Kristen's Recipes – Page 123 – (Sometimes) Healthy Recipes

Greek Chicken Thighs

May 14, 2014 Kristen

2 tsp. olive oil, divided

1-2 shallots, sliced into thin rings

1 clove of garlic, minced

6 boneless/skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any fat

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Garlic powder, to taste (not pictured)

Dried oregano, to taste

Handful of grape tomatoes

Small handful of kalamata olives, sliced in half

1/2-1 lemon juiced

Zest of one lemon

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped (divided)

2 T. low fat feta cheese

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Heat 1/2 tsp. of olive oil in an OVEN SAFE skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shallot and cook, stirring frequently until soft and tender (about 2 minutes), add garlic and cook for an additional 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet and turn the heat up to medium high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano to taste on each side. Once the pan is very hot, add the seasoned chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown on one side, flip the chicken and add the grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, shallot and garlic mixture, lemon zest, lemon juice and half the parsley then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Place in the oven and roast for 9-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and the feta cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan & Basil Whirls

May 13, 2014 Kristen

1 packet puff pastry, 500g, all butter

2-3 cups of grated fresh Parmesan cheese

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained from olive oil and chopped

Fresh basil leaves, torn up

Chili flakes to taste

1 egg, beaten, for glazing

Roll out the pastry quite thinly into a large rectangle. Spread the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the pastry, leaving a little gap at the edges. Then scatter the Parmesan over, followed by the fresh basil leaves and the chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper if wanted. Brush one of the long ends with a little beaten egg, and (from the opposite side) roll the pastry up like a long sausage, and place on a baking tray. Put it in the fridge for about half an hour – it makes it easier to cut. You can cut it in half if it’s too long to fit on the tray. Brush the roll with beaten egg and with a sharp knife, cut it into slices that are no more than 1cm wide. Put them on baking trays, spaced apart and brush the pastry with a little more beaten egg. Bake in a hot oven, about 200ÂºC for 20 minutes or so, until they are beginning to brown and the pastry is cooked. Serve hot or cold.

Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms

May 12, 2014 Kristen

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup roasted red peppers, patted dry (from a 7-ounce jar)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon minced garlic

Pinch ground red pepper

1 pound medium-size fresh white mushrooms

Garnish (optional): pine nuts, sliced green olives, parsley

Remove stems from mushrooms; reserve caps; set stems aside for another use. In a bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal wing blade, place cream cheese, roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, garlic and ground red pepper. Process until smooth, about 1 minute. In a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, place cream cheese mixture. Pipe into mushroom caps; garnish with toasted pine nuts, sliced green olives and parsley leaves, if desired.

Spanish Pork Supper

May 11, 2014 Kristen

1 T. olive oil

1 sliced onion

1 garlic clove, finely minced or 3 whole

2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced

8 pork chops, trimmed of excess fat

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 T. chopped fresh thyme and rosemary, if desired

Black olives for garnish

Salt and pepper

Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion, garlic and pepper and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the chops and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Add the tomatoes and thyme. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until pork is done. Stir in olives, season with salt and pepper and serve immediately, straight from the skillet. Serve with brown rice and salad.

Apple, Kale & Cheddar Melt with Red Onion-Rosemary Marmalade

May 10, 2014 Kristen

For the Red Onion Marmalade

2 large red onions, thinly sliced

2 T olive oil

1/2 t salt

1/4 c sugar

1/4 c balsamic vinegar

1 t fresh rosemary leaves (dried is fine, too)

For the sandwich

2 slices of bread (French, sourdough, Italian, etc.)

1/2 T butter

2-3 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced

1 medium kale leaf, torn in half

1-2 T Red Onion Marmalade

Prepare the red onion marmalade. In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium low heat. Add the onions & salt, and cook for about 15 minutes, until softened, translucent, and beginning to caramelize. Add the sugar and cook for another 5 minutes or so. Increase heat to medium, add the balsamic vinegar & rosemary, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the onions have completely caramelized and tender, stirring constantly. (Note: if you need to, reduce the flame just a little during cooking, to ensure the onions donâ€™t burn.) Remove from heat and set aside.* Now for the easy part! Preheat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread, and add the cheese, apple slices and onion marmalade to the unbuttered sides. Place on the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes or so, then add the kale. Put both halves together and grill for another 1-2 minutes on each side, until the golden brown on the outside and warm, gooey and melty on the inside. Serve on its own or with a nice salad (a kale one, for good measure!), and enjoy! * The red onion marmalade can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. That is, if it lasts that long!

