BLACK BEANS & RICE with CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.150

BLACK BEANS & RICE with CHICKEN
1 cup uncooked Basmati rice
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons chili powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2-3 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1/4 cup minced scallions or red onions
1 can seasoned black beans, rinsed
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
FRITOS

GARNISHES: sour cream, grated cheese, minced onions, salsa, avocado chunks, lime wedges…

  • In a LARGE non-stick skillet, combine water, chicken broth, chili powder, FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and rice.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking 15-20 minutes until tender.
  • Add beans during the last 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add chicken.
  • Recover and let sit 5 minutes until chicken is heated through.
  • Add a scoop of fritos to the plate and top with a spoonful of the rice mixture.
  • Top with garnishes of choice.

WING DINGS ~ BLOG 365.145

WING DINGS
1/4 cup FINELY chopped celery
1/4 cup FINELY chopped onion
1/4 cup FINELY chopped carrot
2 tablespoons ranch salad dressing mix
1 LARGE egg, lightly beaten
1 pound ground chicken
2 cups CRUSHED potato chips, divided
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup Frank’s buffalo wing sauce

  • In a large bowl combine celery, onion, carrots, dressing mix and egg until well blended.
  • Add chicken and half the potato chips, mixing well.
  • Roll into 18 or so meatballs.
  • Heat butter and avocado in large skillet over medium heat.
  • Roll meatballs in remaining potato chips.
  • Cook in small batches, not crowding the pan, until browned and cooked through.
  • Drain well on paper toweling.

8 ounces spreadable cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese crumbles
2 tablespoons WHOLE milk
2-3 garlic cloves, MINCED
2 tablespoons Frank’s buffalo wing sauce

  • Combine ingredients until well blended.
  • Use as a base or dipping sauce.

DEPRESSION BURGERS aka OKLAHOMA FRIED ONION BURGERS ~ BLOG 365.143

DURING the depression in El Reno, a small Oklahoma town along the Mother Road aka Route 66 at Hwy 81 when hamburger meat was really expensive Ross Davis, an inventive diner owner found a way to ration the meat with the inclusion of flavorful and cheap onions that stretched the meat and built the flavor too, hence why it was called the depression burger.

The recipe has been passed down through the generations and are still made the same way today. Several other diners followed suit and a burger star was born. The burger became a national treasure and is the ugly kissing cousin to the prettier version of how burgers are served today with the grilled onions on top.

I’ve added cheese and changed the onions to shallots which give it a bit of an extra bite. By adding the cheese we have onions between the meat and cheese as well as on top of the cheese.  The key to the flavor in my opinion is to ALMOST burning the onions.

DEPRESSION BURGERS aka OKLAHOMA FRIED ONION BURGERS
Adapted from Cook’s Country

3 shallots, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
salt and pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
4-8 slices cheddar cheese
Mayonnaise
Ketchup and Mustard
Pickles
4 hamburger buns, toasted

  • Combine the onion slices and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl, tossing to combine.
  • Transfer the onions to a colander and let sit for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
  • Transfer the onions to a clean dish towel, gather the edges together and squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the onions. Be sure to do this over the sink since the onions will have quite a bit of liquid in them.
  • Divide the onions into 4 separate mounds on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Form the beef into 4 lightly packed balls.
  • Place the beef balls on top of the onion mounds and flatten the beef firmly using your palm so the onion adheres to the beef. The patties should measure 4 inches in diameter.
  • Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
  • Melt the butter with the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
  • Using a large spatula, transfer the patties to the skillet, onion side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and begin to crisp around the edges.
  • Flip the burgers, then increase the heat to high and cook until well browned on the second side, about 2 minutes.
  • Add 1 or 2 slices of cheese to each burger and allow to melt.
  • Add mayo, mustard and pickles to the top buns, then place each burger on a bottom buns.
  • Serve immediately.

Originally posted July 12, 2018 / Updated May 23, 2023

SUNDAY (ALL DAY) MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 365.136

SUNDAY (ALL DAY) MEATBALLS

MEATBALLS
Avocado oil
2 slices dense sourdough bread
+/- 1/2 cup WHOLE milk
1 pound QUALITY ground beef
1 LARGE egg, lightly beaten
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup red wine
3 1/2 cups WHOLE peeled tomatoes, hand crushed by hand
1/4 cup oil packed, chopped sun dried tomatoes
1/3-1/2 cup FINELY chopped Vidalia onion
2 LARGE cloves garlic, minced

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish with oil.
  • Place the bread in a small bowl and pour enough milk to soak the bread. Allow to sit 5-10 minutes.
  • Add ground beef to medium bowl.
  • Squeeze out excess milk out of bread and crumble bread over ground beef.
  • Add egg, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Grease your hand with a bit of the oil , mix the meat mixture gently and then roll meat mixture into 10-12 meatballs, placing in greased baking dish.
  • Bake meatballs 10-15 minutes – just enough to crisp the outsides, but not entirely cook the insides.

