Category: MISC

FRIDAY FILL INS ~ I’M BACK

FFI

Happy New Year to all of you!!! And…here we go!

1. Wait, wait I’m a day behind. LOL I thought today was Thursday – I am SO off this week!!.
2. This year’s holiday season is a little different.
3. In addition, I’m making another major move soon.
4. BACKWARDS is the way we do it here!
5. At the end of the year, I like to clean out my closet and drawers so I have a fresh start to the new year..
6. A FRESH START is one of the things I’m looking forward to in 2012.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to movies with hubby, tomorrow my plans include celebrating with friends and Sunday, I want to get that fresh start on the new year!

Grilled Potato Rounds – Fire Day Friday

A simple side dish to go with just about anything.  These little babies are good in the winter, summer, spring, and fall.  And if you can’t dig your grill out this time of year, no worries, you can easily do these on an indoor stove top grill, or in a 425 degree oven (about the same amount of time, but keep an eye on them).  Either way you do it, this will definitely become a family favorite.



Grilled Potato Rounds
Created by Jenn’s Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:

1-2 russet potatoes (depending on the size)
extra-virgin olive oil (about 1-2 Tablespoons)
2 large garlic cloves
salt (I used either Kosher salt or sea salt)
black pepper

Directions:

Scrub potatoes under running water.  Slice into 1/4″ disks.  Place in a pot and cover with water.  Slice the garlic cloves into quarters and place in water with potatoes.  Over high heat, as soon as you start to see the water bubble (even just a little), set the timer for 5 minutes.  Immediately remove from the heat and run quickly under cold water.  Drain completely.  Cover potatoes with olive oil.  (I start with 1 Tbls and add until nicely covered.)  Season liberally with salt and pepper. (I sometimes use cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning too, depending on what I’m making.  The point is, you can use any seasoning you desire.)  Toss to combine.
On a preheated grill (medium-low to low), place the potatoes directly on the grates and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently to reduce burning.  When finished, potatoes should be crispy on the outside and still nice and tender on the inside.  Remove from grill and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.  Enjoy!

 

TEX MEX MEATBALL SOUP

It’s cold here and snowing like a banshee so I whipped up some warm (heat and spice) soup to have with some fresh baked beer bread!

TEX MEX MEATBALL SOUP
MEATBALLS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 Jumbo Egg
1 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon bread crumbs
SOUP
2 pounds Roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small sprigs of cilantro, minced fine
1/2 small Vidalia onion, diced
1 tablespoon safflower oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups chicken stock
1 avocado, sliced
white cheese or sour cream for garnish

MEATBALLS

  • In a small food processor grind together the garlic, cumin, salt, pepper and onion until well blended.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, rice and seasoning mixture until well blended.
  • Roll into 1 – 1 1/2 inch balls and set aside.

SOUP

  • In a sauce pan heat the oil and add the onions and garlic. Saute’ until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes and sea salt, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and tender.
  • With a slotted spoon remove the tomatoes to a blender and puree with chicken stock.
  • Return the tomato and chicken stock to the sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a slow simmer and add the meatballs, cooking for 30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  • To serve, place a few meatballs in each bowl and cover with ladles of soup.
  • Garnish with avocado and a sprinkle of white cheese or sour cream.

PIQUANT CHICKEN with CHARRED TOMATO SAUCE

Chipotle chiles add a nice smoky heat to the sauce.  Serve this piquant chicken with lime wedges, chopped cilantro and chiles, and sour cream.
PIQUANT CHICKEN with CHARRED TOMATO SAUCE
3 pounds skinless chicken breast
1-1/2 cups oil
2 cans Chipolte Peppers in Adobo Sauce
1 (can) 16 ounce whole tomatoes, chopped
1 cup onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 large bunches green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 large cloves garlic, sliced thin
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon red pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon oregano
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • Drain peppers, retaining sauce. Finely chop peppers and set aside.
  • In a heavy skillet, add 1/4 oil and heat until hot. 
  • Add 1/2 cup flour and stir mixture until roux is a nice caramel color.  Set aside.
  • In a 4 quart heavy pot add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil and adobo sauce. 
  • Cook on low heat until brown in color. 
  • Add onions, celery, garlic and stir until mixture is sauteed. 
  • Add roux, a pepper or two depending on your heat index and whole tomatoes, while continuing to stir to keep mixture from sticking to bottom of pot. 
  • Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to blend all ingredients together. 
  • Add all seasonings, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. 
  • Cook on medium heat for about 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. 
  • Turn down heat, and add green onions and parsley. 
  • Heat remaining oil until hot. 
  • Slowly add chicken and pan-fry until slightly brown. Salt and peppering generously.
  • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. 
  • Slowly add chicken to the sauce and cook for about 45 minutes.