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Clams in a Light Fennel and Shallot Broth

Clams in a Light Fennel and Shallot Broth

EDOC96251 1/2 pounds (675 g) little neck clams
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, diced
1 medium fennel bulb, diced
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 quart (1 liter) chicken stock
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch piment d’Espelette
Chives and fresh parsley, to garnish

In a medium pot, combine the clams and 1 cup (250 ml) water. Cover and cook over medium high heat until the clams open, about 5 minutes (depending on their size). Remove the clams from the pot and reserve the liquid. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and fennel. Cook for 7 minutes until soft and translucent (do not brown). Add the potatoes, chicken stock and reserved clam juice. Bring liquid to a boil, cover pot, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the parsley, salt and pepper and puree it in a blender. Serve the fennel and shallot cream with the clams and sprinkle a bit of piment d’Espelette on top.

Lemon-Ricotta Pasta with Seared Scallops

Lemon-Ricotta Pasta with Seared Scallops

2602082554_73b3008cc1_b1 box pappardelle or fettuccine pasta
12 large fresh sea scallops
4 T. good-quality olive oil, divided
1 T. butter
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup lemon juice
1½ cups fresh green peas, shelled and blanched
4 T. fresh thyme, minced (lemon thyme, if you have it)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 container (475g) ricotta cheese

Cook the pasta per package directions until al dente. While pasta is cooking, rinse scallops and pat dry. Heat 1 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter over high heat in a skillet until foamy. Sprinkle scallops with a little salt and pepper; place in skillet in single layer. Cook, turning once, until brown on outside and just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside. Drain pasta and return to the pot over low heat. Stir in lemon zest, juice, remaining 3 T. olive oil, peas, and thyme. Toss to coat, then season with salt and lots of pepper. Add the ricotta and mix gently until pasta is coated evenly. To serve, divide the pasta between four plates, topping each with three scallops and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Cocoa-Spiced Beef Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

Cocoa-Spiced Beef Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

cocoa-spiced-beef½ T. vegetable oil
1 beef tenderloin roast (16 oz)

For salsa:

½ C. canned diced pineapple, in fruit juice, chopped into small pieces
¼ C. red onion, minced
2 tsp. fresh cilantro, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or substitute ¼ tsp. dried coriander)
1 T. lemon juice

For seasoning:

1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 T. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground allspice
1 T. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
2 tsp. chili powder
¼ tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 375 ºF. For the salsa, combine all ingredients and toss well. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate while preparing the seasoning and cooking the meat. For the beef tenderloin seasoning, combine all ingredients. Lightly oil the tenderloin and spread an even layer of the dry seasoning over the entire roast. Place the seasoned roast on a roasting or broiling pan and roast for 10–15 minutes (to a minimum internal temperature of 145 ºF). Let cool for 5 minutes before carving into 16 slices (1 ounce each). Serve four slices of the tenderloin with ¼ cup salsa on the side.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 215
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g

Greek-Style Flank Steak with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Greek-Style Flank Steak with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

greekstea1 beef flank steak (12 oz.)

For marinade:
¼ C. lemon juice
1 T. olive oil
2 tsp. fresh oregano, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or ½ tsp. dried)
1 T. garlic, minced (about 2–3 cloves)

For yogurt sauce:
1 C. cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 C. nonfat plain yogurt
2 T. lemon juice
1 T. fresh dill, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 T. garlic, minced (about 2–3 cloves)
½ tsp. salt

For the marinade, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic in a large bowl. Lay steak in a flat container with sides and pour marinade over the steak. Let the steak marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours, turning several times. Combine all the ingredients for the yogurt sauce. Set yogurt sauce aside for at least 15 minutes to blend flavors. (Sauce can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated.) Preheat oven broiler on high temperature, with the rack 3 inches from heat source. Broil steak for about 10 minutes on each side (to a minimum internal temperature of 145 ºF). Let cool for 5 minutes before carving. Slice thinly across the grain into 12 slices (1 ounce each). Serve three slices of the steak with ½ cup yogurt sauce on the side.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 181
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0g

Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables

Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables

salmon-stir-fry-veggies2 T. light teriyaki sauce
¼ C mirin (or sweet rice wine)
2 T. rice vinegar
2 T. scallions (green onions), rinsed and minced
1½ T. ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground)
12 oz. salmon fillets, cut into 4 portions (3 oz. each)

1 bag (12 oz.) frozen vegetable stir-fry
½ T. peanut oil or vegetable oil
½ T. garlic, minced (about 1 clove)
1 T. ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground)
1 T. scallions (green onions), rinsed and minced
1 T. lite soy sauce

Thaw frozen vegetables in the microwave (or place entire bag in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes). Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 ºF. Combine teriyaki sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, scallions, and ginger. Mix well. Pour over salmon, and marinate for 10–15 minutes. Remove salmon from the marinade, and discard unused portion. Place salmon on a baking sheet, and bake for 10–15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part (to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F). Meanwhile, heat oil in a large wok or sauté pan. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions, and cook gently but do not brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add thawed vegetables, and continue to stir fry for 2–3 minutes or until heated through. Add soy sauce.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: one piece of salmon with 1 cup of vegetables
Calories: 253
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 3g

Pork Mignons with French Applesauce

Pork Mignons with French Applesauce

pork-mignons1 pair pork tenderloins (about 2 lb)
¼ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
2 medium apples, rinsed and cored, but not peeled (try Golden Delicious or Rome)
2 T. dark seedless raisins
2 T. walnuts, broken into coarse pieces
½ tsp cinnamon
Cooking spray

Preheat oven broiler on high temperature, with the rack 3 inches from heat source. Cover broiler pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spray foil lightly with cooking spray. Set aside. Cut 8 slices (pork rounds), each 1½ inches thick, from the center of the pair of pork tenderloins. Refrigerate or freeze the ends for another use. Place pork rounds on the foil-covered broiler pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside a few minutes while broiler heats. Meanwhile, heat ½ cup water to boiling in a medium nonstick pan. Slice cored apples from top to bottom in ¼-inch wide pieces. Add apples, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon to boiling water. Reduce heat to medium. Cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Set aside until pork is cooked. Broil pork for 5–10 minutes per side (to a minimum internal temperature of 160 °F). To serve, place two pork rounds on each dinner plate. Top with one-fourth of the applesauce.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g

Citrus-Broiled Alaskan Salmon

Citrus-Broiled Alaskan Salmon

2 Oranges
4 Alaska salmon fillets or steaks, 4-6 oz.
Salt as needed
1 tsp. Red wine vinegar
¼ cup Scallions, sliced
1 tsp. Cracked black pepper

istock_000019162525small_57556_75304_43308_32069

Slice peel and pith from oranges; slice crosswise into ¼-inch rounds. Season salmon fillets or steaks with salt. Broil fillets or steaks, 4 to 6 inches from heat, allowing 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at thickest part. Remove fillets or steaks just before they are cooked through. Sprinkle with vinegar. Arrange orange rounds on top, and sprinkle with green onions and cracked pepper. Broil 1 minute longer

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thai Basil Chicken Phyllo Rolls

Thai Basil Chicken Phyllo Rolls

thai8 cloves garlic
1 inch fresh ginger, chopped
4 stalks lemongrass, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
2 handfuls Thai basil, divided
1/2-2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 lemon, juiced, divided
salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, + additional for brushing phyllo
1 pound phyllo sheets

Topping:

2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds for garnish

In the bowl of a food processor, add garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and bell pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the chicken breasts and pulse until finely chopped, but not completely ground. Place the mixture in a large bowl. Thinly slice the Thai basil and add 2 tablespoons to the chicken mixture. Stir in crushed red pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, cornstarch, splash of lemon juice, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Drizzle olive oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring constantly and breaking up the pieces, until browned, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining lemon juice and Thai basil. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment or lightly grease. Remove the phyllo sheets from package and cover with a damp cloth. Place one sheet on work surface and brush with olive oil. Fold in about 1 inch on the long sides. Place a couple of tablespoons of filling across a short side, leaving a 1 inch border. Fold the short end over the filling and fold in the sides again to enclose the filling. Roll the filling to the other end and place seam side down on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filling and phyllo sheets. In a small bowl, beat eggs with water. Brush the egg mixture over the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie

