Category Archives: Recipe

Inside-Out Pork Dumplings

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 scallions, whites, and greens separated and cut thinly on the bias
  • 8 ounces ground pork (if substituting ground turkey, add 2 Tbsp. more oil)
  • 1 pound baby bok choy, leaves separated and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces if large
  • 1 carrot, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 6 ounces fresh wonton wrappers
  • Kosher salt
Directions
1. Heat oil and red pepper flakes in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and scallion whites. Cook, stirring, until scallions are tender, about 1 minute. Add pork, breaking up with a spoon until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add bok choy; cover and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add carrots. Season with vinegar and salt. Set aside. 

2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Season with salt. Add wonton wrappers one at a time. Cook until al dente, about 1 minute. Drain. Add wonton wrappers to the skillet and toss. Serve with scallion greens.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or 

contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Corn Beef Hash Egg Crescent Ring

Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package of refrigerated crescent rolls
4 eggs
¼ cup milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 
(15 ounce) can HORMEL® Mary Kitchen® Corned Beef Hash
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Salsa for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Separate crescent rolls and arrange them on the parchment paper in a circle with the short sides of triangles forming a 4-inch circle; overlap the edges of the pieces. Press dough where it overlaps to flatten.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
4. Melt butter on medium-low heat in a nonstick pan. Add chopped red peppers and jalapeno peppers. Cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in eggs. Gently scramble, pushing, and lifting eggs until just set about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Heat vegetable oil on medium heat in a nonstick pan. Add Hormel Corned Beef Hash. Cook and stir until heated through and beginning to brown 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Spoon corned beef hash around the crescent roll ring. Top with 1/2 cup shredded cheese and scrambled eggs. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
7. Pull the points of each triangle over the hash, eggs, and cheese and carefully tuck them under the center to form a ring. Some areas will have exposed filling.
8. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
9. Let cool for 3 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa. 
Source: allrecipes.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or 

contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Garlic Parmesan Perfection: A Crispy Wing Delight!

Ingredients
Seasonings
  • 12 pieces of chicken wings
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

For Frying

  • Canola oil

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
  • A pinch of salt

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Directions
  1. Place chicken wings in a bowl. Sprinkle salt, cayenne powder, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. In a separate container, mix flour, black pepper, garlic powder, creole seasoning, and salt.
  3. Lightly coat the wings in the breading mixture. Shake it off to get rid of excess breading.
  4.  In a large pot, pour 1.5 inches of canola oil and heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Fry the wings for 7 minutes. Place cooked wings on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb the excess oil from the chicken.
  6. Bake the wings at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
  7. While baking, make the garlic parmesan sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder and minced garlic.
  8. Add the parmesan cheese and mix. Turn off the heat as soon as the cheese is incorporated into the mixture.
  9.  Place the baked wings in a bowl. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
  10. Garnish the wings with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Source: insanelygoodrecipers.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or 

contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Creamy Tomato Soup!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves, optional
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, basil, salt, sugar, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, to let flavors blend, 20-25 minutes.
  2. Remove pan from heat. Using a blender, puree soup until smooth. Return to pan. Slowly stir in cream. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through. If desired, garnish with basil and additional cream.

Hint: Elevate your tomato soup experience with a sidekick of golden, gooey grilled cheese.

Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan Meal

Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and halved
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine eggs, tomato juice, oats, onion and salt. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into six 4×2-1/2-in. loaves; place on a sheet pan or in a large shallow roasting pan. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and nutmeg; brush over loaves.
  2.  
  3. Combine potatoes with 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Add to pan in a single layer. Bake loaves and potatoes for 25 minutes.
  4.  
  5. Combine asparagus with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Add to pan. Bake until a thermometer inserted into meat loaves reads 160° and vegetables are tender, 15-20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Charcuterie Cups

Ingredients
Perfect any time of the year!
  • 16 ounces of assorted cheeses
  • 24 slices/pieces of cured meats
  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 1/2 cup grapes
  • 1/2 cup olives
  • 1 cup nuts
  • 16 long thin crackers
  • 8 pieces fresh herbs

Directions

  1. Start by filling your containers with smaller items like nuts and grapes, distributing them evenly. (If you wanted to use a dip instead, you could add that here.)
  2. Tuck the crackers towards the back of the container, leaving some space in the front for the toothpick-skewered items.
  3. Using toothpicks, skewer a variety of ingredients such as cheeses, meats, olives, berries, and other desired items.
  4. Use mini forks or extra picks to present individual pieces of cheese or other specialty items, placing them strategically within the cup.
  5. Insert the toothpick-skewered items into the container, varying their heights and colors to create visual interest.
  6. Fill in any remaining gaps in the container with extra ingredients to hold everything securely in place.
  7. For an added touch, garnish the charcuterie cup with a sprig of fresh herb and cheese slices cut from mini cookie cutters.

