COOKING THURSDAY ~ GARLIC PARMESAN SALISBURY STEAK ~ BLOG 365.99B

Salisbury Steak is an oldie, but goodie classic dinner in our household. But, it’s also a blank and adaptable canvas for updating flavor profiles.

GARLIC PARMESAN SALISBURY STEAK

HERBED GARLIC BUTTER
½ cup of fresh chopped herbs (thyme, sage and/or parsley)
2 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
1-2 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
FRESH salt and black pepper, to taste

  • In a small bowl, combine the herbs, butter and garlic, and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste.
  • Refrigerate until ready to plate.

SALISBURY STEAK

1 pound QUALITY ground beef
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Ketchup
1 LARGE egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons salted butter
8 ounces Beech mushrooms, trimmed and separat3ed
1 Shallot, FINELY diced
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon)
2 cups homemade beef broth
⅓ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup FRESHLY grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, optional
Mashed potatoes with herb garlic butter
CRUSTY bread for sopping

  • Combine the ground beef, Panko crumbs, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder in a large bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • With your hands, gently mix to incorporate all ingredients.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal sized balls, and pat each into a ¾ inch thick oval-shaped patty.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the patties and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the patties to a plate.
  • Melt another tablespoon butter in the same skillet and deglaze over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and shallots, cooking and stirring often, until the shallots are softened and the
    mushrooms caramelized.
  • Stir in the flour and remaining butter, cooking 1 minute until completely incorporated.
  • Whisk in the wine and cook 3-4 minutes until it is reduced by at least half.
  • Add the broth and cook another 5-6 minutes until it is again reduced by at least half.
  • Add the cream, Parmesan, and mustard (if using), whisking a minute or so until incorporated.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Return the patties back into the skillet along with any collected juices.
  • Spoon the sauce and mushrooms over the steaks.
  • Cook until the sauce thickens around the patties to your desired thickness.
  • Plate the steaks over mashed potatoes, spooning more gravy over the top.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ THE ORIGINAL MARRY ME CHICKEN aka HERBED SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.99A

I found this recipe online recipe for, “THE ORIGINAL MARRY ME CHICKEN” that claims she created this dish in 2016 by way of re-creating Ina Garten’s “Engagement Roast Chicken” and the videographer saying, “I’d marry you for that chicken!”.

We’ll just have to call her version number two as I’ve been making it since 2011 when I got the original recipe from my friend Maggie one winter. There are a few small differences, but as for the name, Maggie called it MARRY ME CHICKEN long before 2016.

THE ORIGINAL MARRY ME CHICKEN aka HERBED SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN serves 4

3 tablespoons avocado oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2-4 garlic cloves, FINELY chopped
1 tablespoon FRESH thyme leaves
1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (champagne)
1/2 cup finely chopped marinated sun-dried tomatoes, drained WELL
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese
Torn FRESH basil, for serving

  • Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°.
  • In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil.
  • Generously season chicken with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate.
  • In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining oil.
  • Stir in garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring a minute or so, until fragrant.
  • Stir in champagne, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Bring to a SLOW simmer.
  • Add heavy cream and let the sauce reduce a bit to meld and thicken.
  • Stir in heavy cream and return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet.
  • Transfer skillet to oven.
  • Bake chicken 10 to 12 minutes or until completely cooked through.
  • Arrange chicken on a platter.
  • Spoon sauce over.
  • Top with basil.
  • Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.

NOTE: This recipe can be short-cutted for a weeknight meal by using shredded rotisserie chicken, especially because the sauce is the star.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY and MENU and RECIPE LINKS ~ week 14 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.96

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week went by way too quickly, AGAIN and had so many errands to get ready for Easter yesterday. I hope you all had a very blessed and family oriented Easter Sunday. My week was full of A LOT of little errands and appointments that took up A LOT of time ~ so much so that the week was over before I knew it. This week will be a chance to regroup. 🙂

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Weather underground says 146 million people are about to experience below average temperatures. We’re not included in that number, at least not this week. We’re supposed to be sunny and around 70 this week – at least until Saturday when we drop back down into the 50’s and 60’s with rain.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL,  APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have just a couple of loads to get done ~ towels, bedding and denims.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I went to the farmer’s market for produce on Saturday, but do need to pick up a couple cuts of meat this week for the menu.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Menu is planned through April.
  • DVR/TV A couple of cooking shows and old movies to keep emptying out the DVR.
  • THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY finishing a good book and longing for the next… spring cleaning and simplifying… comfy old jeans… trying a new recipe that is more than successful than I originally planned… spring blooms popping up everywhere…

