Episode 398: #398 Simple Meal Prep from Hope’s Table by Hope Helmuth

Do you love to cook, but getting dinner on the table every night can be overwhelming? Today Kathi dishes with Hope Helmuth, author of Hope’s Table: Everyday Recipes from a Mennonite Kitchen. Hope’s cookbook is filled with beautiful, simple and delicious recipes for everyday meals. Kathi and Hope scoop up their best kitchen tricks to keep you and your family happy at mealtime.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Tips and tricks for staying organized in the kitchen.
• How to keep your kitchen clean and ready to cook anytime.
• PLUS: How to clean your cast iron skillet quickly and easily.

Two of Hope’s Favorite Recipes

HERB ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS AND POTATOES
Serves 4
An easy one-dish meal that is full of flavor and color. The chicken melts in your mouth.

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, cut into chunks
1 sweet potato, cut into chunks
3 red potatoes, cut into chunks

Sauce
¼ cup butter
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/8–¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Lay chicken and vegetables in a greased large skillet or a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Make sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter and add garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. Toss well with hands to make sure sauce is coated evenly. Bake at 350°F for 1½ hours.

PUMPKIN BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Makes 20 bars
This recipe from my grandma Shank is great for fall parties. Mom used to make these for our youth group parties, and she would top each square with a candy pumpkin.

1 cup oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
2½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash salt

In a medium bowl and using an electric mixer, mix together batter ingredients in order listed. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10 x 15-inch baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Make icing: In a small bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth. Spread on cooled bars.