An Inspired Cook

An Inspired Cook
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  • Monthly Archives: April 2024

    • Ghost Ranch Chimney Rock Trail

      Posted at 1:25 pm by NativeNM, on April 19, 2024

      It was just a year ago, almost to the day that we visited Ghost Ranch and hiked up to the top of Kitchen Mesa Trail. There are many trails to hike in and around Ghost Ranch, a place that Joe and I love so much. We plan to come back and explore more hiking trails any chance we get. This time we chose one of the more popular trails, Chimney Rock Trail which is about 3 miles out and back. It’s an uphill hike which can be a challenge but take your time, gather your breath, take lots of pictures, always bring an energy bar and enjoy the view. We had perfect hiking weather with full sunshine, a slight breeze with the temperature just about 60 degrees. There were many other hikers of all ages enjoying the day as well. It’s always a sign of Spring when you see so many people enjoying a hiking trail with their family this time of year. No matter your age, try to get outdoors and enjoy nature around you. It fills your soul and will inspire you to explore more places that make you happy.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged Chimney Rock Trail, Chimney Rock Trail Ghost Ranch, Georgia O'Keeffe, Ghost Ranch, Ghost Ranch New Mexico, hiking, nature, New Mexico, Travel
    • Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

      Posted at 9:58 am by NativeNM, on April 12, 2024

      Pecan pie is a classic and one of our favorite desserts. Combining the flavors of pecan pie with bread pudding is pure bliss. The croissants were an impulse buy at Costco. They were huge and still warm in the container; I couldn’t resist. There were a dozen in all, way too many for just Joe and I. Since we couldn’t eat them all before they expired, our best choice was to freeze some or make bread pudding. Joe voted for bread pudding! Croissant rolls give the top a crispy flaky crust while the center cubes are soaked in custard and baked to make a warm creamy center. And don’t forget the pecans that are sprinkled throughout. It’s one of those desserts that appeals to your eyes as well as your taste buds. This makes enough for a large gathering but any leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for another day. Anytime you have leftover French bread, brioche or croissant rolls that are going stale; don’t throw them out, make bread pudding. You’ll be happy you did!

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      Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Recipes | 4 Comments | Tagged Croissant Bread Pudding, Croissant Rolls, Holiday Bread Pudding, Holiday Dessert, Pecan Pie Bread Pudding, Pecan Pie Custard, Pecans
    • Smoked Pulled Ham

      Posted at 10:01 am by NativeNM, on April 4, 2024

      If you’ve never heard of a smoked pulled ham you’re not alone. Neither had I until I started looking for a new way to prepare a ham. I came across some pellet smoking blogs and found that you can smoke a ham the same way you would a pork butt roast to make pulled pork. Even though the ham is already cooked, you can smoke it so that it will pull apart and shred like pulled pork. The recommended choice is a shank ham or picnic ham. Spiral ham should be avoided if you plan to shred it. I’ve never been one to eat ham very often but I definitely enjoyed this one. These salty tender shredded pieces are unlike any ham I’ve ever tasted. We prepared it a few days before Easter as the total smoke time would take approximately 11 -12 hours. It reheats nicely and tastes just like it was smoked that day. We saved 1 pound out for our meal and vacuumed sealed the rest in 1/2 pound packages to make future meals with. I have visions of making ham salad sandwiches like Joe grew up on or maybe make a fruity glaze or a mustard sauce to go with it. And don’t forget breakfast, can you just imagine pulled ham in your favorite breakfast dish? For Easter I made a pineapple sauce to pour over the pulled ham which was quite delicious. If you have a smoker, you really need to try Smoked Pulled Ham, it’s unlike any ham you’ve ever had before.

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      Posted in Entree, Recipes | 3 Comments | Tagged Easter Ham Ideas, Easter Smoked Ham, Easter Smoked Pulled Ham, Joe's BBQ Rub, Picnic Ham, pork, Shank Ham, Smoked Pulled Ham
    • April 2024
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