29770lrg2 lbs. ground beef
1 large chopped onion
1 large chopped green or red bell pepper
1 cup tomato sauce
1 can chopped black olives
1 1/2 cups yellow corn meal
3/4 lbs. shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp. ground cumin or 2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt (once again)

To a large skillet add ground beef, onion, green pepper, cumin, salt and pepper. Saute until beef is browned and veggies are soft. Drain fat from pan. Add tomato sauce and stir until boiling. In medium sauce pan, stir 2 1/2 cups water, corn meal and 1/2 tsp. salt. Bring mixture to boil until thickened. Grease huge casserole (hot dish) dish, coat bottom of casserole (hot dish) dish with half the corn meal mixture, pour beef mixture into casserole (hot dish), cover top with chopped or sliced black olives. Layer cheddar cheese over top of that. Spoon remainder of hot corn meal mixture over entire top. If need be, make another batch of corn meal mixture for top. Bake at 350 degrees until top is golden brown and bubbly.

Chicken with Poblano Cream Sauce

Chicken with Poblano Cream Sauce

1 poblano chile
2 T. canola oil
1/2 small onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

img_2975

Roast the chile over a gas burner or under the broiler, until charred all over. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap; let steam for 5 minutes. Rub off the skin; remove seeds and ribs. Chop coarsely. Heat 1 T. of the canola oil in small saucepan over medium heat; add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chile and cream. Puree in a blender; add water if too thick. Season with salt and pepper. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining T. oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Slice and serve with sauce.

Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken

R080561_jpg_rendition_largest6 slices bacon
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 T. all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat)
2 T. ranch dry salad dressing mix
1-1/4 cups whole milk
3 cups egg noodles
1 T. parmesan cheese

Cut bacon into narrow strips. In a large skillet, cook bacon over med. heat until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; discard all but 2 T. of drippings. In the same skillet cook chicken in reserved drippings until tender and no longer pink, turning to brown evenly. Sprinkle flour and salad dressing mix over the chicken in the skillet; stir well. Stir in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Stir in bacon. Meanwhile, cook noodles to package directions. Serve chicken and sauce over noodles, sprinkle with parmesan. Serves 4.

Vinegar Glossed Chicken

Vinegar Glossed Chicken

mh_1018_vinegar_chicken_vert1 cup best-quality red-wine vinegar
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (about 1 tablespoon minced)
5 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup chicken broth, plus more as needed

At least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours before cooking, combine the vinegar, garlic, and rosemary to marinate. Thoroughly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a 14-inch skillet (or two smaller skillets) over high heat and swirl in enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin side down. Don’t crowd the chicken; leave space around each piece. Work in batches if necessary. You should hear an immediate sizzle when the chicken pieces hit the pan. Don’t move them; it takes a couple of minutes to sear the chicken so it doesn’t stick. Brown all sides; this will take 10 minutes per batch. Regulate the heat so it stays high but does not burn the chicken. Place all the browned chicken back in the skillet. Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat, simmer, and reduce for 15 to 20 minutes. Increase the heat to high and pour in the vinegar mixture. Swirl the pan and stir around as the vinegar evaporates to form a simmering glaze, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately or refrigerate, and reheat with some extra broth.

Impossibly Easy Lasagne Pie

Impossibly Easy Lasagne Pie

lasagne pie

 

1/3 cup ricotta cheese or small curd creamed cottage cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs
Additional spaghetti sauce, heated, if desired

Heat oven to 400ºF. Grease 9-inch pie plate. Spread ricotta cheese in pie plate; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook ground beef until brown; drain. Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce and the salt; spoon evenly over cheeses. Stir Bisquick mix, milk and eggs until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or until melted. Cool 5 minutes. Serve with additional spaghetti sauce.