Source: inspiredbycharm.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Savor the Flavor of the Philippines with Chicken Adobo

When it comes to Filipino cuisine, few dishes are as iconic and beloved as Chicken Adobo. This delectable, tangy, and savory dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. With its roots dating back to pre-Spanish colonization, it’s a classic example of the ingenious methods Filipinos used for food preservation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and simple steps to prepare this signature Filipino dish, Chicken Adobo.

Adobo: A Glimpse into Filipino Culinary History

Adobo isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary legacy. The term “adobo” refers to a common indigenous cooking process in the Philippines, involving stewing with vinegar. It was this method that Spanish explorers first encountered in the late 16th century. The original adobo, known as “adobong puti,” hails from the Visayan Islands and uniquely uses vinegar without soy sauce.

A Taste of Tradition: Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo, unlike its Mexican namesake, is a unique Filipino creation. This dish is prepared by stewing chicken in a delectable blend of vinegar and soy sauce, imparting a distinctive tangy, umami flavor.

Cooking Chicken Adobo: A Simple Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the kitchen and learn how to prepare this mouthwatering Filipino classic. Here’s a simple Chicken Adobo recipe for you to savor:

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 onion, finely sliced
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Cooking oil
  • Water (as needed)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by marinating the chicken. Combine the chicken, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat some oil in a large pan and add the marinated chicken. Sear the chicken until it turns brown.
  3. Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  4. Pour in the vinegar and let it simmer for a few minutes to remove its strong acidity.
  5. Add water until the chicken is fully submerged. Toss in the bay leaf.
  6. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
  7. Season with salt to taste.
  8. Serve your Chicken Adobo with steamed rice and enjoy!

Chicken Adobo is more than just a dish; it’s a piece of Filipino history and culture. This simple recipe allows you to savor the flavors of the Philippines in your very own kitchen. So, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and relish the delicious taste of Chicken Adobo, a true Filipino comfort food loved by all generations. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a longtime fan, Chicken Adobo is sure to win your heart and your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Caramel Apple Nachos

Ingredients:

  • 1 red apple, such as Gala
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1/3 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, warmed
  • 1/3 cup white or semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Optional Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons toffee bits
  • 2 tablespoons chopped salted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons mini M&Ms
  • 2 teaspoons sprinkles
Directions
Source: simplyrecipes.com
  • Prepare the apples: Cut the apples into slices, add them to a medium bowl, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and toss them as you go to keep them from turning brown.
  • Drizzle the caramel and chocolate: Arrange the apple slices on a plate. Drizzle the caramel and melted chocolate over the top.
  • Top the caramel apple nachos: Top the caramel apple nachos with your choice of toppings, such as mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, chopped salted peanuts, mini M&Ms, and/or sprinkles. Serve immediately. Any leftovers should be stored in the fridge for a day or two. The apples will turn brown and some of the toppings may soften, so these are best eaten right away.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

The Best Trick-or-Treat House on the Block!

If the arrival of spooky season has you dreaming up costumes and decorations, you’re in good company. Halloween is a favorite holiday in the United States and one of the most fun! With these tips, you could have the best trick-or-treat house on the block.

Make it Obvious

Most importantly, ensure the front porch is well-lit to signal your house is open for trick-or-treating. The more lighting the better – consider lit-up jack-o-lanterns and decorations and add lighting for walkways to make the path clear. Adding fall- or Halloween-themed decorations can help advertise that costumed visitors are welcome. You can keep it simple with a wreath or some window decals, or you can put on a fantastic show with scary figures, colored lighting, spooky music, and a fog machine. (Don’t make it too scary though if you don’t want to scare the little ones off.)

It’s All About the Treats

If you want that coveted spot as THE house to visit, you’ve got to have great treats. Now, keep them store-bought and pre-packaged because parents worry about poisoned treats, but use your imagination, and get the good stuff. Give uncommon treats to be remembered. Here are some ideas: hot cocoa, microwave popcorn, fruit roll-ups, gum, chips, crackers, or full-sized candy bars.

It’s great to offer allergy-safe and non-food options to make sure there’s a treat for everybody. It can be super fun to fill a bowl with princess jewelry, glow sticks, slime, bookmarks, collectible cards, miniature plushies, temporary tattoos, stickers, or any small toys you can think of.

Make it an Experience

It’s so much more fun when you have fun with it. Wear a costume to hand out treats, play music or a spooky sounds playlist, or set up motion-activated figures and lights. You could put something spooky in the bottom of the treat bowl or even have a small activity like decorating miniature pumpkins with colorful markers, making balloon animals, or taking instant photographs and giving them to the parents.

Take the experience to the next level by inviting your neighbors to stop over. Make smores on a front yard campfire, offer refreshments, and set up activities for the kids.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Kale Quinoa Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta 


Ingredients 

4 cups loosely packed shredded kale
2 cups shredded Brussels sprout leaves (about 1/2 pound of Brussels sprouts, shredded)
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup dried cranberries
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 cup California Walnuts
1/2 cup poppy seed dressing

Directions 

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine and coat all ingredients with dressing.

Add more dressing as needed.

Source: rachelcooks.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.