Renee Vincent's Blog: Renee Vincent Blog

The name might confuse you, as no butter nor bread is needed or used, but don't let this stop you from trying it. Oh my GOSH is this recipe amazing! My neighbor gave me a jar for tasting, and my family devoured the whole jar in one sitting. I kid you not!

If you've ever had bread & butter pickles, then you know they are sweet. Add in jalapenos instead of pickled cucumbers and you have a delicious topper for a Ritz cracker and sharp cheddar cheese.

Don't let the jalapenos scare you. They're not hot at all in this concoction. There's just a mild amount of heat if any, I promise. Believe me, I was concerned as well, but I was quickly 

Ingredients: (this recipe is for 1 quart jar or 4 half-pint jars)

12-16 jalapenos (washed & sliced)1 tsp minced onions1/2 tsp garlic powder2 1/2 tsp salt1/3 cup & 2 tsp white vinegar1/2 cup & 1 Tbsp & 2 tsp sugar3/4 tsp ground mustard1/8 tsp celery seed1/8 tsp whole cloves1/8 tsp ground turmericFill clean jar(s) with sliced jalapenos and the tsp of minced onions divided evenly.Combine the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and divide the liquid evenly amongst the four jars as you pour. Fill the jars the rest of the way with water, leaving half-inch headspace.
Heat canning lids in hot water (not quite at a boil) for several minutes to soften the gasket. Place lids and rings on the jars, and tighten down just to a finger tighten.
Water bath can for a 10-minute boil. Remove from water and allow to cool overnight.

I can't remember where in the world I found this recipe but holy moly is it good! If you like meatloaf, but want something tastier to slather on top of it before baking than just plain ol' ketchup, this sauce is for you!
Ingredients: 5 tsp brown sugar2/3 cup ketchup1 Tbsp mustard2 tsp Worcestershire
Steps:Combine all ingredients. (There is enough here for a 2 lbs. meatloaf.) Brush on top of meatloaf generously and bake as you usually would. Use any extra for dipping when you serve it to your family (who by the way is going to love you for branching out from ketchup.)
Notes: Doubling the ingredients several times and storing in a mason jar is a great way to save time, and/or make a large batch ahead of time.This is also a great sauce for pork chops, chicken, and burgers.Store in the refrigerator.

This year has been my year of canning. I've become a canning fool, so to speak. I've canned beans, tomatoes, bread & butter pickled jalapenos, dill pickles, and now I've tried my hand at jellies. And not just the plain Jane grape jelly, but a sweet & spicy jelly that is sure to add some zing to your next cheese tray.

I found this recipe online and everywhere I looked, the reviews were raving in spite of the odd combination of strawberries and jalapenos! Most suggested it was best over crackers and cream cheese, but some mentioned it was great to drizzle on grilled meats or spoon over vanilla ice cream.

I can confirm that I've tasted it on crackers and cream cheese, and it is just as good as they say! I'm looking forward to adding it to my meats and ice cream next.

Let me know what you think if you decide to make this recipe. I'd love to hear what your taste buds thought. (My youngest said her taste buds were confused, but crazily the combination was still delicious.) 

Ingredients:

4 cups mashed strawberries1 cup minced jalapenos1/4 cup lemon juice1 package of liquid fruit pectin (I believe it's a 3 oz package)7 cups sugarIn a large saucepan, bring the prepared strawberries, jalapenos, lemon juice, and pectin to a full boil. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved. Return to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
Ladle hot jam into clean jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Run a knife around the inside of the jars to remove possible air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with sanitized lids and rings.
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring water to a boil and carefully lower jars inside. Make sure that the water is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Add more water if necessary.
Bring to a boil, cover the pot, and water bath can for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a cloth-covered or wooden surface. Allow to cool overnight.
Once cool, make certain that the seal is tight (by pressing on the lid in the center. If the lid depresses and pops back up, it's not sealed.) Store in a cool, dark place.
Yields: 8-10 half-pint jars

Nothing beats a great bowl of steaming hot soup, especially when it's super easy to prepare. Not only does this taste amazing, but you can make it when there's just one or two of you sitting down for dinner, or a whole army.
I was given this recipe years ago by a fellow co-worker when I worked at Children's Hospital, and I wish I remembered her name so I could credit her as well as thank her for such a tasty, easy recipe. I've used this recipe for more than 25 years now, and it never gets old. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 medium potato, diced
4 cups milk
2 Tbsp butter
2 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp celery salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 1/3 cups potato buds

Steps:
Peel potato if you prefer no skins. Otherwise, dice and boil potato until soft.

Combine the rest of the ingredients except for the potato buds into a saucepan. Cover and heat on low until nice and hot, stirring often so the milk doesn't burn.

Right before serving, stir in potato buds a little at a time while stirring constantly to thicken. Serve with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and oyster crackers.