Pizza in a Bowl

Pizza in a Bowl

pizzabowl2 cups dried corkscrew macaroni
1 3 1/2-ounce package thinly sliced pepperoni
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 15 -ounce can pizza sauce
1 8 -ounce can tomato sauce
1 6 -ounce can tomato paste
1/2teaspoon sugar
1/8teaspoon pepper
1/8teaspoon garlic salt
1/8teaspoon onion salt
1 8 -ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, except omit the salt; drain. Meanwhile, cut half of the pepperoni slices in quarters; set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender; drain off fat. Stir in pizza sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, pepper, garlic salt, and onion salt. Stir in the cooked macaroni and quartered pepperoni slices. Spoon half of the macaroni mixture into a 2-quart casserole; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and remaining pepperoni slices. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven about 40 minutes or until heated through and cheese is lightly browned. Makes 6 servings

Spinach-Mushroom-Sausage Pierogi Bake

Spinach-Mushroom-Sausage Pierogi Bake

p_RU1994051 16 -ounce package frozen potato pierogies
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cooked chicken sausages, sliced (12 ounces total)
1 8 -ounce package sliced button mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
1 10 -ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 3 -ounce package cream cheese, cut up
1/4cup chicken broth
1/2teaspoon salt
1/4teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)

Place the frozen pierogies in a 2-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside. In a large saucepan cook the onion in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender. Stir in the sliced sausage, mushrooms and garlic. Cook and stir 3 minutes more. Add the spinach, cream cheese, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat to melt cream cheese. Pour the sausage mixture over the pierogies in the baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degrees F oven about 30 minutes or until lightly browned and heated through.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 339
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g

NOT Hamburger Helper

NOT Hamburger Helper

1 lb. ground beef
1 box penne pasta
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup cream
4 oz. grated cheddar
salt and pepper

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return it to the pot. Add the milk, cream, and cheese and stir to melt the cheese completely. Season with salt and pepper. Add the meat to the pasta, check for seasonings.

Carino’s Chicken Milano

Carino’s Chicken Milano

ffbc133e09582e8367db5a9da7b321d44 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 thin slices ham
1/2 cup shredded cheese- provolone or mozzarella
12 leaves fresh basil
2 T. olive oil
Salt and pepper

Prepare your chicken by making “pockets” for the filling: Holding chicken flat on your cutting board with palm of one hand, make an incision in thicker side of each breast with a paring knife. Carefully pivot the knife to create a deep pocket, keeping the other side of the chicken breast intact. If you do what I did and poke a hole in the bottom of the chicken, simply layer in your ham first so the cheese doesn’t ooze out. Fill the pocket with one slice of ham, about 2 tbs cheese, and 3 basil leaves. Fill each chicken breast and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook until browned on both sides, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Cover skillet, and continue cooking until chicken is opaque throughout and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 160 degrees. about 5 minutes more. When your chicken is finished cooking, you will be left with a beautiful pan full of browned bits and lots of goodness. Feel free to add a 1/2 cup of chicken stock or white wine to that pan and let it bubble and reduce a bit and then spoon it over the chicken.

Sticky Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Honey

Sticky Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Honey

BBC Food Website (27th February 2012)1 T. black peppercorns
2 lemons, juice only
Good squeeze or two of runny honey
Dollop grainy mustard
2 garlic cloves, crushed
6 large chicken thighs, bone in and skin on
Sea salt, to taste
2-3 preserved lemons
Handful green olives, pits removed, sliced
Small handful fresh flatleaf parsley, leaves only

Preheat the oven at 200C/400F/Gas 6. Place the peppercorns into a pestle and mortar and grind until roughly crushed. Add these to a large bowl together with the lemon juice, honey, mustard and garlic and mix well. Place the chicken thighs into a large roasting tin and pour the lemon and honey mixture over the chicken, leaving it to marinate for as long as possible. Sprinkle with sea salt, to taste, then cook in the hot oven for 45 minutes, turning halfway through cooking so that the thighs become lovely and sticky. Meanwhile, cut the preserved lemons open and remove the soft flesh to leave you with just the skin (discard the flesh). Cut the skin into strips and toss together with the olives and parsley. When the chicken is ready, serve sprinkled with the olive, parsley and preserved lemon mixture.

