Monday, April 29, 2013

week of April 28, 2013

Mon - Grilled Burgers 
Tue - Chicken Tacos 
Wed - Ham Steaks and Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Thur - Meatloaf (see June 3, 2012)
Fri - Penne and Sausage

Grilled Double Cheese Burgers http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/hamburger-with-double-cheddar-cheese-grilled-vidalia-onion-and-horseradish-mustard-recipe/index.html

The Pampered Chef ® Cool & Crunchy Chicken Tacos Recipe
 12 hard yellow corn taco shells 
 1 small head romaine lettuce (about 2 cups/500 mL shredded)  
 1-2 limes, divided 
 1/2 cup (125 mL) mayonnaise 
 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin 
 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper (optional) 
 3 cups (750 mL) diced grilled chicken breasts 
 1/2 small jicama 
 1 small mango 
 1/2 cup (125 mL) loosely packed fresh cilantro 
 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 
 1 avocado, peeled and sliced (optional)

  1. Prepare taco shells according to package directions; set aside. Shred lettuce using Santoku Knife. Zest limes using Microplane® Adjustable Grater to measure 1 tsp (5 mL). Juice limes to measure 3 tbsp (45 mL). Place zest, 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the juice, mayonnaise, cumin and cayenne pepper, if desired, inStainless (4-qt./4-L) Mixing Bowl; mix well. Spoon about 1/3 cup (75 mL) of the sauce into resealable plastic bag; twist to secure and set aside. Add chicken to remaining sauce; mix well using Classic Scraper.
  2. Peel jicama and mango using Serrated Peeler. Slice jicama using Ultimate Mandoline fitted with v-shaped blade. Slice jicama and mango into 1/4-in. (6-mm) strips. Chop cilantro. Combine jicama, mango, cilantro, salt and remaining juice in Classic Batter Bowl; mix well.
  3. Place lettuce into taco shells. Top evenly with chicken mixture, jicama mixture and avocado, if desired. Trim corner of sauce-filled bag; drizzle over tacos.
Yields 6 servings. Nutrients per serving: (2 tacos): Calories 370, Total Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 22 g, Sodium 350 mg, Fiber 3 g
Cook's Tip: To grill chicken in Grill Pan, season 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/175 g each) with salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Heat pan over medium heat 5 minutes. Spray pan with vegetable oil. Cook chicken 7-10 minutes. Turn chicken over; cook 7-10 minutes or until Digital Pocket Thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. 
NOTE: I am not a fan of jicama, feel free to leave it out or subsitute it with Cabbage. Also, I use sour cream for the sauce instead of mayo


Loaded Mashed Potatoes
4 large baking potatoes OR red potatoes
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 lb bacon
1/4 cup milk or cream
2/3 cup sour cream
8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
4 tbsp (1/2 stick) of butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cut bacon into cubes. Cook bacon until crispy.
Put peeled, diced potatoes in a large soup pot. Add garlic. Cover potatoes with water - just enough water to cover no more. Salt water. Cook on high until potatoes are tender, stirring often. Drain. Add butter, milk, and mash until creamy. Over medium heat, stir in half the onions, sour cream, 1/2 the cheese, 1/2 the bacon. Stir until cheese melts. Taste, add salt and pepper as needed. Serve with the remaining onions and bacon, and cheese on top.

Penne and Sausages
2 cups dry penne pasta
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 package (4 sausages, 12 oz) Chicken Sausages Smoked Mozzarella w/Artichoke & Garlic (or similar sausages)
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Cook penne and sausages according to packages. Drain. Cut sausages on a diagonal and add to pasta. Heat sauce and stir into pasta and sausages. Serve with shredded cheese.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

week of April 21, 2013

Sun - Homemade Mac n' Cheese

Mon - Roast Chicken
Tue - Chicken Enchiladas (See June 19, 2011)
Wed -Pork Scallopini
Thur - Yakishoba with Beef
Fri - Stoffer's Lasagana (Frozen Meal)
Sat - Chicken Panini (Pampered Chef recipe, contact me for recipe)


Three Cheese Mac'n Cheese
Ingredients
1/2 lb elbow macaroni
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
3 cups milk
6 oz sharp cheddar, shredded + 2 oz for topping
6 oz smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 oz Gouda Cheese
2 oz cream cheese
1 lb bacon, cooked crispy, diced
salt and fresh ground black pepper
Topping (optional):
3 tbsp butter
1 cup bread crumbs
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Boil the pasta to al dente. The water, like all pasta water, should be salted before hand until it tastes like salt water. While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and keep it moving for about two - five minutes until it smells nutty, do not burn. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, simmer, stirring constantly, until it starts to bubble. Turn down heat to medium. Stir in the cheese a little at a time, wait until the previous cheese is melted to add the next handful of cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold the macaroni and crispy bacon (reserving handful for topping)  into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
OPTIONAL: Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.




