Articles by B. Coop

One Pot Lasagna

Pasta, Recipes
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I don’t know one human that dislikes lasagna. Not one. I mean, what’s not to love! Maybe the cooking process. A good hearty lasagna takes time. Ha! Lies. Let me prove it with this Lazy Lasagna! You only need one oven safe pot or skillet. I’m using this beautiful Dutch oven I got for Christmas. Thanks, sissy! I’m only making this, because I couldn’t wait to put this thing on the stove and in the oven. But, if you don’t have a Dutch oven, just use any ovenproof skillet. 

Now, I’m using my meat sauce, because it’s my favorite. However, it takes time to make. But, chile, it’s soooo worth it! If you don’t have the time just buy your favorite spaghetti sauce in jar. But, you should just make my sauce and freeze it for times like these. Just a suggestion. I’m here to help.

Also, ya girl doesn’t like ricotta. Or cottage cheese. But, if you do, add in some dollops of it before sprinkling on the cheese. This recipe is a hit! I actually prefer this version over the traditional way. Try it and I bet you will too!

Love, 

B. Coop

 

Lazy One Pot Lasagna
Serves 6
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Total Time
45 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  2. 1/2 lb Italian sausage
  3. 1 T onion powder
  4. 1 T garlic powder
  5. 1 diced onion
  6. 1/2 bell pepper
  7. 1 garlic clove
  8. 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  9. 1 cup red wine
  10. 1 cup beef broth
  11. 2 T light brown sugar
  12. 8-10 lasagna noodles (broken in 3rds)
  13. 2 ounces cheddar cheese
  14. 4 ounces fresh mozzarella
  15. fresh basil and parmesan for serving
  16. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
  2. Add meat to an oven ready skillet
  3. Season and brown
  4. Drain excess fat if necessary
  5. Add in onion and bell pepper and saute until tender
  6. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds
  7. Pour in tomatoes, wine, brown sugar, and broth
  8. Simmer for 30 mins; uncovered
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning
  10. Add in lasagna noodles and stir
  11. Lower heat and cover; stir often to prevent sticking
  12. Allow to cook for 15-20 mins or until lasagna noodles are cooked
  13. Sprinkle on cheese and basil
  14. Bake for 15 mins or until cheese is melted
  15. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. Dollops of ricotta can be added before cheese. Be sure to use an oven safe skillet.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Cream Cheese Poundcake

Desserts, Recipes
Posted on 2 Comments on Cream Cheese Poundcake

Hey Cookies! Today, I had to bake a cake for someone. You already know my mood is wack! Because……COOP HATES BAKING!! But, I do it. I shared some clips on social media and you guys demanded this recipe. Of course, I give ya what ya want!

 

I had to be extra and pour a Praline coating on top. GOOD GOD!!!!! Sin. It’s just sinful! Make this!!!

 

Love,
B. Coop

 

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Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 sticks salted butter softened
  • 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese softened
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 T pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Don't preheat your oven.
  2. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened. Leave them out at room temp for a few hours
  3. In a bowl, use your mixer to blend the cream cheese, butter, and sugar well; 5 mins.
  4. Now, add in one egg at a time until all are incorporated. Mix well in between adding each one.
  5. Add in vanilla and mix
  6. Add in 2 cups of the flour
  7. Mix on low for 45 secs.
  8. Add in the last cup of flour and fold it in with a spoon or spatula by hand until the flour is no longer visible. (Try not to over mix.)
  9. Batter should be light and fluffy
  10. Pour into greased bundt pan

  11. Bake on 325 degrees F for 1 hour and 30 mins or until a toothpick insert in the middle of the cake comes out clean.

  12. Allow the cake to cool in the bundt pan for 25 mins before flipping it over onto your cake plate.
  13. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Use my microwave praline recipe and pour it on top of this cake after the cake cools if you're bout that life!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Recipes, Vegetarian
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My mother is the TOUGHEST restaurant critic. The lady rarely likes her meal. It never fails. I ask, “Ma, how ya like your food?” The response hardly ever changes. “It’s okay. It’ll do.” Really, Lady? However, there is ONE menu item she always loves. Spin dip! She’s been asking me to recreate it for a while. So, here it is!

This dang dip is…you know what, I just want you to try it for yourself! I use frozen spinach, cause y’all know I’m lazy. If you wanna be better than me, blanch your own fresh spinach with ya bad self!!! I also like using marinaded artichokes instead of the ones in a can. It’s delicious with salsa too.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! USE FRESH CHEESE! Please! If at all possible, grate and/or shred the cheese yourself. I know I sound repetitive, but it really makes a huge difference! Trust me. What’s your favorite restaurant menu item? Want me to recreate it? Let me know in the comments.

