Rootin Tootin Float Food

ROOTIN' TOOTIN' ROASTED ROOTS - ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES IN PAPER

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 220C/450F/Gas mark 7.
• Cut a large piece of baking parchment, greaseproof paper or baking paper to size - it should fit the roasting tray with enough paper to bring the sides up to form a parcel.
• Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl and add olive oil to personal taste; I used about 2 tablespoons for my vegetables over the Christmas period.) Mix the vegetables well, making sure that they are all coated in olive oil. Season to taste, remembering that it is nice to sprinkle extra seasonings on before serving. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
• Place all the vegetables into the prepared paper parcel in the roasting tray, and spread them out so that they are more or less even. Bring the sides of the paper up and scrunch it up in the middle to form a big paper parcel!
• Place the vegetables in the pre-heated oven and cook for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes has elapsed - carefully take the vegetables out and open up the paper parcel to allow the vegetables to crisp up and go brown and crunchy - give them a gentle stir and place them back into the oven. Turn the heat up to 250C/495F/Gas Mark 8 and allow them to continue roasting for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until soft, crispy and golden brown with some charred edges.
• Place them on a large serving platter in the paper if you wish or place them into a large serving dish - sprinkle with more seasonings and garnish with fresh thyme.
• Smaller parcels of root vegetables can be cooked, but you will need to reduce the cooking times by about 10 to 15 minutes.

ROOTIN' TOOTIN' FLOAT

Steps:

• Scoop the ice cream into 4 glasses. Evenly divide the peanut butter among the glasses and place on top of the ice cream. Add the vanilla to the root beer and pour over the ice cream. Sprinkle the crushed wafers over the top of the floats. Finish with a cinnamon stick to stir the float.

ROOTIN'-TOOTIN' NO-FAIL CHILI

Steps:

• In a dutch oven, add oil and cook ground beef on medium heat until no longer pink, but not browned.
• Add onion, green pepper, garlic and celery. Season with salt and pepper and saute until the vegetables become somewhat soft, about 10 minutes.
• Drain mixture in a colander and add back to pot.
• Add remaining ingredients (except cheese), stirring well after each addition.
• Bring chili to a simmer, cover, and cook on stove 3 to 4 hours. If chili is too thin, put the lid ajar for last 30-60 minutes of cooking.

ROOTIN'TOOTIN' BAKED BEANS

Steps:

• Throw it all in a crock pot and let'er rip ! Seasonings can added to your liking of taste. I'm going on approximates of measurements. I very seldom measure. This dish is not for the light diets. I even add sliced/diced fully cooked ham as well sometimes just to give it the extra meat. I keep seasoning this as I need for the taste. I also sometimes add water little by little to keep the beans good and moist and to make sure the chops and bacon are well cooked and not tough.
• Hubby likes this served with home fried potatoes and homemade garlic butter toast. Enjoy if you dare ! I cook this on high for 4 to 5 hours then low for another 2 to 3 hours. He eats this for breakfast when I stir it up and cook it all night.

ROOTIN' TOOTIN' CHILI

Steps:

• Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once browned, put in the onions, bell pepper and jalapeno. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drain grease.
• Return beef mixture to a large stockpot. Add the remaining ingredients and cover the pot. Simmer on medium-low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.