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Shiitake Mushroom Ramen To-Go

Shiitake Mushroom Ramen To-Go

Shiitake Mushroom Ramen To-Go

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced

4 T. chicken bouillon paste or broth base

1 T. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. Asian-style hot sauce (such as Sriracha)

2 C. shredded carrots

5 green onions, white and green portion sliced

8 ounces Asian noodles, cooked according to package directions

1 C. diced cucumber

½ C. chopped, fresh cilantro

four 16-ounce wide-mouth jars with lids

¾ C. boiling water for each jar, when ready to serve

 

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir bouillon paste, soy sauce and hot sauce in a small bowl. Spoon equal amount into bottom of each jar. Divide carrots in two portions. Sprinkle ¼ C. of carrots into each jar. Top with an equal amount of green onions and remaining carrots. Add mushrooms to jars and top with 2 ounces of noodles. Lastly, add ¼ C. of diced cucumber and 2 T. of cilantro. Store jars in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, boil ¾ C. of water. Pour water into the jar. Stir well and enjoy.

Shakshuka not just for Eggs

Shakshuka not just for Eggs

Shakshuka not just for Eggs

It’s every bit as delicious without the eggs, stashed in the freezer for a quick meal with nothing more than a piece of toast or a sprinkling of feta, or as a base for some leftover grilled chicken. If you’re a gardener with bumper crops of peppers and tomatoes, you’ll want to put up some extra quarts; it’s an easy recipe to double or even quadruple. If you use red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, the final dish will have a sweeter, less pungent flavor than if you use green, so use your favorite or what you have on hand. It’s also fine to use chicken stock rather than vegetable broth.

 

3 T. olive oil

1 medium white or yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. pimenton de la Vera or smoked paprika

2 tsp. ground turmeric

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 medium bell peppers, seeded and diced

1 (15-ounce) can whole or diced tomatoes, or 2 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced

1 1/2 C. vegetable broth

1/2 to 1 tsp. salt

 

In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and stir, cooking until it is translucent and golden, about 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute, until golden. Stir in the pimenton, turmeric, thyme, cayenne, and bell peppers. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers have softened. Add the tomatoes with their juice and the broth, stirring to blend. Simmer, uncovered, for 40 to 55 minutes, until the mixture has reduced to a thick sauce. Season to taste with salt. Shakshuka will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Pan-Roasted Pork Chops with Honey Riesling Grapes

Pan-Roasted Pork Chops with Honey Riesling Grapes

Pan-Roasted Pork Chops with Honey Riesling Grapes

 

4 thick, meaty bone-in or boneless pork chops

½ tsp. (2 mL) of salt

Lots of freshly ground pepper

A splash or two of vegetable oil

1 red onion, thinly sliced

2 C. (500 mL) of seedless red grapes

½ cup (125 mL) of Riesling or your favorite white wine

2 T. (30 mL) of honey

1 T. (15 mL) of white wine vinegar

Tender stems from 6 or 8 sprigs of fresh thyme, finely minced

 

Generously season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat for a minute or two. Splash in enough vegetable oil to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. Vigorously sear the chops until they’re golden brown and crusty on both sides, 2 or 3 minutes each side. The goal here is not to fully cook the meat but to add lots of brown flavor while the pan’s temperature is still high. Toss in the onions and grapes. Turn the heat to its lowest setting, cover with the lid and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the chops to a plate and rest the meat while you quickly craft the sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the wine. Stirring gently, bring to a furious boil, quickly reducing the wine to sauce consistency. Stir in the honey, vinegar and thyme. Drench the pork chops and serve.

Refrigerate: Tightly seal the pork chops with the grapes within 30 minutes of cooking and refrigerate for up to 6 days before reheating.

Freeze: Portion, tightly seal and freeze for up to 30 days. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before reheating. Tightly seal leftovers and store in the refrigerator for just a few days.

Make Ahead Baked Western Omelet

Make Ahead Baked Western Omelet

Make Ahead Baked Western Omelet

 

6 to 8 thin slices of deli ham, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

A splash of vegetable oil

12 eggs

½ cup (125 mL) of milk

2 cups (500 mL) of grated cheddar cheese

4 green onions, thinly sliced

¼ teaspoon (1 mL) of salt

Lots of freshly ground pepper

Fresh Chives for Presentation, If desired

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Turn on your convection fan if you have one. Toss the ham, bell peppers and a splash of vegetable oil into a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté them until they sizzle, soften and smell delicious, 3 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, then whisk in the milk, cheese, green onions, salt and pepper. When the peppers are ready, pour the egg mixture into the pan and stir gently until large curds form and at least half of the egg is cooked, 2 or 3 minutes. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the omelet is firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve from the pan or carefully invert the omelet onto a serving plate. STORAGE TIP Refrigerate: Tightly seal the cooked omelet and refrigerate within 30 minutes of cooking. Store for up to 4 days before reheating. Freeze: Portion, tightly seal and freeze for up to 30 days. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before reheating. Tightly seal leftovers and store in the refrigerator for just a few days.

