Tacys VIP's Pampered Chef Beach Kitchen

11/03/2025

My collection of Asian Style Sauces that you can make at home!

1. SATAY SAUCE
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tsp soy sauce
1 whole lime- juice
2 tbsps red curry paste
1 tsp honey or sugar

Steps:
In a saucepan, add coconut milk. Let it boils. Remove from heat. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and ready to serve. Enjoy!

2. YUM YUM SAUCE
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Mix well and ready to use.

3. GENERAL TSO SAUCE:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1 teaspoon pepper flakes
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch

In a saucepan, mix everything and let it boil. Simmer for few minutes until it thickens. Mix in your favorite stir fry ingredients.

4. SWEET & SOUR
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp ketchup
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp water +
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp black pepper

In a sauce pan, mix all ingredients. Let it simmer in low heat until it thickens.

5. STIR FRY SAUCE
1/4 cup light soy sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tsp sesame oil

6. DUCK SAUCE
1 cup apricot jam
1 thsp soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1/4 tsp chili flakes
1 tbsp chili sauce

11/03/2025

🌾 Direct Sow vs. Transplant — Know the Difference!
Not all veggies start the same way 🌱
Some thrive when sown straight into the soil, while others need a head start indoors or in trays.

🥕 Direct Sow:
Cold-hardy crops and root veggies that dislike disturbance — carrots, radishes, beets, peas, and beans.

🌿 Transplant:
Tender or slow growers that love warmth — tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, and herbs.

💧 Tip: Check frost dates for your zone before planting — success starts with timing!

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

🌱 From garlic to spinach — here’s your November planting roadmap!

11/03/2025

Homemade Puff Pastry Dough versus Pie Crust Dough
2 cups flour
homemade pie crust
Only 4 ingredients!
Recipe:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup salted butter

11/03/2025

Here are homemade coating mix recipes to stock your pantry — great for crispy coatings, flavorful meats, veggies, or snacks 🍗✨

1. Crispy Chicken Coating Mix

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)

Use:
Coat chicken in egg or buttermilk, dredge in mix, then fry or air-fry.
Shelf life: 3 months (airtight jar)

2. Vegetable Tempura Batter Mix

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for that signature crisp)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Optional: 1 tbsp rice flour or potato starch (extra crunch booster)

To Store:
Keep the dry mix in an airtight jar or container. Good for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.

To Make the Batter:
1 cup tempura mix
¾ cup ice-cold water (very important — cold = crisp)
Mix gently; leave some small lumps. Don’t overmix!

Veggies to Use:
Sweet potatoes (thinly sliced), Zucchini, Bell peppers, Green beans. Mushrooms, Broccoli or cauliflower florets, Eggplant, Onion rings

Dip each piece in the batter and fry immediately at 350°F (175°C) until light golden. Drain on paper towels.

3. Buttermilk Ranch Coating Mix

Ingredients:
1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko
½ cup flour
2 tbsp dry buttermilk powder
1 tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

Use:
Press onto chicken or pork before baking or air-frying.
Shelf life: 2 months

4. Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating Mix

Perfect for: Pork chops, chicken cutlets, or eggplant

Ingredients:
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

To use: Use dry for extra crunch or add 2 Tbsp oil for a stickier coating before baking.
Shelf Life: 6 months.

5. Herb & Parmesan Coating Mix

Perfect for: Baked chicken, fish fillets, or eggplant

Ingredients:
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

To use: Brush item with olive oil or beaten egg, then coat with mix. Bake until golden and crisp.
Store in the fridge up to 3–4 months.

6. Spicy Cajun Coating Mix

Perfect for: Fried shrimp, catfish, or cauliflower

Ingredients:
1½ cups flour
½ cup cornmeal
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

To use: Toss seafood or veggies in the mix and fry for a zesty crunch.
Shelf Life: 6 months at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

11/03/2025

Invigorating Cold Relief Tea Bombs
Discover the ultimate remedy for those chilly days when you feel under the weather. This delightful tea blend combines powerful ingredients to soothe and uplift your spirits.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper
2 green tea bags

INSTRUCTIONS:
Start by bringing the water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, incorporate the grated ginger and allow it to simmer for approximately 5 minutes to enhance the flavors. Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the honey, lemon juice, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Add the green tea bags and let them steep for 3 to 5 minutes, based on your preferred strength. Strain the tea into cups and savor this comforting, immune-boosting drink while it’s warm!

These tea bombs are brimming with natural ingredients that can help bolster your immune system and offer relief during cold and flu season. Enjoy!

11/03/2025

National Chocolate Day...just another reason you deserve to treat yourself. 😉🍫

11/03/2025

🌿 A simple raised bed layout that keeps fresh veggies on the table all season long!

11/03/2025

🌱 These herb pairings are container garden gold!

Basil & parsley both love similar conditions and water needs. Thyme & rosemary are Mediterranean herbs that thrive together. Mint & lemon balm are vigorous growers that can share space. Chives & cilantro make perfect pot partners. Oregano & marjoram are cousins that love the same care. Sage & lavender both prefer drier conditions.

Plant companions with similar needs together, and your herbs will thrive with minimal effort! What herbs are in your kitchen garden? 🌿

11/03/2025

companion planting techniques for raised garden beds, highlighting beneficial plant pairings. In one bed, tomatoes thrive alongside basil and marigolds, which help repel pests. Another bed features carrots, radishes, and lettuce, which grow well together and maximize space. Cucumbers are paired with dill and nasturtiums, offering natural pest control. Beets, garlic, and chard are shown together, enhancing growth through complementary nutrient needs. Peppers, onions, and parsley share a bed, promoting healthier plants through mutual support. Finally, zucchini is paired with nasturtiums and borage, which can deter pests while enriching the soil. Companion planting not only boosts plant health but also promotes sustainable gardening practices by reducing the need for chemical pesticides.