Cheddar Corn Bread

May 10, 2014 Kristen

1/2 C. yellow cornmeal

1/2 C. all-purpose flour 1 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. Salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

2 T. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 C. well-shaken buttermilk

1 large egg

2 ounces grated Cheddar (about 1/2 C.)

Preheat oven to 400Â°F. Into a large bowl sift together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Put butter in a well seasoned 8-inch cast iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish and heat in middle of oven until melted. Swirl skillet or baking dish to coat bottom and sides with butter and pour excess into another large bowl. Whisk buttermilk and egg into bowl with butter. Stir buttermilk mixture and Cheddar into cornmeal mixture until just combined. Pour batter into hot skillet or baking dish and bake 20 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool corn bread in skillet or baking dish on a rack 10 minutes. Corn bread may be made 1 day ahead and cooled to room temperature before being chilled, wrapped in foil. Cut corn bread into 8 wedges. Reheat corn bread, covered with a paper towel to retain moisture, in a microwave oven 30 seconds on high.

Apple Cheddar Bread

May 9, 2014 Kristen

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

Â½ tsp. kosher salt

8 T. butter, room temperature

Â¼ cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature & fork beaten

2 cups apples (any favorite), unpeeled & finely shredded

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

2-3 T. minced sage, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9â€ loaf pan with cooking spray. (Insert parchment paper overlapping over the long sides if you’d like.) In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs until combined. By hand, mix in the flour mixture. Fold in the apples, cheese and sage. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake until risen and a wooden skewer comes out of the center clean, about 45 minutes. Cool to room temperature before slicing

Country Cappuccino

May 8, 2014 Kristen

8 C. Hot, strong brewed coffee, divided

1/2 C. Sugar

1/4 C. Cocoa

1 tsp. Ground cinnamon

1 T. Vanilla extract

4 C. Half-and-half

Whisk together 1 C. coffee and next 4 ingredients in a large heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 4 to 5 minutes or until smooth and slightly thickened. Gradually add half-and-half; cook, whisking constantly, 4 to 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated (do not boil). Process half of mixture in a blender 1 to 2 minutes or until frothy. Pour 3 1/2 C. coffee into a 2-quart pitcher; add half of frothy coffee mixture. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately, or chill and serve over ice, if desired. Yield: about 12 C

Tiny Fried Tacos

May 7, 2014 Kristen

2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying

1/2 store-bought cooked rotisserie chicken

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon ancho chili powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

24 (3-inch) yellow corn tortillas*

Toppings

1/4 cup crema mexicana or sour cream

1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Hot sauce, to taste

In a large pot, preheat oil to 375Â°F. Remove skin and bones from the chicken and shred meat into a medium bowl. Add lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Place a big pinch of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Using tongs gently fold each tortilla around filling and hold under the oil for a minute before releasing; let it fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Fry tacos a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Drain on paper towels and season with salt to taste. Gently hold each taco open and add toppings as desired.

* If tiny tortillas are difficult to find, use a 3-inch circle cutter to cut mini tortillas out of larger ones.

Super-Small Deep-Dish Pizzas

May 6, 2014 Kristen

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine

1 tablespoon minced oregano

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 (16-ounce) can store-bought biscuit dough

1/2-pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400Â°F. Place tomatoes, wine, oregano, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat; season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and let cool.Â Cut each piece of biscuit dough into thirds. Lightly grease 24 small (2-inch) tart shell tins and place a piece in the center of each. Gently press and spread dough along the bottom and up the sides of the tin. {Tip: If you don’t have small tart shell tins, use a muffin tin.} Press 1 tablespoon of the sausage into each piece of dough and top with a sprinkle of peppers. Toss mozzarella and half of the Parmesan in a small bowl and sprinkle mixture over top. Spoon 1 tablespoon of sauce over the cheeses and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese begins to bubble and crusts are golden brown. Let pizzas cool for a few minutes before removing from pans. Serve warm.

