Cooking in the Kitchen at Olum's

Josie Miller

Salmon Burger
A quick, delicious and nutritious way of serving salmon!
Click here for recipe.
   


Piggy & Monkey Cupcakes
Cup cake decorating tips with Molly!
Click here for recipe.


Oatmeal & Apricot Energy Bars
This energy bar will keep you fully charged throughout the day!
Click here for recipe.
   


Mango Salsa
Best served over grilled salmon or with your favorite tortilla chips!
Click here for recipe.


Pear Quesidilla with Pear Chutney
Create an exciting collection of flavors that compliment each other well!
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Chicken Noodle Soup
There's nothing better than a big steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold day!
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Tuna Steak with Zack Smith
Simple but flavorful. This is a great recipe for tuna steaks!
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Egg Bake
This hearty egg dish is wonderful for any meal of the day, especially on Christmas morning!
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Corn Salsa
Great to serve with grilled chicken, tortilla chips, or with tacos.
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Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
If you love the combo of lemon and blueberries, you're sure to enjoy this cake!
Click here for recipe.


Baked Ham, Apple & Gorgonzola Sandwich
Fast and delicious meal with melted Gorgonzola cheese!
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Crab & Corn Chowder
This creamy Crab & Corn Chowder soup will warm you on a cold winter evening!
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Crispy Chicken Fingers
Serve the tenders over baby spinach and toss with dried cranberries for a simple and delicious salad!
Click here for recipe.
   


CREAMY TOMATO SOUP
Simple and creamy tomato soup perfect for fall!
Click here for recipe.


Cajun Shrimp with BBQ Cocktail Sauce
Serve the shrimp over brown rice with a drizzle of the BBQ cocktail sauce!
Click here for recipe.
   


DIRT PUDDING CAKE
Perfect for Fall Celebrations!
Click here for recipe.


Sandwich on a stick
You will love this new way to eat sandwiches!
Click here for recipe.
   


Granny's Best Chocolate Cake
A side dish that goes great with grilled chicken or burgers!
Click here for recipe.


Nacho Bowl
Perfect Football Sunday Snack!
Click here for recipe.
   


BBQ Black Beans
A side dish that goes great with grilled chicken or burgers!
Click here for recipe.


Summer Squash Bake
This quick-and-easy dish puts leftover summer veggies to great use!
Click here for recipe.



Cold Cucumber Salad
This refreshing crunchy cucumber salad makes a great cool addition to any summer meal!
Click here for recipe.


Salmon Burger

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless salmon, roughly chopped
  • 2 tsp chives
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 4 whole wheat rolls

Directions:

  • In a food processor chop the salmon and chives and form into 4 patties.
  • Place in a non-stick skillet with cooking spray or olive oil and cook for 5-minutes per side.
  • Serve on whole-wheat roll with tomato and avocado slices.


Piggy & MonkeyCupcakes

After you have baked a batch of vanilla cup cakes and chocolate cup cakes from a store bought box mix get to decorating! Turn those standard cup cakes into cute monkeys and piggies in a few simple steps.

Monkey materials:

  • Chocolate icing to form the base
  • White decorating gel icing tube to make the white of the eye
  • Brown decorating gel icing tube for nose holes
  • Ginger Snap Cookies, break one in half to make a mouth and a nose
  • Chocolate candies like mini-m&ms to make the brown of the eye
  • Mini-Oreo Cookies for ears

Piggy Materials:

  • Pink icing to form the base
  • Pink Marshmallows cut in half and use for a nose
  • Brown decorating gel icing tube for nose holes and eyes
  • Mini-Pink Marshmallows cut in half and use for ears


Oatmeal & Apricot Energy Bars

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 cups crisp brown rice cereal
  • 1/4 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

  • Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, and brown sugar. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, ground flax, walnuts, apricots, and salt.
  • Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently until well combined. Then transfer to the prepared baking dish & cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely (will cool faster in the refrigerator). Cut into squares or bars.
  • Store in an airtight container for a week or freeze individually for up to 3 months.


Mango Salsa

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped mango (tip buy frozen mango & let it thaw)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Optional: dash of hot sauce

Directions:

  • 1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix to combine.


