Tuesday, September 16, 2008

BBQ Chicken Sandwhich with Sweet Potato French Fries

Dear Viewers,
Sorry for the delay with recipes. Life has been a whirlwind and I just found the ground again! Tune in on Saturday for a new Weekly Menu!
Today's Feature is the BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Roasted Sweet Potato French Fries
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Serves 4
2 Large Chicken Breasts (marinate in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes)
1 Red onion sliced in rings
1 sliced Avocado
4 slices of Provolone Cheese
1 large Tomato
2 Tablespoons Garlic Mayonnaise (for 1/4 cup mayo mix in 1 large roasted clove of garlic)
Toast your favorite buns, and assemble your Sandwich. I always coat both sides of the the bread, to get that yummy garlic taste. You can add anything else you want to this Sandwich.
Sweet Potato French Fries
1 Large Sweet Potato
1 Large Russet Potato
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 twigs of Thyme
salt and pepper to taste
Clean and peal your potatoes, and slice in long thin strips. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Thyme, salt and pepper. Roast in 400 degree oven for 15-25 minutes, until fork tender!
****I like to serve with Raspberry Katchup. Mix 3 tablespoons Katchup to 1 tablespoon Raspberry Jam, and one dash of hot sauce! LOVE IT!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Week 11

Dear Readers....I know I have been a slacker I am so sorry! But I back and up and running. Please feel free to send your favorite recipes in so we can share them too, don't forget your pictures too! I would love to hear from you!!
Weekly Menu
Steamed Halibut with Mango Salsa
recipe used: Halibut Chicken with Mango Salsa (click here)
Honey Mustard California Club Sammy's
with Crispy Baked Zucchini
Recipes used: California Club, Baked Zucchini (click Here)
Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu

recipes used: Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu (click here)


Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken


recipes used: Teriyaki Chicken


Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken



Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki Sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar (or ¼ cup honey and 1 tablespoon molasses)
1/3 cup soy sauce (scant…a little bit less than 1/3 cup)
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons corn starch and 1 ½ teaspoon cold water

First mix sugar, soy, vinegar, ginger and garlic. Take half of the mixture and marinate 4 large chicken breasts for 30 minutes. Add cornstarch to remaining liquid and bring to a boil, until slightly thick.

Grill chicken until the juices run clear, or until it reached 170 degrees. Also grill pineapple.

Serve over rice with steamed veggies.

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu



Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu
This recipe is the LIGHT version of classic favorite.

Chicken Marinade
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)

Marinate chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Grill chicken over medium heat until done. At the same time grill large pieces of Canadian bacon, place on top of the chicken, then top off with a piece of provolone cheese ( I only used a half piece on mine!) Close grill lid and allow it to melt the cheese.

This is a yummy alternative!

Steamed Halibut with Mango Salsa



Steamed Halibut with Mango Salsa

4 Halibut pieces
1 ice cube (I used vegetable broth frozen cubes for flavor)
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and Pepper to season

Mango Salsa
1 small red onion diced (or ½ small onion)
1-2 large mangos, diced
1 large red pepper diced
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of one lime
½ cup chopped cilantro
Salt and Pepper to taste

Rinse 4 large Halibut pieces and pat dry. Season with sea salt, pepper, and chili powder. Place in a tinfoil package and place on the grill for 7-10 minute until fish is done. Can Also be done in the oven.

Serve over rice and top with mango salsa. Serve with your favorite steamed veggies.

Honey Mustard California Club Sammy's with Crispy Baked Zucchini



Honey Mustard California Club Sammy's with Crispy Baked Zucchini

Sammy's
Good Whole Grain Bread
Deli Sliced Brown Sugar Ham
Honey Turkey
Crispy Bacon
Lettuce
Avocados
Tomatoes
Slices Swiss Cheese

Honey Mustard Sauce
¼ cup Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard

To Assemble Sammy's, smother both slices of bread in honey mustard sauce and build your Sammy.

