Monday, June 27, 2011

Red Wine and Beer BBQ Chicken

I’m going to make this tonight: But w/o the red wine, as I don’t have any nor do I like it:

Red Wine and Beer BBQ Chicken

Ingredients-
-3 Chicken breasts
-1 cup ketchup
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-1 can beer (I used Coors Light)
-1/2 cup red wine
-1/2 cup BBQ sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a sauce pan, blend ketchup, brown sugar, beer, wine, and BBQ sauce. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Pour over chicken and bake in a baking dish for about 1 hour, or until chicken is fully cooked.

Ingredients-Potatoes
-1 Russet potato, cut into wedges
-1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
-1/2 teaspoon paprika
-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-1/4 cup ranch dressing
-1/4 cup real bacon pieces (I used Hormel real bacon pieces)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. On a foil lined baking sheet, spray foil generously with Pam cooking spray. Lay wedges on foil and pour oil evenly over wedges. Sprinkle with garlic salt and paprika. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping once.
3. Remove from oven and top with ranch, cheese, then bacon. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ham & Bean Soup

This is the one I use, but I sub the water for Chicken stock, and double the thyme (makes it good).  I also add a few cloves of garlic, cuz I love it!!

HAM AND BEAN SOUP 

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1748,153189-243196,00.html
Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.

1 lb. dry navy beans
8 c. water
1 1/2 lbs. ham hocks
2 med. potatoes
2 med. carrots
2 stalks celery
1 med. onion
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Cook beans and ham until done, then add cubed potatoes, chopped celery, onions and carrots, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 hour or until everything is tender.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Pumpkin-Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with Cranberry Glaze

Pumpkin-Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with Cranberry GlazeAdapted from Ashlee's Pumpkin Meatloaf with Cranberry Topping


Printable Recipe



1 cup finely chopped onion
1 8oz package mushrooms, chopped finely
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb 93% lean ground turkey breast
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg white
1/3 cup rolled oats
1 tsp each minced fresh thyme and rosemary
Freshly ground salt and pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the onions until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes more, until vegetables are tender. Add to a bowl with the turkey, pumpkin, egg white, oats, sage, salt & pepper. Toss gently to combine. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin tin. Place in the oven, bake for 20 minutes.

Combine cranberries, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes. Spoon onto the meatloaf muffins, and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
http://www.carascravings.com/2009/11/pumpkin-turkey-meatloaf-muffins.html

Sam’s Italian Chicken: for the crock-pot

Sam’s Italian Chicken: for the crock-pot

2-4 chicken breasts
1/2 a stick of butter cut up
1 pack of Good Seasonings Italian Dressing packet
1 onion cut up

Put in in the morning.  When you get home remove the chicken from the Crockpot.  Add 1 package cream cheese (I do the fat free) and about a 1/4 cup white zin if you have it (I have made it plenty of times without the wine).  Once it is creamy and mixed up top the chicken and rice with it. 

Rosemary Ranch Chicken

Rosemary Ranch Chicken
ever-so-slightly adapted from Allrecipes

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup ranch dressing
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon white sugar, or to taste (optional)
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or tenders (I used tenders because that’s what I had)

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (I marinated it overnight).

2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken until no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.

garlic-mustard glazed skewers

ic-Mustard Glaze (adapted from Bobby Flay via Smitten Kitchen) Makes about ¾ cup of glaze, or enough to cover and baste 2 pounds of meat
I used pork, but Deb used chicken (I think) and Bobby Flay uses beef tenderloin. Just be sure you choose a cut that is appropriate for fast cooking. Your cooking time will depend on the type of meat you use.
¼ cup whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons Spanish paprika
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds meat, cubed
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except the meat. Reserve ¼ cup of the glaze; add the meat to the remaining glaze, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before using.
2. Prepare a medium-hot fire. Grill the meat, turning three times and brushing with the reserved glaze, for 4 to 8 minutes, until golden brown, slightly charred, and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.
http://www.crumblycookie.net/2010/07/09/garlic-mustard-glazed-skewers/

Pizza Paninis

Pizza Paninis

Wow - these were easy and very good.


