushrooms and tarragonChicken with Mushrooms and Tarragon

Delicious French food without going out (or getting a big bill at the end). Only takes one pot and about thirty minutes to make.


homemade chicken shawarmaHomemade Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Can’t go to your favorite Mediterranean takeout place? Make your own. No fancy equipment needed. You can make it right in your oven.

 

honey sticky garlic chickenHoney Sticky Garlic Chicken

Delight your taste buds and clear your allergy head with this crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken recipe. And it’s pantry-friendly too.

 

 




Egg Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe

This egg chili cheese burrito recipe is adapted from a Southwestern cookbook I bought long ago. Their recipe called for refried beans, and while I had beans, they were dry beans and hadn’t been soaked or refried, and I didn’t want to bother.  I did have tortillas (the ones I use as sneaky crepes), plenty of eggs, chilis, scallions, and cheese.

I decided to improvise with what I had ready to eat, rather than waiting for the beans to soak.  I was hungry, and didn’t want to fuss.

If you want to make the refried beans, you can use canned beans. If you have dried beans, and you have more time than I did that day, use the quick soak method to speed up the process.

To refry beans, just heat some bacon drippings in a pan, add cooked (or canned) pinto beans, plus some of the soaking liquid, cook them on high heat, and mash them up.  Turn the heat to low once the beans get thick and simmer until they’re soft.




Egg Chili Cheese Burrito Variations and Substitutions

  • add refried beans (about 1/4 cup)
  • cut up a sausage, fry it, and add that to the burrito
  • swap the salsa for some spicy stovetop chili
  • vary the cheese; I used sharp cheddar, but Colby, Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack would work too

More Egg Recipes

eggs with spinach and chili pepperEggs with Spinach and Chili Peppers

An easy light meal, flavored with ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. First you cook the seasonings, then the eggs, all in the same skillet.

 

frittata recipe for one personFrittata Recipe for One Person

A flexible recipe that uses whatever veggies you have around (fresh or frozen). Keep it vegetarian, or add some ham.

 

egg and tomato gratinEgg and Tomato Gratin

Fast food that’s so much better than anything from a takeout place. This is fragrant with thyme, garlic, and, onions. The whole thing is then topped with Swiss cheese.

 

shakshouka for oneShakshouka for One

Poached eggs bathed in a spicy tomato sauce, enlivened with fresh spinach. A bit more effort, but definitely worth it!

 

 




Split Pea Soup Recipe with Ham Hock

Nothing beats a bowl of split pea soup when it’s cold outside. This recipe has ham, split peas (of course), and bacon. The ham hock releases a lot of flavor as it slowly cooks into the soup. The bacon is good for salty crunch.  Add some crusty bread, or a sandwich, and you’ve got lunch.

The original recipe came from the NY Times Cookbook, but I’ve changed it a bit.  For one thing, it made up to 10 servings (which means one person would be eating soup for a very long time)!  This recipe is only for four servings. Just enough to enjoy it without feeling like you are drowning in split pea soup!

That recipe also called for celeraic (which I never have) and salt pork. Salt pork is fine, but I found it worked really well with bacon (preferably Trader Joe’s no nitrate bacon).

It also freezes well, so you can save some soup for later.

Substitutions and Variations for Split Pea Soup with Ham Hock

  • cut up a frankfurter or a chunk of kielbasa, cook it and add it to the soup
  • top with croutons
  • cook some extra bacon, crumble it, and top the soup with it
  • add freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • add a parmesan or Manchego cheese rind to the soup while it’s simmering

More Soup Recipes

pasta e fagioli soupPasta e Fagioli Soup (Small Batch)

An Italian classic, downsized for one person. It’s packed with flavor from pancetta, beans, rosemary and garlic. Filling too. It’s enough for a meal by itself.

 

ham and lentil soupEasy Ham and Lentil Soup for One Person

Wonderful comfort food for chilly days. Only needs a single pot and a few basic ingredients.

 

mulligatawny soupMulligatawny Soup Recipe

Britain meets India in this fusion soup spiced with cumin and cinnamon. The Tamil provided the spices, and the British added meat.