Crispy Baked Zucchini
1/2 pint butter milk
2 cups bread crumbs ( I make my own out of left over wheat bread)
½ cup flour


Slice large 1/3 of an inch slices of zucchini on a diagonal. Salt on both sides. Pat both sides of the zucchini in the flour to coat. Then dip in buttermilk, then in to the bread crumbs. Place zucchini on a cooling rack inside a cookie sheet. This will create a surface for both sides to get crispy. When you have all your zucchini lined up take an olive oil spray and lightly spray the tops of the zucchini. (Pam will work if you don’t have olive oil spray) Bake for 10 -15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard sauce or a creamy bbq sauce! Very yummy!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Weekly Menu 10

HONEY LIME SALMON
When spring comes out I get so excited to use my GRILL! Fish is wonderful on the grill. Try this "Spring" inspired recipe of mine, YOU'LL LOVE IT!
Recipes used: Honey Lime Salmon
Homemade Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Sauce
Brent loves chicken fingers...so I decided to make him some at home. I re-invented the Honey Mustard Dipping from a popular restaurant. Kids will defenitly eat this up! Also perfect to make extra and freeze them, or add them to a salad! Your possiblities are endless!
COMFORT SPAGHETTI
When I have no time, but I want a good comfort meal I turn to the quick spaghetti. This is so simple and so easy anyone can do it!
Recipes used: Comfort Spaghetti
BEEF TOSTADAS

I love tostadas, and making them at home is easy! Enjoy!
(Also great use of left overs)
Recipes used: Beef Tostadas







HONEY LIME SALMON


HONEY LIME SALMON

2 large Salmon Filets
Season with Salt and Pepper

Glaze:
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 Lime juiced
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon chili powder

I grill my salmon, on foil on the BBQ grill, but this is easily done in a broiler or a toaster oven. Place prepared salmon on the grill for 5 minutes. When it starts to turn opaque brush on your glaze and allow to caramelize. Add more glaze right before service

Serve with rice and steamed vegetables.

Comfort Spaghetti


Comfort Spaghetti
1 lb ground pork sausage or ground beef (Seasoned well!)
1 medium onion diced
2 stalks celery diced
2 carrots diced
1 green pepper diced
2 gloves fresh garlic minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
(1/2 cup water if needed)
2 teaspoon dried oregano (1 tablespoon fresh)
2 teaspoons dried basil (2 tablespoons fresh)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Brown ground beef in a sauce pan. Remove and drain. Sauté onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and peppers. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, if too thick add water. Place meat back into sauce and add all the seasonings. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Pour over your favorite pasta and top with Cheese~!

Homemade Chicken Fingers




Homemade Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Great for kids and husbands!!!

1 lb chicken tenderloins (you can cut your own from chicken breasts)
1 pint buttermilk
2 cups bread crumbs ( I make my own out of left over wheat bread)


Marinate your chicken for at LEAST 30 minutes in the fridge with the buttermilk. Place a cooling rack inside your cookie sheet, this will allow your chicken to get crispy all around, and not soggy on the bottom. Dredge marinated chicken in breadcrumbs and place on the cooling rack. When all the chicken is breaded put into a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until chicken is done or reaches the temperature of 165.

SPICY VERSION
Add 1 teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to your breadcrumbs.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
¼ cup Miracle Whip (this makes the difference I promise!)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Mix ingredients together. Be sure to taste and adjust.

Beef Tostadas

BEEF TOSTADAS

4 tostadas shells *
½ lb ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small onion

Toppings
1 can black beans (drained, and reheated)
1 small can corn (or I prefer FROZEN!)
1 small avocado diced
1 tomato diced
3 green onions diced
1 cup grated cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
Sour cream for garnish

Sauté onions until translucent. Turn stove top to HIGH Heat and brown the ground beef. Season with salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.

Cover Tostadas with ground beef then top with your favorite toppings.