Frozen garlic Texas toast
Deli-sliced pepperoni
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza sauce

Prepare garlic toast according to package directions. To assemble sandwiches, top a slice of garlic toast with pepperoni and a sprinkling of cheese, then another piece of garlic toast. Cook in a panini press until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Originated from: www.cassiecraves.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Grilled Chicken Fajitas

These were very good. I've used the chicken marinade quite a few times now and I'd highly recommend it.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
6 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1½ tsp. brown sugar
1 jalapeño, seeded, ribbed and diced
1½ tbsp. minced fresh cilantro
1 tsp. salt
¾ tsp. pepper
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied (6 halves total), about 1½ lbs.
1 large red onion (about 14 oz.), sliced into ½-inch thick slices, rings not separated
2 large bell peppers (about 10 oz. each), stemmed, quartered and seeded
8-12 (6-inch) flour tortillas

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 4 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and pepper.  Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade; set aside.  Place the chicken breast halves in the marinade, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.  Brush both sides of the onion rounds and peppers with the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.  Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, using a large chimney starter, ignite 6 quarts of charcoal briquettes and burn until the coals are fully ignited, about 20 minutes.  Empty the coals into the grill, spreading them in a single layer.  Place an additional 20 unlit coals over the lit coals on one side of the grill to create a tw0-level fire.  Place the grill grate over the coals and allow to heat for 5 minutes.  Scrape the grate clean with a grill brush.  (For a gas grill, light all burners to high, cover and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes.  Leave one burner on high and turn the rest down to medium.)

Remove the chicken breast halves from the marinade and transfer to the hotter side of the grill; discard the left over marinade.  Place the onion rounds and peppers on the cooler side of the grill.  Cook the chicken until it is well browned, 3-4 minutes.  Using tongs, flip the chicken and continue grilling until it is no longer pink inside (or an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160˚ F.)  Meanwhile, cook onions and peppers until spottily charred and crisp-tender, about 8-12 minutes, turning once or twice as needed.  When the chicken and vegetables are done, transfer them to a large plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

In 2 or 3 batches, transfer the tortillas in a single layer to the now empty grill on the cooler side.  Cook until warm and lightly browned, about 20 seconds per side.  When the tortillas are done, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or foil.

Separate the onions into rings and place them in a medium bowl.  Slice the bell peppers lengthwise into ¼-inch strips and add them to the bowl with the onions.  Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved unused marinade and toss well to combine.  Slice the chicken into ¼-inch strips and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons of reserved marinade in another bowl.  Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a large platter with the warmed tortillas and serve.

Originated from: http://annies-eats.net/
http://babiesandbroccoli.blogspot.com/2011/04/grilled-chicken-fajitas.html
 

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Avocado Chicken Pitas

Avocado Chicken Pitas

I routinely will make a whole chicken in the crockpot and use the chicken for various meals throughout the week - this is a good one that's quick, easy and good.

4 - Whole Pita Breads
2 Tbs - Olive Oil
1 - Medium Ripe Avocado (pitted/peeled)
1 Tbs - Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp - Salt
1/4 tsp - Garlic Powder
1/8 tsp - Hot Pepper Sauce (or Frank's)
3/4 lb - Cooked Chicken (cut into strips)
1 - Medium Tomato (chopped)
2 cups - Shredded Cheese (I use Cheddar)

Brush one side of each pita bread with oil and place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until browned and crisp.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl - mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce.  Spread over pitas.  Layer with chicken, tomato and cheese.  Bake for 5-6 minutes or until cheese is melted.

http://babiesandbroccoli.blogspot.com/

Chicken Salad

MJ's Chicken Salad

Thank You to The Rookie Chef (http://www.therookiechef.com/) for changing my view on Chicken Salad.  I broiled this on a hoagie with cheese and it was amazing.

4 - chicken breasts
1/2 cup - Chicken Broth
2 packets of Knorr dry vegetable mix
1 cup  - Mayo
1 cup - Sour cream
1 can - Sliced water chestnuts


Directions:
Put chicken breasts in the crockpot with one can of chicken broth (I seasoned mine with Lemon Pepper). Heat on low for 5-6 hours. In the meantime, crush up veggie soup mix in the packet by using a rolling pin over it.  Chop up the water chestnut slices into fairly small pieces Mix sour cream and mayo together, add veggie mix and water chestnuts. Put in the fridge for at least an hour (this helps the veggie mix soften). Once the chicken has cooked, remove from slow cooker and shred with a fork. Lightly salt and pepper the shredded chicken. Once cooled, add to mayo/veggie mix.