Pork Scallopini
4-6 (about 1 1/2 lb) boneless pork loin chops
1 + 1/2 cup  milk
1 egg
3/4 cup bread crumbs (I use Progresso Italian)
2 lemons
Oil to coat the bottom of the pan (veg or canola)
flour coating:
1/2 cup AP flour
1 tbsp seasoning salt (such as Johnny's)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic salt

First flatten the meat: Spread a sheet of plastic wrap flat on the work surface. Place 1 loin in the center of the sheet and top with another sheet of plastic. Gently pound it with the flat side of a meat mallet (or the bottom of a small skillet or saucepan) until very thin, about 1/8-inch thick. Repeat.

To bread the meat you will need: 2 bowls, 2 paper plates, 1 non-stick cooling rack, a fork. Set up the assembly line: bowl with 1 cup of milk, paper plate with flour coating, bowl with 1 egg and 1/2 cup milk beaten together, paper plate with bread crumbs and zest of  1 lemon, and last the cooling rack. Put all the chops in the 1st bowl. let set in the milk for 5 minutes. One at a time, place on the flour and coat with the coating. Dip in the egg mix. then place on the bread crumbs and coat the chop. Lay on the cooling rack until all chops are breaded.

To cook, heat the oil in a large skillet on med-high heat. Add loins one at a time, being careful not to splatter yourself. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon on meat.
Meanwhile prepare Pasta-Roni (or Farmhouse) Pasrmesean Cheese Angel Hair Past (according to package). Stir juice of other lemon into pasta before serving with loins.


Yakishoba
2 boxes Maruchan: Yakishoba Teriyaki (OR beef) Flavor Noodles, 4 oz each
2 lb sirloin steak, cut against grain very thin
1 bag frozen stir-fry veggies (about 10 oz) defrosted, and drained if necessary
Prepare noodles according to package directions, keep warm. Preheat a wok or a large skillet. Once it has reached a medium heat, add 2 tbsp oil. add  to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes. Add veggies to the pan and shake frequently. Cook until warmed through. serve over noodles.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Week of April 14, 2013

Mon - Chicken Florentine Casserole (Philly Cream Cheese recipe)
Tue - Chipotle Beef Tostadas
Wed - Chicken Cacciatore
Thur - Yellow Curry (See Week of Dec 4, 2011)
Fri - Pizza Hut!
Sat - Fried Rice and Egg Rolls

Chicken Florentine Casserole (Philly Cream Cheese recipe)
 http://www.kraftbrands.com/philly/recipes/Pages/Recipe-Detail.aspx?recipeId=122555#category=818&subcategory=

chicken cacciatore

Ingredients
4 chicken breast halves or thighs (about 2-3 lbs)
1 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tbsp capers
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 pound white mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
Directions
Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Brown chicken in 2 tbsp oil in an oven safe pot. Remove chicken after skin is browned. Add veggies to pot and cook until onions are soft. Place chicken back and add other ingredients. Bring to boil then set in a 350F oven for 2 hours, or until chicken is fork tender. Serve with pasta or rice.
Slow cooker directions: Place ingredients in Slow Cooker. Cook on High for 6 hours, stirring occasionally and checking fluid level. If the liquid gets too low, add more broth.