Chicken Cutlets with Honey, Lemon, and Ginger Sauce and Ginger-Honey Walnuts

May 5, 2014 Kristen

Ginger-Honey Walnuts

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

1 small clove garlic, grated

1/2 cup walnut halves

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Lemon Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts (see note)

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 clove garlic, grated

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons honey

1 thinly sliced scallion (about 1 tablespoon, green part only)

To make the walnuts, place the oil, ginger, and garlic in a small skillet. Slowly heat over medium-low until the garlic sizzles. Add the walnuts and honey. Cook on medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting the temperature until the honey boils and sticks to the walnuts and the walnuts turn golden. Sprinkle with the salt, adjusting to taste. Transfer to a side dish or a sheet of aluminum foil. Do not put on paper towels because they will stick. With a sharp knife, fillet the chicken breasts through the thickest part to make 8 cutlets. Place them on a large piece of plastic wrap, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap, and gently but firmly pound the chicken with a meat pounder or the underside of a small, heavy skillet to make fillets of even thickness of 1/4 to 1/3 inch. Spread the flour on a large plate and lightly dredge the cutlets; shake off the excess flour. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, broad skillet until hot enough to sizzle. Add the cutlets a few at a time and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. As the cutlets are cooked, transfer to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the oil in the skillet and let the skillet cool slightly. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Heat and stir over medium-low heat just until the garlic sizzles. Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and honey. Heat, stirring to loosen any browned bits in the skillet, for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture boils and thickens. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the walnuts and the scallions.

Pear, Stilton, and Bacon Salad with Honey-Glazed Pecans

May 4, 2014 Kristen

1/2 cup broken pecans

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 large or 2 small ripe Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears, quartered, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick

4 cups torn mixed salad greens

2 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled

4 ounces (about 1 cup) Stilton, cut into small cubes or crumbled

To make the honey-glazed pecans, tear off a 10-inch sheet of aluminum foil. Place the nuts in a small skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring, until hot. Decrease the heat to low and drizzle with the honey. Cook, stirring and adjusting the heat as needed to boil the honey. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the honey has coated the nuts and they begin to caramelize. Spread the nuts on the foil. Sprinkle with the salt and a grinding of black pepper. Set aside to cool. To make the dressing, whisk the honey, vinegar, and salt in a large bowl until well blended. Place the sliced pears in a separate bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the dressing. Reserve the remaining dressing for the greens.

Everybody Loves Chocolate Pudding

May 3, 2014 Kristen

1 egg

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup light agave nectar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 cups milk, preferably 1 percent

1 1/2 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, agave nectar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. When tiny bubbles appear all around the edge of the pan, add the chocolate, whisking constantly, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Scoop up about 1/3 cup of the heated chocolate milk and slowly drizzle it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then slowly drizzle the egg-chocolate milk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to combine the hot liquid with the raw egg too quickly, or it may result in scrambled chocolate eggs, not chocolate pudding! Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the pudding thickens enough that a defined line remains when you run the spoon through the center. Transfer the pudding to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. If desired, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming on the top. Pack into 5 small containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Kiddie Cobb Salad

May 2, 2014 Kristen

2 cups chopped butter, red leaf, or romaine lettuce

1/2 cup chopped tomato or 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 large ripe avocado, cubed

2 or 3 slices smoked turkey, coarsely chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)

1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Divide the lettuce between two large containers. In each container, arrange half the tomato, avocado, turkey, eggs, and blue cheese (if using) in rows on top of the lettuce. To make the dressing, divide the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil between two small containers. Put on the lids and shake well. MAKE-AHEAD NOTES: the salad and dressing can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator, but wait until morning to cut and add the avocado. Be sure to give your child instructions for drizzling the dressing over the salad at lunchtime.