 


mushroom barley soupMushroom Barley Soup

Nothing fancy or complicated, just filling hot soup.  Just like my grandma used to make (but in a smaller batch).

 




Image of soup in blender with towel thanks to joelk75

Small Batch Spicy Stovetop Chili Recipe

I have been making my spicy stovetop chili recipe the same way for years — until recently. There was a blizzard raging outside and I figured chili would keep me (and the apartment warm).  The recipe has evolved since I first started making it, but I’ve been consistently using kidney beans, green and red bell peppers and threw in some chopped jalapeños and a couple of spoonfuls of salsa.

However, I didn’t have any of those ingredients on hand and had no intention of going outside to get them! So, I improvised.  Instead of kidney beans I used cooked small white beans (which I had leftover from making this delicious garlicky bean dip).  If you don’t have cooked beans ready, use this quick soaking method to speed up the process, or just use half a can.

That solved the bean problem, but there was still the question of adding more heat.  I did have plenty of sriracha sauce and ground cayenne, so I used that and added a pinch of cinnamon to balance it out.

The chili came out so well I think I may make it this way going forward.  Less chopping!

This makes about three or four servings.  You can make it for company, eat it several times in one week, or freeze individual portions for later use.




Substitutions and Variations for Spicy Stovetop Chili Recipe

  • use kidney beans instead of white beans
  • replace the sriracha with Tabasco sauce
  • add a teaspoon or two of salsa
  • add jalapeño peppers to taste
  • add about 1/4 each red and green bell pepper about 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time (so they keep a bit of crunch)
  • use 2/3 pound beef and 1/3 lb. pork

More Ground Beef Recipes

compound butter cheeseburgerCompound Butter Cheeseburger

A few simple extra ingredients transform your burger from ordinary to fantastic.  The secret is compound butters mixed in with the ground beef.

 

easy Italian meatballs for oneEasy Italian Meatball Recipe for One

Just enough meatballs for one serving of spaghetti (or eat them on their own with sauce).  Or, serve them with the soup below. No extras, no leftovers.

 

sloppy joes one person recipeSloppy Joe Recipe for One Person

Sure it’s messy. Says so right in the name. But this Sloppy Joe recipe is worth it.  It’s got a bit of a kick too (there’s sriracha in there!).  Soooo good.

 

easy Italian wedding soupEasy Italian Wedding Soup

Soup in a matter of minutes! Once you’ve got the meatballs (make them or buy them) all you have to do is add a couple of ingredients and eat them up!

 




How to Use Your Kitchenaid Mixer and Attachments

Kitchenaid Mixer

If you’ve got a Kitchenaid mixer, you know how great it is for mixing cookies (and the world’s best cheesecake), but did you know you can also use your Kitchenaid mixer attachments to grind your own meat (so you know exactly what’s in it), make sausage, or shred veggies?

And, the vegetable strainer/grinder is perfect for making your own applesauce or jam.

The best part? You don’t need to rush out and buy more appliances. All you have to do is add attachments to the Kitchenaid mixer you already have.

The beaters on a Kitchenaid use “planetary motion.” That means they move around the bowl, while at the same time spinning in the reverse direction on their own axis (sort of like the earth spins and moves around the sun).

The result looks a bit like a spirograph design. The good part is that this funny motion means it mixes faster and better than other mixers so you’ll need less time to prepare your recipes.




Using the Kitchenaid Mixer’s Speed Control

  • Stir – use this when you first start mixing, to add dry ingredients to wet ones, and vice versa.
  • 2 – for slow mixing, to start mashing potatoes, and knead dough.
  • 4 – just the thing for making cookies, creaming sugar, and making meringues. You want to beat the ingredients, and combine them, without overmixing (or your batter will be the wrong texture). Use this speed with the grinder, slicer and strainer attachments.
  • 6 – beating and creaming – set your mixer on this speed for final mixing and to use the citrus juicer.
  • 8 – fast beating – for whipped cream
  • 10- super-fast whipping – at this speed, it goes around so fast you can hardly see it. Only use small amounts of cream or egg whites – or it will all go flying. Set on this speed for pasta and grinding grain.
You can also set the mixer in-between the set speeds, for finer control.