Love,
B. Coop

Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Serves 6
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Total Time
40 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. 10 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained well)
  2. 4 ounces artichoke hearts (roughly chopped)
  3. 1 T minced garlic
  4. 2 T butter
  5. 10 ounces heavy whipping cream
  6. 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  7. 1/4 cup chicken broth
  8. 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  9. 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  10. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  11. 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  12. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Melt butter
  2. Add artichokes and saute for 2 mins
  3. Add heavy cream
  4. Bring to a simmer
  5. Stir in cream cheese and broth
  6. When cream cheese melts add 1/2 cup each of mozzarella. and parmigiano reggiano
  7. Stir in spinach
  8. Add in powder(s) and season to taste
  9. Transfer to oven safe dish
  10. Top with the remaining cheeses
  11. Bake for 10-15 mins or until cheese is melted and bubbly
  12. Allow to cool for at least 10 mins
  13. Enjoy with chips or toasted baguettes!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Creamy Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Favorites, Recipes
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It’s Monday in Louisiana…you know what that means! Creamy red beans and rice are on the stove and filling Southern homes with insanely delicious aromas! It’s a tradition here, ya know? My good friend, Chasidy, saved me a google search and detailed the reason why the whole red beans on a Monday thing came about. But, it’s too long to type. I’ve been under the weather and I’m falling asleep while typing right now. You’ll have to do ya own research today, Bae! Y’all are just here for a recipe anyway. Love you. Okay, back to my beans, Chile. Now, every household has their own way of imparting flavor to their beans. Use the meat of your preference. Ham bone, smoked turkey necks, pickled meat…throw it all in if ya want! I’ve had red beans many ways. This is my favorite. CAUTION: No bell peppers are used in this recipe! Don’t throw a tantrum! Just hear me out and trust me on this. Okay?

Of course, you can soak these overnight to reduce cooking time. And, of course, I ain’t got time for that! I do a “quick soak”. See, what you do is…wait, I’ll just tell ya in the recipe below. I’ll film this if you guys would like that as well. And to the sweet darlings that sent me messages for this recipe MONTHS ago, I’m so sorry! I JUST learned how to check your requests on here. Bear with me. I’m technologically challenged.

Love,
B. Coop

Red Beans & Rice
Serves 8
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Prep Time
2 hr
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
4 hr
Prep Time
2 hr
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
4 hr
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb red beans
  2. 1 lb smoked sausage
  3. ham bone, ham hocks, smoked turkey necks, and/or pickled meat
  4. 1 diced onion
  5. 1 diced bell pepper
  6. 2 finely chopped celery stalks
  7. 1 chopped garlic clove
  8. 6 cups of water
  9. 3 beef bouillon cubes
  10. 1 T onion powder
  11. 1 T garlic powder
  12. 2 tsp Accent
  13. 2 T cajun seasoning
  14. 2 T unsalted butter
Soaking
  1. Rinse and drain beans to clean (oooh that rhymed! I'm corny. Continue...)
  2. Put beans into pot and fill with enough water to cover them
  3. Discard any floating beans using a spoon (Easy way to get rid of the bad ones)
  4. Heat on high and bring to a boil
  5. As soon as it starts to boil, turn off the heat, cover with lid, and allow beans to soak for 1-2 hours
  6. Drain and rinse again
Cooking
  1. Slice sausage and fry in the pot while the beans drain for 6 mins
  2. Add in onions and celery, and saute for 3 mins
  3. Add garlic; saute for 30 secs.
  4. Pour beans back into the pot
  5. Add in meat of your choice
  6. Pour in 6-7 cups of water and the bouillon cubes
  7. Bring to a boil
  8. Lower heat to a simmer
  9. Cook for 1 hr hour, uncovered, stirring occasionally
  10. After 1 1/2 hours, add seasoning and butter
  11. Cook, uncovered, for an additional 30 mins or until thick and creamy
  12. Serve over rice and don't forget the cornbread I was too lazy to make
  13. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken, Recipes, Soups
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Happy National Comfort Food Day!!!!!! Yeah, I know. These folks come up with all kinds of food holidays. But, I’m with it! I’ll play along! When, I think of comfort food I think of my favorite cook. My Mommy! More specifically, her super delicious Chicken and Dumplings! chicken-and-dumplingsThis was my absolute favorite childhood dish. Only hers though! I asked for her recipe. Why? I don’t know. My mother doesn’t use recipes! She just uses measuring cups to hold liquids. She’s a pro. But, she gave me the run down on the technique and told me to pray for the rest. Thanks, Theresa! I hope my take on this classic makes ya proud, Girl. Let’s cook!