CachaÃ§a Grilled Chicken Recipe

May 2, 2014 Kristen

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, finely crushed
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried or fresh chopped
4 tablespoons Cachaca
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
few sprigs Italian parsley, finely chopped
lime wedges, to serve (optional)

Open out the chicken thighs and place them on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap and lightly bash them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until the meat is of even thickness. Place in a shallow dish and add the garlic, oregano, cachaÃ§a, olive oil, salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss and coat the chicken, working the marinade into the flesh. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator half an hour before you start cooking and let it come to room temperature. Light the barbecue and let the flames die down before starting to cook. If cooking indoors, heat a griddle pan until hot. If you like, thread the chicken onto metal skewers, which will make it easier to turn them on the barbecue. Cook on the griddle or barbecue for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until just cooked through â€” the chicken should feel firm when lightly pressed. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and lime wedges on the side.

Italian Picnic Sandwich

May 1, 2014 Kristen

2 thin slices prosciutto

One 4-inch piece baguette, preferably whole-wheat, sliced in half horizontally

2/3 cup loosely packed baby arugula

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Pile the prosciutto on the bottom half of the baguette. In a small bowl, toss the arugula with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Pile the arugula on top of the prosciutto and drizzle any dressing remaining over it. Top with the remaining baguette half. Wrap well or store in a snug container.

Pickled Onions, Watermelon Radishes and Raw Chayote

May 1, 2014 Kristen

5 cups white vinegar
2 cups honey
2 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
4 red onions
15 watermelon radishes
8 chayote
2 cups micro cilantro

Place vinegar in pot, add honey and spices. Bring to a boil. Julienne onions and thinly slice radishes on mandolin. Place onions and radishes in vacuum-seal bag and pour hot vinegar solution into bag Â¼ full and vacuum seal the bag. Let compressed radishes and onions sit in solution for 30 to 45 minutes. On mandolin, slice chayote in thin strips. At service, add chayote strips to the solution with the onion and radishes.

Kids’ Favorite Chocolate Fondue

April 30, 2014 Kristen

1/2 cup whipping (35%) cream

8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 T. candy sprinkles

In the top of a double boiler over hot (not boiling) water, heat cream until warm. Add chocolate, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and transfer immediately to dessert fondue pot over candle flame. Add sprinkles just before serving. Spear a piece of fruit or cake with fondue fork and dip in fondue. Serve with: Strawberries, banana slices, orange sections, pear wedges, apple wedges, vanilla wafers, sponge cake cubes, marshmallows, maraschino cherries.

Rio-style Grilled Chicken (Galeto)

April 30, 2014 Kristen

3 whole spring chickens

Marinade:
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground

Basting:
1 bottle ale
An herb brush

Garnish:
Farofa, toasted

Cut chickens in half. Set aside. Place white wine, cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a blender and purÃ©e until smooth. Marinate chicken for up to 2 hours. Skewer the chicken halves and season with additional salt and pepper. Grill the chickens over a charcoal fire and baste the chicken with the ale, brushing the meat every 5 minutes with an herb brush. Serve with toasted farofa.

Raspberry Fondue

April 29, 2014 Kristen

14 oz. frozen raspberries in light syrup, thawed

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. cold water

In a sieve over a bowl, drain raspberries, reserving 1 cup syrup. In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until dissolved. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm reserved syrup for about 3 minutes. Add dissolved cornstarch and continue heating for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in raspberries; mix well. Transfer immediately to dessert fondue pot over candle flame. Spear a piece of fruit or cake with fondue fork and dip in fondue. Serve with: Chocolate cupcake cubes, ladyfingers, shortbread cookies, scone cubes.

Child-Friendly Mexican Fondue

April 28, 2014 Kristen

10 oz. old Cheddar cheese, grated

5 oz. sharp processed Cheddar cheese, grated

3 T. cornstarch

1 cup unsweetened apple cider

2 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 T. mild salsa

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

In a bowl, combine old Cheddar, sharp Cheddar and cornstarch; mix well to coat cheese with cornstarch. Set aside. In the top of double boiler set over simmering (not boiling) water, combine apple cider and lime juice; bring to a simmer. Add cheese mixture by handfuls to double boiler, stirring constantly after each addition with a wooden spoon in a figure-eight motion until cheese is melted. Stir in salsa, mixing well. Transfer to fondue pot and garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately. Tips: For a spicier fondue, use hot instead of mild salsa, or stir in 1 T. chopped pickled jalapeÃ±os to the cheese just before transferring to fondue pot. Sharp processed Cheddar cheese is found in the refrigerator section of the supermarket. Its strong flavor makes it a wonderful addition to fondues. Grate directly from refrigerator while still cold.