How to Use Your Kitchenaid Mixer Attachments

Kitchenaid mixer attachment pack

Kitchenaid Mixer Attachment Pack

If you want to save space (and a bit of money), get this all in one pack. It has a grinder, strainer, and a slicer. Use it to grind meat, make salsa, shred cabbage for coleslaw, cut up veggies for a party platter, or make baby food. And, it all takes up a lot less space than a food processor, a meat grinder, and a mandoline would.

Grind your own meat (no additives or fillers), shred cheese, or cut carrots in waffle-shapes, or make your own perfect coleslaw.

This set comes with the meat grinder (which has two settings, coarse and fine), a slicer/shredder, and a fruit and vegetable strainer.

Get a deal on meat, take it home, and use the grinder attachment to make your own burgers, and freeze them for later use. The slicer and shredder make short work of cheese, carrots, and potatoes. Use the strainer for applesauce, pasta sauce, or your own salsa.

How to Use Your Kitchenaid Mixer Grinder Attachment

Kitchenaid Grinder Attachment

Kitchenaid Food Grinder Attachment

This is great for grinding your own bread crumbs, grated hard cheese, or meat. Grinding your own meat is cheaper than buying it pre-ground. Plus, you know exactly what’s in it, and where it came from. You can see it in action on the image at the top of this page.

I use it to grind my own turkey and beef for meatballs, “unstuffed cabbage,” and burgers. It includes two grinding plates, one fine and one coarse. Both store right inside the grinder, so you won’t lose them.

Some reviewers said they found grease on the grinder when they bought it. I looked, saw a bit of it, and thoroughly cleaned it off. No problem, and nothing weird in the food.

Recipes Using the Kitchenaid Grinder Attachment




    • How to Make Sausage with Your Kitchenaid Grinder Attachment

      Sausage Making Part 1

      Sausage Making Part 2

      Sausage Recipes and Tips for Your Kitchenaid

        • natural hog sausage casings

          Natural Hog Sausage Casings

          If you’re going to make sausage, you need casings to put them in.  Make sure to soak them and then rinse them before using (so you know they’re clean). It also helps stretch them out and reduces tearing. Don’t worry if you don’t use them up all at once, as they’ll last for years in the fridge.

          Attachment for Cookies and Cheesecake

          Kitchenaid flat beater

          No special equipment needed; use the beater that came with your mixer.

          Making Cookies with the Kitchenaid

          This woman cracks me up.

          Kitchenaid Cookie Recipes

          • Ruth’s Oatmeal Crisps   –  Scroll down to find the recipe. Note, I used butter, not shortening. It’s even better with dried cranberries instead of raisins.
          • Chocolate chip cookies  – Quick and easy chocolate chip recipe, with mixer speed instructions.
          • Sugar cookies  – Made with a dash of nutmeg for sweet/spiciness.
          • Kitchenaid Peanut Butter cookies   – Scroll down to see this recipe (direct from Kitchenaid’s facebook page)

             

            Fat is Essential for Sausages

            If you don’t have enough fat, the sausages will taste like sawdust (yuck). 15 to 25% is best. Buy extra if necessary

            Buce Aidell's sausage recipes
            Bruce Aidells’s Complete Sausage Book 

            I don’t normally quote reviews, but this one is irresistible. A customer says, “…[T]he sausages were incredible. I practically ate the first batch of Italian sausage all of 3.5 lbs by myself.

            I had the hardest time sharing it with my kids who stared at me drooling with those puppy eyes begging to have a taste of what Mama was eating. And when I have to use these sausages for a pasta dish for some visiting friends, I actually regretted inviting them over since I wanted to eat the sausages myself. That bad..and that good!!”

            The book is well-written, with recipes that are easy to follow (and tweak – I love tweaking). Recipes include bratwurst, cajun andouille, sausage with apples. There are American recipes with international influences (Asian, German, and Spanish) and then recipes that include sausage (for breakfast, in soups, and in pasta.