Hawaiian Chicken Delight

Hawaiian Chicken Delight

1 package (1 oz.) ranch dressing mix
1 cup canned pineapple juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 slice fresh pineapple
6 slice sharp white Cheddar cheese

To make the marinade, whisk together first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Place chicken breasts in a gallon-size zip-top bag; pour marinade into bag and seal; shake bag several times to coat chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Preheat grill to medium-high. When grill is hot, discard marinade and grill chicken breasts 5 to 6 minutes per side, until juices run clear and chicken is cooked through; grill pineapple 2 to 3 minutes per side. Top each chicken breast with one slice of cheese; cover and grill 1 to 2 minutes more until melted. Serve each chicken breast topped with a slice of grilled pineapple.

Caramelized Shallot and Crispy Sage Macaroni and Cheese

Caramelized Shallot and Crispy Sage Macaroni and Cheese

carmelized-shallot-and-crispy-sage-macaroni-and-cheese-cake-batter-and-bowl-blog-kerstin-sinkevicius1 pound orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped shallots
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Briefly, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and drain. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add shallots and cook 15 to 17 minutes, stirring frequently, or until caramelized. Add garlic and sauté one additional minute. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook one minute or until mixture starts to brown. Whisk in buttermilk and cream, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and mix in cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and salt. Cook 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add sage and turn off heat. Mix orecchiette pasta, caramelized shallots, cheese sauce, and crispy sage in a large bowl until well combined.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 685
Fat: 41g
Fiber: 2g

No Boil Mac & Cheese

No Boil Mac & Cheese

1/2 orecchietteC. (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
3 C. whole milk
1 T. kosher salt plus more
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper plus more
1 pound elbow macaroni (or other small pasta like orecchiette)
2 C. shredded cheddar, divided
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 C. panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 T. chopped flat-leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 400°. Melt 1/4 C. of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and 3 C. water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, whisking often, until a very thin, glossy sauce forms, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 T. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Remove sauce from heat.

Toss pasta and 1 1/2 C. cheese in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch or other shallow 3-quart baking dish. Pour sauce over (pasta should be submerged; do not stir) and cover with foil. Bake until pasta is almost tender, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1/4 C. butter in a large skillet over medium heat (at this point, I sautéed about 1/4 C. chopped pancetta for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients). Add garlic, panko, and parsley and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Remove foil from dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 C. cheese, then panko mixture. Bake until pasta is tender, edges are bubbling, and top is golden brown, about 10 minutes longer. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Chili Mac Skillet

Chili Mac Skillet

cfc1b77f97c38474f11fcab9b39db0b81 pound ground beef (ground turkey works great too!)
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilis (I used Rotel)
3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet pan, brown ground beef and diced onions until beef is fully cooked. Drain and return to skillet. Add in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilis, uncooked macaroni, water, garlic salt, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring contents of pan to boiling, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes or until macaroni starts to get tender, stirring often. Sprinkle with cheese, then cover with lid and let cheese melt. Serve and enjoy!

Pinwheels from Crescent Rolls

Pinwheels from Crescent Rolls

4c947870-1bf8-415e-85f4-b8f995b9cd05Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Pinwheels

1 box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen chopped spinach
1 T. olive oil
1/4 C. finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/2 C. finely chopped cooked chicken
3/4 C. shredded Asiago cheese
1/4 C. mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Cook spinach in microwave as directed on box. Drain spinach in strainer; cool 5 minutes. Carefully squeeze with paper towel to drain well. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, bacon, chicken, cheese and mayonnaise. Unroll dough on work surface. Spread spinach mixture on rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Starting at long side of rectangle, roll up; seal long edge. With serrated knife, cut into 20 slices. Place cut side down on cookie sheet. Brush with egg. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.
Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheels

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 T. ranch dressing
1/4 C. cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/2 C. finely shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
1/4 C. chopped green onions (4 medium)

Heat oven to 350°F. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12×4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut lengthwise into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12×4-inch rectangle.2 Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges. Sprinkle each with bacon, Cheddar cheese and onions. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices; place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Ham & Swiss PinwheelsSH1501H_ham-and-cheese-pinwheels_s4x3