READING TIME

I didn’t have a chance to do any reading last week. I started Storm Clouds Rolling In, the #1 book in the Bregden Chronicles Historical fiction series by Ginny Dye. I’ve really been looking forward the this series that is currently at 22 books, so definitely will last a while, but I’m also looking for a secondary read as I’m not always in the mood for a heavier topical historical read late at night. I’m leaning towards ACRIMONIOUS by Marie Force.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
4/6
MONDAY
4/7
TUESDAY
4/8
WEDNESDAY
4/9
THURSDAY
4/10
FRIDAY
4/11
SATURDAY
4/12
SUNDAY
DINNER
TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
TACO TUESDAY CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
STEAK PIZZAIOLA & COLESLAW
DATE NIGHT
dinner at TRUE KITCHEN and CREATE & SIP
CREOLE DAUB & SALAD
SWISS CHICKEN SUPREME & ROASTED CARROTS
DESSERT
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This week’s favorite photos are from a visit to the Peacock Ranch.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • GARLIC PARMESAN SALISBURY STEAK
  • ORIGINAL MARRY ME CHICKEN aka HERBED SUN-DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

COOKING THURSDAY ~ COUNTRY POTATOES aka COWBOY POTATOES ~ BLOG 365.92C

Crispy, golden, seasoned potatoes with ooey, gooey cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, homemade BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of green onions will leave you craving more! Tangy pickled jalapeños are optional, but mandatory according to hubby.

One of the BIG keys to the success of this recipe is cooking the potatoes twice! Boiling the potatoes first ensures they are cooked tender. Then, the you sauté them in a hot skillet it gives you those beautifully golden brown, crispy bits that help make these potatoes so ridiculously delicious. For the best flavor. DO NOT SKIP this 2 step process.

COUNTRY POTATOES aka COWBOY POTATOES

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (red potatoes work well also)
2 teaspoons kosher salt for boiling water
4 slices bacon, chopped
1-2 tablespoons avocado oil or butter
1 red bell pepper, chopped small
1 red onion, chopped small
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Pinch celery salt
1/2 cup your favorite barbecue sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños or Bloody Mary pickles, optional
2-3 green onions, chopped
Sour cream, for serving, optional

  • Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover them by about an inch.
  • Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes JUST until they can be poked with some resistance.
  • Drain the potatoes well.

 

  • In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crisp.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towels. DO NOT DISCARD pan drippings.
  • Add the oil, bell pepper and onion to the skillet, cooking 3-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Add the potatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper and season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Stir to mix well.
  • Cook, turning and flipping the potatoes occasionally 8-20 minutes or until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
  • Drizzle with BBQ sauce.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese, bacon, green onions and jalapeños if desired.
  • Serve with sour cream.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ HULI HULI CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.92B

HULI HULI CHICKEN ~ serves 4

This sweet, tangy and “sorta” spicy Hawaiian inspired meal is the perfect accompaniment to a tropical cocktail! A true HULI HULI is done on a spit on the grill, but sometimes I want it in the winter too so I created this oven version. That said, there is nothing better than chicken on the grill in the summertime. Whether it’s smoked, BBQed or marinaded – you really can’t go wrong. It’s an easy dinner and it doesn’t heat up the house. So ALWAYS choose the grill option when possible!

CHICKEN
⅓ cup PACKED brown sugar
3 tablespoons jalapeno ketchup
3 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
1 teaspoon FRESH grated ginger root
20 ounce can pineapple rings in natural juice, juice reserved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Whisk together the sugar, ketchup, liquid aminos, seasoning mix, ginger, and 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice in a small bowl. Reserve ¼ cup and set aside for serving.
  • Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining sauce to combine.
  • Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish.
  • Pour the sauce on top.
  • Nestle the drained pineapple rings with the chicken.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes until cooked through.
  • Drizzle with reserved sauce and sprinkle cilantro over the chicken.

POTATOES
2 medium potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef Crunchy Garlic Crisp Seasoning Mix
3 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped cilantro leaves

  • Toss potatoes with the oil and seasoning mix in a large bowl.
  • Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes until cooked through, rotating pan halfway through.
  • Whisk the reserved sauce with the mayonnaise until smooth.
  • Drizzle with sauce and sprinkle cilantro over the potatoes.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS ~ BLOG 365.92A

These light and fluffy streusel tops muffins taste just like French toast in muffin form!

FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS

STREUSEL
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup PACKED brown sugar
1 cup AP flour
2 tablespoons QUALITY ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup small wild blueberries, optional

  • In a bowl, add the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt and mix together with a fork until crumbles form. Set aside.

MUFFINS
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Line a JUMBO muffin tin with liners or grease the wells generously with JOY baking spray.
  • In a LARGE mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs room temperature
⅓ cup sour cream room temperature
1 cup whole milk room temperature

  • In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla and eggs until thoroughly combined.
  • Add the sour cream and milk and whisk JUST until incorporated.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula, scraping the sides as you go to combine the two mixtures JUST until combined.

ASSEMBLY

  • Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then distribute half the streusel on top.
  • Top with more batter until the muffin cup is almost full.
  • Sprinkle the remaining streusel over each muffin.

  • Bake for 25 minutes until cooked through. Adjust timing to less if making regular size muffins.
  • Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool for another 5-10 minutes before enjoying.