Author: QuiltLady

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 6 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I hope everyone had a GREAT week. I’m just going to jump in this week because I have a BUSY day ahead.

Imagine that, it’s gray, dreary and rainy in the Pacific Northwest 😀 LOL Highs are supposed to be in the 40’s and lows in the 30’s this week.  I don’t mind the cold or even the rain, but the bone chilling wet cold can be a little hard on the bones. But, it gives me the excuse to wear my favorite flannels, Levis and UGG’s. There is still a small threat of snow later in the week.

Hot water, oatmeal with bananas and yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING We’re still working on the flooring and LOL all the domino parts that it entails, so the cleaning this week is minimal and done as we go. Laundry is up to date, vacuuming is done, Christmas reorganization is almost done and donations are even dropped off.
  • FLOOR PROJECT Domino parts include the repairing molding or replacing it as well as adding the new pieces that are necessary because the original flooring was laid BEFORE the cabinetry, new thresholds that need to be stained and placed, doors that need to cut off to accommodate the new flooring and thresholds, painting, new caulking, new fittings for the toilets, etc…
  • APPOINTMENTS, GROCERIES & ERRANDS I like to get everything done in the real world all on the same day and then get back home to clean up and feel safe again. I will be doing ALL of my list today for the next couple weeks that includes groceries, drugstore, craft store, COSTCO and hardware store. I also have my 10 year oncology follow-up this week.  Unfortunately it is in a county that is under the “extreme” label so there will be no celebratory lunch as originally planned – just a get in and get out. Hubby can’t even go with me this year. I don’t have food delivery boxes coming this week or next so will be starting R.E.D. (Recipe Experiment Dinners) again.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I still have a few of each to make
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have chosen several, but am still digging through my scraps for more

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX We’re still watching Stargate 1 as reruns, but we also saw the movies Outside The Wire and the 1st episode of Lupin
  • CABLE – UNICORN, CALL YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, YOUNG SHELDON 911, 911 LONESTAR, L&O SVU, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS, BULL, GOOD DOCTOR, RESIDENT, CHICAGO SERIES

I’m still reading SINS by Nadia Lee.  😀 And of course now that I’m into it I am falling asleep quickly and not having much reading time.

I took another painting class with a friend this past week and I’m actually beginning to enjoy these classes 😀 The daisy pail was last week and the Gnome on a stump in the snow was last Saturday.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP & CHEDDAR BISCUITS
BACON MAC & CHEESE POT PIE
SPINACH SALAD
C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
CHICKEN DOME POT PIES
BBQ RIBS & COLE SLAW
EVERYTHING BAGEL DUTCH BABY
DESSERT
PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CRINKLES or PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE

  • BROWN BUTTER & SAGE GNOCCHI with SWEET POTATOES & PECANS
  • FRENCH ONION CHICKEN

CHILI PORK STEAKS with CHEDDAR GRITS & GREEN BEANS

In just a few simple steps you can give your family a warm and satisfying food hug with these pork steaks coated in a warm spice rub that is seared until crusty and smothered in a rich onion gravy that tops the flavorful and cheesy grits.

CHILI PORK CHOPS with CHEDDAR GRITS & GREEN BEANS

Adapted from Marley Spoon and Theodora Kaloudis

1 tablespoon BETTER THAN BULLION concentrate
1/4 cup water
1 cup chicken broth
3 ounces grits
1/2+ cup grated cheddar
4 thin pork steaks
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 medium red onion, halved and thin sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
½ pound green beans, trimmed and halved
FRESH ground sea salt & ground pepper
1 + 1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour

  • In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, FRESH ground sea salt and a few grinds of pepper.
  • Pat pork cutlets dry, then season all over with spice rub.
  • Fill a medium skillet with ½ inch water and bring to a boil.
  • Add green beans, half the minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt to skillet.
  • Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until green beans are just tender, 2–3 minutes.
  • Drain, transfer to a bowl, and cover to keep warm.
  • In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil.
  • Stir in grits.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until grits are tender, about 7 minutes.
  • Stir in cheese and butter until melted; season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Cover to keep warm. 

  • Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add pork cutlets and seat until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Add onions to skillet. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.

  • Uncover skillet; season onions with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3–5 minutes (reduce heat if browning too quickly).
  • Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in broth concentrate, water and broth, bringing to a SLOW boil.

  • Add pork and any resting juices to skillet and spoon gravy over each piece.
  • Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in 1 tablespoon butter; season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve grits topped with pork cutlet and green beans, all smothered in gravy.

CREAMY CHICKEN & VEGGIES with GNOCCHI DUMPLINGS

CREAMY CHICKEN & VEGGIES with GNOCCHI DUMPLINGS

adapted from Eliza Winograd at Marley Spoon

1 tablespoon FRESH chopped parsley
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme leaves
1 small can Le Seur peas, drained WELL
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
3/4 pound chicken breast strips
3 LARGE carrots, halved and sliced
1 bunch scallions, sliced thin
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 cups gnocchi
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour

  • Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil.
  • Add gnocchi and cook about 3 minutes, stirring gently, until tender and most of gnocchi float to the top. Drain well.
  • Pat chicken dry and generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • 
Melt butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken tenders 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken to a plate.
  • Add carrots, onions and garlic, stirring occasionally and cooking until softened and lightly browned, 3–4 minutes.
  • Stir in flour and cook, about 1 minute.
  • Add chicken stock to skillet and return chicken to skillet. Bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in mascarpone cheese.
  • Fold in peas and gnocchi.
  • Simmer a few minutes more.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

CHOCOLATE CHINESE FIVE SPICE CAKE

So, I admit it, the Kid’s Baking Championship inspired me on this one! If they can do it, I can do it I figured and this time it worked! 😀

CHOCOLATE CHINESE FIVE SPICE CAKE

CAKE
1 cup AP flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice Blend
1 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
2/3 cup finely chopped or grated bittersweet chocolate
1/4 cup brewed coffee or espresso, Chai tea, or apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup sugar

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, Chinese Five Spice Powder and baking soda in a bowl.
  • In a small bowl, mix the coffee (or chai tea/apple cider vinegar) and diced chocolate.
  • Stir vigorously until the chocolate has fully melted – don’t leave any lumps of chocolate.
  • Add vanilla extract and buttermilk to mixture, and blend well.
  • Set mixture aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the egg and sugar in a bowl until light and airy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the chocolate mixture and mix well with a large spoon.
  • Add the flour mixture and stir until fully mixed with no lumps.
  • Pour mixture into two well prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove cake pans from oven and let cool fully to room temperature.
  • Remove from cake pans.
  • When pans are cool to the touch, remove from pans and let sit on cooling rack at least another hour to cool, otherwise chocolate ganache will melt if cake is still warm.

GANACHE
1 cup heavy cream
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice powder

  • Place chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl.
  • Sprinkle with Chinese 5 spice powder.
  • Heat heavy cream to JUST before boiling.
  • Pour over chocolate chips and spice and let sit for 4-5 minutes – do not stir.
  • Whisk the mixture until it thickens and becomes a rich, dark chocolate brown.
  • Pour a small amount of ganache over top of one layer of cake and top with other layer. Set aside to cool.
  • Let remaining ganache cool to room temperature, so it is thick, but still spreadable.
  • Generously coat cake in ganache, running a flat spatula along the sides and top to make a smooth cake.
  • Top with chocolate sprinkles, cinnamon Sticks, and a very light dusting or five spice powder or cinnamon sugar, or crushed walnuts.
  • Chill for 2 hours, up to two days before serving.
  • Cut into slices and serve.

STUFFED CHICKEN MARSALA

STUFFED CHICKEN MARSALA adapted from Tiffany at Creme De La Crumb serves 4

This is a match made in heaven with the perfectly seasoned chicken stuffed with mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and sun dried tomatoes and then smothered in a savory Marsala mushroom sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant in less than an hour.

