Cavey’s Killer Coleslaw

I know what you’re saying. “Where the heck you been, Cave?”. I don’t blame you … been WAY too long. No excuses here. Other than to say that, pandemic and other macro events aside, life has been very “interesting” the past few years. Instead of droning on about the details, how about if I give you a really simple, yet delicious recipe instead? Sure, it would have been better to give you this at the start of summer. But, while this tangy-sweet slaw is the perfect compliment to BBQ, it also goes great with, or on, deli sandwiches, burgers, dogs, fish tacos, and more. And, I promise, more new recipes soon. We good?

INGREDIENTS

15 Ounces Shredded Cabbage (I prefer the angel hair type)
3/4 Cup Mayonaise
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Tsp. Celery Seed
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

Place mayo, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper into a small mixing bowl.
NOTE: I don’t add any additional salt … the mayo already contains enough, for my taste.

Whisk until mixed well. Should have the consistency of a light dressing.

Place shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl. Pour coleslaw dressing over cabbage.
NOTE: I just buy the pre-shredded angel hair cabbage in the package, at the store. You can also buy the tri-color coleslaw, or get a head of cabbage and shred your own.

With two soup spoons, or salad tongs, toss well until all cabbage is completely covered.

Place coleslaw into an air tight container and refrigerate for at least an hour. Overnight is even better.

As mentioned above, serve with, or on, your favorite BBQ dish, deli sandwich, hamburger, hotdog, fish tacos, etc.

Prep Time = 15 minutes
Refrigeration Time = 60 minutes, or more
Serves 6-8

©2020 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Cavey’s Spicy Dill Pickles

Everybody in the Cavehold loves a good pickle. Problem is, most store bought jarred pickles aren’t that good, and making trips to the local deli several times a week can get a bit cost prohibitive. So, we went to work and came up with this easy recipe that many are describing as the best pickle they’ve ever eaten. Give ’em a try, and let us know your thoughts.

INGREDIENTS

4 Large Cucumbers
4 Serrano or Jalapeño Peppers
4 Garlic Cloves
1 Ounce Fresh Dill
4 Cups White Vinegar*
4 Cups Water
2 Tbsp. Pickling Spice
1/4 Cup Pickling or Kosher Salt
4 24-Ounce Canning Jars

Optional:
1/4 White or Sweet Onion – Sliced
1/2 Red Bell Pepper – Sliced
1 Large Carrot – Sliced

*UPDATE: Recently, we have altered the recipe slightly by substituting 1.5 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar in place of 1.5 of the cups of White Vinegar. It has taken these amazing pickles to another level. Give it a go!

RECIPE

First, sterilize your canning jars and lids. A run through the dishwasher, with the “Hot Water Heat” and “Hot Air Drying” settings turned on, will do the trick.
HINT: You can use traditional canning jars and lids. Or, as we do in the Cavehold, save the jars and lids from store bought pickles, olives, relish, etc.
Place vinegar, water, salt, and pickling spice into a medium-large pot and bring to a soft boil for 10-15 minutes.

While liquid is heating, rinse cucumbers well in cold water and slice each cucumber in half, crosswise. Then, again in half, lengthwise. From each remaining section, slice into three equal sized spears, lengthwise. You should get 12 spears per cucumber.

Slice hot peppers and garlic cloves in half. Cut any of the optional vegetables into 2 inch slices.
NOTE: While the “optional” ingredients aren’t required, the more you put in the more the flavor complexity of the pickles increases.
HINT: If you don’t want your pickles to have an edge, don’t add the Serrano or Jalapeño peppers. Though, you really should try them in at least one jar … they don’t add that much heat, but do add a ton of flavor.

Now, place 1/4 of the fresh dill into each jar. Follow that with 12 cucumber spears, 2 slices of the hot peppers, 2 slices of the garlic, and a 1/4 of the optional ingredients into each jar.

Once the brining liquid has fully cooked, place a jar into the sink. Using an oven mitt, remove the boiling liquid from the flame, and completely fill the jar with the liquid, being sure that 1/4 of the pickling spices also make it in.