I served mine on a hoagie - but could easily be served as a side with crackers.

Crockpot Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Crockpot Italian Chicken Sandwiches

3 lbs - Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup - Olive Oil
1 1/2 tsp - Sweet Basil
1 1/2 tsp - Garlic Powder

Dredge Chicken in Parmesan Cheese (and I mean really, really coat them in cheese) and layer on the bottom of your crockpot.  Combine all other ingredients - pour over chicken and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Once cooked - shred and enjoy.

Note - We like our sandwiches a little bit moister - so I mix up an additional amount of the Olive Oil Mixture and use it when shredding the chicken.

http://babiesandbroccoli.blogspot.com/search/label/Dinner%20-%20Chicken

Pasta crab casserole

Pasta Crab Casserole

Pasta Crab Casserole
(from Taste of Home Freezer Pleasers cookbook)

8oz uncooked spiral pasta
2 large onions, chopped
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms , sliced
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2t minced garlic)
1/2 cup butter
2 pkgs (8oz each) imitation crabmeat, chopped (can be replaced with a lb of chopped, cooked shrimp)
1/2 cup sour cream
2t salt
1-1/2t dried basil
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1) Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute onions, mushrooms, green pepper and garlic in butter until crisp-tender. Remove from the heat. Drain pasta; add to vegetable mixture. Stir in the crab, sour cream, salt and basil.
2) Transfer mixture to two greased 8" square baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to a month. Cover and bake the second casserole at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue to back for another 5 minutes.
3) To use frozen casserole thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes until heated through.

Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce

Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce

Originated from www.quickand simple.com

4 boneless pork chops (3-4oz each)
1/2t salt
1/2t coarsely ground pepper
1/3 cup fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth
1-1/2T dijon mustard
1/3 cup fat free half-and-half

Trim all visible fat from pork chops aand sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and pepper. Heat non-stick skillet over med-high heat, mist with cooking spray. Add pork chops and cook 3-4 min on each side or until golden brown. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Add broth to skillet; stir to loosen up the browned bits. In a small cup or bowl, stir mustard into half-and-half; add to skillet. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 5-6 min or until sauce has thickened. Spoon sauce over pork chops and serve immediately.

Only 163 calories!!!

http://ladybugkitchen.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=16

Creamy Baked Ziti

Creamy Baked Ziti

This recipe from Kraftfoods.com had me at "creamy" but I love me some baked Ziti too. I've not made it yet so there are no changes to the recipe at this time.  :) Maybe later.


4 cups ziti pasta, uncooked
1 jar  (26 oz.) marinara sauce
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
6 oz.  (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1 pkg.  (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/3 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

make it

HEAT oven to 375ºF.
COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt. Remove from pan; drain. Meanwhile, add marinara sauce, tomatoes and cream cheese to same pan; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Return pasta to pan; mix well.
LAYER half the pasta mixture in 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with layers of sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella and remaining pasta mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.

Taco Pie

Taco Pie

Not for the calorie conscious....but oh so good!

1 tube - Crescent Rolls
1 lb - Ground Beef/Turkey
2 cups - Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup - Sour Cream
1 package - Taco Seasoning
Doritos

Unroll crescent rolls into the bottom of an 8" or 9" pan.  Brown meat and add taco seasoning.  Combine meat and sour cream.  Pour mixture on top of crescent rolls.  Add cheese then doritos.

Bake covered for 15 minutes.  Uncover and bake for 5 additional minutes.

http://babiesandbroccoli.blogspot.com/search/label/Dinner%20-%20Beef

BBQ Chicken & Potatoes

BBQ Chicken and potatoes

Adapted from Betty Crocker

1 1/4
lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
1/3
cup BBQ sauce
6
cups frozen (thawed) southern-style hash brown potatoes
1
cup ranch cheese dressing
1/2
cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)(add more!)
1
can (10 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2
cup bread crumbs
2
tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4
cup chopped green onions (3 to 4 medium)
  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In medium bowl, stir together chicken strips and BBQsauce.
  3. In large bowl, stir together potatoes, dressing, cheese and soup. Spoon into baking dish. Place chicken strips in single layer over potato mixture.
  4. In small bowl, stir together crumbs and butter. Sprinkle in baking dish.
  5. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender and juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Sprinkle with green onions.
Makes 6 servings (1 3/4 cups each)
 
I haven't tried it yet, but want to try making "Mommy Mac" instead of potatoes under the chicken. 

