Tag: moms

Food

Mom’s Deli

thestlouiscooks

It was one of those kind of days when that special craving came on. In fact, it was Mother’s Day and I knew I wanted a Mom’s Special from Mom’s Deli for lunch. Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. Little did I know the line would be out the door and down the street. Every time I go on the weekends there is a line (which is always a good sign), but never has it been so long. I guess the craving on Mother’s Day wasn’t well thought out, but I waited. As always, it was so good and satisfying. It’s one of those places that brings me back in time since I grew up in the neighborhood. As a native south city girl, this place is a favorite.

Mom’s Deli is a staple in the city. I grew up right down the street from the owners, the Vago family. In fact, I went to grade school and high school with Denise Vago who is now the current owner and sole proprietor who took it over after her Mom passed. Founded back in 1977 by Denise’s parents, Mom’s Deli is your traditional deli with good ole fashioned sandwiches made to order with fresh bread from The Hill. There’s also pasta, sides, and chips available. You can even pick up some beer or drinks to go as well. And, they’re always slammed with catering orders for all your party needs. All of the sandwiches at Mom’s are great, but they are famous for their Mom’s Special. You can get it hot or cold, but I highly recommend hot with gravy. What makes the Mom’s Special famous and different is the home made 1000 Island dressing and the munchee cheese. Let me warn you it’s messy so you will need a lot of napkins, but it’s so worth it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Although, I don’t live in the city anymore I’m not far so when that craving hits, it’s a quick and easy drive. No matter where you are in St. Louis, it’s worth the drive to get a famous Mom’s Special or any one of their sandwiches.

Mom’s Special

Mom’s Deli – 4412 Jamieson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109

314-644-1198

Family, Food

Green Beans with Bacon

thestlouiscooks

Green Beans with Bacon

After years of not eating green beans, I decided to try something new to get my family to enjoy them.  We love bacon in the house so I thought, why not try some green beans with bacon.  It was a huge success so much so that we eat green beans with bacon at least once a week as a side dish.  Not only was the bacon the secret to success, but the Alpine Fresh french green beans from Costco also make this dish.  The french green beans are thinner, cook faster, and are more flavorful then regular green beans.  Of course, this is all my opinion, but I believe if you try these green beans with bacon you will agree.

You can make this dish with real bacon or even use bacon crumbles, but there is only one brand of bacon crumbles that is good.  Yes, it is the Costco brand of Kirkland bacon crumbles.  They are high quality, big chunks of bacon crumbles.  The best we have found.  These green beans with bacon not only taste great, but they are super easy to make especially if you choose to use bacon crumbles.

Green Beans with Bacon

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: Super Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 1 2 Pound Bag of Alpine Fresh Tender Green Beans (we use 1 pound and save the other pound for another meal)
  • 2-3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
  • 2-3 Cloves of minced Garlic
  • 1 1/2 Cups of Bacon Crumbles by Kirkland
  • Jalapeno Salt & Pepper to taste (not much salt needed due to bacon)

Directions:

  1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a wok over medium high heat.  Add green beans and garlic, toss in the olive oil, and cover for 8-10 minutes to cook/steam.  Continue to stir green beans.
  2. Once the green beans are getting softer and brighter in color, you can add the bacon crumbles and seasonings.  Continue stirring the green beans and bacon.  At this point, you will have to judge when your green beans are ready.  It all depends on how you like them.  Taste them to see if they are ready.  Some like them a little crispier while others like them more done.  We’ve cooked them both ways, and the family consensus is they do not like them crispier.  I like them both ways.

*Note – If you decide to use real bacon, consider not cooking the green beans in the bacon grease so to help keep calories in check.  If you don’t care, then go for it!  However, I think the bacon adds a ton of flavor even without the grease.

Enjoy!

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Family, Food, Kids, Snacks

Festive Oreos

thestlouiscooks

Festive Oreos 2

Independence Day always gets me in the mood for patriotic foods. Some festive Oreos were on my mind since I saw this idea on Pinterest. We make a lot of red, white, and blue snacks at this house. This weekend was no different.  I had plenty of white chocolate on hand so I decided to try these festive Oreos out. Well, there is nothing easier to make except for a few broken ones from time to time.

These festive Oreos are a great snack to make with the kids too. Get in the kitchen, get a little messy, and have some fun!  Festive Oreos are sure to be a hit with the family or at any holiday get together.