Suggestions…add the Buttermilk Cilantro Ranch Dressing, buttermilk ranch, chopped cilantro, lime zest and lime juice. And if you like it spicy add on dash of tabasco sauce
This also works well with left over pot roast!

***(you can purchase, or you can fry your own corn tortillas, or just use corn chips)

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Weekly Menu 9

ITALIAN CHICKEN STEW
Okay, definetly this weeks favorite. Warm and Hearty you have to give this Italian Chicken Stew a try!
Recipes used: Italian Stew
POTATO SOUP
A classic growing up in my house! I LOVE THIS STUFF. Plush check out the light version with less fat!! Plus...supper easy and fast!
Recipes used: Potato Soup

APPLE-BACON STUFFED PORK CHOPS
I once saw a cooking show make somthing similar and thought I could make it just as well!~ So try my version. I don't actually stuff it, too messy, just put it on top, plus more to eat!
Recipes used: Apple-Bacon Pork Chops , Sweet Potatoes

NAVAHO TACOS
Also a family classic. Perfect for a Friday night!
Recipes Used: Navaho Tacos




Italian Stew


Italian Stew

4 Small chicken breasts (any part of the chicken will work, I love thighs)
¼ cup flour
Salt and pepper to season
1 medium onion, medium diced
1 clove garlic, minced (I like 2 large ones!)
1 large zucchini, medium diced
1 large red pepper, medium diced
2 stalks celery, medium diced
1 can Italian diced tomatoes
1 small can tomatoes sauce
Chicken broth if needed.
1 can Italian white beans
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons basil
Salt and Pepper to taste
½ cup parmesan cheese
2 cups uncooked orzo pasta, small rice like pasta (you can use other pasta if you have it in your pantry!)

Season your chicken and cut them into medium bite-sized pieces. Coat flour, shaking any excess off. In a hot pan with olive oil, brown the chicken on all sides. Remove and allow to rest. Add more oil, ONLY IF NEEDED. Sauté onion, garlic, and celery. When translucent add peppers and zucchini, canned tomatoes and sauce. Add the white beans, I do not drain mine because I feel the starch liquid gives the stew a nice thick and smooth feel, but if you are inclined be my guest. Add all the spices and herbs. Mix together and bring to a simmer. Add chicken back on top of the stew, cover and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until sauce thickens.

Pour over cooked pasta, and top with Parmesan Cheese

Navaho Tacos


Navaho Tacos
1 recipe Chili (click here)
1 batch scone dough. ***see note
1 cup fresh chopped tomatoes (optional, but desired!)
Shredded Lettuce
Sour Cream for Garnish (or flavor, however you see it!)

***NOTE*** I just use the scone mix you buy at the store…it is much faster! You could also call the Grocery store and ask them to pull some bread dough out of the freezer and you would pick up later that evening. I do that ALL the time!

Fry small scones in hot oil. (it is best to follow the directions on the scone mix)

Top warm scones with your favorite chili recipe. Top the Chili with scones, lettuce, and tomatoes. I also like some avocados, but I am a lone woman when it comes to that!

Yummy suggestions:

I know many of you will freak out with this suggestion, but in my family we always put the honey on the scones, and then added our Chili. I know it sounds repulsive, but HONESTLY it is so good. The sweet from the honey, spice from the chili, and salt from the cheese is soo balanced and soo good together.

Pork Chops with Apple Bacon Stuffing


Pork Chops with Apple Bacon Stuffing

4 pork chops, seasoned with salt and pepper
1 small diced shallot (or tablespoon diced onion)
½ cup apple juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon butter

STUFFING:
1 small onion
1 small apple
1 glove garlic minced
2 stalks celery diced
2 strips bacon chopped
4 slices left over bread, dry
1 small egg (maybe even half)
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste

For stuffing
In a small pan sauté bacon until fat renders out. Add onions, celery, garlic and apples. Add cooked items to a bowl and mix together with bread, apples, sage and seasonings. Mix egg and milk in a small bowl and pour over bread mixture, (you may not need to use all the liquid, use just half first then evaluate) When mixed together, transfer to a small baking dish and bake at 375 for 15 -20 minutes.