Chipotle Beef Tostadas Food Network Magazine
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef chuck
1 large white onion, minced
Kosher salt
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
1 10-ounce can Mexican-style diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained
1 medium zucchini or yellow squash, diced
2 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
Freshly ground pepper
8 tostadas (flat crisp tortillas) or taco shells
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, half of the minced onion, 1 teaspoon salt and the chipotle chile powder; cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, about 7 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, beans and zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is just tender, about 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss the coleslaw mix, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.
Divide the tostadas among plates and spoon the beef mixture on top. Top with the cheese, slaw and the remaining minced onion. Serve with lime wedges.
Per serving: Calories 805; Fat 54 g (Saturated 19 g); Cholesterol 115 mg; Sodium 1,297 mg; Carbohydrate 47 g; Fiber 11 g; Protein 35 g

Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Egg Rolls:
1 lb ground pork or chicken
1 bell pepper
1/2 medium onion
1 cup fine shredded cabbage
1 carrot
2 tbsp Asian Seasoning Mix
Salt and Pepper
Egg Roll wrappers
In a food processor  shred bell pepper, onion, carrot, and cabbage. Sprinkle ground meat with Asia Seasoning Mix, salt and pepper. Cook ground meat and shredded veggies in a skillet, over med-high heat until meat is browned and veggies are soft. Use a spatula to crumble the meat and veg into very small pieces. (I prefer to cook meat prior to rolling to ensure it is done)
Use the directions on the egg roll wrappers on how to roll these together. Allow to cook in freezer for 5 minutes before frying at 365F until golden brown on both sides 3-5 minutes. keep warm in oven if necessary.

Rice:
3 cups cooked white rice
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp oil
1/2 cup peas and carrots frozen mix
2 eggs
Scramble eggs, warm up carrots and peas. In a non-stick skillet heat oil, vinegar and soy sauce on high - med-high. Add in rice. Stir until incorporated. Stir in eggs and carrots peas.


Friday, April 5, 2013

Week of April 7, 2013

Sun - Grilled Beef Skewers
Mon - Skillet Lasagna (Pampered Chef Recipe, below)
Quiche Lorraine and apple pie
Tue - Taco Salad
Wed - Chicken Rice-a-Roni
Thur - General Tso Chicken
Fri - Meat Lover's Stromboli (Foodnetwork)
Sat - Quiche Lorraine

Grilled Beef Skewers http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/garlic-mustard-grilled-beef-skewers-recipe/index.html

Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients:
1          jar (24-26 oz or 680-700 mL) marinara sauce
3          cups (750 mL) water
8          oz (250 g) lasagna noodles
1          lb (500 g) bulk hot Italian turkey sausage or sausage links, casings removed
2           garlic cloves, pressed
2          oz (60 g) Parmesan cheese
2          tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley, divided
1          cup (250 mL) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2       cup (125 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4       tsp (1 mL) coarsely ground black pepper
             Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
Combine sauce and water in (12-in./30-cm) Skillet. Cover; bring to a boil. Meanwhile, wrap noodles in clean kitchen towel and break crosswise into quarters. Stir noodles into sauce. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 16-18 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
As noodles cook, place sausage into (10-in./25-cm) Skillet; cook and stir over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking into crumbles using Mix ‘N Chop. Add pressed garlic; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir sausage into noodles and sauce.
Meanwhile, grate Parmesan cheese using Deluxe Cheese Grater. Chop parsley using Santoku Knife; set aside 1 tbsp (15 mL) parsley for garnish. Combine cheeses, remaining parsley and black pepper in Classic Batter Bowl. Scoop cheese mixture over noodles using Medium Scoop. Cover Skillet and simmer gently 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and ricotta mixture is heated through. To serve, sprinkle lasagna with reserved parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Yield: 6 servings Nutrients per serving: Calories 470, Total Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 9 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Carbohydrate 41 g, Protein 30 g, Sodium 1200 mg, Fiber 3 g U.S. Diabetic exchanges per serving: 3 starch, 3 medium-fat meat (3 carb)
 Cook's Tips: Wrapping lasagna noodles in a clean kitchen towel before breaking into quarters prevents them from scattering around your countertop.
 The attractive ruffled edge of regular lasagna noodles add to this dish's visual appeal. No-boil noodles can be used instead of the regular lasagna noodles, if desired. Reduce cooking time of noodles to 10-12 minutes; proceed as recipe directs.
 Fresh whole milk ricotta cheese is preferred in this recipe for its smooth texture. Look for fresh ricotta cheese at the deli. Drain off excess liquid before using.

