Cooking Lessons for Dad

Cooking Lessons for Beginners

No-Bake Blackberry Pie

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No-Bake Blackberry Pie

No-Bake Blackberry Pie
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup small pearl tapioca
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 ounces frozen grape juice concentrate (100% juice), thawed
  • 5½ cups fresh blackberries, divided
  • 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, stir together the small pearl tapioca and water until well combined.

2. Stir in the thawed grape juice concentrate.

3. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a full boil.

4. Stir in 2 cups of the blackberries.

5. Return the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling is thick and glossy.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

7. Gently stir in the remaining 3½ cups of blackberries until evenly coated.

8. Let the filling cool for 5–10 minutes.

9. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

10. Refrigerate until completely chilled and set.

Notes

  • Frozen blackberries may be substituted for fresh. Thaw them first and include any juice released during thawing. Because frozen blackberries settle as they thaw, you may need more than 5½ cups of frozen blackberries to equal 5½ cups after thawing.
  • Apple juice concentrate may be substituted for the grape juice concentrate.
  • The pie will keep covered in the refrigerator for several days.
  • Delicious served with whipped cream, coconut cream, or vanilla ice cream.

© Karen Breyer

This easy, healthy no-bake blackberry pie is a delicious way to enjoy fresh blackberries! It’s naturally sweetened with grape juice concentrate and filled with plenty of juicy blackberries. With simple step-by-step instructions, you can make this refreshing summer pie at home.

Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal

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This Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal is an easy, healthy, and flavorful meal you can make right in your crockpot or slow cooker. The lentils are seasoned with warm Indian-inspired spices and cook until tender and delicious. Serve this comforting lentil dal over rice or with naan for an easy and satisfying meal.

Yield: 6

Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal

Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal
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Ingredients

  • 4½ cups water
  • 2 cups lentils
  • 3 cups onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1½–2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons Kosher salt (or to taste)

Instructions

    1. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot except the
    garam masala. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the garam masala and reserve the remaining
    teaspoon for the end of cooking.
    2. Cover and cook on high for 2–2½ hours, or until the lentils are tender.
    3. Stir in the salt and the remaining teaspoon of garam masala. Adjust the
    seasonings to taste.
    4. Serve.

Notes

Try adding a (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes or 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for a brighter, deeper flavor.


Serve over rice or with naan.


For added color and nutrition, stir in chopped spinach or cilantro at the end
of cooking. 

© Karen Breyer

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars

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These Tropical Pineapple Date Bars are naturally sweetened with dates, banana, pineapple, and orange juice. Made with oats, coconut, and walnuts, they feature a chewy oat crust topped with a delicious tropical fruit filling. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert whenever you’re craving a wholesome homemade treat.

Yield: 12 Bars

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup oat flour (blended oats)
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana
  • 1 cup orange juice (more if needed)
  • 1 (20-ounce) can unsweetened crushed pineapple
  • 2 cups chopped dates

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend enough oats to make 1 cup oat flour.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix together the banana and orange juice.
5. Combine the juice mixture with the dry ingredients. If needed, add more orange juice to make the oat mixture hold together.
6. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Set aside.
7. Add the pineapple and dates to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently. Cook and stir until the mixture is thickened.
8. Spread the thickened fruit mixture over the oat mixture.
9. Top with the remaining oat mixture.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fruit bars begin to brown.

Notes

You can use other nuts in place of the walnuts.
To make the oat flour, blend enough old-fashioned oats to make 1 cup.
If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water. Drain before adding.

© Karen Breyer

Strawberry Sauce

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This easy strawberry sauce is naturally sweet with no sugar added and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for everyday meals and works well on pancakes, waffles, French toast, or peanut butter toast.

Yield: 6 servings

Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry Sauce
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Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups strawberries, sliced, halved, or whole (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (12-ounce) can apple juice concentrate
  • 1½ cups water, divided
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch

Instructions

    1. In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, apple juice concentrate, and 1 cup of the water. Stir to mix.
    2. Place the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
    3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. While the mixture is simmering, mix the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup of water in a small bowl or cup until dissolved.
    5. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
    6. Stir the cornstarch mixture again to make sure it is smooth, then slowly pour it into the strawberry mixture, stirring constantly.
    7. Return the pan to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
    8. Reduce the heat and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
    9. Serve the strawberry sauce warm or chilled.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, mash some of the strawberries or blend part of the mixture using an immersion blender.
  • Try this Strawberry Sauce over toast with peanut butter for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or snack.
  • It’s also great on pancakes, French toast, waffles, and more.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

© Karen Breyer

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