Make-Ahead Freezer Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

Make-Ahead Freezer Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

Make-Ahead Freezer Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

10 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed

10 fully cooked breakfast sausage links

3 large eggs

½ C. milk

3 T. sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)

 

Use a rolling pin to flatten out bread slices. Place a sausage link on the end of one slice of flattened bread and roll up tightly; repeat with remaining bread and sausage. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Dip sausage roll-ups into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Cook on a preheated griddle or skillet, flipping frequently, until evenly browned on all sides. Serve warm with syrup and powdered sugar if desired.

 

To freeze: wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap or in a plastic baggie, squeezing out as much air as possible.

 

To reheat: Remove plastic wrap and roll the sausage roll-up in a paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds, turn, microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until heated through.

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Burritos

 

Laurel Special

 

4 Flour Tortillas

1 ½ C. Scrambled Eggs

24 Tater Tots, cooked

1 C. Cheese

 

Classic Breakfast Burrito

 

4 Sausage Patties cooked or 6 pieces bacon, cooked and diced

4 flour tortillas burrito size

1 C. cheese

1 C. scrambled eggs already cooked

1 C. black beans drained and rinsed

24 Tater tots cooked

 

Cowboy Breakfast Burrito

 

4 Sausage Patties

4 Wheat tortillas burrito size

1 C. scrambled eggs already cooked

1/4 C. black beans

1/4 C. sweet kernel corn

1/4 C. Pepper Mixture (cooked diced onions and peppers)

1/4 C. Bacon

1/2 C. cheese

24 Tater tots cooked

 

Extra Veggie Breakfast Burrito

 

4 Sausage Patties

4 Spinach tortillas burrito size

1/2 C. scrambled eggs already cooked

1/4 C. black beans

1/4 C. sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 C. Pepper Mixture (cooked diced onions and peppers)

1/4 C. spinach chopped

1/4 C. red bell pepper chopped

1/4 C. cheese

24 Tater Tots cooked

 

 

The Denver

 

6 Eggs

1 C. diced Smoked Ham

½ C. diced Onion

¼ C. diced Green Bells Pepper

4 Tortillas

1 C. Cheddar Cheese

Pinch Cayenne

 

Beat Eggs until Just combined; do not overbeat.  Melt butter in a skillet over high heat. Add ham, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle in a nice pinch of salt and a touch of pepper. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until onions start to soften and ham begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the eggs. Mix briefly with a spatula while shaking the pan to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed. Continue to scramble until cooked to desired consistency.  Divide egg filling among tortillas.  Sprinkle with cheese and a bit of cayenne.

 

 

Black Bean Mexicali

 

4 Tortillas

1 C. Scrambled Eggs

1 C. crumbled Cojita Cheese

 

Make hash with:

Frozen diced Hash Browns

Red Pepper

Onions

Black Beans

 

Add-ons:

Diced Green Chiles

Cumin

Garlic

Salsa

Cilantro

Corn

Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes

Mushrooms

Chives

Extra cheese, or different kinds of cheese.

Root veggies (roasted is best)

Artichoke hearts

Avocado

 

Serve with:

Salsa

Guacamole

Sour Cream

Salsa Verde

 

Assemble:  lay tortilla on foil.  Top with ingredients.  Fold into a burrito.  Wrap tightly with foil.

 

Freeze: To freeze, once burritos are wrapped and labeled, put in a freezer bag, and label with name and date. Freeze.

 

To Cook: From frozen, preheat oven to 350 degrees, and baked in foil for 25-30 minutes.

Fresh, preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 12-15 minutes until heated through.

Easy Pre-Cooked Egg Cups

Easy Pre-Cooked Egg Cups

Easy Pre-Cooked Egg Cups

 

For Turkey Spinach Egg Cups

 

Cooking spray

6 slices roasted turkey breast lunch meat (Applegate)

1 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach

6 eggs

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

 

For Sweet Potato Chive Egg Cups

 

Cooking spray

1 small sweet potato

6 eggs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

 

For Ham and Cheddar Egg Cups

 

Cooking spray

6 slices ham lunch meat (Applegate)

6 eggs

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

For Caprese Egg Cups

 

1 cup sundried tomatoes

Boiling water

6 eggs

6 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped (or use pearl-size balls)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

 

For Turkey Spinach Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Line each of one of the sprayed cups with one slice of the turkey breast. Divide the chopped spinach evenly between each cup, pressing down to pack in. Carefully break an egg into each cup—it’s okay if a little bit spills out of the turkey “bowl.” In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon.

 

For Sweet Potato Chive Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Using the large holes in a box grater, grate the entire sweet potato (you should get about 1 1/2 cups of grated sweet potato). Scoop 1/4 cup of grated sweet potato into the bottom of each greased muffin cup. Press down to form a crust. Carefully break an egg into each cup. Evenly divide the chives over top of each cup. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon.

 

For Ham and Cheddar Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Line each of one of the sprayed cups with one slice of the ham. Carefully break an egg into each cup. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Sprinkle cheese evenly over cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon.

