Articles by B. Coop

Broccoli And Cheese Soup

Recipes, Soups
Posted on 1 Comment on Broccoli And Cheese Soup

My sweet aunt is recovering from surgery and can finally eat more than Jell-O and broth. Two weeks of bland food is torture! Coop to the rescue! I wanted to make something easy to eat, but packed with feel good flavor. This broccoli and cheese soup is it!

I used to leave the carrots out of my soup. Never will I ever be so negligent! Carrots help fill out the soup a bit and pairs perfectly with the broccoli.

I HATE thin, watery soup. So, I add a little extra flour. Don’t be alarmed when you see the flour clump up a bit. It’ll be fine when you add in the broth.

Fresh broccoli is cool. But, I prefer to use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it out in the microwave using the defrost setting and chop it up roughly.

American cheese gets a LOT of hate. I know it’s not a real cheese. However, it’s melting abilities is unmatched! I pair it with some sharp cheddar. It just works.

Don’t you hate when you buy soup to go from a restaurant and it thins as it cools? Not this stuff! It’s thicker than a Snicker! Look!

And I haven’t even told you the best part yet. I made it in under 30 minutes. I know, right?!? 

Love,

B. Coop

Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Serves 6
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 T butter
  2. 1/2 cup diced onions
  3. 1 T minced garlic
  4. 1 cup grated carrots
  5. 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  6. 4 cup chicken broth
  7. 16 oz frozen broccoli florets (thawed)
  8. 2 cups half and half
  9. 1 T onion powder
  10. 1 T garlic powder
  11. 1 cup shredded or cubed American cheese
  12. 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  13. 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  14. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Melt butter
  2. Add onions and garlic; saute for 1 min
  3. Stir in the carrots
  4. Sprinkle in flour
  5. Stir until flour is no longer visible
  6. Pour in chicken broth
  7. Roughly chop the broccoli and add it into the pot
  8. Bring to simmer
  9. Lower heat, cover, and allow to cook for 15 mins
  10. Pour in the half and half
  11. Add the onion and garlic powder
  12. Salt and pepper to taste
  13. Add in the cheeses.
  14. Stir until cheese melts
  15. Turn off the heat and add in the nutmeg.
  16. Stir well.
  17. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.
  18. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Homemade Meat Sauce

Beef, Pasta, Pork, Recipes
Posted on 1 Comment on Homemade Meat Sauce

It’s been a rough five days for Louisiana. This massive flood has caused so much devastation. But, Louisiana is full of resilient folks with huge hearts. We’ll help each other through it all. Today, I’m finally back in my kitchen! I filmed my meat sauce for you.

You can make a big batch of this and freeze it. Great for ziti, spaghetti, lasagna, or whatever you need a flavor packed red sauce for. For my vegans, just sub the meat for veggie crumbles. And you can serve this over spaghetti squash!

Love,
B. Coop

Homemade Meat Sauce
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Cook Time
3 hr
Cook Time
3 hr
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or veggie crumbles
  2. 1 lb sweet or mild Italian sausage
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1 diced onion
  5. 1 diced bellpepper
  6. 2-3 cans crushed tomatoes
  7. 1 cup red wine
  8. 1/3 cup brown sugar
  9. 2 tablespoon each onion & garlic powder
  10. 1 tsp fennel seeds
  11. Cajun spices (optional)
  12. dried basil
  13. Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Add oil to pot
  2. Add onions and peppers
  3. Saute for 1 min
  4. Add meat or veggie substitute
  5. Season with powders and spices
  6. Brown meat
  7. Drain fat
  8. Pour in wine
  9. Add crushed tomatoes
  10. Now the brown sugar
  11. Stir
  12. Lower heat, cover leaving a small crack in lid, and simmer on low for 3 hours
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning
  14. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. If too thick, add water. Allow to cool completely before bagging and freezing.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Blueberry Banana Pancakes

The Lighter Side, Vegetarian
Posted on 1 Comment on Blueberry Banana Pancakes

I was asked for a healthy pancake recipe that doesn’t taste “healthy”. Healthy and pancake used together in a sentence boggles my mind. But, then you want me to make it taste like it’s 1,000 calories?! Angel from Mississippi, you’re playing with me!! But, i’ll try anything for my Cookies! I hope this was what you’re looking for. Blueberry Banana Pancakes. banana-pancakes Never used a banana for pancakes before, but it wasn’t half bad. And I added a little flax seed, cause it sounds healthy. These were pretty dang delicious. Didn’t feel as guilty as I do when I leave Ihop after eating these bad boys. Enjoy!

