Category Archives: Secret Recipes

Lawrys Pinch of Herbs Seasoning Recipe Copy Cat Kopy Cat Kopy Kat

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Lawrys Pinch Image

Lawry’s Pinch Of Herbs

Here is my true to the original version and a pretty good copycat of Lawry’s Pinch Of Herbs seasoning.   Recently I found a kopy cat recipe on the internet and wondered how true it was to the original.  Plaudits go out to that recipe creator,  for a very tasty seasoning.  This copycat recipe however, should be more true to the original because of one unique advantage…. I am fortunate enough to have a partially used bottle.  Being able to smell the aromas of its contents allows me to  compare results.

Seasoning shelves in my kitchen comprise at least 100 bottles of various spices so it is somewhat easier to KopyKat the original. For the best broiled zucchini;  a Pinch Of Herbs is a must.

The picture below shows each spice in the mixture, so this recipe follows the label’s ingredients in the order listed.  It also contains no MSG as stated on the label.  Since the label separates the salt and the garlic, I added each ingredient separately.   I used a gram scale, adding each portion by weight rather than volume.  I then translated the weight into volume to utilize standard kitchen measuring tools.  I also used the nutritional label for sodium content.  (83 mg per 1/4 tsp serving)

Lawrys Pinch of Herbs Label

Lawry’s Pinch of Herbs Contents

Lawry’s Pinch of Herbs listed the following ingredients on the container:  sesame seeds, salt, sugar, spices and herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme) modified food starch, natural flavors and garlic. The aromas of cumin, ginger, sage and taste of cayenne pepper were present but must have been listed in the “spices and herbs and natural flavors”.

To make a small container like what was sold when originally available combine the following ingredients:

1 Tbsp Toasted white sesame seeds

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp white sugar

Pinch Of Herbs Nutritional Value

Pinch Of Herbs Nutritional Value

1 Tbsp dried oregano, crushed

1 Tbsp dried basil, crushed

1 Tbsp dried rosemary, crushed

1/2 tsp powdered dried thyme

1 tsp dried powdered garlic

1 tsp modified food starch

1/4 tsp each of cumin,ginger, cayenne pepper, sage

Combine and place in a closed container to marry the flavors before using and Enjoy!!!

Here’s a link to Our very own Made In America Op-yop Toy originally Sold starting in 1968 and still going strong. Stop over and buy one today!!!

 

Simple Ambrosia: A Quick 3 Ingredient Thanksgiving Dinner Side Dish

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A Simple Ambrosia

A Simple Ambrosia

Add a quick and really simple Ambrosia to any holiday dinner menu – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July.

It can not be any easier than combining:

1 – 15 ounce can of chilled fruit cocktail with the juices drained

1 – 16 ounce container of cold sour cream

1 – 16 ounce bag of mini-marshmallows.

Stir to coat all ingredients evenly, then serve.

 

More Holiday Dinner Recipes:

Gravy From Scratch ,

Homemade Stuffing ,

Moist Turkey Recipe,

Cranberry Relish,

Green Bean Casserole,

Sweet Potato Casserole,

Parker House Dinner Rolls,

Shopping List For Thanksgiving Dinner

Broiled Zucchini Recipe-Vegetable Main Course or Side Dish

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A broiled zucchini with olive oil and herbs is a secret weapon in my dinner faire.  This vegetable is often avoided due in part to the many restaurants that use it so poorly.

One of the funnier lines I remember from Charles Osgood’s CBS Sunday Morning TV Show is about “something or someone being harder to get rid of than a zucchini in season”.   That line  paints a funny picture doesn’t it?  As a youngster I recall a neighbor at church passing out free zucchini from his car trunk, yet still having bushels full left over from the bounty grown in his garden. His plea, “Oh, please take some more” was not lost on our home chef.  My mother’s meals during harvest season included every variation of zucchini from breads and muffins to casseroles and stews.  The frozen packages for later use, lasted all year long.

Recently while watching Jacques Pepin’s “Essential Pepin” on WTVS in Detroit, I saw many uses for the zucchini.   Jacques recipes using olive oil and garlic have introduced me to so many delicious vegetable dishes, I find myself shopping more and more at the Produce Palace Market.  On a recent shopping trip, I thought I would try my hand at cooking some Zucchini.

Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients

3 medium zucchinis, 8-10 inches long

Colavito Olive Oil

Lawry’s Pinch of Herbs Kopy Kat Seasonings

Instructions

Start with slicing the washed zucchini lengthwise about one quarter inch thick.  I cut up about three  medium sized ones for two people as a main dish.  I use a mandolin for uniform thickness.  I do not peel the zucchini.

Lay them out on a cookie sheet, as many pieces as will fit.

Drizzle or brush Mediterranean Blend Colavito Olive Oil over the top of each one.

Season individually with a Pinch of Herbs  and put under a 550 degree F broiler until done.  I’ve cooked them several ways; varying the time  from 4-5 minutes to 7-8 minutes.  The longer time gave a crusty appearance.  It is easy and quick.  The flavor is just delicious.

 

 

Ham Gravy Recipe-How To Make Gravy From Baked Ham

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Last year’s Easter Dinner included a Ham Gravy that was gone after the first pass around the table.

I never made a gravy from ham juices before 2011, but the one I did make is now on everyone’s request list.  Here is how I make it.

I start with a half ham, shank portion…(does not really matter what cut the ham is)…

Score the outside surfaces about 3/8 to 1/2 inches deep in a criss-crossed pattern.

Cut a fresh pineapple into 1 inch thick chunks

Fresh Cut 1" Thick Pineapple Slices

Fresh Cut One Inch Thick Pineapple Slices

about 1-1/2 inches by 1-1/2 inches

Fasten them to each square block of the scored ham with a tooth pick.  I used about 16 to 20 tooth picks to cover all the outside exposed surfaces; (of course not where the ham was resting on the pan surface.)

I then fastened maraschino cherries in between the pineapple chunks using an entire 4 ounce bottle of cherries and about another 20 tooth picks.

Next I inserted clove stems everywhere possible using about 1/4 container of clove stems (about 28 pieces).

Next I poured about one liter of Vernor’s sugar sweetened Ginger Ale over the ham and baked it in a 325 degree oven for 3-1/2 hours.  If you can’t find Vernor’s, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried ginger to a liter of any dry ginger ale.

The baking process yielded about 3 quarts of liquid with an aroma of ginger, cloves and of course ham.  The secret seemed to be in what was done next.

Pour off the liquid, including scrapings into a large enough saucepan, and boil to reduce to thicker sweet syrupy mixture.  Thicken more by using corn starch, food starch or your favorite thickener. You can add orange juice soaked raisins or cherries.

Ham Juices Reduced To Delicsious Gravy

Ham Juices Reduced To Delicious Gravy

When poured over the top of ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes or squash, this ham gravy garnered many, many compliments.  

Other side dishes:

Sweet Potato Casserole Like Cracker Barrel; 

Green Bean Casserole