SAUCE
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped parsley
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped basil
1/2 tablespoon FRESH chopped oregano
1 teaspoon FRESH chopped thyme
+/- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 pickled jalapeno slices (optional)
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Combine the wine, crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, seasonings to taste and pickled jalapeño if using.
  • Pour sauce over meatballs.
  • Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Return to oven and bake 10 minutes more until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Serve over pasta and enjoy!

SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 365.132

This is another one of the several of my “new to me” recipes are courtesy of my friend Diana’s mom and grandma’s recipe boxes. This recipe 45 years old and was from her aunt, Carol Booth in 1978. I made only slight alterations to bring it into the 21st century.

SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS yields 12-18 meatballs
MEATBALLS
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 pound ground pork
2/3 cup cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon Johnny’s seasoning salt
2/3 cup evaporated milk

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Gently combine all the ingredients together.
  • Roll into meatballs.
  • Brown meatballs (they will finish cooking through in oven) and transfer to baking dish.

SAUCE
13.5 ounce can pineapple tidbits
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 small green pepper, chopped (OPTIONAL)

  • Drain juice from pineapple pieces into saucepan.
  • Add liquid aminos and vinegar.
  • Whisk in cornstarch until smooth.
  • Fold in green pepper if using.
  • Cook slowly until thickened.
  • Pour over meatballs.
  • Bake 20-30 minutes until heated through.

MAMA GRONK’S CHICKEN CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.131

MAMA GRONK’S CHICKEN CASSEROLE (adapted from)
4 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 cup chopped celery
1 LARGE sweet Vidalia onion
1/3 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1/4 cup Frank’s Original Hot Sauce, +/- to taste
8 slices sourdough bread, cut into small cubes
3 cups WHOLE milk
4 LARGE eggs
1 can Campbell’s cream of chicken soup
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley, for garnish

  • Spray bottom of large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, celery pieces, onions, mayonnaise and hot sauce.
  • Fold in bread cubes.
  • Layer evenly into baking dish.
  • Whisk together the milk, eggs and soup.
  • Pour egg mixture over bread and chicken mixture.
  • Cover and chill 2-3 hours minimum.
  • Uncover casserole and bring to room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Bake 1 hour.
  • Top with cheese and bake 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
  • Garnish and serve.

NOTE: This recipe can be baked in individual ramekins for personal servings.

GERMAN MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 365.125

GERMAN MEATBALLS
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup FINELY chopped onion
3/4 cup FINELY ground bread crumbs
1 tablespoon FINELY chopped FRESH parsley
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 LARGE egg, beaten
1/3 – 1/2 cup WHOLE milk
2-3 tablespoons avocado oil
24 ounces sauerkraut, undrained
1/3-1/2 cup homemade chicken bone broth

  • In a large bowl combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, bread crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper, Worcestershire sauce, egg and milk JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERWORK.
  • Shape into meatballs.
  • Heat oil in large skillet.
  • Brown each meatball on all sides, removing to drain fat.
  • Add sauerkraut to skillet and top with browned meatballs.
  • Pour bone broth around edges.
  • Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add more broth as necessary.
  • Top with parsley before serving.

SPICY BALSAMIC CAPRESE CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.124

This is a modified version on Pampered Chef’s recipe for Balsamic Caprese Chicken.

BALSAMIC CAPRESE CHICKEN
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup FRESH basil leaves, julienned
2-3 LARGE cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
4 ounces FRESH sliced Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup balsamic glaze, to taste (RECIPE BELOW)
Homemade marinara sauce for serving

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Toss together the tomatoes, basil, garlic, Italian seasoning and avocado oil.
  • Season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Generously season chicken breast with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Heat butter in heavy skillet.
  • Sear chicken 3-4 minutes on both sides until cooked through.
  • Top with a slice of FRESH Mozzarella cheese.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  • Serve with pasta and homemade marinara sauce.

BALSAMIC GLAZE
1/2 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

  • Mix together in a small saucepan.
  • Simmer 15 minutes over medium low heat until reduced by half and will coat the back of a spoon.

SALSA VERDE HALIBUT ENCHILADAS ~ BLOG 365.115

I HAD to replicate this amazing recipe we had at the McKenzie Brewing Company formerly known as Steelhead Brewing Company while on a recent trip. These Halibut Enchiladas with their Salsa Verde on a creamy, tender bed of pinto beans were literally orgasmic.

