Mojo Flat Iron Steak

Mojo Flat Iron Steak

Mojo Flat Iron Steak

2 teaspoons grated orange rind

¼ cup fresh orange juice

2 teaspoons grated lime rind

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder

1 (1-pound) flat iron steak, trimmed

Cooking spray

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1 cup finely chopped peeled seeded cucumber

3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

 

Combine orange rind, orange juice, lime rind, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon oil, and next 4 ingredients (through chipotle) in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add steak, turning to coat. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature, turning occasionally. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Sprinkle steak with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add steak to pan; grill 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or to desired degree of doneness. Place steak on a cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Slice steak across the grain. Combine remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining ingredients in a bowl. Serve with steak.

 

Campfire Cowboy Beans

Campfire Cowboy Beans

Campfire Cowboy Beans

½ lb. ground beef, browned and drained

1/2 lb. bacon, sliced, browned and drained, optional

1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 cans pork and beans

½ cup chopped onion

1 can chopped chiles

½ cup barbecue sauce

 

Arrange 8 hot coals in a circle. Place a Dutch oven with feet over hot coals. Sauté chopped onion in oven with 1 T. vegetable oil until translucent. Add remaining ingredients and cover with flat lid. Place 8-10 hot coals around perimeter of lid. Simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add new coals after the first 30 minutes.  Serve hot with cornbread or corn pudding.

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

Savory Scallion and Cheese Scones

1 cup (230 g) cottage cheese

4 tablespoons milk, plus more for brushing on top

2½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

¾ teaspoon salt

â…› teaspoon black pepper

6 tablespoons (80 g) unsalted butter, chilled and diced

3 scallions, green and white parts, thinly sliced (about ½ cup sliced)

 

Preheat oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner. Puree the cottage cheese and milk together until smooth in a blender or food processor; set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with a fork or using two butter knives until it looks like coarse meal. Add the scallion and stir in the cottage cheese/milk puree. (The dough should come together, but not be too wet; if the dough is still too crumbly, you can add milk a little at a time until it comes together.) Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk; wrap it in plastic wrap and chill 10 minutes in the freezer. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough out to a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and ¾ inch thick. Use a floured 2½ inch round cookie cutter to stamp out the scones, then gather up the dough scraps and repeat as necessary (you should get about 8 to 10 scones). Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with a little milk, and bake until puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 14 to 16 minutes. Serve warm. (Leftover scones will keep for a couple days in an airtight container at room temperature; you can reheat them in the microwave before serving.)

Camp Cobbler

Camp Cobbler

Camp Cobbler

1 can Large sliced peaches
1 can Large fruit cocktail
1 can Small crushed pineapples
½ cup Instant tapioca
¼ lb Margarine
1 cup Brown sugar
1 pk Cake mix

In a 12 inch foil lined Dutch oven, combine fruit and tapioca. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over top of fruit. Sprinkle brown sugar over cake mix. Dab butter All over top of brown sugar. Place lid on oven. Bake 45 minutes to one hour. USE six to eight coals on the bottom, and fourteen to sixteen coals on the top. Cake is done when top is brown and cake has absorbed juices and is no longer dry.

Campfire Grandma’s Bean Soup

Campfire Grandma’s Bean Soup

Campfire Grandma’s Bean Soup

 

¼ lb. bacon, cut into ½” pieces

2 cans northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 can chicken broth

¼ cup ketchup

½ tsp. sea salt

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

Arrange 8 hot coals in a circle. Place a 12″ Dutch oven with feet over hot coals. Saute chopped bacon until lightly browned. Remove bacon and set aside. Add 1 can northern beans and the cannellini beans to Dutch oven. Pour in chicken broth. Add salt and pepper and let simmer for 20 minutes. In the meantime, mash remaining northern beans with a fork and add to Dutch oven. Add ketchup and simmer additional 20 minutes.

Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Tapenade

Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Tapenade

Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Tapenade from My Paris Kitchen (tapenade d’olives vertes au basilic et aux amandes)

2 C. (260g) green olives, pitted

1/3 C. (35g) whole untoasted almonds

1 small clove garlic, peeled and minced

11/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp. capers, rinsed and squeezed dry

1/2 C. (15g) loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 C. (125ml) olive oil Sea salt or kosher salt

Put the olives, almonds, garlic, lemon juice, and capers in the bowl of a food processor. (I don’t use a mortar and pestle for this because I like the slightly chunky bits of almonds in the finished tapenade.) Coarsely chop the basil leaves, add them to the processor, and pulse the machine a few times to start breaking them down. Add the olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Pulse the food processor until the mixture forms a coarse paste, one that still has a little texture provided by the not-entirely-broken-down almonds. The tapenade will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Serve with crudités.

 

1 C. mayonnaise

1/2 C. sour cream

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. minced fresh parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced

1/8 tsp. pepper

 

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Transfer dip to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until flavors are blended, at least 1 hour. Serve. (Dip can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

Marinated Mushrooms

Marinated Mushrooms

Marinated Mushrooms

 

Cooking the mushrooms over relatively high heat encourages them to quickly

release liquid, which can then be reduced to a concentrated, flavorful glaze.

 

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper

1 lb. cremini or white mushrooms, trimmed, left whole if small, halved if medium, quartered if large

3 tsp. lemon juice
1 garlic clove, sliced very thin
1 large shallot, minced
1/4 small red bell pepper, chopped fine

1 tsp. minced fresh thyme or 1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley or basil

 

Heat 3 tsp. oil, pepper flakes, and ‘h tsp. salt in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms and 2 tsp. lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms release moisture, moisture evaporates, and mushrooms have browned around edges, about 10 minutes. Spread mushrooms in single layer on large plate or rimmed baking sheet; cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. When cooled, transfer mushrooms to medium bowl, leaving behind any juices. Stir garlic, shallot, and bell pepper into mushrooms, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 6 or up to 24 hours. Allow mushrooms to stand at room temperature about 1 hour. Stir in remaining 1 tsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. lemon juice, and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Beef & Veggie Low Calorie Soup

Beef & Veggie Low Calorie Soup

Beef & Veggie Low Calorie Soup

½ lb. 4% fat Ground Beef

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 box low sodium Beef Broth

1 T. Worcestershire Sauce

2 bunches Scallions, chopped

3 Stalks Celery, diced

1 can Green Beans, undrained

1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed

1 can Stewed Tomatoes, undrained

Cayenne Pepper, to taste

1 bunch Spinach, rough chopped

1 bunch Kale, stems removed, rough chopped

3-4 C. Water

1 T. Thyme

1 T. Rosemary

Salt & Pepper to taste

 

Cook ground beef in stew pot with no added oil, stirring occasionally and breaking up into small pieces until browned. Stir in garlic and cook just a minute or two. Add beef broth and Worcestershire and heat over medium-high. Add scallions, celery, green beans, black beans and tomatoes. Bring to a slow boil, mostly cover and allow to cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir in seasonings

 

10 servings, 125 calories per Serving

Tomatoes Jarra Marra

Tomatoes Jarra Marra

Tomatoes Jarra Marra

One or two tomatoes per person, sliced or quartered. For cherry tomatoes, use a small handful per person, cut in half.

Olive oil

Sherry vinegar

ground cumin

oregano (fresh or dried)

salt and pepper

black olives for garnish

parsley (fresh or dried) for garnish

 

Arrange the tomatoes on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and sherry vinegar. Season with ground cumin, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with black olives and parsley. Serve with crusty bread for sopping up the juices and dressing.

