Mighty Hero Sandwiches

Mighty Hero Sandwiches

1 lb. round loaf sourdough bread
1/4 C. balsamic vinegar
1 T. olive oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 C. sliced fresh mushrooms
6 (1/4-inch thick) tomato slices
2 purple onion slices, (1/4-inch thick) separated into rings
2 C. shredded zucchini
1 C. (4 oz.) Fat Free Mozzarella Shreds
4 oz. Deli Thin Sliced Bologna
4 oz. Thin Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Slice Bread in half horizontally. Remove soft bread from inside each half, leaving 1/2-inch-thick shells; set shells aside. Reserve soft bread for another use. Combine vinegar and next five ingredients in a shallow dish; add mushrooms, tomato and onion. Let stand 15 minutes. Drain, reserving marinade. Brush marinade inside bread shells. Layer half each of zucchini, mushroom mixture, and cheese in bottom half of loaf; top with bologna. Repeat layers; top with turkey and remaining half of loaf. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill. To serve, unwrap loaf; cut into wedges.

Fried Zucchini Flowers

Fried Zucchini Flowers

24 zucchini flowers, with stems
4 C. EVOO
2 large Eggs, beaten
2 C. Flour
Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste

fried_zucchini_flowers

Gently remove the pistil from the center of each flower. Cut stems to about 1 inch. Rinse gently with water. Make sure blossoms are dry before using. Heat 1” oil in a 12” sauté pan over medium-high heat until oil is hot but not smoking. Beat eggs and set aside in shallow dish. Combine flour, basil, cheese, salt and pepper in its own dish. Dip zucchini blossoms, one at a time, in beaten egg. Let most egg drain away, then roll in flour, shaking off excess. Fry a few minutes until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

 

Wraps that rival your favorite sub shop? I’ve got you covered. I’m not kidding, they’re that good. Super low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats and protein, this is a great lunch for keto lovers. Meals like these are great because the heart of the dish is the same, but you can doctor it to suit all of your family’s preferences. Enclose in a tortilla, stuff in a pita or wrap in lettuce.

 

8 ounces nitrate-free bacon, diced

½ yellow onion, diced

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

½ tsp. fine sea salt

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

2 T. salted butter or ghee

2 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. dried minced onion

½ C. Ranch Dressing, plus a couple T. for drizzling

1 head butterhead lettuce, rinsed and separated

1 Roma tomato, cored and diced

2 Green Onions, chopped

 

Preheat an electric pressure cooker using the SAUTÉ function. After pressing the SAUTÉ button, press the ADJUST button until MORE is highlighted (see Note below). When the display panel reads HOT, add the bacon and diced onion to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the bacon is crispy, about 10 minutes. If it begins to stick to the bottom of the pot, add 1 T. of the butter. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and onion to a paper towel. Leave all those delicious juices in the pot. Season the cubed chicken breasts with the sea salt and black pepper. Add the remaining butter to the pot and then the chicken. Cook, stirring the chicken, until it browns on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add the parsley, garlic powder, and dried onion, then stir. Place the lid on the pressure cooker. Make sure the vent valve is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, press the CANCEL button. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function and HIGH PRESSURE. Use the +/− buttons until the display reads 4 minutes. When the pot beeps to let you know it’s finished cooking, let it naturally release pressure until the display reads LO:10. Switch the vent valve from the SEALING to the VENTING position. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a separate bowl. Add ½ C. ranch dressing and the bacon/onion mixture to the chicken and combine. Spoon the chicken mixture on the lettuce leaves. Top with the tomatoes, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing, and wrap the leaves around the mixture to serve. Note: Your pot might not have an ADJUST button; if that is the case just press the SAUTÉ button until MORE is highlighted.

Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning

Taco-Seasoning-BLOG-380x4501 Tablespoon Flour
1 Teaspoon Chili powder
1 Teaspoon Paprika
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Teaspoon Minced onion
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic powder
1/4 Teaspoon Sugar
1/8 Teaspoon Ground oregano

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.

Crooks Corner Shrimp and Grits

Crooks Corner Shrimp and Grits

picqpmQqY12 pieces bacon
2 lb. shrimp
4 c. mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 c. scallions, chopped
8 tsp. lemon juice
Tabasco sauce, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 T. parsley, chopped

Dice bacon and fry until edges are browned. Add shrimp in an even layer in skillet. Cook until barely pink. Remove shrimp from pan – they continue to cook while the grits are cooking and you do not want them to become over cooked and tough.] Add sliced mushrooms to skillet and sauté for 4 minutes. Add garlic, scallions, lemon juice, tabasco sauce, and salt. Cover, remove from heat, and set aside. Cook grits according to the Creamy Cheese Grits recipe below. Add shrimp back to pan with mushrooms and toss. Serve over grits.