1/4 lb cooked ham, cut into pieces (about 1/3 C.)
1 oz cream cheese (from 3-oz package), softened
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. shredded Swiss cheese (2 oz)
2 T. sliced green onions (2 medium)

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In food processor bowl with metal blade, process ham and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.2 If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle; press into 13×8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; press into 13×8-inch rectangle. Spread ham mixture over rectangle. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese and onions. Starting with both short sides of rectangle, roll up both toward center. With serrated knife, cut into 16 slices; place cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

 

Jalapeno-Chicken Pinwheels

4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. chopped cooked chicken
1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro
2 to 3 T. finely chopped sliced jalapeño chiles (from 12-oz jar)
2 T. finely chopped green onions (2 medium)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet

Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix all ingredients except dough until well blended; set aside. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Place 1 rectangle on long cutting board; press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 2 long rectangles. Place 1 rectangle on long cutting board. Spread half of cream cheese mixture on dough rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Starting with one long side, roll up rectangle; press seam to seal. Cut roll into 16 slices; place slices, cut side down, on ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough rectangle. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Pizza Pinwheels

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 C. finely chopped pepperoni (about 1 1/2 oz)
2 T. finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 C. shredded Italian cheese blend (2 oz)
1/2 C. pizza sauce (from 8-oz can)

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, bell pepper and Italian cheese blend over each rectangle. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 6 slices; place cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Meanwhile, heat pizza sauce. Immediately remove pinwheels from cookie sheet. Serve warm with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

More Pinwheels:

Ca0ec314f-3a87-4be0-97be-fd322a8d9d3cheesy Pinwheels with Italian Dip
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Turkey-Cranberry Pinwheels
Mediterranean Crescent Pinwheels
Easy Pesto Pinwheels
Festive Shrimp Pinwheels
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Olive Feta Pinwheels
Cheesy Olive Bacon Spirals

Cream Cheese & Cranberry Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and Green Beans with Almond and Lemon Brown Butter

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and Green Beans with Almond and Lemon Brown Butter

1Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
kosher salt and black pepper
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4-6 slices bacon
1 T olive oil

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Top the pork with the thyme and wrap it with the bacon. Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet. (I used my Dutch oven and had to cut the tenderloin in half to get it to fit.) Add the pork and cook for 2 minutes per side. Transfer to oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes (until it reaches 155 degrees inside). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

1 lb green beans, trimmed
3 T unsalted butter
2 t fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup unsalted roasted almonds, chopped
Kosher salt

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, 4-6 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Meanwhile brown the butter. Melt the butter in a skillet or small saucepan over medium heat (preferably a light colored one, this helps to see the color develop). Stir the butter as it starts to foam. Remove from heat as soon as it starts to turn golden brown and smells nutty (about 1 minute). Add the lemon juice, almonds and about 1/4 t salt. Swirl skillet over heat for 30 seconds more to toast the almonds. Spoon the mixture over the green beans

Spanish Pork Supper

Spanish Pork Supper

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.

Hearty Morning Pancakes with Cider Syrup

Hearty Morning Pancakes with Cider Syrup

Hearty Morning Pancakes with Cider Syrup½ lb. Bulk Sausage
1 Egg
2/3 C. Milk
2 T. Oil
1 C. Pancake Mix
½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
½ C. peeled, shredded Apple

1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter

Cook sausage in nonstick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking up beat with a wooden spoon; drain and set aside. In medium bowl, beat egg, milk and oil. Stir in pancake mix and cinnamon until just moistened. Fold in apple and cooked sausage. Pour batter by quarter cupfuls onto a lightly greased griddle and cook until the top of each pancake has tiny bubbles, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until bottoms are gold brown, 90 seconds or so. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a 200 degree oven if desired while cooking the remainder of the pancakes. Try swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall to kick it up another notch.