Mojo Potatoes

Mojo Potatoes

Mojo Potatoes

 

6 large Idaho baking potatoes

2 C. flour

1⁄2 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. garlic powder

Pinch Paprika

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1 large egg beaten with 3 T. Milk

oil

Cook potatoes whole – steam, bake, or microwave. Cool. Cut each potato into 1/4″ rounds. Heat oil to 375°F. Stir together the flour, cayenne, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. (you can adjust seasonings to your liking). Dip each potato wedge into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Deep fry wedges without overcrowding, until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Gourmet Tuna Pot Pie

Gourmet Tuna Pot Pie

Gourmet Tuna Pot Pie

All purpose flour for dusting

1 prepared pie dough

½ tsp. rosemary, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 large leek, white and pale green part only, thinly sliced

1 large carrot, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced

8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced

4 T. heavy cream

3 (5 ounce) cans Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil, drained

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Dust a clean work surface lightly with flour. Place pie dough on work surface; sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Lightly dust top of dough with a bit of flour and press rosemary into surface of dough with rolling pin. Set aside. Place oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add leek, carrot and mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until leeks have softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in cream and let cook for 1 minute. Stir in tuna and remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Place crust on top, trimming so an inch of excess dough extends beyond dish; roll and pinch excess dough to make a nice looking edge. Bake until crust is golden, and filling is heated through, about 18 minutes.

Traditional Ploughman’s Plate

Traditional Ploughman’s Plate

Pub food – the traditional Ploughman’s Plate with Scotch Eggs, cheeses, farmer’s bread, Branston Pickle, etc.

 

 

 

(I am not a fan of that Branston Pickle!)

 

 

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large head of broccoli, about 1 1/2 pounds, cut into small florets

3 cloves garlic, peeled

3/4 pound rigatoni

1 T. olive oil, plus more for pan

1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage with fennel (removed from casing if uncooked or thinly sliced if precooked)

1 can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

2/3 pound skim mozzarella, grated, 1/4 C. reserved

3/4 C. skim ricotta cheese

1/2 C. chicken stock

1/2 C. Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated, 1/4 C. reserved

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground pepper

3 T. breadcrumbs

1 T. olive oil

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 9-x-13-inch gratin or baking dish. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 tsp. of salt, broccoli and garlic. Simmer the broccoli and garlic for 5 minutes, until softened. With a slotted spoon remove the broccoli and garlic to a large bowl. Bring the water back to the boil, add the pasta, and cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest, about 11 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, a little firm. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add sausage and the garlic cloves from the broccoli bowl, and cook, stirring frequently until meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes, if using fresh sausage. (If using fully cooked sausage, cook until surface is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.) With a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to the broccoli, and drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 2 T.. Discard the garlic. Toss drained pasta with sausage mixture. Add beans, stock, 3/4 C. of grated mozzarella cheese and all of the ricotta. Add remaining salt and pepper. Gently toss. Transfer to prepared gratin or baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 C. of grated cheese and 1/4 C. mozzarella cheese, and drizzle with olive oil. If making this in advance, allow the mixture to come to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Bake for 25 minutes, until heated through and crusty on top

 

From Cook Yourself Thin. 8 servings, 529 Calories

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Poached Eggs in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Poached Eggs in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Poached Eggs in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

2 T. Oil

4 small portobello mushrooms, stems removed

salt and pepper to taste

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms

1/2 C. hot water

1 T. butter

1 shallot, finely diced

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp. thyme, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 C. cream

1/2 C. parmigiana Reggiano (parmesan), grated

10 ounces spinach, steamed and squeezed to drain

4 eggs

 

Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in the hot water for 20 minutes. Brush the portobello mushrooms with the oil, season with salt and pepper, bake in a preheated 400F/200C oven until tender, about 10-30 minutes, with the gill side up and set them aside to cool. (Note: Roasting time can vary greatly depending on how thick your mushrooms are.) Drain the mushrooms and chop them reserving the water. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the porcini mushrooms, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the reserved water and simmer at medium-high until reduced by half, about 3-5 minutes. Add the cream and parmigiana Reggiano and simmer until it thickens, about 2-4 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.

Crack an egg into a bowl, swirl the water in the pot and pour the egg from the bowl into the water and repeat for another egg. Let the eggs cook until the whites are set but the yolks are not, about 2-3 minutes and fish them out. Divide the mushrooms between two plates, top with the spinach, the poached eggs and then pour on the mushroom sauce.

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

1 Egg, beaten

¼ C. Low Fat Milk

¼ C. canned Pumpkin

1 T. Brown Sugar

¼ tsp. Vanilla

4 slices French Bread

In medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients except bread. 2. Spray a nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Gently dip French bread in the egg mixture, making sure to let excess liquid drip off and place in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Repeat if needed with remaining slices of bread.