Creamy Cheese Grits:

4 c. chicken broth
½ c. whipping cream
1 c. uncooked quick-cooking grits
Pinch Nutmeg, optional
2 c. (8 oz.) Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Combine chicken broth and cream in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Gradually stir in grits and return to a boil. DO NOT add all at one time. Cover, reduce – heat, and simmer 5 to 7 minutes “stirring along.” Stir in a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Add cheese. Cool a few minutes. If it gets too thick, add more chicken stock.
The Original Crook’s Corner Shrimp and Grits

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled
6 slices bacon
Peanut oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced scallions
1 large clove garlic
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
Hot sauce
Chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
1 recipe cheese grits (see below)

Wash the shrimp and pat dry. Dice the bacon and cook until crisp in a large skillet. Drain bacon and reserve. Add enough oil to the bacon fat to make a thin layer. When hot, add shrimp. Stir about and add mushrooms when the shrimp starts to color. Add scallions and the garlic through a press. Season to taste with lemon, hot sauce, parsley and salt and pepper. Divide the cheese grits among four warm plates. Spoon the shrimp and bacon over and serve immediately.

For Cheese Grits

4 cups water
1 cup Grits
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Pinch of white pepper, cayenne and nutmeg

Bring the water to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits. Reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes — or until the grits are thick and tender. Stir in salt and butter. Stir the cheese and seasonings into the grits. Adjust to taste.

Instant Pot Homemade Bone Broth

Instant Pot Homemade Bone Broth

Instant Pot Homemade Bone Broth

 

3 pounds meaty bones of choice (from chicken, beef, lamb, or pork)

4 stalks celery, diced

2 large carrots, diced

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

¼ C. fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. fine sea salt

 

Place 4 quarts of water and all of the ingredients inside your electric pressure cooker. Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the vent valve is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function, HIGH PRESSURE, and use the +/− buttons until the display reads 90 minutes. When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, turn off your pot and let it naturally release the pressure, about 25 minutes. Once the liquid has cooled to warm or room temperature, carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Ladle into quart size glass jars and discard bones and vegetables. Store in the refrigerator for 6 days, or freeze in tempered glass jars (leave 2: head space for expansion) for up to six months.

Skillet Barbeque Pork Chops

Skillet Barbeque Pork Chops

unnamed4 – 1″ thick pork chops, trimmed of fat
1 T. EVOO
1 can tomato sauce
2 T. brown sugar
2 T. vinegar
1 tsp. dry mustard
2 T. Worcestershire sauce

Sear chops in EVOO over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Pour over browned chops. Bring almost to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer chops in sauce for 10 – 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Tea Party Lemonade

Tea Party Lemonade

1 large can frozen pink lemonade
1 ½ quarts sparkling water
½ c. mint leaves, chopped
½ tsp. ground cloves

Blend the pink lemonade with the sparkling water and stir to dissolve. Add mint and cloves. Serve over crushed ice in a tall glass.

40 Garlic Clove Chicken & Creamed Spinach Mashed Potatoes

40 Garlic Clove Chicken & Creamed Spinach Mashed Potatoes

40 cloves of garlic (about 3 heads), peeled
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
8-10 pieces of cut up chicken (you can use breast or thighs)
Small handful of flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
salt and black pepper

2 lb. potatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups baby spinach

40 clove garlic chicken

Pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees F. Pat the chicken and skin dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet. Place chicken in skillet skin-side down, and cook until the skin is well browned, about 7-10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate skin-side up and set aside. Remove all the fat (the fat from the chicken will have rendered out and add to the oil you began with) until you’re left with just 1 tablespoon of oil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic and cook until evenly browned for about 1 minute. Add in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Scrape the brown bits off the pan and into the garlic. Add in the chopped parsley and cream. Return the chicken to the dutch oven, skin side up and remove from heat. Cook the chicken about 20-25 minutes in the oven, or until the juices run clear.

Cover potatoes with salted cold water in a large saucepan and simmer, uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. While potatoes are simmering, bring cream, butter, salt, and pepper to a simmer in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and keep warm, covered. Drain potatoes in a colander and cool slightly. Stir spinach into warm cream, tossing to coat, and when slightly wilted (after about 1 minute), immediately add to potatoes. Mash potatoes and spinach until almost smooth. Season to taste and keep warm.