CHOPS
Spray frying pan with olive oil and get it supper hot! Add your chops in and get a nice sear on both sides. Only cook about 2-3 minutes on both sides. Remove chops and rest for a minute. On medium heat add small diced shallot and sauté until translucent. Deglaze the pan by adding the vinegar and apple juice, getting all the bits off the pan. Add chicken stock and bring to a low simmer, add in the chops and cover. Cook on a low simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until reaches 155 degrees on a kitchen temp.
Remove chops cover with foil and allow to rest. While resting turn your burner to high heat and allow the sauce to reduce and thicken, about 4 minutes. At the very end add 1 small teaspoon of butter to finish the sauce. Plate your chops and pour sauce over, then top with the Apple-Bacon stuffing.


**If you want to stuff them be my guest...be warned it is messy, and you get more stuffing with them on top!

Potato Soup

A CLASSIC FAMILY FAVORITE


Potato Soup

1 cup of celery chopped
1 cup onion chopped
1 clove garlic
1.5 cup potato
1 can chicken broth (H20 is okay too, just less-flavor)
6 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
1 pt cream
green onion for garnish
1 cup grated cheese

Sauté the veggies in a sauce pan with 3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil!) When onions are translucent add your chopped potatoes, it works best if they are choped in 1/2 inch cubes. Cover with liquid, broth or water, until potatoes are just covered. Boil until potatoes are fork tender.


In a different sauce pan melt 3 tablespoons softened butter add flour to make a roux. Add the cream and Wisk it adding 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar. Bring to a boil until thick. Add in veggies with liquid and bring to a simmer.


Serve with Cheese and Green onion...and some yummy crusty bread! Or serve in a bread bowl!


LIGHTER OPTION?!?!

If you want to cut some of the fat, half the roux and cream portion. Then take 2 cups of your boiled veggies and put them in your blender and puree until nice and smooth. This will add thickness and creaminess without all the FAT!!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Week 8 Menu

Steaks with Red Sauce and Gorgonzolas

This is one of my favorite ways to have steak. This sauce is savory and sweet, and with the cheese it melts in your mouth. So So So Good.
Pork Wonton Soup
Wang Ma Ma in Taidong, Taiwan taught me out to make these wantons. The are a typical "Chinese comfort food". You can easly use froze wontons or frozen dumplings for this recipe.
Recipes used: Pork Wonton Soup
Lemon Caper Chicken
I made this up the other day after eating it at one of our favorite restaurants. It was so simple and NO FUSS, BUT SO YUMMY! Great for Sunday Dinners!
Recipes used: Lemon Caper Chicken


Steak Burritos

This was an easy fix, and totally fast! For a short cut you could use a pre-made box of spanish rice! Yummy!
Recipes used: Steak Burritos, Spanish Rice



Do you have menus you want to share?? Email them to me at recipeswapping@gmail.com!


Spanish Rice

SPANISH RICE
1 1/2 cups rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes, (chopped a little more!)
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
1/2 of a medium onion
1 small green pepper, diced
2 tablespoons oil
4 heaping tablespoons of finely chopped clilantro (optional)

In a medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add in the fresh garlic, peppersand onion. Saute until softened. Add in dry rice. Stir for about 5 minutes until rice becomes a golden brown color. Add in broth and tomato's. Add in the cilantro if you're using it. Stir it up and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer on low for 20 minutes and fluff with a fork.

Steak Burritos



Beef Steak Burritos

2 favorite beef steaks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and Pepper to season
1 recipe Spanish rice (click here for mine)
1 can black beans (optional), drained and reheated
4 tortillas

Cut steaks into think long strips and marinade them over night or at least for 30 minutes, with the olive oil, lime zest, chili powder, salt and pepper. (Don't throw the lime away you will use it for the burritos later.)

Sear the strips in a really hot pan so they get brown and golden. This should take no more than 3 minutes.