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 170

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 1g

Green Tomato Preserves

Green Tomato Preserves

Green Tomato Preserves

4 lb. green tomatoes

1 lemon, juice of

5 C. sugar

1⁄8 C. crystallized ginger to 1/4 C. crystallized ginger (optional)

Wash the tomatoes, core and cut into chunks; place in a large canning kettle. Add the lemon juice and sugar, bring to a boil and continue boiling until syrup is thick. Ladle into hot sterilized jars and process in water bath as recommended in your area.

 

Onion-Thyme Jam

Onion-Thyme Jam

Onion-Thyme Jam

Makes about 1 cup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 medium sweet onions, chopped (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)

1 bay leaf

1 roasted garlic clove, mashed (optional)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

 

Melt the butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few cracks of pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.  Add the vinegar and sugar and cook, stirring frequently, 20 minutes or longer until thickened. Remove bay leaf.  Transfer jam to a bowl and let cool. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.  Can be refrigerated for a few days; return to room temperature before serving.

Bacon, Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Bacon, Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Bacon, Cheddar Zucchini Bread

3 eggs

1 Tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup or 120 ml oil

Half (about 1 cup) of a whole zucchini, washed and shredded

1 cup cooked and drained chopped bacon (cooled)

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

6 Tablespoons of milk

1 1/2 cups All Purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

 

In a mixer, add eggs, sugar, oil and mix for 5 minutes . Switch off mixer and using a wooden spoon, add the zucchini, bacon and cheese. Combine well. Then add 6 Tablespoons of milk.   In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and baking powder, salt & pepper then add that slowly to the wet mix and combine well. Pour the batter into the lined bread pan and bake at 325 F / 170 C for 1 hr 20 minutes. Test with a toothpick the center is cooked.

Chicken Avocado Lime Soup

Chicken Avocado Lime Soup

Chicken Avocado Lime Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped green onions

2 jalapeños, seeded and minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 14.5 ounce cans chicken broth

1 1/2 cups water

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 Roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

Salt & Pepper, to taste

4 radishes, sliced into thin disks

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

3 tablespoons lime juice

3 medium avocados, peeled and diced

 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the green onions and jalapeno and sauté for 2 minutes, just until tender. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the chicken breasts, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and coriander, and salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are cooked through. Remove the chicken and turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the radishes. When the chicken is cool enough to handle (about 5 minutes) shred with two forks or put it in the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer and use the beater to shred it quickly (such a great kitchen trick that I use whenever I need to shred meat!). Add the shredded chicken back into the soup, along with the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Add the avocados just before serving the soup, or put about 1/2 cup of chopped avocado into each serving bowl before ladling soup over the top. You can also add crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or shredded cheese, if you desire.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 122

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 1g

Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Garlic Bread

Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Garlic Bread

Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Garlic Bread

1 head garlic, roasted

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups room temperature water

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

 

To roast the garlic, heat the oven to 425 degrees.  Slice the top off the head of a garlic bulb to expose the cloves, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the exposed garlic cloves.  Wrap in tinfoil and roast for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and cool until the soft garlic can be squeezed out of the papery skin.

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, yeast, rosemary, and roasted garlic.  Add the water and stir to combine, just until it starts to come together in a very shaggy dough.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter at room temperature for 12-18 hours.

 

When you are ready to bake the bread, place a dutch oven, pizza stone, or other oven-safe pan in the oven to preheat and heat the oven to 450 degrees.

 

Working on a clean, well-floured surface, turn the dough out onto the counter or table and shape into a ball using floured hands.  The dough will be very sticky.   Drop the ball of dough into the preheated dutch oven or other baking dish, cover with lid or an oven-safe bowl, and bake for 30 minutes with the lid on.  Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty on top. Remove bread from the dutch oven to cool completely before slicing.