Get the chicken and place the pieces on a serving dish. Mash the garlic in the pan and stir in the unsalted butter. There will be more than enough heat to melt it and make the sauce glossy

Cheesy Beef & Macaroni

Cheesy Beef & Macaroni

Cheesy_Pasta_Salsa_Skillet1 cup Uncooked elbow macaroni
1 lb. Lean ground beef
1/2 cup (1 med.) Chopped onion
1 can tomato soup
1/2 soup can Water
3/4 cup (3 oz.) Cheddar cheese, chunked or shredded
1/8 tsp. Garlic powder
Pinch Ground oregano
¾ tsp. pepper
1 (4 oz.) can Mushrooms, drained (optional)

Cook macaroni as directed on package for aI dente (tender but firm). Drain. Set aside. In large skillet, brown beef with onion until done. Drain fat. Add tomato soup, water, cheese, garlic powder, oregano and pepper to beef. Simmer 5 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is bubbly. Optional: add drained mushrooms. Add cooked macaroni. Combine mixture. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Herb-Whipped Goat Cheese with Harissa, Poached Eggs, and Toast

Herb-Whipped Goat Cheese with Harissa, Poached Eggs, and Toast

Herb-Whipped Goat Cheese with Harissa, Poached Eggs, and Toast

 

1 (10.5 oz) log goat cheese

1/2 C. plain Greek yogurt

1/4 C. fresh mixed herbs, (try basil, cilantro, dill)

Salt and pepper

1 loaf of crusty seedy whole grain bread

Olive oil

Flaky Sea Salt

4 T. of butter melted

1/2 tsp. sweet paprika

1/2 C. Harissa (the sauce, not powder)

2-8 poached eggs depending how many servings you are making

1 avocado pitted and sliced

Sesame seeds for garnish

 

Preheat boiler to high. Make the goat cheese- In a food processor or blender blend herbs and add salt and pepper. Add yogurt and goat cheese and blend until smooth, add salt and pepper to taste. Make the toast- brush olive oil on bread, broil it on a baking sheet on high 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so you don’t burn it. In a saucepan melt butter with paprika on medium then take off burner. Poach eggs depending on how many servings or guests. For each serving spoon a little goat cheese on a plate. Top goat cheese with a couple of small spoonfuls of harissa and add 1-2 poached eggs. Drizzle eggs with butter with paprika butter. Add a few slices of avocado and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with toast on the side, and more harissa on the side.

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

 

1½ lbs. beef flank steak cut into strips

1½ C. beef stock

3-4 cloves garlic finely minced

½ C. soy sauce

1 T. honey

2 T. toasted sesame oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 T. arrowroot

3 C. rice cooked

1 T. toasted sesame seeds optional

 

Add flank steak to Instant Pot. In a medium glass bowl, whisk beef stock, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Pour mixture on top of beef. Cover Instant Pot, lock lid, and seal vent. Cook on “Manual/High” for 10 minutes. Quick release once done cooking. Remove ¼ C. of liquid and stir in the arrowroot. You could also substitute the arrowroot for 2 T. of cornstarch. Use a fork or whisk to combine it together. Add the mixture back into the pressure cooker and stir. You will notice the liquid begin to thicken as it sits. Serve over white rice or brown rice and enjoy!

Western Beans

Western Beans

westernbeans4 Bacon strips, diced
1 Onion, chopped
15oz. can Whole tomatoes with liquid, chopped
15oz. Pinto beans, drained
15oz. Kidney beans, drained
1/3 C. Uncooked lentils
1 1/3 C. Water
2 T. Catsup
1 tsp. Garlic powder
¾ tsp. Chili powder
½ tsp. Ground cumin

Lightly fry bacon in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add onion. Cook until transparent. Add tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils, water, catsup, garlic powder, chili powder and ground cumin. Cook over medium heat for 45 minutes.

Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad

Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad

Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad

 

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used frozen but thawed will be fine too)

2 eggs

1 1/2 C. chicken broth (or 1 1/2 C. water with 1 1/2 tsp better than bouillon chicken base)

2 C. frozen white sweet corn

6 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 3 oz package of real bacon bits)

1/4 C. diced green onions

2 medium tomatoes, diced

3 small to medium ripe avocados, sliced into bite size pieces

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Juice from one lemon (about 3 Tbsp)

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. dried dill

 

Pour chicken broth in the bottom of your Instant Pot (IP). If using frozen chicken, place rack in the bottom of IP. Place frozen chicken on top of the rack. If you’re using fresh chicken you don’t need a rack. Just place the chicken in the chicken broth. Place the eggs in a small pyrex or corningware dish and place the dish on top of the chicken. Secure the lid on top of the IP. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Press the manual button and adjust the time to 10 minutes. When the timer beeps let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release any more pressure by moving the valve to venting. While the chicken is cooking you can prepare your other ingredients (dicing the onion, cooking the bacon, dicing the tomatoes etc). Prepare the dressing by whisking the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and dill in a small bowl. Once pressure is released, remove the lid and carefully remove the eggs. Place the eggs in a bowl filled with ice and water. Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for 5 minutes. When cooled, peel the eggs and chop up the eggs. Place the chicken on a cutting board and use a knife and fork to shred or to the cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Place the chicken in a salad bowl. Add in the avocados, corn, bacon, green onions, hard boiled eggs and tomatoes. Toss together. Drizzle the salad dressing over the top and toss. Salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Champagne Punch

Champagne Punch

2 cups Granulated sugar
2 cups Fresh lemon juice
1 750ml bottle dry white wine
1 750ml bottle champagne
2 Large bottles of soda water
1/4 cup Orange liqueur
1 Pineapple quartered, grated

In a large punch bowl, combine sugar, lemon juice, white wine, champagne, soda water liqueur and grated pineapple. Mix together well. Put in a large block on ice and garnish with additional pineapple and other fresh fruits such as strawberries. Let mixture chill and serve in small glasses.

Leek & Potato Gratin with Smoked Salmon and Brie

Leek & Potato Gratin with Smoked Salmon and Brie

3327-1Canola oil cooking spray
1 1/2 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 1/2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into (1/4-inch) thick slices
2 medium leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 (4 ounce) package Smoked Salmon
1 (4.4 ounce) wheel Brie, cut into small cubes

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil. In a bowl, whisk together milk, flour, salt and pepper. Layer half of the potatoes in the dish, top with half of the leeks and dot with half of the Brie. Pour over half of the milk mixture and arrange salmon slices over the top. Repeat with remaining potatoes, leeks, Brie and milk mixture. Cover with foil (sprayed with oil) and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until liquid is absorbed and potatoes are golden, about 20 minutes more. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Cranberry-Orange Steel Cut Oatmeal (Instant Pot)

Cranberry-Orange Steel Cut Oatmeal (Instant Pot)

Cranberry-Orange Steel Cut Oatmeal (Instant Pot)

 

2 C. Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats

5 C. Water

1 1/2 C. Fresh Cranberries

1 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Orange, Juice & Zest

1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

 

Place all the ingredients into the base of a pressure cooker. Seal the lid and set the steam valve to ‘sealed’. Cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes and allow the steam to release naturally. Once the steam pin has dropped, remove the lid, stir, and enjoy! I topped mine with a drizzle of honey, some cranberry sauce, and a couple of orange slices!

Corn & Crab Fritters with Lemon Aioli

Corn & Crab Fritters with Lemon Aioli

1RX-CANMANUFACT_Corn-and-Crab-Fritters-with-Lemon-Aioli_s4x3_jpg_rend_sni12col_landscape tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small white onion, finely chopped
1 (11-ounce) can mexicorn, drained
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2/3 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 (6-ounce) can crab meat, drained
Vegetable oil for pan-frying (~1 T.)
Lemon Aioli
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Set aside 1 tablespoon Mexicorn for aioli. Combine remaining Mexicorn, and chiles to combine. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and eggs. Gradually whisk milk mixture into flour mixture just until smooth. Stir in corn mixture and crabmeat. Cover and refrigerate 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make aioli by combining the mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, garlic and reserved Mexicorn in a small mixing bowl. Chill until ready to serve. Remove the corn crab batter from the refrigerator and add enough oil to a large, heavy skillet so it reaches about 1/4 inch deep; heat over medium-high heat. Carefully drop 6 to 8 mounds of batter by tablespoon into hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer fritters to paper towels and repeat with remaining batter. Serve with lemon aioli.

