Category: RECIPES

COPYCAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA over PASTA ~ BLOG 365.301

COPYCAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA over MASHED POTATOES

Take this juicy marinaded Parmesan crusted chicken, add some homemade marinara and serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta for the PERFECT mouth watering meal.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups Marinara sauce OR Sunday Gravy
1/3 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese

MARINADE (see note)
1/3 cup avocado oil
1/3 cup QUALITY ranch dressing
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well-combined and uniform in consistency.
  • Use a meat tenderizer to pound chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. Note: It will plump up more when cooked.
  • Sprinkle each side of the chicken lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add the chicken to a large freezer bag and add the marinade. Seal out the air and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.
  • Heat 2-3 tablespoons of the avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes. Don’t move the chicken around much as it sizzles so it will  get a nice golden color.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep it warm.

PARMESAN CRUST
1/2 cup coarse grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup coarse grated Provolone cheese
6 tablespoons QUALITY Buttermilk Ranch dressing
4 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons powdered Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • Preheat the oven to a low broil – 450°
  • Combine Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing, stirring to combine.
  • Microwave in 15 seconds increments, stirring in between, until melted.
  • Spread it over the top of the chicken.
  • 
Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, powdered Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs and spoon it on top of the cheese.
  • 
Broil for 3-4 minutes until the top begins to brown slightly. WATCH CLOSELY TO PREVENT BURNING!
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.
  • Spoon warm marinara over top.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese.


NOTE: You can shortcut the marinade by using Italian Salad Dressing.

PAPRIKA CORN
3 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE bag frozen corn, thawed and drained
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1-2 tablespoons QUALITY smoked paprika

  • Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add corn and season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sprinkle with Paprika to taste.
  • Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly until heated through.

BRAISED WHITE BEAN & SAUSAGE ONE POT MEAL ~ BLOG 365.296

BRAISED WHITE BEANS & SAUSAGE ONE POT MEAL

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 pound smoked Andouille sausage, LARGE diced
1/12 cups diced onion
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon FRESH chopped rosemary
2 cans Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained well
1 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups trimmed baby spinach
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons FRESH grated Parmesan cheese

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add sausage, stirring and cooking until browned.
  • Remove sausage to drain on paper toweling. Keep warm.
  • Add onions to skillet, stirring and cooking 3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in mustard and 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary, cooking minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in beans, tomatoes if using and chicken broth.
  • Bring to a SLOW but steady simmer over medium high heat.
  • Lightly mash about half the beans. These will help thicken the mixture.
  • Fold in the spinach, cooking a minute or two until wilted.
  • Stir in sausage and 1/4 cup cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with remaining cheese and rosemary.

OPTIONAL:

  • Add one can well drained fire roasted tomatoes for a bit more kick!
  • For even more kick I use Better than Bouillon Chili Base to make my broth with.

updated CHICKEN PARMIGIANO ~ BLOG 365.294B

This Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite! Tender pan fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and cheese that is baked until golden and bubbly. It’ll look like you spent hours in the kitchen but this Parmesan chicken recipe comes together easily with ingredients you probably already have in the pantry!

Serve over spaghetti, egg noodles or even mashed potatoes for the perfect weeknight dinner. Chicken Parmesan is thought to be a variation of Eggplant Parmesan, a super traditional Italian recipe!

Traditionally, chicken Parmesan is a fried breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese making for a deliciously filling dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes! Chicken Parmesan is often deep fried, but this version is breaded and pan fried and then topped with marinara and cheese.

CHICKEN PARMIGIANO

MARINADE
1/3 cup avocado oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon basil
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 8 tenders, pounded thin

  • Whisk all together and pour into a large ziplock bag.
  • Add chicken pieces.
  • Marinade for 30 minutes minimum.
  • Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 LARGE eggs, beaten
1/3 cup Wondra flour
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
4 slices Mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 batch Sunday gravy

  • Drain marinade from chicken and discard.
  • Pat chicken pieces dry.
  • Set up dredging station with beaten eggs in one bowl, Wondra flour with Italian seasoning in another and bread crumbs and Parmesan mixture in the 3rd bowl.
  • Dip again into egg mixture and then the Parmesan mixture.
  • Press the breading onto the chicken to help it adhere.
  • Heat butter and oil in cast iron skillet until melted.
  • Brown the chicken breasts 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish and top with marinara sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. DO NOT SKIMP ON THE CHEESE! The gooey cheese is part of what really makes the best chicken Parmigiano!