 

Recipe Notes

I have switched it up and used bread flour in place of all-purpose flour with good results, or some combination of the two, if you prefer bread flour for making bread. Preheating the dutch oven prevents the bread from sticking to the bottom, but if you are concerned, you can slide the ball of dough onto a piece of parchment paper before placing in the dutch oven.

 

Try adding 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mix-ins in the following combinations in place of the roasted garlic & rosemary for a totally different and delicious bread!

 

Cranberry Pecan

Hazelnuts & Dried Cherries

Cheddar Jalapeno

Cranberry, Orange Zest, & Sliced Almonds

Raisin Walnut Cinnamon

Pumpkin, Sunflower, & Poppy Seeds

Sun-dried Tomato with chopped Basil

Lemon zest, Thyme, & Asiago

Pepperoni & Mozzarella

Dark Chocolate, Dried Cherry, Pecan

 

Or leave out any mix-ins for a perfectly wonderful plain loaf that will go with any soup, salad or dinner!

Creamy Spiced Oatmeal

Creamy Spiced Oatmeal

Creamy Spiced Oatmeal

 

1 C. Steel Cut Oats

1 T.  Lemon Juice

Pinch Salt

¼ C. Cranberries

¼ tsp. Cinnamon

1/8 tsp. Ginger

1/8 tsp. Cardamom

1 T. Honey

¼ C. Almond Milk

1 T. Sliced Almonds

 

Put the oats and lemon juice in a bowl and cover with water.  Let soak overnight.  Drain and rinse in a sieve with cold water.   In 1 quart microwave safe bowl, put oats, salt, raisins and spices with 2 cups water.  Microwave uncovered for 6 minutes at 50% power.  Add almond milk and honey to serve.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

8oz elbow macaroni pasta

1lb lean ground beef

6 bacon strips, cooked and cut into pieces

1.5 cup beef broth

1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons ketchup

1-2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

 

Cook the bacon first, I prefer to cook it on a sheet pan in the oven until it’s crispy but you can cook it whatever way you prefer. Drain it on paper towels and cut it or break it into small pieces and set aside.

Cook your macaroni according to directions on the pack, then drain. While the macaroni is cooking brown the beef in a large skillet until fully cooked. If after cooking the beef has a lot of fat/liquid/juice left you can pour some of that off, I prefer to use lean beef and keep some of the juice as I think it adds to the flavor. Measure the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch into a small bowl or measuring jug and mix well to combine the cornstarch. Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with the beef broth mixture, stir well to combine beef, pasta, bacon, and sauce. Cook on a medium heat until the sauce bubbles and thickens. If it’s too thick for you, thin it out with a little more beef broth. Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the top of the skillet cheeseburger mixture. Cover and cook on very low heat until cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard Dip

Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard Dip

Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard Dip

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup top-quality mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons grainy mustard

8 ounces thinly sliced salami

To make the dip, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and grainy mustard in a small serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve, ideally at least 2 hours.  Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set 2 oven racks at the center most positions.  Lay the salami slices out in a single layer on the baking sheets. Bake until they are evenly browned and rigid, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. The salami will crisp further as it cools.  Arrange the salami chips in a bowl or on a plate, with the dip alongside.

One Pan Coconut Curry Shrimp with Rice

One Pan Coconut Curry Shrimp with Rice

One Pan Coconut Curry Shrimp with Rice

 

2 tablespoons red curry paste

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon less-sodium soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 shallot, chopped

1 red or orange bell pepper, chopped

4 cups frozen rice

2 tablespoons chopped or chiffonade-cut fresh Thai basil

2 tablespoons chopped scallion, white and light green parts only

1/2 lime

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F, with a rack in the center position. ln a large bowl, whisk together the red curry paste, curry powder, and coconut milk, adding the coconut milk slowly to prevent lumps. Whisk in the brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, and salt. Add the shrimp, shallot, and bell pepper and toss to coat. Arrange the frozen rice around the sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, leaving the center bare. Pour the shrimp and sauce into the center of the dish. Cover the dish with foil, transfer to the oven, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the rice is moist and tender, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Remove from the oven, toss the basil and scallion on top of the shrimp, and squeeze the fresh lime over it all. Serve hot.

Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onions

Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onions

Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onions

4 (6- to 8-oz.) bone-in pork rib chops (1 to 1 1/4 inches thick)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 red Cooking Apples such as Braeburn, cut into ½ inch wedges

1 medium-size yellow onion, sliced into ½” wedges

1/3 cup chicken broth

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons bourbon or stock

8 small fresh thyme sprigs

Preheat oven to 450°. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Cook in hot oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from skillet.  Add apples and onion to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes or until browned. Remove from skillet. Add broth to skillet, and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from bottom of skillet. Whisk together cream and mustard; add to skillet, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbly.  Remove skillet from heat and stir in bourbon. Add pork, turning to coat, and top with apples, onions, and thyme.  Bake at 450° for 10 minutes or until liquid is just beginning to bubble. Let stand in skillet 5 minutes before serving.

Avocado & Baby Swiss Scramble

Avocado & Baby Swiss Scramble

Avocado & Baby Swiss Scramble

 

12 Extra Large Eggs

1/4 C. Heavy Whipping Cream

3 tsp. Unsalted Cultured Butter

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 oz. Baby Swiss Cheese (thinly sliced)

3 ripe avocados (pitted and sliced)

Fresh chives (for garnish)

 

Crack the eggs into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add cream and whisk until the mixture becomes foamy and light.  In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams, then turn the heat down to low and slowly pour in the egg mixture.  Using a heat resistant rubber spatula, slowly stir the eggs from the outside of the pan to the center. Once eggs begin to set, stirring slowly will create large, cloud-like curds. The cooking process takes about 10 minutes to create nice soft eggs.  Season the eggs with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt. Serve with a few slices of avocado and Baby Swiss, and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives.

Peaches ‘n Cream Smoothie

Peaches ‘n Cream Smoothie

Peaches ‘n Cream Smoothie

1 banana, frozen (or fresh, if desired)

5 peach halves (canned) or 15 peach slices (frozen)

One 8 oz. vanilla fat-free yogurt

Pinch of cinnamon

1/2 cup low-fat milk

Allow frozen banana to thaw slightly and then cut into chunks. Allow frozen peaches to thaw slightly. Place peaches, yogurt, banana, cinnamon and milk in jar of blender. With lid of blender jar securely fastened, pulse until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve.

Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp

Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp

Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp (Tapas)

Serve shrimp with crusty bread for dipping in the richly flavored olive oil. The dish can be served directly from the skillet (make sure to use a trivet) or, for a sizzling effect, transferred to an 8-inch cast iron skillet that’s been heated for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. We prefer the slightly sweet flavor of dried chiles in this recipe, but tsp. sweet paprika can be substituted. If sherry vinegar is unavailable, use 2 tsp. dry sherry and 1 tsp. white vinegar.

 

14 garlic cloves, peeled
1 lb. large shrimp (31 to 40 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and tails removed
1/2 C. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf

1 (2-inch) piece mild dried chile, such as New Mexican, roughly broken, seeds included

1 1/2 tsp. sherry vinegar
1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

 

Mince 2 garlic cloves and toss with shrimp, 2 tsp. olive oil, and salt in medium bowl. Let shrimp marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, using flat side of chef’s knife, smash 4 garlic cloves. Heat smashed garlic with remaining 6 tsp. olive oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic is light golden brown, 4 to 7 minutes. Remove pan from heat and allow oil to cool to room temperature. Using slotted spoon, remove smashed garlic from skillet and discard. Thinly slice remaining 8 garlic cloves. Return skillet to low heat and add sliced garlic, bay leaf, and chile. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is tender but not browned, 4 to 7 minutes. (If garlic has not begun to sizzle after 3 minutes, increase heat to medium-low.) Increase heat to medium-low; add shrimp with marinade to pan in single layer. Cook shrimp, undisturbed, until oil starts to gently bubble, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip shrimp and continue to cook until almost cooked through, about 2 minutes longer. Increase heat to high and add sherry vinegar and parsley. Cook, stirring constantly, until shrimp are cooked through and oil is bubbling vigorously, 15 to 20 seconds. Serve immediately.