CHICKEN
4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices mozzarella cheese
1 12-ounce jar julienned sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, DRAINED WELL
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut a slit horizontally along one side of the chicken breast to make a “pocket”.
  • 
Fill each pocket with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and a quarter of the shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • 
Pinch together the open side of the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
  • Drizzle the chicken with oil, then sprinkle with FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and then rub in with your fingers.

  • Transfer chicken to a large enameled cast iron skillet.
  • Brown chicken over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  • Transfer chicken on a plate while you prepare the Marsala sauce.

SAUCE
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1 cup chicken bone broth
1-2 tablespoons tomato paste, depending on taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup heavy cream
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
FRESH chopped parsley or thyme for garnish


  • Add the onions and mushrooms to the pan, stirring to saute a few minutes.
  • Add garlic, stirring until fragrant, 30 seconds or so.
  • Add the Marsala wine, bone broth, salt and pepper, and heavy cream.
  • Stir and bring to a SLOW boil, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
  • Return chicken pan and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
  • Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked all the way through and cheeses are melted. Spoon sauce over chicken midway.
  • Plate chicken and spoon sauce over top.
  • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley or thyme if desired, and serve.



NOTES: Using sun dried tomatoes packed in oil adds another layer of flavor.

STACKED SUIZA CHICKEN ENCHILADAS with PICKLED RED ONIONS

STACKED SUIZA CHICKEN ENCHILADAS with PICKLED RED ONIONS serves 2

I absolutely LOVE trying new recipes. Suiza is just the Spanish word for Swiss. I generally cook something BRAND NEW 85% of the time! So combining out of the norm flavors helps keep everything interesting and leads to some wonderful new combinations. Like Molly I combine flavors based on my likes, NOT based on their cultural origins. We used to live near a Mexican restaurant that had the most amazing food, was family run, but had THE grumpiest servers (all part of the family). EVERY time they hired a new hostess/cashier we’d all take bets on how long she’d last because they were ALWAYS cute and perky! 😀 Anyway, they had THE best Suiza chicken enchiladas and that is what this recipe reminds me of. The mozzarella is a much creamier cheese than the standard jack or cheddar normally used in this style recipe. The pickled red onion cut the richness of the ultra creamy cheese and give it a tangy finish.

Adapted from Molly Krueger at Marley Spoon

FRESH ground sea salt & ground pepper
pinch sugar
avocado oil
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
¼ ounce chorizo chili spice blend
3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon BETTER THAN BOUILLON chicken concentrate
1/2 cup chicken bone broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
8 ounces green enchilada sauce
1/2 cup chicken bone broth
2 tablespoons chopped  FRESH cilantro,
1 poblano pepper, char roasted, stemmed, seeded and sliced thin
1 medium red onion, sliced thin
1 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
sour cream, for garnish

  • Preheat oven to 450° with a rack in the upper third.
  • Pick cilantro leaves from stems; finely chop the stems and reserve whole leaves. 

In small bowl, combine ¼ cup of the sliced onion with 1 tablespoon vinegar and a pinch of sugar and FRESH ground salt and pepper. Set aside, but stir occasionally, until needed.
  • In a measuring cup, stir to combine the enchilada sauce, broth concentrate, and chicken broth.
  • Set sauce aside.
  • Pat chicken dry.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Generously season chicken with sea salt and ground pepper.
  • Add chicken and cook until chicken is seared and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to a cutting board.
  • Shred chicken with 2 forks.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-high.
  • Add poblano pepper slices, remaining sliced onions, and a pinch each of FRESH ground sea salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until veggies are softened and browned in spots, 3–5 minutes.
  • Stir in all of the chorizo chili spice blend and cilantro stems; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Transfer veggies to bowl with chicken; stir to combine.


  • Off the heat, pour ¼ cup sauce into same skillet.
  • Layer 2 tortillas on top, overlapping as necessary.
  • Top with ¼ cup sauce, half of the filling, and â…“ of the cheese.
  • Repeat with 2 more tortillas, ¼ cup sauce, remaining filling, and â…“ of the cheese.
  • Top with remaining tortillas, sauce, and cheese.