Return the pot to the flame and, with oven mitts on, carefully place the lid on the jar and tighten firmly as possible. Repeat this process with each jar, being sure to return the pot to the fire (mmmmmmmmm …. fire gooooood!) between each pour. Place finished jars onto the counter and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.

Once cooled to the touch, place the jars into the refrigerator and forget about them for two weeks. It will be tempting to pop open a jar and give ’em a go once they’ve chilled. But, they need the time to “pickle”, of course! They’ll last up to 4 months in the fridge. DO NOT store them in the pantry …. you gotta keep ’em cold. Enjoy!
HINT: The other veggies (except for the dill) are now pickled, and delicious, as well. Yes, even the garlic!

Prep Time = 40 minutes
Curing Time = 2 Weeks
Makes 4 Jars

©2014 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Cavemom’s Orange Yam Turkeys

This is very exciting! Not only is this a great recipe for a unique spin on a Thanksgiving favorite, it’s also the first recipe shared here on C3 from the Cavemom!! She has been making this delicious version of Yams at our Holiday dinner for years. Now, you can, too!

INGREDIENTS

* 8 Small or Medium Yams
* 4 Thick Skinned Oranges
* 4 Tablespoons Butter, softened well
* 1 20 oz. Can Crushed Pineapple, drained (reserve 1/4 cup)
* 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
* 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows
* 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
* 1/4 Cup Orange Juice, reserved from oranges
* 1/4 Cup Pineapple Juice, reserved from pineapples
* Salt & Pepper to taste
* Tin Foil

RECIPE

Place yams and 1/2 a tablespoon of kosher salt into large pot of boiling water.

While yams cook, slice oranges in half. Then, with a paring knife and a spoon, carefully scoop out orange flesh being sure not to cut or tear orange skins.

Reserve 1/3 cup of the fresh orange juice. Eat the orange flesh at your leisure (they also make for a great fruit salad).

Once the yams are fully cooked, drain from water, allow to cool slightly, and remove skin. Place skinned yams into a large bowl or container along with butter, orange juice, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and salt & pepper to taste. Mash and mix well with a potato masher. Add pineapple and nuts, fold in well.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time and then finished a half hour before serving. If you don’t prepare them right away, bag up the orange skins, place the yams in an airtight container, and refrigerate both until ready for use. Also, DON’T add the nuts until just before you are ready to finish preparing them – you don’t want them to get soggy.

This is the other great part of this recipe (other than the taste), especially if you team up with your grandkids to create a fun tradition. When you are ready to prepare them, evenly distribute the yam mixture into each of the eight orange skins. Then use some tin foil to make the Turkey’s feathers, and the marshmallows to make the bird’s face (we usually make them smile ;)). Place the yam turkeys on a large cookie sheet and place into an oven preheated to 350°. Cook until hot and marshmallows have browned slightly. Serve with the rest of your Thanksgiving fare.

A wish to you for a healthy, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving from the “Cavemom”.

Prep Time = 30 minutes
Cook Time = 20 minutes
Serves 8

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Caramelized Apples

Featured in Side Dish Showdown #3

This goes great as a side dish or topping for pork, fowl, or game recipes. The recipe can also be used to caramelize pears, peaches, bananas and more!

INGREDIENTS

1 Apple
1 Tablespoon Butter
1.5 Teaspoons Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon White Sugar
1 Shot (1.5 oz.) Brandy or Cognac
1/2 Lemon

RECIPE

Wash, peel, core and vertically slice apple.

Immediately place slices into bowl with two cups of cold water and the juice from 1/2 a fresh lemon. Let stand for 5-10 minutes. This will not only add some flavor to the dish, but will also aid in preventing the apples from turing brown.

In medium (10″) skillet melt butter over medium flame. Meanwhile, drain apple slices well. If they are too wet, the water will make the butter burn.

When butter is fully melted, place slices in skillet. Add sugar and brown sugar.

Cook until edges start to brown, then flip over apple slices and do same to other side. Be careful not to overcook or they will become mushy. Just before they are done, add the brandy, carefully flambe, and saute until the flame in the pan dies out.

Remove from heat and serve alongside (or even on top of) your favorite pork, fowl or game dish.

Prep Time = 12 Minutes
Cook Time = 8-10 Minutes
Serves 2-3

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.