Love,

B. Coop

Chicken and Dumplings
Serves 5
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Cook Time
1 hr
Cook Time
1 hr
Chicken
  1. 2-3 chicken breasts
  2. 6 cups of water
  3. 3 chicken bouillon cubes
  4. 1 tsp onion powder
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 1 T seasoning salt
  7. 1 tsp Accent
  8. 1 tsp thyme
  9. 1/2 cup milk
  10. 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Dumplings
  1. 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  2. 2/3 cup chicken broth
  3. 1 tsp baking powder
  4. 3 T melted butter
  5. pinch of salt
Chicken
  1. Season chicken with spices.
  2. Cover with water
  3. Add in bouillon cubes
  4. Boil until chicken is done and tender
  5. Remove chicken and reserve broth.
  6. Once chicken cools, roughly chop or shred it.
  7. Set aside.
Dumplings
  1. Mix all dry ingredients.
  2. Create a "well" in the bowl and pour in the butter
  3. Gradually pour in the broth a little at a time, mixing the flour in between
  4. Using your CLEAN (don't play me) hands, knead the dough
  5. Flour your surface and rolling pin
  6. Roll out the dough and slice it into 2 inch pieces
  7. Leave it to dry out on the surface for 10 mins
  8. Return to the chicken broth
  9. Bring it to a boil
  10. Pour in the milk
  11. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
  12. Add chicken back in
  13. Add the dumplings
  14. Cook for 25-30 mins on low
  15. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Smothered Okra with Sausage & Shrimp

Louisiana Favorites, Recipes, Seafood
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I said to myself, “Coop.” Myself said, “Huh?” I said, “Look, we ain’t cooking today, ok??” Needless to say, I lied to myself. Smothered okra with green onion sausage and juicy wild caught shrimp! Yes lawwwd!!! okraI’ve been craving this since my cousin made it for Thanksgiving and I almost ate the whole pot! Didn’t take long either! And the flavor….listen, just try it!

Love,

B. Coop

Smothered Okra with Sausage & Shrimp
Serves 4
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Cook Time
30 min
Cook Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups of okra
  2. 1 lb sausage (sliced)
  3. 1 lb shrimp
  4. 1 diced onion
  5. 1 diced bell pepper
  6. 1 clove of garlic (chopped or minced)
  7. 2 tablespoons butter
  8. 1/2 cup chicken stock
  9. 1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
  10. 2 T tomato paste
  11. 1 tsp onion powder
  12. 1 tsp garlic powder
  13. 1 T cajun seasoning
  14. 1 tsp Accent
Instructions
  1. Slice sausage and bake in the oven with onion, pepper, and garlic for 7-8 mins
  2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, add okra and tomatoes and fry until slime is no longer visible
  3. Remove sausage and veggies from the oven and add it to the okra
  4. Stir in the tomato paste
  5. Pour in the stock
  6. Stir well, lower heat, and cover skillet with the lid leaving a small crack
  7. Cook for 20 or until liquid reduces
  8. Add in shrimp and cook for 5-7 mins. Be careful not to overcook.
  9. Serve over warm rice
  10. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Melt in YO Mouth Pralines

Desserts, Louisiana Favorites
Posted on 2 Comments on Melt in YO Mouth Pralines

Pecan candy. I just said Pralines to be cute. We all call it pecan candy down here! I have ALWAYS been terrified to cook this stuff. And believe me, I’ve failed a LOT! But, with prayer, practice, patience, and more prayer…look, Mama! I did it! You can too.pralines

My cousin is visiting from San Diego. His Cali friends have never had these before. And, of course, my sweet baby told them that his cousin makes the best! My family loves me, man. Anyway, I made these for him on Snapchat. Some of my Cookies asked me to make a tutorial as well. And since I give you guys what you want….here it is! 

These things LITERALLY melt in your mouth! But, that’s not even the best part. I made these in under 25 mins. I kid you not! But, wait, it gets better. I did it without using a candy thermometer OR the soft ball test!! Yoooo!!! Do you see how much I love you guys?! My goal is to make cooking as easy as I can for you. This candy will be your favorite to make. Try it….NOW! 

Love,

B. Cooppralines

Melt in YO Mouth Pralines
Yields 12
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Total Time
25 min
Total Time
25 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups granulated sugar
  2. 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  3. 1 1/2 cup pecans
  4. 4 tablespoons salted butter
  5. 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. I'm not even about to try to type out directions for you! It won't help. You gotta see me make these things, boo. Just scroll your cute self back up to the top and watch that video! Love you!!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken, Pasta
Posted on 2 Comments on Chicken Spaghetti

“I don’t know, but Paul love it!” EVERY single time I make this, I think about an episode of The Maury Show I watched years ago. Do not judge my guilty pleasure. I love ratchet tv sometimes. Don’t tell anyone though. But, there was a woman accusing her boyfriend, Paul, of cheating on her with her best friend. Why? Because, the best friend made his favorite dish. Guess what that dish was? Ha!! Man, that cracks me up every time I think of it. Now, look here, I’m giving you this recipe, but I do NOT condone using it to steal someone’s boo! If he likes it and leaves on his own, well hey, there’s nothing we can do about it. 

