Category: RECIPES

SLOW COOKED BEEF & MUSHROOM STROGANOFF ~ BLOG 365.329

This is the PERFECT cozy recipe for cold fall and winter nights.

SLOW COOKED BEEF & MUSHROOM STROGANOFF

2 pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 3 x 1/2 inch pieces
8 ounces BEECH mushrooms or 1 pound fresh sliced mushrooms
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, chopped
1 can Campbell’s cream of celery soup
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
Prepared egg noodles

  • Add beef pieces in slow cooker.
  • Whisk together the liquid aminos, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, condensed soup and seasoning.
  • Fold in onions and mushrooms.
  • Cook, covered on low, 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.

 

  • Transfer steak and mushrooms to a serving dish and keep warm.
  • Skim fat from the juices.

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup sour cream

  • Whisk together the hot water and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Stir cornstarch mixture into pan juices.
  • Cover and continue cooking 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Stir in sour cream until smooth and consistent.
  • Fold in egg noodles and pour over beef and serve immediately.

NOTE: I prefer the Beech mushrooms because of their nutty flavor.

AZZOLINA SPAGHETTI ~ BLOG 365.324

This recipe was printed on an old dot matrix printer on February 10, 1984 and noted that it was from P.J. Azzolina’s grandfather. So, I did a little research and found that AZZOLINA is an Italian surname, but it also translates to Little Azure or Cornflower or Sky Blue. But when you google AZZOLINA SPAGHETTI it brings up a recipe for Assassins Spaghetti. 🙂

AZZOLINA SPAGHETTI
24 ounces tomato paste
6 cups chicken broth
28 ounce can peeled, whole tomatoes, trimmed and mashed
1 LARGE onion, FINELY chopped
1 pound mild Italian sausage, each sausage cut into thirds
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons Avocado or olive oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
pinch red pepper, to taste
Pinch baking soda

  • Heat oil in large skillet.
  • Saute’ onion until tender.
  • Add sausage and brown on all sides.
  • Remove onions and sausage from oil and drain well.

 

  • In a large dutch oven stir together the tomato paste, broth and tomatoes.
  • Stir in seasonings, sugar and baking soda.
  • Fold sausages into sauce.
  • Bring to a SLOW simmer.

MEATBALLS
5 slices QUALITY bread, crusts removed
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
2-4 LARGE eggs,
2 tablespoons Parsley
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Powdered Romano cheese

  • Add meat to a large bowl.
  • Shred bread into bowl.
  • Add Parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Romano cheese.
  • With wet or gloved hands mix all together and form meatballs, adding more Romano as necessary to attain the proper texture.
  • Quickly sear meatballs and drain on paper toweling.
  • Add meatballs to sauce and simmer ALL day!

NOTE:

  • Original recipe called for Hunt’s tomato paste and whole tomatoes, but I prefer CENTO or DELALLO San Marzano brands.
  • It also called for a choice of veal or pork, but I don’t use veal.
  • It also called for water and I substitute homemade chicken broth.

BAKED CHICKEN MARSALA ~ BLOG 365.322

Not a great picture, but oh so good. Baking this makes for the most tender chicken!!!!

BAKED CHICKEN MARSALA

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half to make thin steaks
4 tablespoons Italian seasoning
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
4 tablespoons avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Grease 13×9 baking dish and set aside.
  • Generously season chicken with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Rub chicken pieces with Italian seasoning.
  • Heat oil in large skillet until shimmering.
  • Add chicken pieces, browning 2 minutes per side.
  • Transfer chicken to baking dish in a single layer.

SAUCE

1/2 cup butter, cubed
8 ounces beech mushrooms, trimmed
1 shallot, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 cups homemade chicken stock
3/4 cup Marsala wine
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Heat butter over medium heat.
  • Add shallot, garlic and mushrooms, cooking until tender.
  • Stir in stock, wine and parsley, cooking and simmering to a SLOW boil.
  • Whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Stir cream mixture into stock mixture and continue to simmer until thickened to desired consistency.
  • Add butter piece by piece, stirring until smooth.
  • Pour sauce over chicken.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  • Serve immediately.