Festive Oreos

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 1 Package of Nestles Toll house white chocolate morsels (12 oz.)
  • 1 Package of Oreos
  • Sprinkles (red, white, and blue)

Directions:

  1. Pour the whole package of Nestles Tollhouse white chocolate morsels in a microwave safe bowl. I use the microwave to melt my chocolate.  The key is to do it in 30 second intervals and stir after each 30 seconds in the microwave.  For a 12 oz package of chocolate, it usually takes 60-90 seconds.
  2. After the chocolate has melted, you are ready to start dipping Oreos.  Dip each Oreo half way on each side and place on a baking sheet covered with wax paper.
  3. Next cover the white chocolate Oreos with sprinkles.  It’s best to do this step right away before the white chocolate begins to set.
  4. Place Oreos in the refrigerator so the white chocolate will cool and set.  

Enjoy!

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Food

Kale Sausage Soup

thestlouiscooks

Kale Sausage Soup

I know Spring is not soup season, but I love soup year round.  After spending some time on Pinterest I was in the mood for a Kale Sausage Soup, preferably with beans. I found a few recipes,  but most of them lacked the spice so I came up with my own version of Kale Sausage Soup. It’s similar to many that I found, however I added the carrots and the extra seasoning for a little spicy Kale Sausage Soup.

At least once a week, we have soup for dinner.  I’m a huge fan of broth soups.  While I still love cream soups, the broth soups are much healthier. Plus, if they have any kick to them I will love it!  Anything with a little spice is right up my alley.

The Kale Sausage Soup was a hit at this house.  It combines some of our favorite foods of sausage, beans, and spices.  It’s the perfect combination while also being light.  Please check it out.

Kale Sausage Soup

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of Andouille Sausage (chopped and quartered)
  • 3-4 Medium Carrots (chopped thin)
  • 3 Cups of low sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 6 cups of coarsely chopped Kale (about 8 ounces)
  • Jalapeno Salt (as needed but not necessary)
  • 1 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper or more as needed
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions:

  1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add the sausage and carrots. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Add chicken broth, tomatoes undrained, seasonings, and bring to boil over high heat.
  2. Stir in kale. Reduce heat and simmer until kale is tender.
  3. Stir in beans and cook for 8-10 minutes or until soup is cooked through.

I doubled this recipe so we could have left overs. My kids enjoyed this soup with some of their favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, and tortilla chips.  There is a ton of options with this one. Enjoy!

Life in General, St. Louis Small Businesses

Made better by our Story

thestlouiscooks

Prim Goods logo

Prim Goods are products made with faith, love, and hope.  Prim Goods are products that are made with a Mother’s special touch.  Prim Goods are products that offer a future and a new beginning. They are products that are “Made better by our Story”.

Prim Goods are handmade products made right here in this beautiful state of Missouri. Prim Goods are handmade soaps, lotions, and balms that are made at Primrose Hill which is a faith-based drug and alcohol residential recovery center for women and their children also affiliated with Teen Challenge USA. In fact, it is one of the few centers in the US that allows women to bring their children to live with them during their 12 month rehabilitation.

When I had the opportunity to research this organization and it’s products, I became so very touched by their story.  Each and every product made at Prim Goods is signed by the woman who made it.  Each and every product helps to fund this non-for-profit organization. The cost is approximately $2,000 a month for a woman, and $100 a month for a child.  Mothers and their children usually come to Primrose Hill unable to pay for the cost so they rely solely on donations.Freedom Soap

Prim Goods provides a healthy work life that assists these women in discovering their new beginning and hope for a good future.  Soap making in detox may sound a bit strange until you hear their story – A Day in the Life of Making Prim Goods. Plus, the soaps and lotions are pretty awesome.  Both my daughter and I have two favorites.  We love the hand and body lotion – honey bunch.  We apply it after every shower. However, our favorite scent is Freedom which we have used in a bar of soap.  It smells so good!Made better by our Story

The St. Louis Cooks love to support local businesses and organizations.  Prim Goods is one organization with a true cause and purpose.  Every purchase made will help these women find their true purpose and calling in life.  The next time you are shopping for soaps or lotions, please consider supporting Prim Goods and these wonderful women that have been given a second chance at Primrose Hill.

Prim Goods are made with love and hope. They are “Made better by our Story”.

Prim Goods