Original posting March 12, 2020

AUTUMNAL SALAD ~ BLOG 365.294

AUTUMNAL SALAD

DRESSING
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1/4 cup avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 clove garlic, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped rosemary

  • Add all ingredients to food processor.
  • Pulse 2-3 minutes.
  • Set aside.

SALAD
1 cup chopped butternut squash
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons FRESH chopped rosemary
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups baby spinach, trimmed
1/2 cup Broccolini pieces
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup chopped candied walnuts
3/4 cup chopped heirloom tomatoes
1/4-1/2 cup chopped radishes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 LARGE green onions, sliced
1 cup chopped rotisserie chicken pieces
1/2-3/4 cup smashed croutons

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add squash.
  • Season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sprinkle with garlic powder and rosemary.
  • Cook 5-7 minutes until squash is tender.
  • Remove from heat and cool completely.

 

  • Add the remaining ingredients, except croutons, to a large salad bowl.
  • Add cooled squash and croutons, tossing well, but gently.
  • Serve and Enjoy!

APPLE PIE DUMPLINGS ~ BLOG 365.289

Grams called these Apple Dumplings. The new rage on Facebook calls them Apple Pie Rings. Grams spent time making homemade dough with love and wrap whole apples, but you can cheat and use boxed puff pastry. Grams also used whole eggs for the wash. Either way they are perfect comfort food for fall!

APPLE PIE DUMPLINGS servings: 10 pies

1 box puff pastry sheets 
2 LARGE apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady or Cosmic are great choices)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons egg whites
Juice of 2 LARGE lemons

  • Thaw puff pastry.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • Peel and core the apples to a 1 inch center hole diameter if you want the circle to be large enough to thread the puff pastry through for the pumpkin looking ring. Otherwise the rings can just be wrapped evenly.
  • Slice into rounds.
  
  • Add the lemon juice to a large bowl of water just deep enough to cover the apple slices.
  • Unfold the puff pastry and roll it until it is slightly larger.
  • Cut the puff pastry into 1/2 inch strips.
  • Mix together the cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg in a shallow dish. Set aside.
  • Pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel and dust them with a bit of cinnamon sugar.
  • Wrap strips of the puff pastry (3-4 strips per apple ring) around each apple ring.
  • Brush the wrapped apple rings with egg wash on both sides.
  • Dip the rings into the remaining cinnamon sugar.
  • Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until puff pastry is flaky and light golden brown.
  • Cool for 10 minutes before serving.


NOTE:  DO NOT skip the egg wash; it makes the cinnamon sugar stick to the puff pastry.

ITALIAN GRINDER CHOPPED SALAD ~ BLOG 365.287

When you love Italian grinder sandwiches, but can no longer have bread, what do you do? You make a salad of course with all the same tasty insides of the sandwich, but with smashed croutons instead.

ITALIAN GRINDER CHOPPED SALAD

DRESSING
1/2 cup DUKE’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon FRESH small chopped oregano
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese

  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

SALAD
16 ounces chopped romaine lettuce, (about 8 cups)
4 ounces ham, sliced small and thin
4 ounces pepperoni, sliced small and thin
4 ounces salami, sliced small and thin
4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced small and thin
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 SMALL red pepper, sliced
1/4-1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1/2 red onion, diced


ASSEMBLY


  • In a large bowl, toss the shredded lettuce with all salad ingredients.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. If not serving right away, wait until right before serving to toss the dressing with the salad.

1/2-3/4 cup smashed croutons

  • Sprinkle with smashed croutons JUST before serving.