This recipe is fast and simple. Kid approved too. Clean up will be easy, because we’re using one pot to cook in and one baking dish. Feel free to use any chicken parts you like. Or just throw in the whole bird. 

Love,

B. Coop

Chicken Spaghetti
Serves 10
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Cook Time
30 min
Cook Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb thin spaghetti
  2. 3 cups of cooked chicken
  3. 1/2 bell pepper
  4. 1/2 onion
  5. 1 celery stalk
  6. 2 cans cream of chicken
  7. 1 can cream of mushroom
  8. 1/2 cup milk
  9. 1 can of rotel tomatoes
  10. 2 cups of American cheese
  11. 1 cup of shredded cheese
  12. 3 T butter
  13. 1 T each of onion and garlic powders
  14. Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Cook pasta and drain
  3. Saute diced veggies in melted butter for 5 mins
  4. Add Rotel and soups
  5. Stir in milk
  6. Add american cheese
  7. Stir until cheese melts
  8. Add chicken and pasta
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning
  10. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking sheet
  11. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese evenly
  12. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 mins
  13. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Seafood Gumbo

Louisiana Favorites, Seafood, Soups
Posted on 4 Comments on Seafood Gumbo

Gumbo!!! It’s officially gumbo season in Louisiana! Although I make it all year round. What else is air conditioning for? We love our gumbo! We all make ours a little different and that’s ok. Just don’t put corn in it and we’re fine. We’re very particular about how it’s made. Ask Disney. Hehehe…anyway, here’s my beginner friendly version. Oh, and for my Cookies with seafood allergies, just skip the shrimp and crabs. Chicken and sausage gumbo is amazing as well.  Enjoy! Oh and don’t forget the hot sauce!

Love,

B. Coopseafood-gumbo

Seafood Gumbo
Yields 12
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Prep Time
30 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Prep Time
30 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs cooked chicken breast or thighs
  2. 2 lbs shrimp
  3. 1 lb of gumbo crabs or your choice
  4. 1 1/2 lbs sausage
  5. 3 Quarts of chicken broth or stock
  6. 1 cup of fresh or frozen okra
  7. 1 T olive oil
  8. 1 onion
  9. 1 bell pepper
  10. 3 celery stalks
  11. 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  12. 1 cup vegetable oil
  13. 1 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
  14. 1 tsp liquid crab boil
  15. 2 T creole or cajun seasoning
  16. 1 T onion powder
  17. 1 T garlic powder
  18. 1 T Accent
  19. gumbo file
  20. parsley or green onions
Instructions
  1. Finely chop all veggies
  2. Toss pan with olive oil and slime out of okra
  3. Slice sausage thinly and bake for 8-10 on 350 degrees F
  4. Season and make roux using flour, vegetable oil, and spices until it is a milk chocolate color
  5. Add in veggies and saute
  6. Add in okra, tomatoes, cooked chicken, and drained sausage
  7. Pour in broth or stock
  8. Stir well; Turn heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
  10. Add in shrimp and crabs
  11. Cook until seafood is done; about 5-7 mins
  12. Serve with rice
  13. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. Allow gumbo to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to preventing spoiling.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Southern Potato Salad

Recipes
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What is the one side dish we can’t do without down here? Potato Salad!!! It is also the one side dish we do not trust everybody to make! “Girl, I only eat my mama’s potato salad!” Guess what, you gone eat Coop’s potato salad too once you try it! lol It goes with so many dishes. And did I mention it’s super easy?? Watch….

 

There ya go! Make sure you have my potato salad in your Thanksgiving spread!

Love,

B. Coop 

Southern Potato Salad
Serves 8
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Ingredients
  1. 8 potatoes, boiled and sliced
  2. 4 hard boiled eggs (sliced roughly)
  3. 4 tablespoons of mayo
  4. 2 teaspoons of Accent
  5. 2 tablespoons of sweet relish
  6. 2-3 tablespoons of mustard
  7. Salt and granulated sugar to taste
Instructions
  1. Mash potatoes and eggs together with a potato masher while they're still hot
  2. Mix is all remaining ingredients until smooth.
  3. Salt and sugar to taste
  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour
  5. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/