Category: PROTEINS

MARRY ME CHICKEN MADE SIMPLY ITALIAN ~ UPDATED ~ BLOG 365.5

This saucy, tender and creamy meal is just so delicious that he will propose LOL or at least that’s what was said in years past. He may not propose, but he will be satisfied with this truly melt in your mouth chicken dish.

MARRY ME CHICKEN

2 tablespoon avocado oil+
A pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken steaks (your preference)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH thyme or tarragon (your preference)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
scant 1/4 cup champagne (pink moscato is my favorite) or white wine
1 cup homemade chicken stock
3/4 cup heavy cream
FRESH chopped parsley, torn to garnish
1 tablespoon potato starch or cornstarch, for thickening

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Heat a large oven proof skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons avocado oil.
  • Place tomato halves in the skillet.
  • Add a few pinches of salt and pepper and toss it all together to combine.
  • Place in the oven to roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring once and roasting until the tomatoes have sizzled off some of their water and begin to brown slightly.
  • While the tomatoes are roasting, season the chicken generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Remove skillet from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 375°.
  • Transfer all of the tomatoes to a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Add a bit more avocado oil if necessary and sear the chicken in the same pan the tomatoes roasted in until golden brown on both sides. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through. It will spend enough time in the oven to cook through and tenderize.
  • Place the seared chicken in a shallow bowl or platter with a lip to catch any juices and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to low. DO NOT WIPE OUT PAN! You want the nice browned bits across the pan for flavor!
  • Add garlic to the pan and stir constantly around the pan for 1 minute.
  • Stir in thyme or tarragon and red pepper flakes.
  • Return the tomatoes to the pan along with the champagne.
  • Scrape all those browned bits off the bottom of the pan as the wine cooks off.
  • Stir in chicken stock and heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
  • Return the chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them in the sauce.
  • Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven when chicken is cooked through.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  • In a small bowl whisk together cornstarch or potato starch and 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Add to sauce, whisking to thicken. If the sauce doesn’t thicken immediately, place it back on a burner on low for a minute or two.
  • Return the chicken to the sauce and garnish with FRESH parsley.
  • Serve over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes.

BLOOMING QUESADILLA

BLOOMING QUESADILLA adapted from SPACE SHIPS & LASER BEAMS

A Blooming Quesadilla Ring is PERFECT for the upcoming holidays, a tailgate or Super Bowl party or even a church potluck.

20 taco sized soft flour tortillas
4 cups FINELY shredded taco blend Colby jack cheese
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken pieces (OR PROTEIN OF CHOICE)
1 SMALL red bell pepper, seeded and FINELY diced
1/2 cup FINELY diced red onion
1/2 cup salsa your favorite brand
1 cup Taco Bell mild taco sauce
2 cups cheddar cheese finely shredded
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped cilantro

GARNISHES
FRESH chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Salsa

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place a large, wide mouth glass jar in the center of the baking sheet.

  • Cut the tortilla’s in half.
  • Cover the halved tortilla’s with a clean dry cloth and set aside so they don’t dry out.

  • In a large mixing bowl combine the shredded cooked chicken, red pepper, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro, red onion, salsa and taco sauce.
  • Stir well until all of the ingredients are well mixed. 

  • Sprinkle each tortilla with 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons each of the shredded colby monterey jack cheese and the chicken mixture.
  • Roll each of the halved, “filled” tortillas into a cone shape. Be careful not to squish out the filling. The small pointed ends of the cones need to touch the wide mouth jar and form a ring around the jar.

  • Once you have made a complete bottom layer of about 12 to 13 “cones,” sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the ring.

  • Repeat the ring of cones for a second layer.
  • Then top with 1 cup of the colby and monterey jack cheese.

  • Repeat for the 3rd and final ring.
  • Remove the glass jar from the center of the cones.

  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cones are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Using the edges of the parchment paper, carefully transfer the quesadilla ring to a platter.
  • Serve the quesadilla ring with your favorite salsa or dipping sauce AND garnishes.

NOTES: If trimming off the excess parchment paper, BE VERY CAREFUL not to touch the hot cheese.