To make burritos:
Heat tortilla up on stove or in the microwave. Layer about 3 tablespoons of rice on the bottom, followed by the beans and beef strips. Top with sour cream and roll into a burrito. Serve with salsa and guacamole.

Pork Wanton Soup



Pork Wanton Soup

20 small pork dumplings (see recipe below)
2 carrots, peeled and cut in thin strips
2 stalks celery, cut in thin strips
1 red pepper cut in thin strips
1 small bunch green onions cut thin diagonal
3 cans chicken broth
½ cup fresh bean sprouts
soy sauce

Bring chicken broth to a small boil. Add in your carrots, celery, and red pepper. Then gently drop in your fresh made dumplings into the pot. Cover and cook until dumplings are done. Serve with fresh bean sprouts, green onions and a teaspoon of soy sauce.
(If your dumplings are store bought and are frozen add them in before you add the vegetables and let cook about 2 minutes, then add the vegetables.)



WANTONS

1 pound well-ground, fatty pork
2 cups minced cabbage
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)
1 small garlic glove, minced
1 teaspoon fine salt
Pinch of white pepper
1 package frozen dumpling wrappers
small bowl of water



To make the pork filling:

If the pork is not finely ground, mince well with a knife. Mince your pork in the food processor, until the pieces are small about the size of a pencil eraser. If you do not have a food processor you can chop all of it, but make sure it is super fine. Put in a bowl and lightly salt, this will bring out the moister. Let sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes transfer into think kitchen towel and ring all the moisture that you can out of the cabbage. Slice scallions lengthwise, then thinly slice. You should have a good mixture of white, light green, and dark green pieces. Add to the bowl with the pork. Place a strainer over the pork bowl; strain the ginger so that the juices are added to the bowl. Press down on ginger to squeeze out all juices. Discard ginger left in strainer. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir in chopped cabbage until completely incorporated.


To wrap the dumplings:

Using a spoon or chopsticks, place one heaping tablespoon of dumpling filling in the center of the dumpling wrapper. Using your fingertip, wet the outer edge of the dumpling wrapper with water. Fold up the sides of the dumpling into a half-moon shape. While holding the dumpling lengthwise, curved side up, use your index finger and thumb to pinch the edges of the dough on one side of the dumpling into "pleats," pressing each pleat against the flat side of the dough to seal the dumpling as you go. Start at one corner of the dumpling and work your way to the center (making three to four "pleats"). Then work from the other corner to the center creating another three to four "pleats."
Line all the dumplings in a row on a cookie sheet waiting to be used.
You can fry the dumplings in a small shallow pan then add water and cover and steam thoroughly or use them to make Pork Wanton Soup

Lemon Caper Chicken

THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE DINNER!!!


Lemon & Caper Chicken

4 Chicken Breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon capers
1 small minced shallot (or onion will work)
2 teaspoons thyme (1 tablespoon if fresh)
Juice of one lemon
1/3 cup cream

Season Chicken breast liberally no both sides. Heat frying pan on high and coat with olive oil. Sear chicken on each side for 3 minutes each. Don’t keep moving it or checking it, you need a really nice brown. Transfer breasts to an oven-safe cooking dish. Meanwhile, sauté shallots in left over oil until translucent. Ad thyme and capers and sauté until fragrant. Slowly deglaze the pan with your lemon juice. Using a wooden spoon gently get all of those yummy chicken bits and flavor up off the pan. Then add the cream and bring to a boil, remove immediately and pour over chicken. Foil the dish and place in 350˚ oven for 15 minutes, or until chicken is done through. Serve with your favorite potatoes and vegetables.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Steaks with Red Sauce and Gorgonzolas Cheese



Steaks with Red Sauce and Gorgonzolas Cheese

4 medium sized Rib Eye Steaks
Salt & Pepper
1/3 cup grape juice (not white, it is too sweet)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons diced shallots, (could use red onions)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon soften buttered
1 tablespoon flour
¼ cup Gorgonzolas crumbles