Buffalo Chicken and Potatoes

Adapted from Betty Crocker


1 1/4
lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
1/3
cup buffalo wing sauce
6
cups frozen (thawed) southern-style hash brown potatoes
1
cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/2
cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)(add more!)
1
can (10 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2
cup bread crumbs
2
tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4
cup chopped green onions (3 to 4 medium)
  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In medium bowl, stir together chicken strips and wing sauce.
  3. In large bowl, stir together potatoes, dressing, cheese and soup. Spoon into baking dish. Place chicken strips in single layer over potato mixture.
  4. In small bowl, stir together crumbs and butter. Sprinkle in baking dish.
  5. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender and juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Sprinkle with green onions.
Makes 6 servings (1 3/4 cups each)

Friday, June 10, 2011

Sunrise Parfaits

Ingredients
  • 1  cup  fat-free milk
  •   Pinch of salt
  • 1/2  cup  dry whole-wheat couscous
  • 1  package (12 ounces)  frozen mixed berries
  • 2  containers (6 ounces)  vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2  cup  low-fat granola
Directions 1. In a small saucepan, bring milk and salt just to boiling. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Divide couscous among six 8-ounce plastic cups (or to-go containers with lids). Top each with frozen berries and yogurt. Cover and chill overnight. Top with granola before serving.

Heart-Healthy Flapjacks

Ingredients
  • 2/3  cup  all-purpose flour or King Arthur's white whole-wheat flour
  • 1/4  cup  quick or old-fashioned oats, uncooked
  • 1  teaspoon  baking powder
  • 2/3  cup  low-fat milk
  • 1  small  egg, lightly beaten
  • 2  teaspoon  canola oil
  •   Canola oil spray
  • 3/4  cup  strawberries, sliced
  •   Sprinkling of powdered sugar, if desired
Directions 1. In large bowl, combine flour, oats, and baking powder; mix well. In medium bowl, combine milk, egg, and oil; blend well. Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
2. Coat skillet with spray, and heat to medium high. For each pancake, spoon 1/4 cup of batter into skillet, forming heart shape. Flip when batter bubbles and edges begin to set. Top with berries and sugar.

Mini Veggie Frittatas

Ingredients
  •   Vegetable-oil spray
  • 4    eggs
  • 3  Tbs.  low-fat milk
  • 1/4  tsp.  salt
  • 1/3  cup  part-skim mozzarella, shredded
  • 4    whole sundried tomatoes, packed in oil and chopped
  • 1/3  cup  green pepper, chopped
Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. Spritz 12 mini muffin tins with vegetable oil.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and salt. Add cheese, tomatoes, and peppers. Spoon a tablespoon into each cup. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes.

Chewy Granola Balls

Chewy Granola Balls


Chewy Granola Balls
Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 30 balls

  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories 73
  • Total Fat (g) 3
  • Saturated Fat (g) .3
  • Sodium (mg) 42
  • Carbohydrate (g) 11
  • Fiber (g) 1
  • Protein (g) 1
  • Calcium (DV%) 1.5
  • Iron (DV%) 4.5

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
  • 1/2  cup  almond butter
  • 1/2  cup  rice syrup
  • 1  cup  crisp rice ceral
  • 1 -1/2  cups  granola
  • 1/4  cup  dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries and/or raisins, chopped
Directions 1. Place the almond butter and rice syrup in a small saucepan over low to medium heat and warm for 2 minutes or until it becomes smooth and combined.
2. Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
3. Pour the warm almond butter mixture into the bowl with the granola mixture and stir to combine.
4. Pour the warm almond butter mixture into the bowl with the granola mixture and stir to combine.
5. Roll into 1 inch balls.

http://www.parents.com/recipe/appetizers-snacks/chewy-granola-balls/

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Cranberry Pineapple Pork Chops:

Cranberry Pineapple Pork Chops:

NEED:
Salt & Pepper
1can whole cranberry sauce
1can (10oz)pineapple tidbits
4 center cut pork chops –we used boneless pork rib meat

DO:
Brown the pork chops for 2-3min on each side, season with salt & pepper. Mix cranberry sauce and pineapple in bowl, place browned pork chops in the bottom of the crock, pour cran/pineapple mix over them, set on low for 6-8hrs. Serve with brown rice and a veggie!