Category: COOKING THURSDAY

ANTIPASTO SQUARES ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.292

Antipasto salad at its best – as a hand held snack sandwich. Perfect for tailgating, pot lucks, baby showers, game nights, family get togethers…

ANTIPASTO SQUARES

non-stick cooking spray
2 (8 ounce) tubes crescent dough (non-perforated if you can find them)
1/2 pound thin sliced tavern ham
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni
1/4 pound slice salami
1/2 pound sliced provolone
1/4 pound sliced mozzarella
1 cup WELL drained sliced pepperoncinis and/or banana peppers
1/2 cup WELL drained and chopped marinated artichokes
4 ounce can WELL drained sliced olives
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons FRESH grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon FRESH chopped oregano
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped basil

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Roll out one can of crescents on prepared baking sheet, gently stretching into a rectangle.
  • Layer in the following order ~ pepperoni, provolone, salami, mozzarella, ham, olives, artichokes and pepperoncinis.
  • Sprinkle with half of the FRESH chopped herbs followed by the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
  • Unroll remaining tube of crescent dough and place on top.
  • Pinch together seams to seal.
  • Whisk together the oil and remaining herbs.
  • Brush oil mixture all over top of crescent dough, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
  • Bake until dough is golden and cooked through, about 35 minutes. (If dough is browning too quickly, cover with foil.)
  • Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

NOTE: Keep in mind that draining everything exceptionally well and HOW you layer this recipe makes a difference in the outcome. If there is too much moisture the squares can be too soggy.

AUTUMN CASSOULET ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.285

Is it a soup or is it a stew? The French call it a casserole. Whatever you call it, it is a hearty warm dish for a cool fall evening!

AUTUMN CASSOULET

3 tablespoons butter or avocado oil
1 pound beef kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 pound stew meat (or pork pieces, or chicken – it’s up to you)
1 small red onion, diced
2 medium carrots, small diced
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed

  • Melt butter in saute pan.
  • Add onions and carrots. Simmer 3-5 minutes.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper and add garlic.
  • Add stew meat and kielbasa pieces, stirring well and simmering another 5 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
  • Add chicken broth, beans and tomatoes with juice. Simmer 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or as a soupy stew.

NOTE: If you prefer a thicker stew like consistency, use a 3rd can of beans, but drain them well and run them through a food processor with a 1/4 cup of the broth making a paste. Add this paste along with the beans and tomatoes.

BEEF TIPS IN ONION WINE SAUCE ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.257

This is an easy, go to fall favorite at our house when the mornings AND the evenings have that cool crisp feel that out last the 2-3 hours of warmth in the midday afternoons.

BEEF TIPS IN ONION WINE SAUCE
3-4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
16 ounce package baby carrots
1 cup rough chopped Vidalia onion
2 stalks celery, minced
2 cans Campbell’s Golden Mushroom soup
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
3/4 cup Marsala wine
1 (1 ounce) package Lipton onion soup

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Spray a dutch oven with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Generously season the beef chunks with the FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
  • Place beef in dutch oven, cover with carrots and onions.
  • Whisk together the golden mushroom soup, Lipton soup mix and Marsala wine until well combined.
  • Pour over meat and veggies.
  • Bake completely undisturbed for 3 hours until meat is tender.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.

HUMMINGBIRD CAKE ~ BLOG 365.243

Homemade hummingbird cake is exceptionally moist and flavorful with layers and layers of banana pineapple spice cake and a super silky cream cheese frosting!

HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

2 cups THINLY sliced pecans
1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut would be wonderful though!
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons PURE ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups mashed bananas (4 large ripe bananas)
8 ounce can crushed pineapple, slightly drained. You want a little juice, but not all of it!
3 LARGE eggs, at room temperature
2/3 cup neutral oil or melted coconut oil)
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup FINELY ground granulated sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract

  • Preheat the oven to 300°.
  • Spread pecans onto a lined baking sheet,toasting for 6-8 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven to cool.
  • Turn oven up to 350°.
  • Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. The parchment paper will help the cake release from the pan.
  • Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and salt together in a large bowl.