Mini Turkey Meatloaf & Maple Green Beans Sheet Pan Dinner

Mini Turkey Meatloaf & Maple Green Beans Sheet Pan Dinner

223ad66abe668ce7e8e1705d3990a54d2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for oiling the pan
1 pound ground turkey breast
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 cup grated sweet potato
1/4 cup barbeque sauce, divided
1 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1 TB Maple Syrup

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a large sheet tray. In a bowl, mix turkey, onion, sweet potato, 3 TB barbeque sauce, 1 tsp salt and 3 tsp pepper. Form into four loaves, brush with remaining
1 TB barbeque sauce and bake on sheet tray for 20 minutes. In a large bowl, toss green beans with maple syrup, oil and remaining 5 tsp salt and 3 tsp pepper. Arrange on sheet tray next to meatloaves and roast until tender and meatloaves are cooked through (165°F), 20 to 25 minutes more.

Sweet Cherries in Honey-Vanilla Syrup

Sweet Cherries in Honey-Vanilla Syrup

Sweet Cherries in Honey-Vanilla Syrup

 

2 lb. sweet red cherries, pitted

¾ C. honey

¾ C. granulated sugar

5 ¾ C. water

½ vanilla bean

 

Combine honey, sugar, and water in a large pot or Dutch oven. Stir over low heat until sugar and honey have dissolved. Add cherries and vanilla bean. Cook over medium-low heat until cherries are warmed through. Remove vanilla bean. Ladle hot cherries into jars and cover with syrup, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rims with a damp paper towel. Top with two-piece lids and rings, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters

1 pound (about 2 medium) zucchini
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (1 lemon) plus 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges (optional)
10 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, stems removed and leaves finely chopped, plus more sprigs for garnish (optional)
1 medium clove garlic, peeled and minced
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

zucchini-fritters-cleaning-314Using the large holes of a box grater, grate zucchini into a medium bowl. Add the salt, lemon zest, chopped parsley, garlic, pepper, and eggs. Mix well to combine. Slowly add flour, stirring so no lumps form. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat until the oil sizzles when you drop a small amount of zucchini mixture into the pan. Carefully drop about 2 tablespoons zucchini mixture into pan; repeat, spacing fritters a few inches apart. Cook fritters until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat to medium. Turn fritters, and continue cooking until golden, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer fritters to a plate; set aside in a warm place. Cook remaining zucchini mixture, adding more oil to pan if necessary. Garnish with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges, if desired; serve. Dip into apple sauce and/or sour cream

Quick Pickle Chips

Quick Pickle Chips

Quick Pickle Chips

 

Be sure to choose the freshest, firmest pickling cucumbers available, for guaranteed crunch. These pickles cannot be processed for long-term storage.

 

3/4 C. seasoned rice vinegar

1/4 C. water

1 garlic clove, peeled and halved

1/4 tsp. ground turmeric

1/8 tsp. black peppercorns

1/8 tsp. yellow mustard seeds

8 ounces pickling cucumbers, ends trimmed, sliced 1/4 inch thick

2 sprigs fresh dill

 

 

Bring vinegar, water, garlic, turmeric, peppercorns, and mustard seeds to boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, place one 1‑pint jar under hot running water until heated through, about 1 minute; dry thoroughly. Pack cucumbers and dill into hot jar. Using funnel and ladle, pour hot brine over cucumbers to cover. Let jar cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Cover jar with lid and refrigerate for at least 2 1/2 hours before serving. (Pickles can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks; pickles will soften significantly after 3 weeks.)

Family Pork Chops

Family Pork Chops

Salt and pepper to taste
6 pork chops
Onion slices
¾ cup catsup
1 cup water
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper the chops and place them in a shallow baking dish. Top each chop with an onion slice. Make a sauce of the remaining ingredients and pour over the chops, cover and bake at 300° to 325° for about 1½ hours. Uncover for the last 20 minutes. Serves 6. The sauce can be made up and kept on hand. It may be used on chicken, meat loaf, spareribs or stew meat. The gravy is good on rice.

Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes

Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes

Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes

 

1/3 C. plus 1 T. (90gr) unsalted butter, softened

6 tsp. light brown sugar

3 peaches

1 ½ C. 190gr all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

2/3 C. 130gr sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

½ C. 120ml buttermilk

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177° C). Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Divide 1 T. of butter equally into 12 muffin C.. Sprinkle ½ tsp. of brown sugar into each muffin C.. Slice 1-2 peaches into thin slices. Put about 3 slices into the bottom of each muffin pan. Cut the remaining peaches into small cubes. You should get about 1 C. of cubed peaches. Set aside. To make the batter, in a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, beat the remaining 1/3 C. of butter and sugar together until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat for another 2-3 minutes, or until well combined. The mixture should be fluffy and white. Add half of the flour mixture into the batter, beat for 1 minute.  Stir in the buttermilk and beat for another minute. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat just until combined. Fold in the cubed peaches. Divide the batter into 12 muffin pan C.. I like to use this large cookie scoop. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pan for 5 minutes. Place the wire rack over the muffin pan and carefully turn the pan upside down to remove the cakes. Cool completely before serving.