 

For Caprese Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside. If using dried tomatoes: Place the sundried tomatoes in a small bowl and cover with boiling water to reconstitute. Set aside for 10 minutes, then drain, squeeze out excess water with a clean kitchen towel, and chop roughly. If using oil-packed tomatoes: Drain from oil and chop roughly.

Divide the sundried tomatoes between the six greased muffin cups. Carefully break an egg into each cup. Then top with 1 ounce of fresh mozzarella each. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon. Sprinkle cups immediately with fresh basil.

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

1/3 pound bulk pork sausage

1 T. all-purpose flour

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper, divided

3/4 C. plus 1 T. 2% milk, divided

1/2 C. frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed

1 T. butter

2 large eggs

1/8 tsp. garlic salt

1 can (16.3 ounces) large refrigerated flaky biscuits

1/2 C. shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

 

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, drain. Stir in the flour, salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper until blended; gradually add 3/4 C. milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside. In another large skillet over medium heat, cook potatoes in butter until tender. Whisk the eggs, garlic salt and remaining milk and pepper; add to skillet. Cook and stir until almost set. Press each biscuit onto the bottom and up the sides of 8 ungreased muffin cups. Spoon the egg mixture, half the cheese, and sausage into cups, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 375° for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan. Freeze option: Freeze cooled biscuit C. in a freezer container, separating layers with waxed paper. To use, microwave 1 frozen biscuit C. on high for 50-60 seconds or until heated through.

Instant Pot Easy Egg Bites

Instant Pot Easy Egg Bites

Instant Pot Easy Egg Bites

 

1 tsp. salted butter or ghee, for greasing the pan

9 large eggs

½ C. shredded pepper Jack cheese (optional)

¾ tsp. garlic powder

¾ tsp. fine sea salt

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

1½ C. chopped baby spinach

½ C. diced seeded red bell pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-C. muffin pan. Combine the eggs, cheese, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a high-powered blender. Blend on high until frothy, about 30 seconds. You can also thoroughly whisk the mixture in a large bowl if you do not have a blender. Evenly distribute the spinach and bell pepper among the muffin C.. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and pepper, filling each C. three-fourths full. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until the eggs set up and are cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge of each C. and pop out the egg bites. Serve warm. Note: Store the bites in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer zip-top plastic bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.

Soy Ginger Chicken

Soy Ginger Chicken

4 bone-in chicken drumsticks, skin removed

4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed

1/3 C. soy sauce

2 T. dark brown sugar

2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise

5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2/3 C. fresh chopped cilantro plus extra for garnish

2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thin strips

5 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias, plus extra for garnish

1 T. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. ground pepper

1 T. cornstarch

 

To prepare for freezer: In gallon zip-lock bag, combine chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, carrots, garlic, cilantro, ginger, scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper.  Squeeze out excess air and seal. Place sealed bag into another bag for safety. Label, date, and store in freezer until ready to serve.  When ready to serve: Thaw prepared ingredients overnight in refrigerator. Pour the entire contents of the large bag into a slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.  Just before serving, set slow cooker to high. In a large measuring C. combine cornstarch with 1 T. water. Add 1 C. of cooking liquid and stir to combine. Pour mixture back into slow cooker, cover, and cook 2 minutes longer, or until sauce is thickened. Garnish with cilantro and scallions and serve with white rice.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

6 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped

3 C. water

3 C. chicken stock

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 C. quick-cooking grits

12 ounces Velveeta, cubed (about 2-1/3 cups)

1/2 C. butter, cubed

1/2 C. 2% milk

4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

2 C. shredded white cheddar cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Add water, stock, garlic powder and pepper to bacon drippings; bring to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 5-7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add Velveeta and butter; stir until melted. Stir in milk. Slowly stir in eggs until blended. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with bacon and shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake grits as directed, increasing time to 50-60 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

 

Nutrition Facts: 12 servings, 3/4 cup: 466 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strudels

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strudels

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strudels

3 T. butter, divided

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 C. whole milk

1/3 C. shredded Swiss cheese

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp. salt

5 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 pound ground fully cooked ham (about 3/4 cup)

6 sheets phyllo dough (14×9-inch size)

1/2 C. butter, melted

1/4 C. dry breadcrumbs

 

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. minced fresh parsley

 

In a small saucepan, melt 2 T. butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheeses and salt. In a large nonstick skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add eggs to pan; cook and stir until almost set. Stir in ham and cheese sauce, heat through. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 375°. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with 2 tsp. breadcrumbs. Fold in half lengthwise; brush again with butter. Spoon 1/2 C. filling onto phyllo about 2 in. from a short side. Fold side and edges over filling and roll up. Brush with butter. Repeat with remaining phyllo, butter, breadcrumbs and filling. Place on a greased baking sheet; sprinkle each with 1 tsp. cheese and 1 tsp. parsley. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Freeze option: After topping strudels with cheese and parsley, freeze unbaked on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer container; return to freezer. To use, bake strudels as directed, increasing time to 30-35 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.