Heirloom Tomato and Plum Salad

April 28, 2014 Kristen

Â¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
Â½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges
2 plums, sliced into wedges
4 oz arugula

Place the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper in a mason jar and shake vigorously till emulsified. Combine tomatoes, plums and arugula in your serving bowl. Just before serving, top with vinaigrette to taste.

Carolina Chicken Pilau

April 27, 2014 Kristen

1 tsp. olive oil

4 small bone-in chicken-breast halves, skin removed

2 slice bacon, cut in 1/4-inch dice

1 large onion, cut lengthwise in half then thinly sliced crosswise

1 C. long-grain rice

1 can (14 1/2-oz.) chicken broth

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 C. loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped

In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook about 8 minutes or until golden, turning over once. Transfer chicken to plate. Reduce heat to medium; add bacon and cook 4 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Remove bacon with slotted spoon to small bowl. Discard all but 2 tsp. bacon fat from skillet. Add onion to same skillet and cook, covered, 10 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add rice and stir until evenly coated. Stir in bacon, broth, salt, pepper, and 1/2 C. water. Return chicken to skillet; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, 20 to 25 minutes or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with tip of knife and rice is tender. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

Melopita

April 27, 2014 Kristen

For the Filling:

1 lb. soft Myzithra or Ricotta cheese
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup honey
zest of one lemon, grated
3 T. flour
1/4 cup sugar
Ground cinnamon and more honey for serving

For the crust: (You can also substitute a prepared pie shell)

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 T. brandy or cognac
2 T. ice water
8 T. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut in to 1/4 inch pieces

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

To make crust in Food Processor: Add flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Pulse a few times to mix. Add chilled butter pieces and process until crumbly, like wet sand. Add egg yolk, vanilla, brandy, and 1 T. ice water. Process until dough pulls together and forms a ball away from the sides. Add an additional T. of water if it seems too dry. Turn out on to a lightly floured surface and flatten dough in to a round disk. Chill dough while you prepare the filling.

To make the crust by hand: In a large mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, and salt. Mix to combine. Add the butter pieces and using two forks or a pastry blender, cut the butter in to the flour. (You can also use your hands for this.) The mixture should resemble coarse sand when the butter is incorporated fully. Add egg yolk, vanilla, brandy, and water and mix to incorporate, kneading dough into a smooth ball. Flatten in to a round disk and chill while mixing the filling.

Make the Filling: To a medium sized bowl add Myzithra or Ricotta cheese, eggs, honey, lemon zest, flour, and sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Using a rolling pin, roll out your dough to the approximate size of your baking pan. I use a 10-inch tart circle with a removable bottom. You can substitute a spring form pan, a round cake pan, or even a pie dish. Lightly grease the pan’s bottom and sides. Your dough should be large enough to push up the sides of your pan. The easiest way to transfer the dough from the counter to the pan is to roll it back on to your rolling pin and then unroll it over the pan.
Press the dough in to the sides and bottom of the pan. Add filling and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until the filling sets (it won’t jiggle in the center) and it begins to turn a golden brown color. Baking times will vary according to the size you choose to make. For a 10-inch tart, it should take around 40 minutes. A deeper, 9-inch pie plate could take up to 50 minutes. Be sure to monitor your pie after 35 minutes of baking time. Serve on a plate drizzled with honey and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Guadalajara Beef

April 26, 2014 Kristen

1 bottle (12 ounces) Mexican dark beer

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

4 beef bottom sirloin steaks or boneless tri tip steaks (4 to 6 ounces each)

Salt and black pepper

Red, green, yellow bell peppers cut lengthwise into quarters, seeded (optional)

Combine beer, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, chili powder and hot pepper sauce in a large shallow glass dish or heavy plastic bag. Add beef cover dish or close bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours turning beef several times. Remove beef from marinade and discard marinade. Season with salt and pepper.

