The Hungry Kettle

Agua de Jamaica

Prep: 15 min. + chilling Makes6 servings 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 6 hibiscus tea bags 5 cups water, divided 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup rum, optional Mint sprigs, optional Rinse flowers in cold water. In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups water, flowers and lime zest. Bring to…

Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Flan

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 50 min. + chilling Makes 12 servings 2/3 cup sugar FLAN: 2 cups half-and-half cream 6 large egg yolks 1 large egg 1 cup sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 325°. In a small heavy saucepan, spread sugar; cook, without stirring,…

Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 8 servings 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, undrained 5 cups…

Chicken Tamales

Prep: 2-1/2 hours + soaking Cook: 50 min. Makes20 tamales Ingredients 24 dried corn husks 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up 1 medium onion, quartered 2 teaspoons salt 1 garlic clove, crushed 3 quarts water Dough 1 cup shortening 3 cups masa harina Filling 6 tablespoons canola oil 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour…

Pan de Muertos (Bread of the dead)

Yield: Makes 3 loaves Ingredients 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus additional, divided 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon anise seeds 1 teaspoon salt 2 packets (1/4 oz. each) rapid-rising dry yeast 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk 1/3 cup water 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into pieces Glaze…

Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos

Growing up in San Diego meant I was greatly influenced by a rich Mexican heritage, especially with Tijuana being just about an hour’s drive away. Then in my late twenties I moved up to Fresno for work then ten years later I finally settled in Seattle. It’s amazing that I have managed to live in…

Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. this is another easy recipe to make in larger batches and often disappears fast as well. I often get asked for the recipe. Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min. Makes 8 servings 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom…

Perfect Four Cheese Lasagna

It’s a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really satisfies the hunger! Prep: 25 min. Bake: 50 min. + standing Makes12 servings 1 pound ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce 2…

Yummy Fall Casseroles for a Chilly Day

I love casseroles during the colder months, especially if they are easy to make and can possibly be made ahead a put in the freezer for future meals or potlucks. Casseroles were always a mainstay for family gatherings when I was growing up whether we were getting together for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, and family…

Artichoke and Spinach Chicken Casserole

Don’t be fooled by this recipe—it only looks complicated. I often double or triple this recipe. It is often one of the first casseroles to disappear at any meal. Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min. Makes: 8 servings 3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms 1 medium onion,…