BLOGTOBER ~ FALL FAVORITE REIPCES ~ ALL THINGS APPLE ~ BLOG 365.285B

What would Fall or Autumn be without apples? For me, apples are one of my favorite things about Fall. Today’s prompt was about favorite apple desserts, but instead I decided to share some of my favorite fall apple recipes whether they are desserts or not. As you can see I have a bountiful amount of apple recipes to choose from. 🙂

CARAMEL APPLE SLAB PIES

CHUNKY APPLE SAUCE

ROASTED APPLE PIE

BROWN BAG APPLE PIE

SOUR APPLE SLAW

APPLE PIE CUPCAKES

CRANBERRY APPLE SLAB PIE

APPLE BALSAMIC CHICKEN

APPLE CHERRY SLAB PIE

SALTED CARAMEL APPLE BUTTER

SOUTHERN APPLE WALNUT CAKE

BAKED APPLE STUFFED PORK CHOPS

BAKED CRACK CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.282

BAKED CRACK CHICKEN serves 4
Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with ranch seasoning, crisp bacon and gooey gooey cheese make an addictive and quick week night dinner.

CHICKEN
4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼-inch thickness
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika

  • Preheat oven to 400˚.
  • Lightly grease 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Over medium high heat add the diced bacon to a large skillet; cook until crispy.
  • Remove bacon from skillet and set aside.
  • Return skillet with the bacon grease to heat and add the avocado oil.
Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Add chicken breasts cooking 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
Add butter and flip chicken, cooking 2 minutes more.
  • Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and arrange in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Set aside.

RANCH CREAM CHEESE
4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
½ teaspoon dried chives
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

  • In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives, mixing until thoroughly combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • 
Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture, spreading to coat the surface of each chicken breast.

  • Take half of the diced bacon and sprinkle over the cream cheese mixture on each chicken breast.

  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken breasts.

  • Bake 15 minutes, uncovered or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  • Remove from oven.

GARNISH
FRESH chopped parsley
2 sliced green onions

  • Garnish with remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and scallions.
  • Serve.


EVERYMAN STEAKS, MUSHROOM GRAVY & MUSTARD EGG NOODLES ~ BLOG 365.280

I grew up on chopped steaks with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and mushroom gravy and canned green beans. I didn’t know then it was a truly mid-western staple meal. Restaurants had in on the menu as a hamburger “steak” which in reality is just a fancy unless hamburger.

Traditionally this calls for ground sirloin which is a lot less fatty so be careful not to over work the mixture when preparing the steaks. Overworking it can lead to dry, tough steaks.

When using the egg noodles you can really oomph them up with this added intense buttery mustard sauce.

EVERYMAN STEAKS serves 2

STEAKS
3/4 pound top sirloin
3 tablespoons FINELY chopped onion
1/8 cup FRESH chopped Parsley
1 clove garlic, FINELY minced
1/2 tablespoon QUALITY Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon A1 sauce
1/4 cup FINELY crushed saltines
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Combine eggs, onion, parsley, garlic, A1 and Worcestershire sauce with the crackers until well blended.
  • Add in ground sirloin, salt and pepper mixing with your hands JUST until blended.
  • Shape into 2 oval patties.
  • In an ovenproof skillet sauté patties 4-5 minutes on one side.
  • Flip patties and transfer pan to oven for 15 minutes.
  • Transfer steaks to platter and tent with foil while you make the gravy.

GRAVY
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces Beech mushrooms
1/4 cup FINELY diced onion
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups beef broth
FRESH chopped parsley

  • Melt butter.
  • Add mushrooms sautéing 8 minutes or so until golden and moisture evaporated.
  • Add onions and sprinkle with flour, stirring to combine. Saute’ 2 more minutes.
  • Add broth and simmer until gravy reaches desired consistency.
  • Serve over steaks.

MUSTARD EGG NOODLES with GREEN BEANS
8 ounces egg noodles, prepared per package
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed to 1 inch pieces, blanched in boiling water 5 minutes and then drained well

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon coarse grained mustard
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/4 cup FRESH chopped Parsley
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Melt butter in large sauce pan.
  • Stir in mustard and sour cream until smooth.
  • Fold in noodles and green beans.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

 

BAKED PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.

BAKED PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground salt and pepper to taste

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

MARINADE
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1 small pineapple, cored and sliced into rings
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • Whisk together the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger and sesame oil.
  • Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken in a large ziplock bag. Marinade 2 hours.