Lightly oil foil; cover skillet with oiled side.
  • Bake on upper oven rack until cheese is melted and tortillas are warmed through, about 10 minutes.
  • Uncover; switch oven to broil.
  • Broil until cheese is browned on top, 2–3 minutes, depending on your broiler.
  • Remove from oven; let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Top enchiladas with whole cilantro leaves, sour cream salsa and pickled onions as desired.

NOTE: If you cannot find chorizo chile spice, make your own!

CHORIZO CHILE SPICE BLEND

1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons Ancho Chile powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon

  • Break up a bay leaf into small pieces. Using a mortar and pestle grind it up a bit.
  • Next add in the oregano and thyme and grind until finely ground.
  • Measure and combine the remaining spices, along with the bay leaf, oregano and thyme in a container and stirring to combine.
  • Store in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and store in dry, dark place for up to 6 months or longer.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 5 OF 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I hope you all had a great week. It was a strange one for me – ups and downs with my stomach/sugar issues, but it was still productive. I even worked in a painting class with a friend on Saturday. I had never done anything like it before, but had a good time and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Then Sunday was NFL playoff day so we just lazed around and watched football and read since it was too cold to do anything outside anyway 😀

Cold, gray and rainy/snowy. We aren’t supposed to see any sun this week with gray rainy snowy days and cold temperatures, highs in the low 40’s and lows in the low 30’s. I’m going to be painting this morning so I’m wearing old painting levis and my painting t-shirt.

Hot water, peach yogurt and a cheddar cheese slice.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I just have the normal sheets and towels as well as a load of jeans and socks to do.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have another meal box coming this week so have very little grocery shopping to do. Hubby has a doctor appointment, but other than that it’s another homebody week.
  • PROJECT – Bathrooms are still in progress – we had to order some parts that are taking some time with “pandemic shipping” involved so the flooring is at a standstill, but the back bathroom is painted and I’m now working on removing the shower “stickies” and redoing the shower floor. Removing these stupid fish and the adhesive is a tedious and VERY time consuming project! My advice is to NEVER buy these stickies with all the stupid little cutouts as they are a serious pain in the butt. As a break from dealing with the shower floor the front bathroom is being prepped and will be painted this week.

  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on a February menu, but for some reason it’s slow going this month.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX We’ve been re-watching Stargate SG1
  • REDBOX EmptyMan (weird, weird movie) Wander with Tommy Lee Jones and Dreamland
  • CABLE UNICORN, CALL YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, YOUNG SHELDON 911, 911 LONESTAR, L&O SVU, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS, BULL, GOOD DOCTOR, RESIDENT, CHICAGO SERIES

I’m still reading SINS by Nadia Lee. It had good reviews on Amazon, but I was having trouble getting into it, but it’s flowing now 😀 And of course now I am falling asleep quickly and not having much reading time.

It’s been a little cold here! Even the spiders are having a hard winter!
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SMOTHERED PORK CUTLETS with CHEDDAR GRITS & GREEN BEANS
FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BREAST with FONTINA & GARLIC BREAD
CREAMY CHICKEN & GNOCCHI DUMPLINGS with APPLE SLAW
C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
SHREDDED PORK QUESADILLAS and REFRIED BEAN CASSEROLE
BREAKFAST FOR DINNER
C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DESSERT
MAPLE APPLE CAKE

  • STUFFED CHICKEN MARSALA
  • BROWN BUTTER SAGE GNOCCHI & SWEET POTATOES
  • STACKED SUIZA ENCHILADAS with PICKLED RED ONIONS

REFRIED BEAN BOWLS & HOMEMADE TORTILLAS

REFRIED BEAN & RICE BOWLS adapted from MOLLY YEH

1/2 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 ounces canned diced green chiles
14-ounce cans seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can white shoepeg corn, drained
2 limes, juiced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3 cups cooked white rice
1 cup (4 ounces) grated white Cheddar or Cotija cheese
1/2 bunch green onions, trimmed and sliced
Salsa of choice
1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced
FRESH cilantro, for garnish

  • Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-low heat, rendering all of the fat until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Drain, reserving fat and set aside.
  • Increase the heat to medium and add the onions to rendered fat. Stir, then cook until soft, translucent and lightly brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the chili powder and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the green chiles and black beans.
  • Stir and continue cooking to heat through, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat and mash with a fork, potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon. Or, for a smooth consistency, puree in a food processor, add 2 to 4 tablespoons water to the puree if it seems too dry.
  • Stir in corn and ground beef.
  • Stir in the juice of 1 lime and season with salt.
    To serve, fill one side of a serving bowl with refried beans. Fill the other side with cooked rice.
  • Garnish with cheese, salsa and scallions.
  • Scatter the jalapeno slices and cilantro on top.

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS adapted from Molly Yeh

2 cups (254 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
FRESH ground sea salt and tri-color pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup avocado oil

  • Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a medium bowl.
  • Add the oil and mix until coarse and mealy.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup water to form a dough.
  • Turn it out onto a surface and knead, adding more flour if needed, until a smooth, slightly sticky dough is formed, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and roll them out on a lightly-floured surface until they’re really thin, keeping the remaining dough balls covered. I like a 1/16- or 1/8-inch thickness but wouldn’t turn down a 3/16-inch-thick one.
  • Cook them in the skillet on both sides until they’re just starting to show some brown spots, 45 seconds to 1 minute per side.
  • Keep warm in a towel until ready to serve.

BEEFY RICOTTA MEATBALLS with PENNE PASTA, TOMATO PESTO & GREEN BEANS

The meatball mixture can be made ahead of time you can even shape them like I did into squares using my Joie silicone ice cube tray and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re to ready to use them.

Adapted from Marley Spoon’s Anna Painter

BEEFY RICOTTA MEATBALLS with PENNE PASTA, TOMATO PESTO & GREEN BEANS

4 ounces sun dried tomato pesto
2 ounces (regular) pesto
2 ounces cream cheese
2 cups (dry) penne pasta
1/4 cup panko crumbs
4 ounces ricotta
scant 3/4 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped parsley
½ pound green beans
1 small shallot, FINELY chopped
FRESH ground sea salt & ground pepper
avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter

  • Preheat oven to 450° and arrange rack into the center position.
  • Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Trim green beans, then cut or snap in half.
  • Finely chop parsley leaves and stems.
  • In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta, panko crumbs, 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley, FRESH ground sea salt and pepper to taste. Gentle knead to blend.
  • 
Shape beef into 6-8 meatballs of about 2 tablespoons each. Choose your shape round or square – I use square if I’m making them in advance because I use silicone molds to freeze them in.
  • Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with oil.
  • Bake on center oven rack until browned on the bottom and cooked through, 10–12 minutes.
  • While meatballs bake, add pasta to boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost al dente, about 8 minutes.
  • Add green beans to the pot with the pasta, and continue cooking another 4 minutes until pasta is al dente’ and green beans are tender. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta and green beans.
  • Place drained pasta and beans over the butter in a bowl. Toss to coat.
  • Return the pot to the burner and add oil in same pot over medium-high.
  • Add shallots and a pinch each of salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring, until softened.
  • Add cream cheese, pesto, sun dried tomato pesto, and reserved cooking water.
  • Cook, whisking, until cream cheese is incorporated and sauce is smooth, about 1 minute.
  • 

Add pasta, green beans, and half of the parsley to pot with sauce.
  • Cook, stirring, until pasta and green beans are coated well.
  • Add meatballs to pot and gently stir to combine.
  • Garnish with remaining parsley.

 

GINGER TAMARI CHICKEN & VEGGIES with NOODLES

Every now and then I try a food delivery service to see how they rate. I choose recipes I’ve never made before, but recipes that I believe I will make again without the need of having the ingredients delivered. This is one of those recipes that I have slightly adapted to ingredients I have on hand regularly. This recipe fits that need.

I’m also subscribing for the next 3 months to a fairly new service from Pampered Chef for a Seasoning series that I will keep you updated about.