For syrup, combine the sugar, cornstarch and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan. Gradually stir in cider and lemon juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Serve warm with the pancakes

Strip Steaks with a side of Blue Cheese Spaghetti

Strip Steaks with a side of Blue Cheese Spaghetti

4tm1312_steaks2_jpg_rend_sni12col_landscape slices bacon
4 8oz New York strip steaks
Coarse salt
Coarse black pepper
5 T. unsalted butter
2 T. chopped fresh chives
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound spaghetti
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 T. all-purpose flour
1 C. chicken stock or broth
1/2 C. heavy cream
8oz blue cheese crumbles
2-3 T. chopped fresh sage
2 C. cleaned, trimmed, and shredded arugula

Put a large pot of water on the stove to boil for the pasta. Preheat the broiler on high. Arrange the bacon on a slotted broiler pan and cook until crisp on both sides. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel. Arrange the steaks on the broiler pan. Place under the broiler and leave the oven door ajar to limit flare-ups and smoke. (Note: some broilers won’t go on with the door open). Cook 4 minutes on each side for medium rare, up to 7 minutes for medium well. Soften 4 T. of the butter in the microwave on high for 15 seconds. Mix in the chives and half of the minced garlic and reserve. Salt the water for the pasta and add the spaghetti to the pot. Cook al dente, with a bite to it. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the EVOO and the remaining T. of butter. When the butter melts into the EVOO, add the remaining garlic and the shallots, sauté for 3 minutes, add the flour and cook for a minute more. Whisk in the stock, bring to a bubble for about 30 seconds, then stir in the cream. When the cream comes to a bubble, add the blue cheese and sage and a few grinds of black pepper. Turn off the heat. Stir until the cheese melts. Remove the steaks from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon one fourth of the chive and garlic butter on each steak to melt down over the meat as they rest. Drain the pasta and toss with the blue cheese sauce to coat and combine evenly, then taste to adjust the seasoning. Chop and crumble the cooked bacon. Serve the steaks with heaping portions of the pasta alongside. Top the pasta with the shredded arugula and bacon crumbles to mix in as you eat.

Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells

shells1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
2 eggs, beaten
1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese OR mix 1/2 with cottage cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon dried parsley (I use fresh)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce OR make your own

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.

Chicken in Lemon Cream with Penne

Chicken in Lemon Cream with Penne

1 6124427796_78a11229f2_zlb penne pasta
3 T. EVOO
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp. herbes de Provence
Pinch of salt, plus ½ teaspoon
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper, plus ¼ teaspoon
1 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 C. heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of cayenne pepper
¼ C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes. Drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with the herbes de Provence and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour off any excess oil from the pan. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the cream, lemon zest, and cayenne. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the pasta, chicken, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce and serve.

Barbecue Beef Cups

Barbecue Beef Cups

17879321 lb. Lean ground beef
1 tsp. Onion powder
1/2 cup Barbecue sauce
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tube (10 count) Refrigerated biscuits
1 cup (4 oz.) Shredded American cheese

Brown beef until done. Drain fat. Add onion powder, barbecue sauce and sugar. The sugar improves the taste of the sauce. Press the biscuits into lightly greased muffin cups. Fill biscuit cups with meat mixture. Sprinkle grated cheese on top of meat. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

Beef & Beer Stew

Beef & Beer Stew

7870788790_f99f2e006a_o5lb beef brisket, cut into 2″ cubes
Salt and pepper
1 stick butter
4lb onions, sliced
6 T. flour
1 12oz bottle dark beer
3 C. beef broth
3lb yellow potatoes, such as Yukon gold, peeled
1 C. milk

Preheat oven to 325. Season the brisket with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy skillet, melt 1 teaspoon butter over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the brisket and cook 8 minutes; transfer to a large Dutch oven and reserve the skillet. Add 2 teaspoons butter to the skillet. Add one-third of the onions and cook over medium heat until softened; push to the side of the pan. Repeat with the remaining onions, then cook over medium heat, stirring, until browned, about 8 minutes more. Transfer to the Dutch oven. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet, over medium heat; add the flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture is golden. Whisk in the beer, then the beef broth; bring to a boil, whisking until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meat and onions and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the pot and cook in the oven for 2 hours. Remove the lid and cook until the meat is fork-tender, 30 minutes. Set aside and let rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large pot, place the potatoes in salted water to cover; bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and mash. Beat in the milk and season with salt and pepper. Serve the stew over the mashed potatoes.