SALISBURY STEAK & POTATO SKILLET

SALISBURY STEAK & POTATO SKILLET
2 tablespoons butter or avocado oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small Vidalia onion, halved and diced
1 shallot, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH thyme leaves
10-12 small gold potatoes, quartered
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2-3 tablespoons cornstarch
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Combine the ground beef, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic, minced shallot, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Form meat into several “flat meatballs”.
  • Heat the butter or avocado oil in a large skillet.
  • Brown “meatballs” on each side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Microwave halved potatoes 3-5 minutes. Set aside. Do not wipe out skillet.
  • Add onions to skillet, sprinkle with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Saute 5 minutes until starting to caramelize.
  • Add 2 cups of beef broth to onions and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Add potatoes and simmer another 5 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  • Whisk ketchup, remaining Worcestershire sauce, thyme leaves and cornstarch together. If you want a really thick gravy use the entire 3 tablespoons. Stir the mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring frequently until gravy thickens to desired consistency.
  • Add the meat patties back into the pan and simmer on low until heated through.
  • Season to taste.

TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA

TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA serves 4

2 cups rotisserie chicken breast pieces
8 ounces spiral pasta (I didn’t have enough so I used half rotini and half penne)
3/4 + 1/2 cups chicken bone broth
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup WHOLE milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup FRESH grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH basil
3-4 slices bacon, diced – browned, drained of ALL fat and crisp
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Add sun-dried tomatoes to 3/4 cup homemade chicken bone broth to re-hydrate for 1 hour. This can also be done 24-48 hours ahead of time.
  • Prepare pasta per package instructions.
  • While pasta is boiling, melt butter in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add onions, sauteing 1 minutes or so.
  • Add the milk, cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup chicken bone broth and garlic powder, cooking and stirring 3-5 minutes until cream cheese is melted and mixture is a smooth consistency.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, spinach, salt and pepper cooking and stirring until spinach is wilted.
  • Serve immediately with garlic bread.
  • Garnish with additional basil, bacon bits and remaining FRESH grated Parmesan cheese.

NOTE: Leftovers can be placed in a casserole dish, topped with Mozzarella cheese. Bake 25 minutes until casserole is cooked though, cheese is melted and browned and serve as a new meal.

MEXICAN QUICHE

MEXICAN QUICHE

1 10 inch flour tortilla burrito size
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken pieces
1/3 cup FINELY chopped FRESH cilantro leaves
4 ounce can chopped green chiles, drained well
1/2 cup salsa
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
FRESH ground salt and pepper
2 LARGE eggs
1 cup WHOLE milk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

GARNISHES
Sour cream
Salsa
Guacamole
Chopped green onions

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Grease 9-inch spring form pan.
  • Press tortilla into prepared pie plate and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  • Toss chicken, salsa, cilantro, green chiles, 1 cup of the cheese, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper in large bowl until combined.
  • Whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, and FRESH ground sea  salt and black pepper in bowl until smooth.
  • Slowly pour egg mixture over chicken mixture and fold to combine.
  • Spread filling evenly into tortilla.
  • Bake until surface is golden brown, 25-30 minutes or until set when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and bake for about 3-5 minutes more until cheese is melted.
  • Let cool 5 minutes.
  • Cut into wedges and serve.
  • Serve with your favorite garnishes.

NOTES: The chicken can be easily traded out for browned ground beef or a pulled pork.

BLACK BEAN CHICKEN

BLACK BEAN CHICKEN

1 can seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Green Giant Mexican corn niblets, drained
1 cup chunky salsa
2 tablespoons butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon KINDERS taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Coat chicken breasts all over with the taco seasoning.
  • Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add chicken breasts, searing for one minute per side.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Add beans, corn and salsa.
  • Simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Cut chicken into slices and serve over rice or fritos.

PORK & SCALLOPED POTATO STEW

While Mary touts this as a one pan recipe I don’t mind the extra dishes to make any recipe easier. Yields 6 to 8 servings

PORK & SCALLOPED POTATO STEW adapted from Mary Berg

STEW
1 1/2 – 2 pounds (700 grams) trimmed pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into bite sized pieces
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup WONDRA flouor
4 tablespoons butter
1 red onion, peeled & cut into wedges
2 LARGE carrots cut diagonally into large rustic pieces
1 leek, cut into 1 inch slices
4-5 cloves, minced
1 cup (250 milliliters) dry cider (alcoholic – non alcoholic – your choice)
1 cup (250 milliliters) homemade chicken stock
2 sprigs FRESH thyme leaves
1 FIRM sweet apple
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 cups baby spinach leaves

  • Place a large cast-iron skillet or oven-proof pan over medium-high heat.
  • Season the pork in a large mixing bowl with salt and pepper.
  • Scatter with 2 tablespoons flour and toss to coat.
  • Add the avocado oil to the pan and sear the pork in batches until golden brown.
  • Transfer pork pieces to a plate.
  • Add the butter to the pan along with the onions, carrots and leeks, cooking 5-8 minutes JUST until they begin to develop a little color.
  • Stir in the garlic along with the remaining 1 teaspoon flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the pork and any juices back into the pan.
  • Add the cider, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits.
  • Stir in the stock and thyme.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, peel and cut the apple into 8 to 12 wedges, toss with the lemon juice and set aside with the greens.