Love,

B. Coop

Blueberry Banana Pancakes
Yields 6
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Cook Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 bananas
  2. 1/2 cup blueberries (thaw if frozen)
  3. 2 eggs
  4. 1 cup of almond or rice milk
  5. 1 cup whole wheat flour
  6. 1 tsp baking powder
  7. 1 tsp ground flax seeds
Instructions
  1. Mash the bananas
  2. Add milk and eggs
  3. Whisk well
  4. Add in all dry ingredients
  5. Mix. Do not over mix. Batter should be a little lumpy
  6. Fold in the blueberries
  7. Allow batter to rest for 5 mins
  8. Heat and spray your skillet
  9. Fry using 1/4 of batter for each pancake
  10. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Crawfish Mac and Cheese

Louisiana Favorites, Pasta, Recipes
Posted on 2 Comments on Crawfish Mac and Cheese

Lobster mac and cheese is delightful. But, here in Louisiana, crawfish is king, baby! I wanted to show you how I make easy, quick, and cheap mac and cheese! But, crawfish were on sale at the store, so ding, ding…crawfish mac and cheese!crawfish-mac-and-cheese Watch me tease you….

 

Easy right? It’s completely sinful, but God is sooo good! So, is this recipe. Try it. 

Love,

B.Coop

Crawfish Mac and Cheese
Serves 6
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Cook Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb crawfish tails
  2. 1 lb elbow macaroni
  3. 1 1/2 cans of evaporated milk
  4. 1 tablespoon of onion and bell pepper (finely chopped)
  5. 3 tablespoons of butter
  6. water for boiling
  7. salt
  8. white black pepper
  9. 2 cups American cheese
  10. 1 cup of Fontina cheese (shredded)
  11. 1/3 bread crumbs
  12. Cajun spices
  13. onion and garlic powders
  14. 1 teaspoon liquid crab boil
Instructions
  1. Boil macaroni until al dente
  2. Drain but do no rinse
  3. Add butter and milk
  4. Bring to a simmer
  5. Add cheese
  6. Stir until cheese melts
  7. Season with salt and white pepper to taste
  8. Thaw and drain crawfish
  9. Season with cajun spices, onion, and garlic powder
  10. Melt 1 tsp of butter in skillet
  11. pour in breadcrumps
  12. Saute for 1 minute then remove
  13. Add in 1 more tsp of butter
  14. Melt butter and add onion and bell peppers
  15. Saute until tender
  16. Add crawfish, liquid crab boil, and stir until heated
  17. Add crawfish mixture to mac and cheese
  18. Pour into an oven safe dish
  19. Top with fontina and bread crumbs
  20. Bake at 350 degrees F until cheese melts
  21. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Salisbury Steak

Beef, Recipes
Posted on 1 Comment on Salisbury Steak

As a child, yeah we’re going down memory lane for a sec, so bear with me. I considered Salisbury steak boring and completely unappealing. You know, it NEVER looked as good inside the frozen dinner box as the picture did outside. That’s a whole other story and life lesson. Any who, now that I’m a grooooown woman *Beyonce voice* I know a little bit about flavors. So, I’m redeeming the Salisbury steak! Super savory! Won’t take long at all. See, I’ll prove it!