Southern Fried Shrimp

Southern Fried Shrimp

2IP0410_Fried-Shrimp lb. deveined shrimp
2 Ziploc plastic bags
4 cups of flour
4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. pepper
4 tsp. granulated garlic
2 cups cornmeal
6 eggs
4 cups of whole milk
Peanut oil

Peel (leaving tails on) and butterfly thawed shrimp. In each Ziploc bag put 2 cups flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, 2 tsp. granulated garlic, close bag and shake well. Mix the 6 eggs in a bowl with the whole milk. Soak the deveined raw butterfly shrimp in the mixture.
Heat two pots of peanut oil (approximately 6 – 8 cups in each pot) to deep fat fry the shrimp. The peanut oil will need to be very hot to deep fat fry. Put one-half of the egg/milk soaked deveined raw butterfly shrimp in each Ziploc bags and shake. Drop battered shrimp into the hot peanut oil. Fry until golden. Using a large-holed spoon remove golden shrimp from peanut oil and place on platter lined with paper towels to soak up the grease.

Dipping Sauce

½ cup mayo
¼ cup catsup
Dash Worcestershire sauce
½ to 1 tsp. sugar to taste
Salt to taste

Mix well and serve with shrimp.

Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Honey

Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Honey

Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Honey

 

1/4 C. honey

1/2-1 tsp. black pepper, plus more for serving

1 T. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving

 

1 (10-12 ounce) block feta cheese

1 large egg, beaten

1/3 C. Panko bread crumbs

5 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 T. thinly sliced lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

1 C. cherry tomatoes

1/4 C. fresh basil, chopped

pita chips or pita bread, for serving

 

To make the honey. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. To make the feta. Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. Add the Panko to a separate shallow bowl. Dip the feta through the egg, turning to coat, remove and allow any excess to drip off. Dredge the feta through the Panko, turning to coat and pressing gently to adhere. Heat 3 T. oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the lemon zest and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute until fried. Remove from the skillet and set aside. To the same skillet add the feta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the feta to a serving plate. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, 1 T. oil, basil, and a pinch of salt. Serve the feta warm, drizzled with honey and topped with fried lemon, thyme, and tomatoes. Enjoy with pita chips or bread.

Three Bean Bake

Three Bean Bake

½ lb. ground chuck
6 bacon slices, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can of lima beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz.) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz.) can of pork and beans, DO NOT DRAIN!!
½ cup of brown sugar, packed
½ cup of ketchup
½ cup of barbeque sauce
1 tsp. of dry mustard

Cook the first three ingredients in a large skillet, stirring until the beef crumbles an there is no more pink. Drain and return to the skillet. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake on 400 degrees for 40-55 minutes.

Instant Pot Avocado Eggs or Instant Pot Stuffed Avocado Baked Eggs

Instant Pot Avocado Eggs or Instant Pot Stuffed Avocado Baked Eggs

Instant Pot Avocado Eggs

 

1 avocado

2 large eggs

2 T. grated sharp Cheddar cheese Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 C. water

1 T. chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Hot sauce or salsa (optional)

 

Halve the avocado and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out one-quarter of the avocado flesh to make the hole in the center large enough to hold the egg. (I enjoy the excess avocado as a chef’s treat… snacking while cooking is so satisfying.) Crack an egg into each avocado well. Top each avocado egg with a sprinkling of cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the water into the Instant Pot and set the rack inside. Gently set the avocado halves on the rack. Cover, choose the “egg” setting, and cook for 2 minutes.. For runny yolks, quick-release the pressure. For firm yolks, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. Move each avocado half to a plate and top with cilantro and your favorite hot sauce or salsa, if desired.

 

 

Instant Pot Stuffed Avocado Baked Eggs

 

2 large ripe avocados

4 medium eggs

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

½ c. Cheddar Jack Cheese shredded

1/2 c. bacon crumbles

Optional Garnish:

chives or green onions green parts only, sliced thin

 

Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Use a spoon to carefully remove some of the avocado flesh around the pit to create more space for the egg. Reserve removed flesh for another use (or smash, season with salt and pepper to taste, and top each baked avocado half with a spoonful before serving). Place the avocado halves into the steaming basket. Add 1 C. of water to the Instant Pot. Lower the steaming basket with the avocados into the pressure cooker. Crack one egg into a measuring C. with a pour spicket and then carefully transfer the egg into one of the prepared avocado halves. Repeat this process with the remaining avocado halves and eggs. Season each with salt and black pepper, to taste. Top each avocado half with shredded Cheddar Jack cheese and crispy bacon pieces. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock it in place. Make sure that the vent is sealed. Cook on “Manual/High” for 4 minutes. Once done cooking quick release the pressure before unlocking the lid. Remove the avocados from the pressure cooker and garnish with chives or sliced green onions, if desired.