Saucy, Italian “Drunken” Noodles with Spicy Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Caramelized Onions and Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, with Fresh Basil

Saucy, Italian “Drunken” Noodles with Spicy Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Caramelized Onions and Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, with Fresh Basil

drunken pastaOlive oil
4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
1 large onion, quartered and sliced thinly
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
½ cup white wine (I used Chardonnay)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned, divided use
8 ounces Pappardelle noodles, uncooked

Place a large, heavy-bottom pan or braising pot over medium-high heat; add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and once the oil is hot, crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan in small chunks (you want to keep the sausage fairly chunky), allowing it to brown in the oil for a few moments on each side; once the crumbled sausage is browned, remove it from the pan/pot with a slotted spoon and place into a small bowl to hold for a moment; next, add the sliced onion into the pan with the sausage drippings, and allow it to caramelize and become golden for roughly 5 minutes or so, stirring to keep it from burning (add a touch more olive oil, if necessary); once the onion starts to become golden, add the salt, Italian seasoning and cracked black pepper, and stir to combine, then add in the sliced bell peppers, and allow those to sauté with the onion for about 2 minutes until slightly tender and golden; next, add in the garlic, and once it becomes aromatic, add in the white wine and allow it to reduce for a few moments, until almost completely reduced; next, add in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and return the browned spicy Italian sausage back into the pan, and gently fold the mixture to combine; allow it to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors, then turn the heat off; to finish the sauce, drizzle in about 2-3 good tablespoons of the olive oil to create a silky, rich flavor, and add in the chopped parsley and about half of the julienned basil; stir, and keep warm while you prepare the noodles. Prepare the pappardelle noodles according to instructions on package; then, drain the noodles very well, and add them directly into the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and combine the pappardelle noodles with the sauce and all of the ingredients in it; check the seasoning to see if you need to add any additional salt or pepper. To serve, add equal portions of the “Drunken” noodles to bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining julienned basil; you can even top with shaved Parmesan, if desired, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Coconut Crunch Chicken Strips with Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce

Coconut Crunch Chicken Strips with Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce

chixmangoVegetable oil for frying
2 chicken breasts (skinless and boneless), sliced length-wise into 4 strips, then those strips sliced length-wise in half, making a total of 8 strips per breast
Pinch curry powder
Salt
Pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
½ cup flour
2 eggs
2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
1 tablespoon chives, finely minced

Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce (recipe below)

Begin by filling a medium-sized pot about half-way with the vegetable oil (roughly 6-8 cups), and bring the temperature of the oil slowly up to 350° while you prepare the strips. Place the chicken strips into a bowl, and add the pinch of curry powder, a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, to the strips; toss the strips to coat them in the seasoning, and set them aside for a moment. Set up your “coating” station by putting the flour, along with another couple of pinches of salt, pepper and cayenne pepper, into a medium-sized bowl and blending to combine; put the eggs into another medium-sized bowl and beat them, and put the sweetened shredded coconut into another medium-sized bowl; to coat the chicken strips, dredge one strip at a time into the seasoned flour and coat it well; next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then into the shredded coconut; press the strips into the coconut very well to coat them thoroughly, and place the coated strips onto a plate to hold until all strips have been coated. To fry the strips, work in batches by adding about 4-5 strips into the hot oil, and allow them to fry for about 1 ½ – 2 minutes, moving them very gently with tongs every now and then, until they are a deep, golden color; remove from oil and place onto a paper towel-lined platter to drain, and sprinkle each batch with a pinch of salt and pepper while they’re still hot; repeat the process until all strips have been fried. Serve the strips hot, garnished with a sprinkle of the minced chives and a side of the Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce.

Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup frozen mango chunks, thawed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon honey
Pinch (small) curry powder
3-4 drops Sriracha sauce (add more if you like it a bit more spicy)
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Add all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, and process until completely combined and well-blended; serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for a couple of days.