Look, don’t skip the mushrooms!! Well, unless you’re allergic then don’t play yourself. 

salisbury-steak

Love,

B. Coop

Salisbury Steak with Onion And Mushroom Gravy
Serves 6
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Steak
  1. 2 lbs ground chuck or turkey
  2. 2 tablespoons cajun spices
  3. 1 tablespoon each of Accent, onion, and garlic powders
  4. 1/3 cup of water
  5. 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs
  6. 1/3 cup of Worcestershire Sauce (Yes, I'm winging these measurements. 1/3 feels right tho)
  7. 1 egg
Gravy
  1. 1 sliced onion
  2. sliced mushrooms
  3. 1 tablespoon butter
  4. 2 tablespoons of flour
  5. 1 1/2 cup beef broth
  6. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Add all steak ingredients together in a bowl
  2. Mix and shape into 6 ovals
  3. Heat a skillet on medium heat
  4. Sear each patty 4-5 mins on each side
  5. Remove patties and fat; leave meat drippings
  6. Add in veggies and butter
  7. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt
  8. Saute for 6 mins.
  9. Stir in flour until it's no longer visible
  10. Pour in broth
  11. Bring to a simmer
  12. Add in meat
  13. Simmer for 15 mins or until meat is cooked
  14. Taste and adjust seasoning
  15. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Homemade Banana Pudding

Desserts, Recipes
Posted on 2 Comments on Homemade Banana Pudding

Sweet tooth alert! One of my goals is to take the fear away from beginner cooks that shy away from “homemade” and “from scratch” recipes. It’s not as hard as you think! I believe in you! You can do it! I’m here to help. Take this banana pudding. No box of of pudding mix necessary.banana-pudding It just breaks my heart to see people buying that “banana pudding” from the deli at grocery stores. It’s literally banana pudding. It’s instant banana cream flavored pudding mix and vanilla wafer. The devil is busy!! That’s why i’m sharing this with my Cookies. Don’t settle for less out of fear. I promise my version is super easy. Watch me whip it up…

 

See. Piece of cake, right? Told ya it was easy! Make this!! 

banana-pudding

Love, 

B. Coop

Homemade Banana Pudding
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Ingredients
  1. 3-4 bananas
  2. 3/4 cup of sugar
  3. 3 egg yolks
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  5. 3 cups of milk
  6. 3 tablespoons salted butter
  7. splash of pure vanilla extract
  8. 1 pkg cream cheese, softened
  9. 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  10. 1-2 pkgs vanilla wafers
  11. 1 tub of cool whip
Instructions
  1. Mix sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks well
  2. Add to a heavy bottomed saucepan
  3. Whisk in milk slowly on medium heat
  4. Add butter
  5. Continue whisking and bring mixture to a simmer
  6. When it starts to thicken turn off the heat
  7. Add extract and cream cheese
  8. Whisk until smooth
  9. Allow to cool for 20 mins.
  10. Slice bananas and toss in lemon juice
  11. Layer in a dish or bowl starting with cookies and ending with cool whip
  12. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours
  13. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Cheesy Broccoli And Rice Casserole

Chicken, Recipes
Posted on

I refuse to call this a casserole. I just hate that term. Don’t ask why. Y’all know I’m weird. But, it’s rainy and I’m hungry! This is fast and yummy! I know, I know, there are a million variations of this. I make it many ways. This one is my favorite and I know it will be yours as well.

 You can add cooked chicken and make it a one skillet meal. And those that have been asking for more low carb options, you can 86 the rice, throw some cauliflower in a food processor, and sub that for the rice. You’re welcome. And I love you more. 

Love, 

B. Coop

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice
Serves 6
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups of cooked rice
  2. 1 16 oz pk of frozen cut broccoli (thawed)
  3. 1 small diced onion
  4. 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  5. 1 T minced garlic
  6. 2 (10 oz) cans cream of mushroom or chicken soup
  7. 3/4 cup sour cream
  8. 1 T ranch dry seasoning
  9. 1 T mayo
  10. 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  11. 1/4 cup milk
  12. onion & garlic powder to taste
  13. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Melt butter or add oil to your pot
  3. Saute onions until translucent
  4. Add garlic and saute for 30 secs
  5. Add broccoli
  6. Saute for 5 mins
  7. Add cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  8. Stir in the cooked rice
  9. Add the ranch mix, sour cream, mayo garlic, and onion powders. Stir well.
  10. Season to taste with salt and pepper
  11. Stir in 1 cup of cheese
  12. Add the milk and stir to combine
  13. Butter a 9x13 dish and pour in the mixture
  14. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
  15. Bake until cheese melts
  16. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Summer Salad + Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Recipes, The Lighter Side
Posted on