SCALLOPED POTATO TOPPING
1/3 cup (85 milliliters) half and half
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
FRESH grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon FINELY chopped thyme, plus more for serving
2 medium (about 550 grams/1 1/4 pounds) sweet potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 medium (about 400 grams/3/4 pound) yellow potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 SMALL red onion, thinly sliced rounds
Sour cream, for serving

  • Whisk together the cream with salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg and thyme.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • Stir in the apples and greens.
  • Arrange the sliced potatoes on top, alternating between the two colors, tucking in slices of red onion here and there.
  • Brush the topping with the cream mixture and transfer the pan to the oven.
  • Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown on top.
  • Cool for 10 minutes before serving with sour cream and a sprinkling of thyme.

AMISH COUNTRY CASSEROLE

The beauty of casseroles is that the sky’s the limit. You CAN make them up as you go! Whether you are trying to clean out the refrigerator or recreate your grandmother’s budget leftover dinner at the end of the week this is a category of recipes that has no end.

With fall approaching we are entering the CASSEROLE phase of the year. This Amish Country Casserole I adapted from LOU LOU GIRLS is ALL about the comfort!! It can easily be made ahead of time and tastes wonderful whether you bake it and serve it now or freeze it and bake it later!

AMISH COUNTRY CASSEROLE
1 (12 oz.) bag medium bow tie noodles or pasta shape of your choice
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground sweet Italian sausage
1 can CAMPBELL’S condensed tomato soup
1 can CAMPBELL’s cream of ANYTHING soup (your choice, though I like either mushroom or celery)
1 cup WHOLE milk
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
1/2 cup sweet Vidalia onion, diced
2 to 3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or cheese flavor of choice (I often use Jack)

  • Preheat oven to 350°. 
  • Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions and drain well.
  • In a large skillet melt butter, add onions and cook a couple minutes before adding beef, cooking crumbly.
  • Drain off grease.
  • In a large bowl stir together tomato soup, cream of anything soup, milk, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic.
  • Fold in pasta and ground beef mixture.
  • Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes.
  • Then top with grated cheese and serve with a salad.

COON BALLS aka SAUSAGE BALLS – Raccoon NOT INCLUDED

This recipe or a similar version of it has been around since the beginning of time I believe. BUT, I can’t find any direct links to how they originated. I assume them to have began as a southern recipe based on the name, but don’t let the name fool you – there is no raccoon in them, but I suppose there once was probably around the time that the Bisquick was also homemade.

Most recipes call for just the basic ingredients of Bisquick, sausage and cheese. But, the beauty of this recipe is that you can make it any way you want with any flavors you want as long as the proportions are good 😀 Any way you make them, they are simple with few ingredients and virtually foolproof.

COON BALLS are great by themselves, but consider adding a dipping sauce – especially if serving as an appetizer or at a tailgate party. They are also great for breakfast with a sausage gravy.

COON BALLS aka SAUSAGE BALLS

1 pound ground country sausage (hubby likes the hot variety sometimes)
8-16 ounces (about 4 cups) coon cheese or sharp white cheddar cheese, FINELY shredded
2 1/2 – 3 cups Bisquick
2 tablespoons FINELY chopped sage or thyme leaves (depending on sausage flavor)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika (once again depending on sausage flavor)

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Using your hands blend all together until well mixed. Now if you’re a bit wimpy use the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. This will be a THICK mixture.
  • Roll into 1 inch balls. I use my medium cookie scoop to get uniform sizes.
  • Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Bake 20 minutes or until browned.

NOTES:

  • DO NOT USE PRE-SHREDDED CHEESE! Pre-shredded cheeses contain a moisture blocking cellulose that will dry out your mixture. Shred your own!!!!
  • DO NOT DIP measuring cup into the Bisquick. Spoon the Bisquick into the measuring cup. When you dip into the Bisquick it tends to pack the cup. You need a looser fill.
  • They freeze really well! To freeze uncooked sausage balls FLASH FREEZE (so they don’t stick to each other) them flat and separated on baking sheets before transferring to ziplock bags or containers to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If freezing already cooked make sure to COMPLETELY cool them before the FLASH FREEZE.