          The Mixer Bible

          The Mixer Bible: 300 Recipes For Your Stand Mixer

        • Now that you’ve got all those cool new Kitchenaid attachments (or even before), you’ll want to know how to use them. This book is packed with recipes for everything from appetizers to sausages, to desserts.

        • How to Use Your Kitchenaid Strainer Attachment

        Kitchenaid Strainer

        Kitchenaid Fruit and Vegetable Strainer Attachment

        Use this to easily make your own applesauce, tomato juice, homemade jam, grind cheese and make salsa.

        If you want to make applesauce, just cut the applesfo in quarters, cook them, and run them through the strainer.  The waste comes out separately, so no coring or peeling is necessary.  You can do this with tomatoes for tomato sauce or juice too (those need to be peeled).    This set comes with both the strainer and the grinder.

        How to Assemble Your Kitchenaid Fruit and Vegetable Strainer

        Kitchenaid Strainer Attachment Recipes

        How to Use Your Kitchenaid Slicer/Shredder Attachment

        Kitchenaid Slicer shredder

        Kitchenaid Slicer/Shredder Attachment

  • This attachment includes four different slicer/shredder “cones”: you can make thin or thick slices of cheese or cold cuts, shred cabbage, onions, or hard cheeses (like Parmesan). Use it for cucumber slaw, cole slaw, potato chips, chocolate, or nuts. There is a bit of a trick to putting it together (see the video below).

    Assembling the Kitchenaid Slicer/Shredder Attachment

    Watch for that little notch.

      • Summer cole slaw – This recipe, from Kitchenaid’s New Zealand page is not your usual cole slaw; it has green beans, sultanas (golden raisins) and hazelnuts.
      • Conventional cole slaw – If you prefer the standard version, try this recipe.  I do think I’d cut the mayo a bit and replace some of it with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
      • Mushroom Onion Quiche – With a pre-made crust, this is a quick and easy meal.  I would buy two crusts, make two and pop one in the freezer.
      • Zucchini Bread – This recipe is very similar to the one that came with my Kitchenaid mixer. Use the slicer/shredder instead of a food processor (only one bowl and appliance to clean instead of two).

      You can also grate cheese, make veggie chips (it’s a giant mandoline!) or shred potatoes for hash browns. Or, you could turn those sliced cucumbers into butter pickles.

      Recipes Direct From Kitchen Aid

      Lots of recipes here, including salsa (attach the grinder), apple crumb coffee cake, borscht (use the shredder), and pizza dough (second page).

      More Ways to Use Your Kitchenaid Mixer Attachments

       

      fresh pasta
      Image thanks to Mack Male via Flickr cc 2.0 sa

      Kitchenaid Pasta Recipes
      Fresh pasta is softer and more tender than dried, and it takes a lot less time to cook too. It’s especially good for lighter sauces made with cream or butter.  So alfredo yes, but bolognese no.

      kitchenaid homemade breadKitchenaid Bread Recipes

      The smell of fresh bread is the best! And you don’t even need any special equipment to make it either. Just the tools that came with your mixer.  Make baguettes, whole wheat, potato, honey oat, or whatever you like.  Recipes, instructions, and more at the link.

      bowl of ice cream
      image thanks to JessicaFM

      Kitchenaid Ice Cream Recipes 

      Commercial ice cream tends to have extra fillers and thickeners (to keep the costs down). Make your own and you don’t have to worry about any of that. And you can make the exact flavor you want (oreo, rum raisin, or even double ginger).

 

Kitchenaid Ice Cream Attachment Recipes

There’s nothing like a big bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day. It’s even better when you’ve made it yourself. Luckily, the Kitchenaid mixer makes that pretty easy to do. Whether you like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or something more exotic (like fig!), just follow the Kitchenaid ice cream attachment recipes below to learn how to make fresh ice cream right in your own home.

Kitchenaid ice cream attachment

Kitchenaid Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment

You can make about 2 quarts of ice cream, sherbet, or sorbet in only 25 minutes or so. Freeze the bowl, make the ice cream recipe, put it together, turn the mixer on, add the ice cream mixture, and mix until it starts to freeze. Then transfer to your freezer to freeze more solidly.

Oh, but first, before you do anything else, do as the first reviewer recommends and carefully black out all the calorie and fat information in the recipe guide!