Oil hot grill to prevent sticking. Grill beef and peppers, if desired on covered grill about 8 to 12 minutes turning once. Beef should be medium doneness and peppers tender

Black Bean Omelet with Avocado Salsa Verde

April 26, 2014 Kristen

1 cup Black beans, cooked
3 Tbsp. Canola oil
2 T. White onion, diced
1 ea Serrano chile, minced
6 ea. Eggs
Â½ tea. Sea salt
1 tea. Canola oil
Â¼ cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
Avocado Salsa Verde

In a skillet with the canola oil, sautÃ© the scallions, garlic, and cayenne for 1 minute; add the tomato and beans and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Season to taste, set aside and keep warm. In a bowl, the beat eggs and salt. Heat an 8-inch skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter and then pour in the Â¼ of the egg mixture. As the eggs set, lift the edges, letting the uncooked portion flow underneath. When the eggs are nearly set, sprinkle the Â¼ of the bean mixture over one side; sprinkle with Â¼ cup grated cheese. Fold the omelet over the filling; cover and let stand for 1 minute or until the cheese is melted. Serve with a dollop of Avocado Salsa Verde.

Avocado Salsa Verde

1 large Avocado, peeled, seeded and cut in Â½â€ diced
1 Tomato, seeded and cut into Â¼â€ dice
2 T. Red Onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. minced and seeded Serrano Chile
Â½ tsp. minced Garlic
1 T. fresh Lime Juice
2 T. chopped Cilantro
Large Pinch Sugar
Salt & Pepper

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Cheese Crackers

April 25, 2014 Kristen

8 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Â½ stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 t kosher salt
1 c flour
2 T ice water
Directions: Pre-heat oven to 375

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine cheese, butter, and salt. Add the flour and mix until pebble like in consistency. Slowly add in the ice water and mix until a dough forms. Flatten dough in to a disk and wrap in cling wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll dough out as thinly as possible. Use a Cube-It cutter to create your square crackers. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until golden brown

Carne Asada (Grilled Skirt Steak)

April 25, 2014 Kristen

2 cups of orange juice

1/4 C. Red Wine Vinegar

1 tablespoon of lime juice

1 tablespoon of ground cumin seed

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3lb. Skirt Steak

Combine marinade ingredients. Place meat in a large Ziploc bag and pour in marinade; massage to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until next day, turning meat occasionally. Place meat on a grill 4-5 inches above a solid bed of medium-hot coals. Cook until meat is done to your liking (about 5 minutes on each side for rare, 6 minutes for flank steak). Slice diagonally across grain and serve with salsa and tortillas, if desired.

Melt in Your Mouth Oven Roasted Potatoes

April 24, 2014 Kristen

1 T. olive oil

1/2 lb. hickory smoked, thick sliced bacon

3 1/2 lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated

Coarse salt

Fresh ground pepper

Fresh parsley

Scrub potatoes and place in a large pot. Fill pot with water until potatoes are covered by 2-3 inches of water. Bring water to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. My potatoes were fairly large, so this took close to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, partially freeze bacon for easier cutting. (Ten minutes in the freezer works well.) Slice bacon strips in half, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. I like to cut my bacon prior to cooking. It’s easier to work with in the skillet and easy to drain with slotted spoon. Cook bacon in a skillet until golden, but still flexible. You don’t want it crunchy. Remove cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the bacon drippings. Check potatoes and if fork tender, drain and allow to cool. If making this recipe again, I would peel the potatoes before I boiled them or try leaving the skins on all-together. Yukon Golds have a relatively thin skin, so I think this would have added a nice look and texture to the potatoes. While potatoes are cooling, preheat the oven to 425Â° and mince the garlic and parsley. Also, grate the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Next, prepare the baking sheet by brushing 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half the bacon drippings on the bottom of the pan. I used a fairly large cookie sheet for this and it worked well. Once the potatoes are cool, peel and cut in half, or quarter if potatoes are large. Place cut side down on prepared pan and sprinkle with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper. Place in 425Â° oven for 35-40 minutes. Rotate potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure an even color. I did not do this and some of mine were more golden than others. Reduce temperature to 375Â°, turn potatoes over and sprinkle with the bacon, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are evenly browned and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Makes 4-6 servings, depending on serving size. Serve immediately!