  • Whisk the rest of the cake ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until completely combined. You’ll have 7 cups of batter.
  • Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the toasted pecans, saving the rest for garnish.
  • Spread batter evenly between the 3 prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  • Remove cakes from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, remove cakes from pan and level the tops off so they are flat. If desired cut cakes in half to make 6 smaller layers.
  • Discard the tops or eat. 



CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
16 ounces FULL FAT cream cheese, softened room temperature
3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon WHOLE milk
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt, or more to taste

  • In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt, beating on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. 
  • Taste and adjust salt if needed.

ASSEMBLY 

  • Place 1 cake layer on your cake turntable, cake stand or serving plate.
  • Evenly cover the top with frosting.
  • Top with 2nd layer and evenly cover the top with frosting.
  • Finish with the third cake or 4th, 5th and 6th layer(s) and spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides.
  • Garnish with leftover toasted pecans.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent the cake from falling apart as you cut it.

NOTES:

  • TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare cakes and frosting 1 day in advance. Keep cakes at room temperature, covered tightly. Refrigerate prepared frosting in an airtight container, then bring to room temperature when ready to use. 
  • FROZEN BANANAS: You can use thawed frozen bananas in this recipe, but thawed bananas are extra wet, so drain off as much of the excess liquid as you can before mashing.
  • CUPCAKES: This recipe will make 3 dozen cupcakes. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
  • BUNDT CAKE: This recipe makes a great bundt cake, but is too much batter for a 9×13 cake. Bake time will be longer for a bundt cake, 55-65 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. DO NOT OVER BAKE.

Adapted from Southern Living.

BAKED PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.229

BAKED PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
2 LARGE cans pineapple chunks, drained – save juice for a cocktail 😀
1 LARGE can crushed pineapple, also drained reserving 1/4 cup of juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 sleeve RITZ crackers, crushed
1/4 cup butter, melted

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly spray 2 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, salt, cheeses, pineapple, most of both cheeses and reserved juice until well mixed.
  • Add crushed crackers to melted butter and mix well before folding into pineapple mixture.
  • Pour into prepared baking dish.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Serve warm.

PIGEON RIVER CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.222

This is a modified southern (North Carolina) recipe for fried chicken. The original recipe called for bone-in chicken, but I converted it to boneless. It’s still great warm OR cold, but you might want a knife and fork.

PIGEON RIVER CHICKEN
2 cups plain yogurt
2-3 tablespoons Frank’s original hot sauce
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or chicken tenders

  • In a large ziploc bag combine the yogurt and hot sauce.
  • Generously season the chicken pieces on both sides.
  • Add chicken pieces to the yogurt mixture, turning to coat all the pieces.
  • Marinate for at least 8 hours, but overnight is best.

COATING
2 cups flour
4 tablespoons QUALITY paprika
3-4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
Oil for frying

  • Drain chicken and discard marinade.
  • Whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge chicken pieces, tossing to coat extremely well, shaking off excess.
  • Lay pieces on a baking tray and let stand 20 minutes.
  • In a deep skillet heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat.
  • Fry chicken pieces 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve warm or cold, with or without your favorite sauce or gravy!

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.

MASHED POTATO ARTICHOKE BAKE ~ BLOG 365.138

MASHED POTATO ARTICHOKE BAKE
4 medium golden potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup FULL FAT sour cream
2 tablespoons WHOLE milk
2 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise
1 tablespoon butter, melted
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
6-7 ounce jar marinated artichokes, drained WELL
3 green onions, chopped
2-3 bacon strips, cooked crisp and crumbled
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook 10-15 minutes until tender.
  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together the sour cream, milk, mayonnaise, butter, salt and pepper.
  • Add drained potatoes and mash well.
  • Fold in artichokes and onions.
  • Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and cheese.
  • Bake 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

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.

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.

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.

PEAS & PEAS with SHALLOTS ~ BLOG 365.96

PEAS & PEAS with SHALLOTS
Oh so easy, but packed with a crunch and deep flavor.

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 cup frozen peas
3-4 shallots, THINLY sliced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • In a large heavy skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add half the shallots, sautéing until crisp.
  • Spoon out shallots to drain on paper toweling.
  • Add snap peas, frozen peas and remaining shallots, cooking and stirring 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Top with crisp shallots if desired.