 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°.
  • Lightly grease 9×13 baking dish.
  • Place chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Reserve marinade.
  • Arrange the pineapple slices around the chicken.
  • Sprinkle pineapple slices evenly with brown sugar and drizzle with a little pineapple juice.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear and pineapple caramelizes.

2 teaspoons cornstarch
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for garnish

  • As the chicken is baking, transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glaze.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, brush the thickened glaze over the chicken and pineapple.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

NOTE:  If using canned pineapple rings be sure and drain them really well.

TERIYAKI GLAZED CORN

This recipe has a thick, buttery glaze that resembles salted caramel. This is NOT your average corn on the cob from summer BBQ’s.

1/8 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salted butter

  • Add the liquid aminos, mirin and sugar to a small pot and bring it to a simmer.

  • Reduce the heat to LOW and simmer, stirring regularly (DO NOT BURN) for 15 minutes or until the mixture is reduced to half and has thickened enough to leave a ribbon on your spoon. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
  • 
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter. 

  • Brush the glaze onto cooked corn on the cob and serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!


FRESH pineapple ring, FINELY diced

NOTE:  I like to use a thawed, well drained frozen corn in the winter that I heat in a skillet with a tablespoon of butter before adding the sauce. When using frozen corn I add a tablespoon of glaze to the pan with the pineapple last and cook 5 more minutes until heated through and well coated in glaze.

COPYCAT RED ROBIN EVERYTHING CAESAR DRESSING ~ BLOG 365.273

COPYCAT RED ROBIN EVERYTHING CAESAR DRESSING

1 cup DUKE’s mayonnaise
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
Zest of 1 LARGE lemon
1/4 cup+ FINELY grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons EVERYTHING bagel spice
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and anchovy paste in a small bowl.
  • Mix in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  • Add the EVERYTHING bagel spice and whisk until the dressing is smooth.
  • Whisk to thin to your desired consistency with heavy cream.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 

HAWAIIAN FRIED RICE & HAWAIIAN COLESLAW ~ BLOG 365.268

HAWAIIAN COLESLAW Servings: 12-16

This creamy Hawaiian coleslaw with pineapple is a nice mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Serve it with Pineapple Pulled Pork, Hawaiian Chicken Skewers or Hawaiian Fried Rice.

1 (8.5 ounce) package coleslaw mix
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
½ cup finely chopped red onion
1 SMALL red pepper, FINELY diced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped cilantro **
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Toss coleslaw mix, pineapple, onion, red pepper and cilantro together in a bowl.
  • 
Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
  • 
Pour dressing over coleslaw mixture and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

**NOTE: Garden Gourmet makes a cilantro paste that you can find in the produce area of your local grocery. I keep it on hand in the winter when fresh ingredients are harder to find. If using the paste add it into the mayonnaise mixture, not the coleslaw mix.

HAWAIIAN FRIED RICE serves 8-10

Easy to prepare and packed with diced ham, red bell pepper, and the ALWAYS winning ingredient of pineapple!

4 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/2 Tablespoon sesame seed oil
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 + 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
1 red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, diced
2 cups diced ham
2 green onions, sliced thin (divide the white and green parts of the onions)
3 cloves garlic FINELY minced
5 cups cold, cooked white rice
3 large eggs
1 cup pineapple pieces

  • In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, sesame oil and hot sauce. Set aside.
  • In a large, non-stick skillet, heat a 1/2 tablespoon of the avocado oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
  • Add the ham and the chopped white parts of the green onions, cooking and stirring until ham is slightly browned.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Pour this mixture into a bowl; set aside.

  • Heat the remaining vegetable oil in the same skillet until hot, and then add the cold rice. Cook and stir rice, breaking up the clumps. Cook until rice is thoroughly heated, about 8 minutes.
  • Push the rice to one side of the skillet.
  • Crack the eggs onto the other side of skillet and stir until lightly scrambled and set.
  • Stir the eggs and the ham mixture into the rice.
  • Pour the soy sauce mixture into the rice and cook, stirring until combined and hot.
  • Turn off the heat, stir in the pineapple and green parts of the onions.
  • Serve immediately!