Fried Asparagus, Ham & Cheese Bundles

April 24, 2014 Kristen

4 thin slices mild, easy to melt cheese
4 Asparagus Spears, cooked until just tender
4 thin slices cooked Ham
Beaten Egg for coating
Flour for coating
Olive Oil

Put 1 slice of the mild cheese and 1 asparagus spear on each slice of cooked ham and carefully roll each one up to form a cylinder. Dip the ham rolls in the egg and then the flour, then fry them in a little hot oil until they are golden brown. Serve immediately.

Caramelized Onion, Rosemary and Fresh Tomato Bread

April 23, 2014 Kristen

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup chopped onions

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 package active yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

3 cups bread flour

1 tablespoon salt

Flour, for dusting

4 medium tomatoes, rinsed, cored and ends removed

Crushed red pepper

Olive oil, for brushing

2 ounces Fontina Cheese, grated

2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

In a sautÃ© pan, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Season with salt and pepper. SautÃ© until caramelized, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic. Continue to sautÃ© for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, 2 tablespoons of the oil, warm water, rosemary, and caramelized onions. Whisk until the yeast dissolves. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes. Stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until all is incorporated and the dough has come together. Flour a smooth surface and knead the dough several times. Grease a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of the oil. Add the dough, turn once and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft free area and let rise for 2 hours, or until double in size. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Divide the dough in half, working with one half of the dough at a time, divide the dough into 6 pieces. Form each piece into round balls. Roll each ball into 4-inch rounds. Place the rounds on parchment lined baking sheets. Lay 4 slices of the tomatoes over each round of dough. Season with salt and crushed red pepper. Lightly brush the tops of each round of dough with olive oil. Allow the rounds to rest for 20 minutes. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Repeat the above process with the remaining dough. Remove the pans from the oven and sprinkle each round with both of the cheeses. Place back in the oven and bake until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Cheese Mole (Mole de Queso)

April 23, 2014 Kristen

3 ea. Pasilla chile, stemmed, seeded, veined
2 ea. Guajillo chile, stemmed, seeded, veined
1 ea. Garlic clove
Â½ ea. White onion
250 g Queso fresco, sliced
Â½ cup Canola oil
Salt to taste

Dry roast the cleaned chiles in a comal over medium-low heat until soft and aromatic. Cover with boiling water and soak for 15 minutes or until soft. Transfer the chiles, garlic, and onion to a metate and grind until smooth. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and fry the chile mixture; season to taste with salt. Cut the cheese in medium-thick slices. Heat Â¼ cup of oil and fry the cheese until it is seared and golden on both sides. Place the cheese on the plate and cover with the mole. Serve with warmed corn tortillas.

Bobby’s Goulash

April 22, 2014 Kristen

2 T. EVOO
3 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes
1 29oz can tomato sauce
3 T. soy sauce
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 C. uncooked elbow macaroni

In a large dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in the oil about 10 minutes, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks. Add the onion; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients except the macaroni. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in the macaroni; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Let the goulash stand for 20 minutes before serving.

Cajun Hot Tomato Bread

April 22, 2014 Kristen

1 C. Bloody Mary mix

1 C. water

1 package active dry yeast

1/3 C. honey

1/4 C. vegetable oil

1/4 C. chopped green onion tops

1/4 C. chopped parsley

1 clove garlic, pressed

1 tsp. salt

5 1/2 C. flour

In small saucepan, combine Bloody Mary mix and water. Cook over low heat to 105-115[F. Pour into large warm mixing bowl and add yeast; stir until dissolved. Add honey, oil, onion tops, parsley, garlic and salt; mix well. Add 1 C. flour and stir until smooth. Stir in more flour until a firm dough is formed. Knead on a lightly floured board about 5 minutes. Shape into a ball and place in a large greased bowl; turn to grease all sides. Cover bowl and set in a warm place to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Punch dough down and divide into 2 equal parts. Shape each piece into a loaf and place in a greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Bake 400[F about 30 minutes or until loaves have a hollow sound when tapped and crust is brown. Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.