Taco Salad

1 (about 11 oz) sack Doritos or any corn tortilla chips
1 lb ground beef
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup lettuce or cabbage
3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
Handful cilantro leaves, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
2 cups each shredded Monterey Jack and sharp Cheddar cheese
Salsa and sour cream or salad dressing (optional)
Lightly crush the chips.
In a large skillet, add beef, half the onion, and garlic. Heat over medium heat. Brown and crumble beef. Drain if necessary. Add taco seasoning. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, remaining onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and the juice of the lime in a large bowl. 
Layer salad: chips on bottom, then meat mix, veggie mix, handful of lettuce or cabbage, top with cheese, and salsa and sour cream or salad dressing.


General Tso's Chicken
1/2 bag frozen pop corn chicken
1 (14 oz) bottle of General Tso sauce (I like Iron Chef brand)
cooked white rice
Bake the chicken in the oven according to package. Heat sauce in a suace pan on stove on medium high heat until hot. When chicken is done put on rice. Pour sauce on chicken and rice and enjoy!


Meat Lover's Stromboli http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo-jr/meat-lovers-stromboli-recipe/index.html

QUICHE LORRAINE
Ingredients
6 ounces thick cut bacon, diced
4 large eggs
1 cups half-and-half or cream
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (or warmed in a bowl in the microwave for 20 seconds)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss (or any other cheese you'd like)
1/2 cup wilted spinach, if desired
Directions
You'll need a 9 in tart pan or 9 in pie pan with pie crust (see below) for this recipe.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Poke crust with fork ("docking"). Bake until the crust is set, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
In a medium skillet, cook the bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard the fat or reserve for another use.
Arrange the bacon, cheese and spinach evenly over the bottom of the baked crust.
Cream (beat vigorously) cream cheese until soft. Add in the eggs, one at a time into cream cheese until mixed, then whisk in half and half. Pour into the prepared crust. Top with additional cheeese if desired.
Bake until the egg mix is golden, puffed, and set - 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before serving.
Flaky Pie Crust
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
8 tbsp butter
8 tbsp Crisco shortening
1 tsp white vinegar
2 tbsp - 1/4 cup water
Using a fork or a pastry blender, mix butter, shortening, salt, and flour together until it looks like small beads. Add vinegar and 2 tbsp water and mix until dough forms. If it is too dry to mix add water, a tbsp at a time until it comes together. Roll into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest 20 minutes (can be refrigerated for up to 3 days). After resting, roll out into 2 circles for your pie.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Week of April 1, 2013


Mon - Potato Strogonoff
Tue - Pork Tacos
Wed - Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Thur - Baked Ham
Fri - Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Potato Strogonoff
For this recipe use a beef strogonoff recipe such as this one: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/beef-stroganoff-recipe/index.html
but replace the noodles with home-fried potatoes


Pork Tacos
1 lb of bonless pork loin or chops
1  oz can of diced green chili's
1/2 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup water
corn tortillas
(optional garnishes)
juice of lime quarters
cheese/sour cream
cole slaw (cabage mix from the store, 1 tbs of sour cream or mayo, 2 tsp lime juice)
To cook meat: mix chili's, onion, water in 9x13 pan. Add pork. Cover with foil and bake 350 for 2 hours or until meat is falling apart tender. When done take out meat and chop or shred. Put sauce in a blender or food processor until blended. Mix with meat. Serve with tortillas, garnishes, canned refried beans and boxed Mexican rice.


    Italian Sausage Rigatoni
    1package (1 pound) rigatoni pasta
    3tablespoonsolive oil
    2cloves garlic, minced
    1large sweet red pepper, chopped
    2tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
    1jar (26 ounces) of your favorite pasta sauce
    PREPARATION
    1 Cook sausage links according to package directions.
    2 Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
    3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot.
    4 Add garlic; sauté for 30 seconds or until golden.
    5 Add red peppers; sauté for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender.
    6 Cut sausage into 1/4-inch coin slices; add to skillet. Stir in pasta sauce; heat through.
    7 Add pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle with parsley.

Ham Dinner (Maple Ginger Glaze)1 large ham (precook, spiral sliced) cook 20 minutes per pound in roasting pan in a 350F oven, covered with foil, except for the last 30 minutes, which is when I put on the glaze (below). Maple Ginger Glaze: in a microwave safe bowl, mix 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple juice or cider, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 finely crushed ginger snaps, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard. Place in microwave for 30 seconds on high. At the last 30 minutes of cooking, poor glaze over ham and spread all over ham.Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.


Scalloped Potatoes with Hamsee week of Aug 7 2011