 

Teppanyaki Mustard Dipping Sauce

This dipping sauce gets its zesty bite from mustard, ginger, and horseradish.

3 tsp. mayonnaise

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. lime juice

2 tsp. prepared horseradish

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

Whisk all ingredients together in medium bowl.

 

Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

¼ C. Soy Sauce

3 tsp. Mirin

1 tsp. Sugar

1 tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil

1 Scallion, sliced thin

2 tsp. Grated fresh Ginger

1 clove Garlic, minced

Whisk all ingredients together in medium bowl.

WIW: Sweet-and-Sour Waffled Shrimp Wontons

WIW: Sweet-and-Sour Waffled Shrimp Wontons

WIW: Sweet-and-Sour Waffled Shrimp Wontons

8oz. cooked and chilled prawns, peeled, tails removed

1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Two or three finely chopped spring onions, both green and white parts

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tsp. light brown sugar

2 tsp. distilled white vinegar

1/2 tsp. grated or minced fresh ginger

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 package wonton wrappers (at least 32 wrappers), about 3 1/2 inches per side

Nonstick cooking spray

3 T. soy sauce

2 tsp. rice vinegar

½ tsp. sesame oil

½ tsp. grated fresh ginger

¼ tsp. garlic-chili paste or Sriracha

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Finely chop the shrimp so that they end up as almost a paste. If you want to use a food processor, a half dozen quick pulses should accomplish this. Place the chopped shrimp in a medium-size bowl. Add the egg white, scallion, garlic, sugar, vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper to the shrimp, stir to mix thoroughly, and set aside. Preheat the waffle iron on high. Preheat the oven on its lowest setting.   To form the dumplings, remove a wonton wrapper from the package. Using a pastry brush or a clean finger, wet all 4 edges of the wrapper. Place a scant T. of the shrimp mixture in the center and top with another wonton wrapper. Press along the edges to seal. The water should act as glue. If you find a spot that’s not sticking, add a bit more water. Set aside the finished wonton, cover with a damp towel, and shape the rest. Coat both sides of the waffle iron grid with nonstick spray. Set as many wontons on the waffle iron as will comfortably fit and close the lid. Cook for 2 minutes before checking. The wonton wrapper should lose its translucency and the waffle marks should be deep golden brown. This may take up to 4 minutes. Remove the cooked wontons and keep them warm in the oven while the others cook. Serve the wontons with the dipping sauce.  In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and ginger. Add the garlic-chili paste, then whisk again and taste. If you want a bit more heat, add more chili paste. Extra sauce can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for a week.

WIW: Waffled Chicken Fingers

WIW: Waffled Chicken Fingers

WIW: Waffled Chicken Fingers

3/4 C. all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

Hot sauce, such as Tabasco, to taste

1 1/2 C. plain bread crumbs

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken cutlets

Nonstick cooking spray

Dipping sauces (see below)

 

Preheat the waffle iron on medium. Place flour in a shallow bowl or deep plate. In a second shallow bowl or deep plate, beat eggs with a few drops hot sauce. In a third shallow bowl or deep plate, combine bread crumbs, cheese and lemon zest. Add 1⁄2 tsp. each of the salt and pepper and stir to combine. Put a single layer of chicken in a zip-close bag, set it on a flat surface, and press down on chicken with a cutting board, rolling pin or heavy frying pan, lb.ing to about 1⁄4-inch thickness. Remove chicken from the bag and cut into 1-inch strips. Repeat with remaining chicken. Season chicken strips with remaining salt and pepper. Working in batches, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Transfer it to the bowl with the egg and turn the chicken to coat. Allow excess egg mixture to drip back into the bowl, then coat chicken with bread crumb mixture, pressing the mixture so it sticks. Coat both sides of the waffle iron grid with nonstick spray. Place chicken in the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 4 minutes. Remove chicken from the waffle iron and serve with sauces of your choice.

 

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, honey and Dijon mustard to taste in a small bowl and stir thoroughly.

 

Spicy Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce: Combine mayonnaise and the hot sauce to taste in a small bowl and stir thoroughly.