BLUE CARROT BUNDT CAKE ~ BLOG 365.317

I decided to combine two of my favorite flavors into a single cake and was NOT disappointed!!!! I think you’ll enjoy it also. It has a uniquely yummy pop of flavor.

BLUE CARROT BUNDT CAKE ~ 12 servings

1 lemon, zested & juiced
1 orange, zested and juiced
1/2 cup FINELY grated carrot (1 medium carrot)
3 LARGE eggs
16 ounces sour cream
1 yellow cake mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 pint blueberries

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly spray bundt pan with Baker’s Joy. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the eggs, sour cream, orange and lemon zest until smooth.
  • Fold in most of the grated carrots, reserving a few for garnish.
  • Mix in cake mix, beating until smooth.
  • Fold in most of the blueberries, reserving a few for garnish.
  • Pour into prepared pan and tamp on counter to even out.
  • Bake 35-45 minutes until set and toothpick comes out clean.
  • Loosen sides and invert onto serving plate.
  • Brush warm cake with reserved juices.
  • Cool completely.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a cream cheese glaze.
  • Garnish with some FINELY grated carrot and a couple blueberries for a stunning and colorful presentation.

NOTE: If using frozen blueberries, toss the thawed berries in some flour before folding them into the batter.

CREAM CHEESE GLAZE
2 ounces softened cream cheese
1⁄2 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons WHOLE milk
2 -3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon QUALITY vanilla

  • With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, butter and milk together.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar.
  • Beat in vanilla last.

BLOODY MARY PICKLES ~ BLOG 365.315

I found this recipe on FaceBook. Now I am allergic to mustard so I avoid pickles completely because of the pickling brine, but hubby LOVES pickles, mustard and Bloody Marys so this was right up his alley. So, I bought the pickles, the bloody Mary mix and special spice, the rest is history!

BLOODY MARY PICKLES
1 jar dill pickle slices
Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix
DAN’Os OUTLAW Cajun Bloody Mary seasoning

  • Pour out about half of the pickle juice.
  • Pour in enough Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix to replace pickle juice.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of seasoning.
  • Replace lid and shake to mix.
  • Allow to sit 24 hours before eating.

FRENCH COUNTRY SOUP ~ BLOG 365.310

Don’t forget the crusty bread to go with this comforting fall favorite soup that’s perfect for any cool evening.

FRENCH COUNTRY SOUP

8 ounces Great Northern or Cannellini beans
6 cups water
4 cups homemade chicken broth
1 pound stew meat
2 medium carrots, rustically sliced (1 inch pieces)
2 stalks celery, rustically cut (1 inch pieces)
1 large onion, halved and sliced
1 cup dry white wine
5-6 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 teaspoon ground bay leaves
1-2 teaspoons crushed rosemary
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Rinse and drain beans.
  • Combine beans and water in large dutch oven. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour.
  • Drain beans and rinse.
  • Heat oil or butter in skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear beef pieces quickly.
  • Combine beans, browned beef, broth, wine, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, salt and pepper in 5-6 quart slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  • Discard bay leaves and serve with crusty bread – we like a good beer bread.

NOTE: you can substitute 2 cans of rinsed Cannellini or Great Northern beans during the last half hour instead of the dried beans. If you choose this option cut the cooking time in half.

OLIVE GARDEN COPY CAT CHICKEN ALFREDO Ala SLOW COOKER ~ BLOG 365.308

Super easy, but extra flavorful copy cat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo.

OLIVE GARDEN COPY CAT CHICKEN ALFREDO Ala SLOW COOKER adapted from The Magical Slow Cooker
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
16 ounce bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
1/4 cup FRESH grated parmesan cheese
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
16 ounces penne pasta, prepared per package directions just as slow cooking time is done
8 ounces Le Seur peas, drained
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

  • Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker in a single layer.
Pour over the Italian dressing over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle over the parmesan cheese and pepper.
Place the cream cheese cubes on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
  • Gently and slightly shred the chicken into the dressing and cheese sauce.
  • Fold in peas and cook 5 more minutes.
  • Drain pasta well and fold into chicken mixture. 
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve and enjoy!