Season steaks with salt and pepper on BOTH sides. Sear steaks for 3 minutes on both sides. Don’t move them around, don’t touch them…just sear and flip after 3 minutes. After both sides have been seared place in a casserole dish. Add oil to your pan and sauté your shallots and garlic on medium heat. When they are soft and translucent add your grape juice and vinegar, then add Thyme. Turn to high heat and reduce for 3 minutes, your liquid should reduce in volume almost by half. Meanwhile in a small bowl mix your soften butter and flour until you make a nice golden paste. Add this to your liquid mixture and whisk. When the liquid starts to thicken slightly remove from heat and pour over steaks. Cover dish with foil and place in a 350 degree oven for another 5 minutes, this will produce a medium rare steak. If you want something more done, leave in for an extra 3 minutes. When serving sprinkle with the gorgonzolas crumbles.

***serve with a green veggie and your favorite potato (try my crispy parmesan potatoes)

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

4 medium sized potatoes
2 tablespoons of melted butter
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Clean and peal the potatoes. Chop in 1 inch squares or bite sized pieces. Cover with cold water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Boil potatoes for about 4 minutes (you do not want them to be done…just close to done!) Drain potatoes and air dry for 1 minute, meanwhile mix cheese and dried herbs and spices in a small bowl. In a sauté pan coat potatoes with melted butter, and then mix in the cheese mixture. Place sauté pan over high heat. Make sure potatoes are evenly distributed and make only one layer in pan. DO NOT STIR the potatoes, let them cook and sizzle for a good 4 minutes before even looking at them, this insures at least one side to be nice and golden crispy. Then toss and brown the remaining sides.

* Can be stored in the oven to keep warm…do not cover as it will make the outsides crust go soft!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

WEEK 7 Menu

WEEK 7 MENU
(sorry it took so long)
Chicken and Rice Soup

recipes used: Chicken and Rice Soup

ORANGE RICOTTA PANCAKE

recipes used: Ricotta Pancake

Spicy Jack Mac & Cheese

NO Fuss Chicken Tacos

recipes used: NO fuss Chicken Tacos


Chicken and Wild Rice Soup


Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
2 boxes Uncle Ben's long grain wild rice quick method (6.2 oz.)
Prepare according to directions. Let this stand while preparing the rest of the soup.
1 cube butter or margarine
1 chopped onion
2 grated carrots
Brown above 3 ingredients until onions and carrots are soft.

Add:
1 c. flour
6 c. water
Mix flour and water together well so flour is dissolved completely. (Blender works well)

Add:
2 c half and half
3 chicken boullon cubes - I use more. Taste it to see.
5 c. cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces.
Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with hot rolls or Sweet Corn Bread - recipe follows

NO FUSS Chicken Tacos

NO FUSS Chicken Tacos

This is the easiest meal ever. It is a staple at our house if it is going to be busy night!

4 frozen chicken breasts
1 small can favorite salsa (any heat ok)
1 small container store bought fresh mango salsa (optional)
8 tortillas

Place chicken in crock pot cover with salsas and let cook on low for 5-7 hours. Serve with your favorite rice and black beans. SO YUMMY.

Try my cilantro rice recipe.

Spicy Jack & Mac Cheese


SPICY JACK MAC & CHEESE

2 cups (8oz) dry macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper Jack Cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 can 12 fl oz Evaporated milk
½ teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons bread crumbs

Preheat oven 350˚. Lightly butter your 2 quart casserole dish, or individual dishes.
Cook macaroni as directed on package.
Mix your cooked pasta, cheeses, ½ of your parmesan cheese, milk and pepper in a bowl and pour into your casserole dish. Combine remaining parmesan cheese and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top of macaroni. Cover with foil and back for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

* This recipe is also great with-out the spicy cheese, just add an additional cup of Monterey jack cheese.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Week 6 Menu

BEEF STEW
This was a yuumy stew. Enjoy
Recipes used: Beef Stew (click here)
Baked Chicken Pasta
This is a recipe I use all the time when I teach cooking. It is easy and fast and is marvelous for leftovers!!
Recipes Used: Baked Chicken Pasta

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Sesame Orange Chicken

I found this recipe, and inproved upon it! It is my new favorite!