Lemony Asparagus

April 21, 2014 Kristen

2 T. unsalted butter
1 pound thin, tender asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1 1/2″ pieces
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly grated ground black pepper
Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and toss to coat. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender, shaking the pan occasionally. stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with lemon zest.

Dashimaki Tamago

April 21, 2014 Kristen

5 eggs

2 tsp. sugar

Â¼ tsp. salt

Â½ C. dashi

2 tsp. Japanese soy sauce

Vegetable oil for cooking

Parsley sprigs for garnish

Beat eggs until well mixed. Dissolve sugar and salt in the dashi, stir in soy sauce, then mix with beaten eggs. Heat omelet pan and grease with a few drops of oil. Pour in a third of the egg mixture and tilt pan so it covers entire surface. Cook on low heat (omelet must not brown) until it is set, then roll the omelet away from you. When omelet is completely rolled up, lightly grease pan again, slide omelet towards you and grease that part of the pan where omelet was. Pour in half the remaining mixture and lift the egg roll so the uncooked egg can cover the base of pan. Cook as before and roll again, this time rolling the first omelet within the second one. Repeat as before, using the remaining beaten egg. Turn the omelet on to a sudare (bamboo mat) or a clean cloth and roll the omelet firmly. Leave it for 10 minutes, then remove mat and cut the rolled egg into thick slices. Serve garnished with parsley.

Bento, Lunch,

Beer Bread

April 20, 2014 Kristen

3 cup flour, sifted (you must SIFT!)
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1â„4 cup sugar
12 oz can beer
1â„2 cup butter, melted (1/4 cup will do just fine)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix dry ingredients and beer. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
Pour melted butter over mixture. Bake 1 hour, remove from pan and cool for at least 15 minutes. NOTES: This recipe makes a very hearty bread with a crunchy, buttery crust. If you prefer a softer crust (like a traditional bread) mix the butter into the batter instead of pouring it over the top.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels

April 20, 2014 Kristen

1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 lb. lean ground beef, cooked and drained

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

3 T. pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 375Â°F. Remove crescent rolls from can and lay out in a long rectangle. Pinch the seams together well. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of crescent rolls. Sprinkle ground beef and bacon. Drizzle with pizza sauce. Roll up like a cinnamon roll and cut into 8 rolls. Place in a lightly greased pie pan or 9-in square baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

April 19, 2014 Kristen

1 medium Granny Smith apple (peeled & cored, cut into 1/4″-thick wedges)

2 T. Butter

1 medium Onion

1/3 tsp. curry powder (or to taste)

1 lb. Kale (tough stems removed, leaves coarsely chopped)

1/2 C. water

1/2 tsp. tamari soy sauce (or to taste)

Heat Butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat until hot but not smoking, then sautÃ© chopped Onion, stirring occasionally, until golden. Add apple and curry powder and sautÃ©, stirring, until apple is almost tender, about 2 minutes. Add kale and water and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until kale is tender and most of liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Drizzle with tamari soy sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

April 18, 2014 Kristen

1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 whole lemons, one juiced and one sliced
2 whole oranges, one juiced and one sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
10-12 pieces (about 4 1/2 lbs.) bone-in chicken parts (thighs and legs are best), pat dry
1 medium onion (any kind), thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh chopped
1 tablespoon dried rosemary, or fresh chopped
Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), for garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Place chicken in a rimmed 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place parts skin side up and spread them out evenly in the pan. Pour olive oil mixture all over chicken, turning pieces to coat all sides. (If you marinated the chicken in this mixture, still add it all in). Arrange slices of lemon, orange and onion around and under the chicken. Sprinkle all over generously with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear. Remove parts to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy!

For best results, chicken can be marinated in a plastic container or bag for several hours or overnight in the olive oil mixture.