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Bruschetta-Chicken-Step31 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1/2 cup water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatoes in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix, water and garlic; stir just until stuffing mix is moistened. Set aside Place chicken in 13×9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with the basil and cheese. Top with stuffing mixture. Bake 30 min. or until chicken is cooked through.

Instant Pot Orange-Cranberry Oatmeal

Instant Pot Orange-Cranberry Oatmeal

Instant Pot Orange-Cranberry Oatmeal

½ C. Steel-Cut Oats

Zest of ½ Orange

Juice of 1 Orange

2 T. dried Cranberries

1 ½ C. Water

2 T. chopped Pecans

2 tsp. Maple Syrup or Cranberry Sauce (optional)

 

In the Instant Pot, combine the oats, orange zest, orange juice, cranberries, and water. Cover and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. If the oats are still watery, let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. The oatmeal will absorb the water. Top with pecans and syrup (if using).

Strawberry Romaine Salad

Strawberry Romaine Salad

strawberry-romaine-salad-header1 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
1 large head romaine
1 head Boston lettuce
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 cup (4oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Combine first seven ingredients in a large jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces. Combine torn lettuce, strawberries, cheese, and walnuts in a large salad bowl. Shake dressing vigorously, pour over salad, and toss gently.

Burrata with Brown Butter, Lemon, and Cherries

Burrata with Brown Butter, Lemon, and Cherries

Burrata with Brown Butter, Lemon, and Cherries

3 C. (about 11 ounces) whole fresh cherries

1 T. balsamic vinegar, plus more for serving

4 T. (½ stick) unsalted butter

¼ tsp. finely grated lemon zest

8 ounces burrata or fresh mozzarella cheese

Torn fresh mint leaves, for serving

Flaky sea salt, for serving

Sliced baguette or other crusty bread, for serving (optional)

 

Using a paring knife, halve and pit the cherries. In a medium bowl, toss together the cherries and vinegar. Let them sit while you make the brown butter. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook until it smells nutty and is browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. To serve, place the burrata in the center of a serving dish. Spoon the cherries around it, then drizzle the brown butter on top. Top with the mint, flaky sea salt, and more balsamic vinegar to taste. Serve with bread, if you like, or with spoons for catching the milky juices of the cheese.

Sweet Pepper & Cheddar Clafouti

Sweet Pepper & Cheddar Clafouti

Sweet Pepper & Cheddar Clafouti

 

3/4 C. whole milk

1/2 C. crème fraîche or Sour Cream

4 large eggs

2 1/2 T. flour

1/4 C. chopped fresh basil

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 C. coarsely grated sharp white cheddar cheese, divided

2 oz. sliced ham, chopped

2 T. olive oil

3 sweet peppers, preferably different colors, seeded and sliced into 1/4 inch strips

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh lemon juice, for serving

Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving

 

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, crème fraîche or sour cream, eggs, flour, basil, 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Stir in 3/4 C. of the cheddar and ham. In a 9″ ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in the peppers and cook until they are softened and golden at the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Scrape the egg mixture into the skillet and top it with the 1/4 C. remaining cheddar and the Parmesan. (Or, for a more elegant presentation, scrape the vegetables into a gratin or casserole dish and add the egg mixture and cheese to that). Bake until the eggs are set 35 to 40 minutes. (Mine took 45 minutes). Cool slightly then top with the lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

Spicy Vegetable Soup

Spicy Vegetable Soup

1 1/2 cups sliced carrot
1 1/2 cups diced onion
5 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1/2 diced green cabbage
1 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 16oz can of stewed tomatoes
1 8oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. hot sauce (optional)

In large saucepan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onions, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, zucchini, basil, oregano and salt; bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer, about 45 minutes or until carrots are tender. For a thicker texture, let cool and puree ½ the pot, and for those who like a little sizzling flavor add some hot sauce, you won’t regret it. Serve hot. This soup can be frozen.