NOTE: Olive garden dressing is high in sodium and can be a bit salty. If you prefer, choose a lower sodium dressing.

BAKED CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO & WARM BROCCOLI SUN-DRIED TOMATO SALAD~ BLOG 365.303

Fettuccine Alfredo in casserole form is a fool proof week night meal. I add pieces of rotisserie chicken to this no-boil, one dish method making it an easy AND complete meal all in the same baking dish. It will quickly become a family favorite. The pasta cooks in the broth and half-and-half as they bake and reduce into a traditional Alfredo sauce. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a Broccoli & Sun Dried Tomato Salad for a colorful and complete meal. This is a lightened up version of the recipe I used to make for Baked Chicken Fettuccine.

BAKED CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO serves 4

8 ounces dry fettuccine, snapped in half
1 cup homemade chicken stock
3/4 cup water
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
Juice and zest of 1 LARGE lemon
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Lay pasta in the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour over pasta.
  • Cover dish with foil and bake 20 minutes.
  • Uncover, stir pasta, recover and bake another 20 minutes.

1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 cup grated Pecorino, Asiago or Parmesan cheese
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces

  • Uncover casserole and stir in half-and-half, cheese and pepper.
  • Re-cover and bake 15 minutes.
  • Stir in chicken pieces.
  • Remove foil, stir and bake 15 minutes more.

1/4 cup FRESH FINE bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Pecorino, Asiago or Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup FRESH chopped Italian Flat leaf Parsley

  • Remove casserole from oven.
  • Increase heat to broil and place rack 6 inches from heating element.
  • Stir together the toppings and sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  • Broil 3-5 minutes until golden.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE: If you prefer, ANY pasta works as long as they are submerged under the liquid – fettuccine is just standard with Alfredo sauce 🙂

 

BROCCOLI & SUN DRIED TOMATO SALAD

8 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup water
1 clove garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes in oil
2 tablespoons FINELY grated Pecorino cheese

  • Whisk together water, garlic and salt in large sauce pan.
  • Add broccoli florets and cook covered over medium heat 6-8 minutes until water evaporates.
  • Stir in chopped sun dried tomatoes and season to taste.
  • Garnish with cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

COPYCAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA over PASTA ~ BLOG 365.301

COPYCAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA over MASHED POTATOES

Take this juicy marinaded Parmesan crusted chicken, add some homemade marinara and serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta for the PERFECT mouth watering meal.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups Marinara sauce OR Sunday Gravy
1/3 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese

MARINADE (see note)
1/3 cup avocado oil
1/3 cup QUALITY ranch dressing
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well-combined and uniform in consistency.
  • Use a meat tenderizer to pound chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. Note: It will plump up more when cooked.
  • Sprinkle each side of the chicken lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add the chicken to a large freezer bag and add the marinade. Seal out the air and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.
  • Heat 2-3 tablespoons of the avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes. Don’t move the chicken around much as it sizzles so it will  get a nice golden color.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep it warm.

PARMESAN CRUST
1/2 cup coarse grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup coarse grated Provolone cheese
6 tablespoons QUALITY Buttermilk Ranch dressing
4 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons powdered Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • Preheat the oven to a low broil – 450°
  • Combine Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing, stirring to combine.
  • Microwave in 15 seconds increments, stirring in between, until melted.
  • Spread it over the top of the chicken.
  • 
Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, powdered Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs and spoon it on top of the cheese.
  • 
Broil for 3-4 minutes until the top begins to brown slightly. WATCH CLOSELY TO PREVENT BURNING!
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.
  • Spoon warm marinara over top.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese.


NOTE: You can shortcut the marinade by using Italian Salad Dressing.