Notes:
To give just a little heat to the recipe, add in 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper.Diced green onions are also a great topping.Make a large batch by doubling the recipe as needed, or triple it and freeze the leftovers in pint freezer containers for a quick individual meal without all the hassle.Recipe serves 1 -2 people.

It took me a long time (and a lot of tasteless results) to finally come up with the best homemade spaghetti sauce. I can't claim any Italian in my ancestry, nor do I think I could beat their recipes in a taste test, but I think I might at least give them a good run for their money.
This recipe can use either fresh ingredients, or dried spices and canned produce for a quick, wholesome meal when you don't have time to run to the store.
Also this recipe contains ground beef for a meaty sauce.

Need it to be vegetarian? Want just a classic tomato sauce?

No problem. Just leave out the ground beef. This hearty, chunky recipe is great both ways!
So get cooking and please let me know what you think.
Ingredients:1 lbs. ground beef3 Tbsp butter3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil5 garlic cloves, minced1/2 large red onion, diced1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, or 2-3 large fresh tomatoes, diced1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, pureed1 tsp salt1 tsp garlic powder2 tsp dried oregano2 tsp dried basil or 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped1/4 tsp thyme1 tsp sugar
Steps:Boil your favorite pasta per package directions but save 1/4 - 1/2 cup starchy pasta water before draining.
Brown ground beef and drain. Saute garlic and onions in butter and olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Add in ground beef, tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, oregano thyme, basil, garlic powder, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in saved pasta water and sugar.
Serve over pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Notes:Fresh ingredients really make this recipe pop!If your sauce is too runny for your taste, sprinkle in cornstarch a little at a time to thicken. (Remember, a little goes a long way so do so sparingly.)The amount of starchy pasta water is based on the juiciness of your tomatoes. If using canned diced tomatoes, there is usually enough water and 1/4 cup is all that is necessary.This recipe serves 4 - 6 people

Everyone likes smoothies, right? And who wouldn't love a smoothie that's good for you too?

My daughter and I came up with this easy smoothie recipe that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it's super pretty.

Ingredients:
6 oz cup of vanilla yogurt (individual serving yogurts are perfect)2 heaping tsp of applesaucehandful of blackberries1 kiwi (sliced and peeled)4 strawberries (topped and sliced)
(Truthfully, any fruits will do. So, pick your favorites and go hog wild.)

Steps:
Blend all ingredients together. Garnish with a slice of each of the fruits you used. Serve immediately.

Serves:
1 adult (or two small children)

*Photo credit: Free photo 109897583 © creativecommonsstockphotos - Dreamstime.com

ALL my books have gone through an extensive editing process to get them more "mainstream appropriate." That now includes my contemporary cowboy series, The Mavericks of Meeteetse.
They have also gone through a cover change to represent this major overhaul. I guess you could say I've been inspired to write more like Jodi Thomas and Debbie Macomber.
If you're wondering why I've done this, you can read all about it in one of my past blog posts titled, A Letter to My Treasured Readers.
In celebration for such an undertaking, I'm featuring the first book in the cowboy series, Longing For Langston, for FREE! I do hope you'll start this wonderful series as these cowboys are so lovable!

Right now the ebook versions are available. If you're wanting the beautiful paperback versions, they're coming in the near future. I'm working on those as we speak.

*If you want to be notified of when the print books are available, then you should join my Mailing List. My newsletter subscribers are always the first to know. Plus, I'll be giving away a few autographed prints next month. (Realize my giveaways are exclusive...meaning, you MUST be a current newsletter follower to be eligible. Hint, hint. Wink, wink.)

Available now for FREE!
Novella, Book 1
(Brody & Liv) Available now!
Book 2
(Jonas & Ava) Available now!
Book 3
(Cole & Crys) Coming soon
Book 4
(Sawyer & Charlotte)

Want to win an autographed copy of the first three books of my Vikings Of Honor series and a signed copy of John Tracey's new CD called DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE? Only my newsletter subscribers are eligible for this exclusive giveaway.
Not a subscriber? Hurry, join today so you too can be eligible: http://eepurl.com/DjzU5
One lucky newsletter follower will be drawn and announced in my newsletter March 20th.

Want to win an autographed copy of the first three books of my Vikings Of Honor series and a signed copy of John Tracey's new CD called DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE? Only my newsletter subscribers are eligible for this exclusive giveaway.
Not a subscriber? Hurry, join today so you too can be eligible: http://eepurl.com/DjzU5
One lucky newsletter follower will be drawn and announced in my newsletter March 20th.

Want to win an autographed copy of the first three books of my Vikings Of Honor series and a signed copy of John Tracey's new CD called DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE? Only my newsletter subscribers are eligible for this exclusive giveaway.
Not a subscriber? Hurry, join today so you too can be eligible: http://eepurl.com/DjzU5
One lucky newsletter follower will be drawn and announced in my newsletter March 20th.