Recipes used: Sesame Orange Chicken


Chicken Nachos


This is another recipe that is fantasitc for left-over chicken. And supper easy. It is a 5 minute dinner!

Recipes used: Chicken Nachos




Sorry I am late this week!!!

Sesame Orange Chicken


Sesame Orange Chicken

2 large chicken breasts
1 small onion, diced on angle
2 carrots, pealed and diced on angle
1 large bunch broccoli
¼ cup orange juice
1 small garlic glove, minced
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons corn starch
1 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (garnish)


Sauté and brown chicken in olive oil. Add in onion, carrots, and broccoli and continue to sauté. In a small bowl mix orange juice, soy sauce, garlic and corn starch. Add liquid to your frying pan and bring to a boil to thicken. Cover with lid and allow the vegetables to steam. Watch carefully not to burn. Remove and Serve with rice. Dress with a small amount of sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Baked Chicken Pasta


Baked Chicken Pasta

great for left over chicken!

1 lb favorite small pasta, (I had shells left over)
1 ½ cooked chicken diced
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 small green pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can tomatoes sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
Salt to taste

Boil water and cook pasta to ALMOST done! Drain and set aside. Sauté onions, pepper and zucchini, until tender. In the blender combine your stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic powder and pepper, and salt if needed. Blend to a smooth consistency. Combine sauce, noodles, cooked chicken, and veggies in frying pan and coat evenly. Add in 1 cup grated cheese and put in a cooking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake at 350˚ for 15- 20 minutes. ENJOY!

Chicken Nachos

Chicken Nachos

1 can black beans
½ red onion diced
1 cup diced cooked chicken
3 cups shredded cheese
1 green pepper chopped
1 tomato chopped
1 small avocado cubed
Sour cream, if desired
Favorite corn tortilla chip

Drain the beans and heat in a microwave safe bowl for 1 minute. Spread out chips on a cooling rack set inside a cookie sheet, this will keep them crisp. Layer with Chicken, onions, peppers, and beans. Then top layer of cheese. (Sometimes I put a small layer on the bottom so everything sticks together.) Place them in your broiler for 30 seconds to a minute. DO NOT WALK AWAY TO ANSWER THE PHONE, you must sit and watch them to know when they are done! You could do them in the microwave, but you run the risk of them going soggy. When they come out top them with tomatoes, or salsa, avocado and sour cream!

Beef Stew


Crock Pot BEEF STEW

3 c. carrots (chunks)
2 lg. potatoes (chunks)
3 lg. stalks celery (chunks)
1 lg. onions (chopped)
1 can favorite bean, I like pinto
2 T. parsley
1 lb. stewing beef (bite size pieces, uncooked)
1 teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoon pepper flakes
1 teaspoons pepper
1 can beef stew
1 can tomato soup + half can water

Sauté with a nice brown crust. Add to crock pot. Simmer potatoes in water for 3 minutes (this will prevent them from going brown.) Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Week 5 Menu

FRENCH DIP SANDWHICH'S
This is an old standby...always yummy!

Recipes used: French Dip(click here)

Chicken Faijtas
Fast and Easy!! Cook extra chicken for tommorrows Salad Dinner!
Recipes used: Chicken Fajitas
Raspberry & Chicken Salad

A yummy refreshing dinner! Great for left-over chicken use.

Recipes Used: Raspberry Chicken Salad
*pic borrowed from Google Images, I forgot to take a pic!

Chicken Soup Pot Pie
This is the best of both worlds! Creamy Chicken soup meets Chicken Pot Pie!

Recipes Used: Chicken Soup Pot Pie, Homemade Biscuits