(One more important note, this attachment is designed to fit US mixers made after 1990).

How to Use Your Kitchenaid Ice Cream Attachment

Watch this video to see how the ice cream attachment works.




Kitchenaid Ice Cream Attachment Recipes for Vanilla Ice Cream

French vs. Philadelphia Ice Cream

The difference between the two styles is that French ice cream is cooked first, and uses eggs to make a custard. On the other hand, Philadelphia style requires no eggs and no cooking.

Kitchenaid Attachment Chocolate Ice Cream Recipes

Ice Cream Recipe Cookbooks

ice cream recipe cookbook

The Perfect Scoop: Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments

David Lebovitz was once the pastry chef at Chez Panisse, and his expertise comes in handy here (so does a long-ago summer job as an ice cream scooper). There are recipes for ice cream, gelato, sorbets, and frozen yogurt.

It tells you both what to do, and why you’re doing it (which helps reduce mistakes). There are lots of familiar flavors, such as fudge ripple, coffee, and French vanilla. Then he throws in a few curves: green tea, fig, and egg nog.

best ice cream cookbook

The Best Ice Cream Maker Cookbook Ever

Recipes include butter pecan, strawberry, and even double ginger. Plus, there are also recipes for toppings and ice cream with swirls (like fudge or caramel).

ben and jerry's ice cream cookbook

Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book

Make your own classic Ben & Jerry’s flavors: Heath Bar Crunch, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Fresh Georgia Peach. And remember their two rules of ice cream making:

 

ICE CREAM RULE #1

You don’t have to be a pro to make incredibly delicious ice cream.

ICE CREAM RULE #2

There’s no such thing as an unredeemingly bad batch of homemade ice cream.

Kitchenaid Strawberry Ice Cream Recipes

  • Strawberry ice cream  A delicious way to eat strawberries in season (or even not in season). Omit the lemon, add a bit of Grand Marnier if you like, or try it with a mixture of different kinds of berries.
  • Strawberry ice cream from Pinch My Salt  Heavy cream, egg yolks, vanilla, and strawberries.
  • Homemade strawberry ice cream  – She has a good tip here about getting creamier ice cream: dry the strawberries thoroughly before using them.
  • Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream  This one has a bit of a twist. Balsamic vinegar and strawberries may seem a bit odd, but it’s actually quite good. If you’re skeptical, try the same combination (strawberries and balsamic vinegar), with some fresh strawberries. If you’re really daring, add a bit of cracked black pepper. This recipe also has helpful step by step photos.




ice cream containers

Ice Cream Containers

Once you’ve made your ice cream, you’ll need something to store it in. These are narrow and stackable, so they don’t take up a lot of space in your freezer. They’ll fit right in the door. Easy to clean and they come in several colors so you can pick your favorite.

ice cream scoop
Ice Cream Scoop

This is going to be my next present to myself. It’s heavy duty, so it won’t bend, and the tip is pointed to make it easier to get the ice cream (or sorbet) out of the container. You’ll easily get a perfect scoop, no matter how thick your ice cream is. Since it’s OXO, it’s also easy to hold and has a lifetime guaranty.

Kitchenaid Ice Cream Attachment Recipes for Coffee and Oreo Ice Cream

More Kitchenaid Recipes

fresh pasta
Mack Male via Flickr cc 2.0 sa

Kitchenaid Pasta Recipes

Got the pasta attachment? Here’s how to use it to make your own fresh, delicious pasta. It’s more toothsome and cooks up in minutes (unlike dry pasta).

 

 

kitchenaid homemade breadKitchenaid Bread Recipes 

You don’t need a special attachment to make bread. Just use (depending on the recipe) the paddle and the dough hook that came with your mixer. And really, there’s just nothing nearly as delicious as fresh, hot bread slathered with butter.


Kitchenaid Mixer

Using Your Kitchenaid Mixer and Attachments

A guide to using the grinder, strainer, and slicer/shredder attachments. Use them to grind your own meat, easily prepare applesauce, or make your own salsa and coleslaw. Plus links to recipes and tips for doing all of that.