Apple juice, and horse meat

So today they announce that there is arsenic in apple juice. Well no kidding, I learned in school that apples contain arsenic, and formaldehyde, so  of course it's in the juice, the issue is the amounts, and it comes from the way they make the juice, they use the apple cores, which is where all the stuff is contained for the most part, plus they use apples that aren't perfect (aka not eating apples) what it should do is tell people to pay attention to your teacher.

Now my other news item I saw was about the ban of horse meat being lifted. I say it's about time, most other countries allow it. We have shipped meat to other countries, or it was just thrown away because it wasn't able to be eaten. I for one think if it's meat that won't cause harm (aka human) then why waste it? We have become so arrogant that we would rather waste something than use a "cute" animal. Who decided that a horse was better than a cow? I grew up on a farm with cows and horses, and I would much rather deal with cows, better behaved, smarter, and friendlier. The other issue you have is if someone gets a horse, and figures out just how expensive it is to own, they are now able to sell it for meat, which is much easier and faster than previously, and will help with abandonment issues.

My favorite BBQ sauce

I've been playing with this for about a year now, and everyone who has tried it loves it. Is great on everything I've tried it on.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne 
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke

Directions:
Heat oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté until brown. Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened. Adjust liquid smoke to taste, sometimes has taken a little more. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours for best flavor.

Peanut butter goodies

These were a treat I had growing up, all our schools made them, and sold them for I think $.25 and we all devoured them. I have developed an allergy to peanuts, but would gladly deal with it for these things. Note this is not my original recipe, but was shared to me by one of the school cooks.

Ingredients:
2 Cups Peanut butter (creamy style)
3 Cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 Cup Butter or margarine
3/4 Cup Light brown sugar
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
12 Ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Direction:
Mix everything except butter, and chocolate until crumbly. Place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. Roll with rolling pin until sheet is covered.

Melt chocolate chips, and butter, and spread over peanut butter.

Refrigerate 1 hour, and cut into bars. Serve.

It worked

Ok the spice mix was great, and instead of butter on the skin I used an italian salad dressing I had in the fridge, figure worst case I'm the one who had to eat it, but it turned out perfect, nice and juicy. The whole idea with cooking is don't be afraid to try things, a failure is just a learning experience.

Thanksgiving

Since my kids will be spending Thanksgiving with their mother, I will be alone. I decided to try a few things with my turkey breast I have, so I will use some different spices, some Mexican oregano, salt pepper, cumin, and fajita seasoning, and will roast it as normal. Hopefully it isn't terrible, and may decide to add something else as the day goes on. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving

My new blog

Decided to start a blog to share some recipes, and cooking related stuff. I am a divorced father of 2, and sometimes cook for my ex-wife's family, so I make things for groups of  1-8.  I collect cook books, and recipes, so much that it may be an addiction, and I think my family may stage an intervention. Not all the recipes are 100% mine, but I do try them, and play with them a bit before posting, unless it's perfect as written. Should be a fun ride, or a disastrous crash, either way it will entertain me.