UPDATED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

While a true Chicken Cordon Bleu was popularized back in the 1960’s when stuffing chicken breasts with deli meats and cheese seemed like a great option, this version is a compilation of an Austrian Schnitzel Cordon Bleu and Switzerland’s Veal Cordon Bleu. Cordon Bleu is NOT strictly French though it became the standard for Americans seeking a refined dinner fare for their “COMPANY” parties and weddings.

Once your meat and cheese is rolled into your flattened chicken breast, they were typically dredged in flour, dipped in egg and then rolled in breadcrumbs and then pan fried.  This recipe is a lighter version that is still breaded, but baked instead of fried.

UPDATED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

NON-STICK cooking spray
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 ounces each)
4 slices prosciutto
4 slices BABY Swiss cheese or Gouda
4 VERY thin slices red onion
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
3 cups FINE bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon fresh snipped parsley

  • Preheat the oven to 375°.
  • Coat the bottom of a glass baking dish with the nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Flatten chicken breasts between plastic wrap to 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet OR MY PREFERRED METHOD is to slice the chicken breast in half horizontally almost all the way through. Open the chicken breast up and press out to flatten.
  • Lay one thin slice of prosciutto and a slice of cheese on the flattened breast.
  • Top with onion and part of the garlic.
  • Roll up carefully, beginning at the narrow end and secure with wooden picks. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.
  • In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
  • Place the buttermilk in a separate bowl.
  • Dip the chicken rolls in the buttermilk and then the bread crumb mixture.
  • Place chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish.
  • Brush each roll with the melted butter.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Garnish with parsley.

NOTE: Once baked, let the rolls rest before slicing so you get nice, even slices.

CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN MEATBALLS in CREAM CORN SAUCE

CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN MEATBALLS in CREAM CORN SAUCE adapted from TALKING MEALS serves 4
1 pound QUALITY ground beef
15.5 ounce can seasoned black beans, rinsed and drained WELL
1 small bunch green onion, sliced – reserve a few for garnish
2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo sauce, rough chopped + 1 tablespoon sauce for the meatballs – the remainder will be used in sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 LARGE egg
FRESH Ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon KINDERS taco seasoning
3/4 cup ground tortilla chips

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a food processor add black beans, most of the green onions, chipotle peppers, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, water, taco seasoning, FRESH ground sea salt and pepper. Pulse and process until mixture is completely combined and beans are mostly creamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, bean mixture, egg and 1/2 cup tortilla chip crumbs. Mix by hand or with a large fork. If the mixture is too wet add a bit more tortilla crumbs.
  • Roll into golf ball sized meatballs.
  • Arrange meatballs on a large baking sheet prepared with a light coating of avocado oil.
  • Bake the meatballs in oven on center rack for 20 minutes. While the meatballs are cooking, make the sauce.

MEXICAN CREAM CORN SAUCE
2 cans Green Giant Mexican corn
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 1/2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
1 teaspoon KINDERS taco seasoning
1 teaspoon + Sauce Adobo Sauce
3/4 cup Mexican sour cream
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped green onions
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Cilantro
1 cup white rice, prepared per package directions

  • Add avocado oil to a preheated pan on medium heat.
  • Add corn kernels, minced garlic, and green onions, sauteing 3 minutes.  
  • Stir in the chicken broth, taco seasoning, salt and pepper. 
  • Add Adobo Sauce.  You can add more if you want it spicier.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, then turn down heat to low simmer to keep warm.

 

  • When the meatballs are done, remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. 
  • Whisk sour cream into the corn sauce.
  • Stir in the cilantro and add the meatballs to the sauce.
  • Serve over the rice, garnish with cilantro and enjoy!!

PEACH HONEY MUSTARD PORK CHOPS

PEACH HONEY GLAZED PORK CHOPS
2 tablespoons honey or honey mustard (optional)
2 tablespoons peach preserves
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
4-6 THICK boneless pork chops
2 peaches pitted and diced
6 SMALL yellow plums, pitted and diced
1 cup of your favorite salsa

  • Prepare the BBQ grill for medium heat.
  • Combine honey or honey mustard and peach preserves in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • In another bowl combine the peaches, plums and salsa. Set aside. I like to make this several hours ahead and chill it so the flavors can meld together.
  • Generously season each pork chop with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Grill chops 4-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
  • Brush chops with glaze and let rest.
  • Serve with the salsa.

NOTE: I can’t use the honey mustard due to a SEVERE allergy that could kill me, but I’m told the honey mustard adds another layer of flavor that’s super yummy.