Pear Quesidilla with Pear Chutney

Ingredients

  • 1 whole pear chut
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 tbs red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • some sugar to taste

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 425F
  • In small kettle, stir together pears, onions, red pepper, wine, and sugar.
  • Heat pear mixture to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat. Simmer until chutney is dark and syrup-like.
  • Place chutney in food processor and puree.
  • Place slices of pear, brie evenly then top with the mozzarella cheese in a whole wheat tortilla.
  • Cook in the oven for 7-10 minutes or less if the oven is running hot.
  • Slice it and serve with pear chutney on the side.


Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby carrots, chopped
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 roasted chicken
  • 2 boxes chicken stock, 32 oz each
  • 1/2 pound of white/egg/wheat noodle

Directions:

  • Pour the broth into a large crock pot then add the carrots, onions, and other mixed vegetables.
  • Place the chicken in the broth then cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Uncover, remove the meat from the bones and put half of the chicken meat back in the soup; reserve the other half for sandwiches.
  • Add in the noodles and cook for 15 minutes.


Tuna Steak with Zack Smith

Ingredients

  • Thick tuna steaks
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

  • Set a large frying pan on med-high heat.
  • Add tuna steaks to a pan. Shake the pan couple of times so that steaks don't stick.
  • Sear 2.5 minutes on one side. Flip and sear 1.5 minutes on the other side. This will cook 1/4" of tuna on each side and leave the rest rare.
  • Srinkle salt and pepper to taste.


Egg Bake

Ingredients

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 6 whole eggs
  • 2 cups fat free milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 1/2 tsp mustard
  • 1 tbs worcestershire
  • crust of 6 slices whole wheat bread

Directions:

  • Cook sausage over medium heat until evenly brown.
  • Combine all of the ingredients except sausage in a small bowl. Mix to a baking dish then add sausage.
  • Refrigerate mixture for 24 hours and bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes


Corn Salsa

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)

Directions:

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix to combine.


Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients

    Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon applesauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  • Preheat over to 350 degrees F.
  • Prepare a 9 X 13" baking pan with vegetable spray.
  • In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients.
  • For the cake combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda.
  • In a separate bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients & add the flour mixture and stir until moistened. Pour the batter into the baking pan and sprinkle evenly with the topping.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Baked Ham, Apple & Gorgonzola Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Black Forest Ham
  • 1 ounce gorgonzola cheese
  • 1/4 of an apple sliced thin
  • fresh Panini
  • Maple Syrup

Directions:

  • Slice the Panini and layer it with ham, cheese, and apple.
  • Bake in a toaster oven until cheese is melted.
  • Drizzle with maple syrup and serve.


Crab & Corn Chowder

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 3 red potatoes
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • 2 small red peppers
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 quart fat free milk
  • 3 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 8 ounces crabmeat

Directions:

  • Heat oil and butter and add all veggies. Add bay leaf.
  • Saute veggies for about 5 minutes and then sprinkle in the flour.
  • Cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously and then add in the broth and stir to combine.
  • Add in the milk, stir to combine and then bring to a boil. Once the mixture boils, let it bubble about one minute more. (Stir occasionally through this process).
  • Add in the corn and crabmeat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Tip for a thicker soup: let the soup continue to simmer until it has reduced by about 1/4!


CRISPY CHICKEN FINGERS

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • olive oil

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350-degrees.
  • Prepare a bowl with the beaten eggs and a separate bowl for the breadcrumbs.
  • Warm the skillet with a small amount of olive oil.
  • Dip the chicken tender in the eggs and then in the breadcrumbs. Place in the skillet and cook on both sides until crispy.
  • Transfer to baking dish and bake to finish cooking the chicken.
  • Repeat until all your chicken tenders are cooked!


CREAMY TOMATO SOUP

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves minced garlic (or more)
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Fat-Free Half & Half or low fat milk
  • 1 can (14-oz) crushed tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1 can (14.5-oz) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. basil

Directions:

  • Saute the garlic with butter until all the butter is melted.
  • Stir in flour until mixed well. Add the milk and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, then cook one minute more.
  • Add the pureed tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices. Bring to a boil.


Cajun Shrimp with BBQ Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients

    Serves 6

  • 2 cans of beer
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
  • 2 pounds large shrimp in the shell
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
  • 2 cups bbq sauce
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish

Directions:

  • In a large pan add the beer, vinegar, and water. Add in the Old Bay Seasoning. Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the shrimp. Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until the shrimp are turned pink.
  • Drain the shrimp in a colander and cover with ice to chill them down (to stop the cooking).
  • Transfer to a serving dish and toss with the garlic and Creole seasoning.
  • Combine the bbq sauce and horseradish together for dipping.