Craving noodles? This recipe will feed that craving BIG TIME with its tender chicken and fragrant sauce full of flavor. The FRESHNESS of the sugar snap peas and cabbage add a delicious crunch and balance the meal to perfection.

 

GINGER TAMARI CHICKEN & VEGGIES with NOODLES

3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
toasted sesame seeds
4 cup shredded cabbage blend
2 ounces BETTER THAN chicken concentrate
1 ounce Tamari (Japanese soy sauce) or Bragg’s liquid aminos
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or your favorite FLAVORED rice wine vinegar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 ounces, bucatini, square spaghetti or linguine
1 ounce FRESH ginger
1 SMALL bunch green onions
1 cup sugar snap peas

  • 
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Pat chicken dry, then cut into ¼-inch thick strips.
  • Trim snap peas, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
  • Trim scallions, then thinly slice on bias.
  • Peel and finely chop ginger.


  • Add noodles to boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost al dente, 8–9 minutes.
  • Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain.
  • Add all of the tamari, chicken broth concentrate, and 2 teaspoons each of vinegar and sugar to reserved cooking water, whisking until sugar dissolves, Set aside.
  • 

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
  • Add chicken to skillet and cook, stirring and turning, about 3 minutes until cooked through and just beginning to turn golden.
  • Add chopped ginger and half of the scallions and cook, stirring, until aromatics are fragrant and chicken is cooked through, about 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a plate.

Heat more oil in same skillet over high if necessary.
  • Add snap peas, 4 cups shredded cabbage, and a pinch each of salt and pepper to skillet and cook, stirring, until crisp-tender and browned in spots, about 3 minutes.
  • 
Add tamari-broth mixture to skillet with vegetables, stirring to combine.


  • Transfer noodles, chicken and any resting juices, and 1¼ teaspoon sesame seeds to skillet with vegetables and sauce.
  • Cook, stirring, until sauce coats pasta, about 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve chicken with noodles garnished with remaining scallions and sesame seeds.
  • Enjoy!



NOTE: I usually use Bragg’s liquid aminos because the sodium is much less than traditional soy sauce and I find very little difference in flavor. Tamari takes it a step further by being higher in protein, containing anti0oxidants and being much smoother in flavor. It is also less likely to contain the additives and preservatives that traditional soy sauce does. These are all based on personal preference and availability.

BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS ~ TAKE OUT STYLE

Take Out Style Enchiladas are a power packed recipe full of flavor with a velvety chili sauce that is very fragrant, but NOT overly spicy. Adapted from Jennifer Aaronson @ MARLEY SPOON

BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS ~ TAKE OUT STYLE
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2/3 pound lean ground beef, browned to crumbly and drained of grease
1 can shoepeg niblet corn, drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar-jack blend
2 ounces pickled jalapeños, FINELY chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2-3 green onions, sliced and diced (greens and whites separated)
1 tablespoon beef broth concentrate
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 425° with a rack in the center.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium.
  • Add taco seasoning, tomato paste and 1 tablespoon flour; cook, whisking, 1 minute.
  • Whisk together broth and beef broth concentrate.
  • Add to saucepan, stirring to blend. Bring to a simmer, cooking 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. 
 Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beans, scallion whites, chopped jalapeños, half of the corn, 1/3 cup of the sauce and â…” of the cheese; stir to com-3bine.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

  • Brush tortillas on both sides with oil, then place on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake tortillas on center oven rack until just warmed and softened, about 2-3 minutes (watch closely). Wrap in foil or a clean kitchen towel to prevent from drying out, keep covered until ready to use.

  • Lightly oil the inside of a medium baking dish.
  • Pour in ¼ cup sauce, spreading to coat the bottom.
  • Arrange tortillas on a work surface.
  • Divide filling (about â…“ cup each) evenly among tortillas; roll up tightly and arrange in prepared baking dish, seam side down.
  • Top with remaining sauce.
  • 
Sprinkle enchiladas with remaining cheese.
  • Bake on center oven rack until cheese is browned and bubbling, 20 minutes.
  • Garnish with remaining scallions sprinkled over top, and with remaining jalapeños on the side.