SALSA VERDE HALIBUT ENCHILADAS serves 4 (8 enchiladas)

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 – 4 to 6 ounce Alaska Halibut fillets
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 LARGE can (18 ounce) green salsa sauce
1 SMALL can diced green chiles (mild, medium or hot, to taste)
8 – 8-inch corn or flour tortillas
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 cans (15 ounces each) seasoned pinto beans, drained WELL

  • Blend garlic salt, lemon pepper, chipotle chili pepper and cumin together.
  • Sprinkle on all sides of halibut to season.
  • Heat oil over medium heat in large skillet.
  • Sear halibut JUST until fish is opaque throughout.
  • Cool slightly and then into chunks when cool enough to handle.
  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Pour and spread 3/4 cup of the salsa verde sauce on bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
  • Heat a large saucepan to medium-high, adding remaining green sauce and chiles.
  • Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
  • Spread pinto beans evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
  • One by one, dip the tortillas in the sauce, divide halibut chunks evenly among tortillas, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cheese; roll up and place enchiladas snugly side by side in the baking dish on top of the pinto beans.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and beans.
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  • Top with chopped tomatoes.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and enchiladas are heated through.
  • Sprinkle on cilantro when serving.

BIG SUR ROAST CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.111

This is one of our favorite comfort meals in the fall. Herbs, garlic and lemon come together to oomph up a Sunday dinner BIG time. How can you go wrong with mashed potatoes, tender juicy chicken and garlic gravy? But, you have to plan ahead! This needs to be started early in the morning for the brine to add the maximum flavor

BIG SUR ROAST CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless plump chicken breasts
1 cup KOSHER salt
6-8 WHOLE black peppercorns
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 LARGE eggs, beaten
2 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Italian leaf Parsley
1 cup HOMEMADE chicken stock
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon

  • Fill a large saucepan with 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the salt, brown sugar and peppercorns, stirring until salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
  • Set brine aside until COMPLETELY cooled.
  • After brine is cooled, add chicken breasts, cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.
  • Remove chicken from brine.
  • Discard brine.
  • Rinse chicken and pat dry. Let chicken sit 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter andthe avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken breasts to taste with FRESH ground pepper and sea salt.
  • Arrange beaten eggs and flour in 2 shallow bowls.
  • Dip chicken breasts in egg mixture and then Wondra flour, shaking off excess.
  • Sear chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Remove chicken breasts to platter and keep warm.
  • Add garlic to pan and sea 1 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add chicken broth, lemon juice and parsley to pan, simmering 10 minutes until flavors meld and heated through.
  • Swirl in remaining butter.
  • Plate chicken and serve with mashed potatoes.
  • Top with gravy and enjoy.

ENCHILADA MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 365.110

ENCHILADA MEATBALLS
8.5 ounce JIFFY corn bread muffin mix
1 + 1 tablespoon Pampered Chef south west seasoning
1 LARGE egg, lightly beaten
10 ounce can enchilada sauce
1 pound ground beef
16 ounce jar of your favorite salsa
4 ounce can chopped green chiles, drained WELL
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Prepare an bake corn bread muffin mix per package directions.
  • Cool COMPLETELY, then crumble into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of the seasoning, egg, beef and half the enchilada sauce. Mix lightly, but thoroughly.
  • Shape into golf ball size balls and place on LIGHTLY greased baking sheet.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Transfer meatballs to shallow baking dish.
  • Combine remaining enchilada sauce, salsa, chiles, 1/2 cup of the cheese and remaining taco seasoning. Pour over meatballs, turning to coat.
  • Bake another 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

CRISPY LEMON CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.108

Quick and easy crispy chicken in a light and tasty lemon sauce! The wetter batter creates a coating that fries up SUPER CRISPY in the oil. Coat it with the sweet and sour lemon sauce for PURE perfection.

CRISPY LEMON CHICKEN
1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
1 LARGE egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons Peanut or Avocado oil
1/4 cup homemade chicken broth
1/4 cup FRESH lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Prepared rice of choice
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

  • Whisk together the egg and 1/2 cup cornstarch until well blended
  • Add chicken and toss until evenly coated. Set aside for 10 minutes. I often use a large ziploc bag to make less of a mess.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken, stirring frequently 5-7 minutes to keep pieces separate and cooked on all sides until golden brown.
  • Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the leftover oil in the pan.
  • Whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Braggs liquid aminos, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and remaining corn starch.
  • Add chicken broth mixture to pan, whisking and cooking until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  • Whisk in sesame oil.
  • Plate chicken over rice and drizzle sauce over chicken pieces OR toss in sauce before plating.
  • Add green onions and enjoy!

NOTES:

  • If you prefer a sweeter lemon sauce, increase the honey to 4+ tablespoons.
  • Omit the red pepper flakes for no spice or use more for more heat.
  • Add a vegetable – diced bell pepper, snap peas, etc… for a healthier option.