The Diva Cooks up a Storm

by Krista Davis

  Remove the meat from the refrigerator at least ½ hour before broiling. Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and set the top on it. Alternatively, you can use any oven-safe pan with a rack over it. Place the meat on the pan. Broil at 500 degrees for approximately 4 to 6 minutes on each side. The amount of time will depend on the thickness of your meat. Use a meat thermometer to determine when it is ready. Flank steaks are best when red inside. When the temperature reads 120, remove to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice thin, against the grain.

  Funeral Potatoes

  28-ounce bag of shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

  2 tablespoons butter

  1 medium onion, chopped

  3–4 cloves garlic, minced

  16 ounces sour cream

  10-ounce can cream of chicken soup

  8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

  ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

  ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  4 tablespoons melted butter

  Thaw shredded potatoes in refrigerator overnight.

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  In a small skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic for 2 minutes, stirring with the onions. Remove from heat and set aside.

  Pour the thawed shredded potatoes into a very large mixing bowl. Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

  Pour into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs over top. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over top. Bake 30 minutes. Pour melted butter over the top. Return to oven and bake another 30 minutes.

  A Day at the Beach Cocktails (or in the backyard)

  Ice cubes (crushed or whole)

  1 ounce vanilla vodka

  1 ounce peach schnapps

  3 ounces orange juice

  3 ounces sweetened cranberry juice

  Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Pour in the vodka and the schnapps. Add orange juice and sweetened cranberry juice.

  Make Your Own Ice Cream Board

  You’ll need one very large cutting board.

  3 flavors of ice cream

  3 kinds of cookies

  3 fruits (slice if large like bananas)

  1 or 2 toppings

  Place scoops of each ice cream in its own separate bowl. Add them to the board, one in each corner and one in the middle. Add bowls with the toppings. Place the cookies in between the bowls of ice cream. Don’t overload them. Groups of six to eight cookies are fine. Fill in the empty spaces with fruit.