DIRT PUDDING CAKE

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/4 lb. pkg. Oreo cookies
  • 1 (8 oz.) package of light cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 cups fat free milk
  • 1 (12 oz.) tub light Cool Whip
  • 2 (3 1/2 oz.) packages of instant vanilla or chocolate pudding
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • gummy worms and/or other critters

Directions:

  • Clean a new (food safe) flowerpot or large clear serving dish.
  • Crush Oreos. Put 1/3 of the crushed Oreos into the serving dish and set aside.
  • Mix butter, cream cheese and sugar and vanilla together. Set aside.
  • Combine milk and pudding mix. Fold Cool Whip into the pudding.
  • Fold together pudding mixture and butter-cream cheese mixture.
  • Layer this mixture (about 1/3 of it) onto the crumbled cookies in the serving dish. Next, add another layer of the pudding mixture, then another layer of cookie crumbs, continuing until all ingredients are used.
  • As you're layering the ingredients, decoratively place several gummy worms and critters in the "soil" so they will be seen emerging.
  • Chill in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving.


Sandwich on a stick

Ingredients

  • cherry tomatoes
  • grapes
  • chadder cheese cubes
  • olives/pickles
  • ham
  • turkey
  • roast beef

Directions:

  • Cut up cubes of bread, cheese and lunch meat. Experiment with different types of meats and cheeses.
  • Slide the cubes onto a skewer with cherry tomatoes, grape, and an olive/pickle.


Granny's Best Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

    Serves 16

    Cake:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2/3 cup sour milk (2/3 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Frosting:

  • 1 egg beaten until frothy
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 squares baking chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

    Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine all ingredients (except water) and beat for 3 minutes.
  • Add hot water and stir until combined.
  • Bake in greased 13 X 9" pan for 50 minutes.
  • Frosting:

  • Mix all ingredients (except vanilla) in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Boil for one minute and remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour the frost over the cake.


Nacho Bowl

Ingredients

    Serves 4

  • 1 can refried (low fat) black beans
  • 1 large chicken breast, cut into bite size cubes
  • 1 medium red onion
  • vegetable oil
  • cayenne pepper
  • 10" soft tortilla shell
  • non stick cooking spray
  • 2 diced plum tomatoes
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 scallion sliced
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Saute chicken & onion in oil until chicken is browned.
  • Add the black beans to the pan (may need to add a small amount of water if the beans look dry). Season with cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Spray a small round cast iron skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Place a flour tortilla in the skillet and lightly press it in. Bake for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan & place on serving plate.
  • Fill the freshly baked tortilla 'bowl' with the black bean mixture.
  • Top with grated cheese, diced tomato, scallions, salsa, and sour cream.


BBQ Black Beans

Ingredients

    Serves 4

  • 4 slices of center cut bacon
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 1/2 sweet onion
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinse)
  • 1/2 cup barbeque sauce
  • Light sour cream

Directions:

  • Crisp the bacon and remove from the pan & place the bacon on a paper towel. Drain the grease from the pan.
  • Slice the tomatoes and onion into small bite size pieces. Place the veggies in the pan and saute until tender.
  • Drain and rinse the black beans, add to the sauted vegetables. Heat the beans thoroughly (about 5 minutes).
  • Add the barbeque sauce and heat thoroughly.
  • Crumble the bacon slices and sprinkle on the beans.
  • Serve with a dollop of light sour cream.


Summer Squash Bake

Ingredients

    Serves 4

  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 1 medium yellow squash
  • 1 large beefsteak tomato
  • 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
  • bread crumbs
  • olive oil

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Wash and slice all veggies into thin slices.
  • In a baking dish (suggested 9" X 9") first place a layer of veggies.
  • Then top the veggies with part of the cheeses & sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  • Continue layering the veggies, cheese, and breadcrumbs to the top of the baking dish.
  • Finish with a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs. Lightly sprinkle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until the veggies are tender.


Cold Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

    Serves 4

  • 2 large beefsteak tomatoes
  • 1 medium cucumber
  • 1/2 sweet onion
  • Dressing

  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 (or less) cup sugar

Directions:

  • Clean the vegetables and slice into bite size pieces & place in a mixing bowl.
  • In a small mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Whisk together until well combined. Pour the dressing over the veggies.
  • Chill and serve.