I needed some freshness in my life. Organic greens, ripe berries, you know, the feel good power food! Plus, it’s too hot to even look at the stove let alone turn the thing on! So I made this bowl of pure, guilt free goodness! summer-salad

Oh, there’s a homemade, Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette that make you turn your nose up to the salad dressing aisle at Walmart. Watch and get yo blessing, chile!

 

Love, 

B. Coop

Strawberry Vinaigrette
Yields 10
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Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup sliced strawberries
  2. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  3. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  4. 3 tablespoons raw honey
  5. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Throw all of that stuff up there in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend.
  3. Done!
  4. Enjoy!!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

 

 

Cheese Steak Egg Rolls

Beef, Recipes
Posted on 3 Comments on Cheese Steak Egg Rolls

Something different for my Cookies today! Cheese steak egg rolls! Not Philly cheese steaks, though. I’m from Louisiana, so I don’t want the good folks in Philly getting mad at the kid for jacking up their cheese steaks. So, these are B. Coop’s cheese steak egg rolls!! Perfect appetizer for foot ball season! Serve them with Southwest Ranch like I did or your favorite dipping sauce. Watch me make them….. 

eggroll2

eggroll3

eggrolls

Love, 

B. Coop

Cheese Steak Egg Rolls
Yields 15
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs Sirloin Steak thinly cut
  2. 1 bell pepper
  3. 1 onion
  4. 1 package of egg roll wrappers
  5. 15-20 slices of Provolone cheese
  6. 1/2 cup water
  7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  8. 1 tablespoon of butter
  9. vegetable oil for frying
  10. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions
  1. Freeze steak for 30 mins prior to slicing
  2. Slice onion and bell pepper thinly
  3. Toss veggies in olive oil and sprinkle with salt
  4. Saute until translucent and caramelized
  5. Slice steak and add to the skillet with the veggies
  6. Add butter to steak
  7. Sear until done
  8. Assemble egg rolls, use the water to seal
  9. Fry in oil heated at 350 degrees for 3-4 mins
  10. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken Cavatappi

Chicken, Pasta, Recipes
Posted on 2 Comments on Chicken Cavatappi

Heeyyy!! I took a few cooking recovery days off. I’m baaaaack! Making a requested chicken pasta. Chicken Cavatappi to be exact! I went to Applebee’s on Sunday and tried theirs. It was pretty good. But, you know, I love to battle them. So, of course I had to recreate my version for my Cookies. Check it out!

 

 

Love, 

B. Coop

Chicken Cavatappi
Serves 4
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 2 cups cavatappi pasta
  4. Onion powder
  5. Seasoning salt (I use Tony's)
  6. Accent
  7. Garlic & Herb Mrs. Dash
  8. 4 cup half & half
  9. 2/3 cup grated parmesan
  10. 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  11. 3 tablespoons butter
  12. 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  13. 3 tablespoons diced tomatoes
  14. fresh chopped parsley
  15. salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Bring salted water to a boil
  2. Add in pasta; cook according to package instructions
  3. Drain, but do not rinse.
  4. Set aside
  5. Season chicken breasts on both sides with onion powder, Tony's, Accent, and Mrs. Dash
  6. Heat oil in a skillet on medium high heat
  7. Sear chicken on each side until done.
  8. Remove chicken and allow to rest before slicing
Sauce
  1. Melt butter and saute garlic
  2. Pour in half and half
  3. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and onion powder
  4. Add parmesan
  5. Stir until cheese is combined
  6. Add mozzarella
  7. Just as mozzarella starts to melt, add in the pasta
  8. Stir
  9. Sprinkle in the tomatoes and parsley
  10. Slice the chicken breasts
  11. Serve chicken over pasta and top with extra tomatoes and cheese
  12. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/