PAPRIKA CORN
3 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE bag frozen corn, thawed and drained
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1-2 tablespoons QUALITY smoked paprika

  • Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add corn and season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sprinkle with Paprika to taste.
  • Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly until heated through.

BRAISED WHITE BEAN & SAUSAGE ONE POT MEAL ~ BLOG 365.296

BRAISED WHITE BEANS & SAUSAGE ONE POT MEAL

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 pound smoked Andouille sausage, LARGE diced
1/12 cups diced onion
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon FRESH chopped rosemary
2 cans Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained well
1 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups trimmed baby spinach
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons FRESH grated Parmesan cheese

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add sausage, stirring and cooking until browned.
  • Remove sausage to drain on paper toweling. Keep warm.
  • Add onions to skillet, stirring and cooking 3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in mustard and 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary, cooking minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in beans, tomatoes if using and chicken broth.
  • Bring to a SLOW but steady simmer over medium high heat.
  • Lightly mash about half the beans. These will help thicken the mixture.
  • Fold in the spinach, cooking a minute or two until wilted.
  • Stir in sausage and 1/4 cup cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with remaining cheese and rosemary.

OPTIONAL:

  • Add one can well drained fire roasted tomatoes for a bit more kick!
  • For even more kick I use Better than Bouillon Chili Base to make my broth with.

updated CHICKEN PARMIGIANO ~ BLOG 365.294B

This Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite! Tender pan fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and cheese that is baked until golden and bubbly. It’ll look like you spent hours in the kitchen but this Parmesan chicken recipe comes together easily with ingredients you probably already have in the pantry!

Serve over spaghetti, egg noodles or even mashed potatoes for the perfect weeknight dinner. Chicken Parmesan is thought to be a variation of Eggplant Parmesan, a super traditional Italian recipe!

Traditionally, chicken Parmesan is a fried breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese making for a deliciously filling dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes! Chicken Parmesan is often deep fried, but this version is breaded and pan fried and then topped with marinara and cheese.

CHICKEN PARMIGIANO

MARINADE
1/3 cup avocado oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon basil
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 8 tenders, pounded thin

  • Whisk all together and pour into a large ziplock bag.
  • Add chicken pieces.
  • Marinade for 30 minutes minimum.
  • Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 LARGE eggs, beaten
1/3 cup Wondra flour
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
4 slices Mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 batch Sunday gravy

  • Drain marinade from chicken and discard.
  • Pat chicken pieces dry.
  • Set up dredging station with beaten eggs in one bowl, Wondra flour with Italian seasoning in another and bread crumbs and Parmesan mixture in the 3rd bowl.
  • Dip again into egg mixture and then the Parmesan mixture.
  • Press the breading onto the chicken to help it adhere.
  • Heat butter and oil in cast iron skillet until melted.
  • Brown the chicken breasts 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish and top with marinara sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. DO NOT SKIMP ON THE CHEESE! The gooey cheese is part of what really makes the best chicken Parmigiano!

Original posting March 12, 2020

AUTUMNAL SALAD ~ BLOG 365.294

AUTUMNAL SALAD

DRESSING
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1/4 cup avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 clove garlic, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped rosemary

  • Add all ingredients to food processor.
  • Pulse 2-3 minutes.
  • Set aside.

SALAD
1 cup chopped butternut squash
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons FRESH chopped rosemary
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups baby spinach, trimmed
1/2 cup Broccolini pieces
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup chopped candied walnuts
3/4 cup chopped heirloom tomatoes
1/4-1/2 cup chopped radishes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 LARGE green onions, sliced
1 cup chopped rotisserie chicken pieces
1/2-3/4 cup smashed croutons

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add squash.
  • Season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sprinkle with garlic powder and rosemary.
  • Cook 5-7 minutes until squash is tender.
  • Remove from heat and cool completely.

 

  • Add the remaining ingredients, except croutons, to a large salad bowl.
  • Add cooled squash and croutons, tossing well, but gently.
  • Serve and Enjoy!