Tuna and Olive Stuffed Romano Peppers

Tuna and Olive Stuffed Romano Peppers

Tuna and Olive Stuffed Romano Peppers

 

1 small red onion, diced

1 small garlic clove, minced

12 shiitake mushrooms, chopped

Half a 2-ounce (45 g) tin of sustainable anchovies, drained

One 5-ounce (140 g) tin of tuna in olive oil, drained

2 tsp. capers

5 black olives, halved

2 romano peppers, halved

2 tsp. panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

Zest of 1 lemon

¼ bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves only, finely chopped

Olive oil

Pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the red onion, garlic, and shiitake mushrooms until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the anchovy fillets and let them “melt” in 2 minutes. Finally, mix in the tuna, capers, and olives and cook for a few more minutes until warmed through. Meanwhile, brush the halved peppers with olive oil and place them in an ovenproof dish. Remove the tuna mixture from the heat, fill the peppers with it, and dust with panko. Drizzle some extra olive oil on top and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp and done. Scatter the lemon zest and the parsley over the peppers. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve.

 

Italian Bites

Italian Bites

DSC_0023-816x10242 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls (do not use store brand)
½ pound sliced deli salami
½ pound sliced provolone cheese
½ pound sliced boiled deli ham
7 eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 jars (12 ounces each) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

Heat oven to 350. Coat 13X9X2 glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Unroll 1 pkg of the crescent rolls and use dough to line the bottom of prepared baking dish. Pinch seams together with fingers. Cover rolls with half of the salami, provolone and ham. Lightly beat together 6 of the eggs and the Parmesan; pour half evenly over top. Top with half of the roasted red peppers. Repeat layering with remaining salami, cheese, ham and egg mixture and peppers. Top with remaining package of crescent rolls. Lightly beat remaining egg and brush over top. Cover dish with foil; bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and back 30 more minutes. Cool for 1 hour; cut into 32 squares and serve.

Melon Jam with Lime and Vanilla

Melon Jam with Lime and Vanilla

Melon Jam with Lime and Vanilla

 

For 3 jars

2 large Melon

1 lime

1 Vanilla pod

750 g Sugar in pieces

 

Cut the melons in half. Remove the glitches. Take the flesh. Weigh it: you have to get 1 kg. Bring 15 cl of water with the sugar to a boil in a jam bowl (or in a casserole). Add melon, grated zest and lime juice and split vanilla bean. Cook for about 50 minutes over low heat, turning often. Check the cooking: a few drops poured on a cold plate flow slowly (this jam is always a little liquid). Skim and put in jars. Close and turn the jars over on their lids until cooled.

Sausage Egg Boats

Sausage Egg Boats

4 mid-size sourdough baguettes
1 (7 ounce) package of Pork Sausage Links
8 eggs
½ cup heavy cream
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

breakfast boar

Preheat oven to 350° F. Cut and pull out the middle of all 4 sourdough baguettes, leaving ½ inch of bread in the bottom and on the sides. Set baguettes aside. Prepare sausage according to package directions. Cut links into bite-size pieces and set aside. In a medium bowl, lightly beat together the eggs and the cream. Whisk in remaining ingredients and sausage. Evenly divide and pour the mixture into each baguette boat. Place all 4 baguettes on a baking sheet and bake for 25-28 minutes or until set in the center. Allow boats to cool for 10 minutes, cut and serve.

Ginger Syrup

Ginger Syrup

Ginger Syrup

Use for a variety of cocktails, such as moscow mule, lemon drop, or rose sangria.  Make ginger tea, on pancakes, sweeten lemonade or coffee.  Try a bit in  rice or quinoa while it cooks, to make a marinade or glaze for proteins or to flavor a homemade kombucha.

1 C. thinly sliced fresh ginger root

1 cinnamon stick (optional)

2 C. water

½ – 1 C. sugar or honey

 

Combine ginger, cinnamon stick (if using), water, and sugar (if you are using honey, it will be added later) in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 30-45 minutes. Strain out the ginger. If you used sugar, then your syrup is finished and you can skip to storage. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then stir in the honey (if using). Store in a glass jar in the fridge. The syrup will keep for a month or more. Yields about 2 C. of finished ginger syrup.

Blueberry Brain Boost Smoothie

Blueberry Brain Boost Smoothie

blueberry1 cup fresh-pressed apple juice
1 fresh ripe banana
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup raw walnuts, preferably soaked and drained

Combine the apple juice and banana in a blender. Add the blueberries, raspberries, and walnuts. Blend until smooth.