Category: PROTEINS

LEMONY BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS with ONIONS and POTATOES ~ BLOG 366.229

The original recipe called for 3 things I either don’t like the taste of (capers), am allergic to (mustard) or just don’t like to cook with (turkey) so I adapted it my likes. I also combined two of her recipes, both braising recipes for a one pot wonder 😀

LEMONY BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS with CARROTS, LEEKS, ONIONS & POTATOES adapted from MARY BERG and MARY BERG

2 1/4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 SMALL Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
5 to 6 medium yellow potatoes, quartered
1 SMALL bag baby carrots, drained
1 LARGE leek, trimmed and sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped thyme
FRESH chopped parsley for serving
FRESH grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Candied lemons, for serving (optional)

  • Heat your oven to 325°.
  • Place a enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Add the oil into the pan followed by the thighs, skin-side down. Allow to sear 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the first side and the meat easily releases from the pan.
  • Flip and sear on the other side 2-3 minutes JUST until golden then remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter along with the onions, lemons and potatoes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper, cooking until the onions and lemon are slightly softened and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic followed by the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and pick up any cooked-on bits.
  • Bring the wine to a simmer and cook down 2-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce together. Add the broth and whisk until smooth.
  • Stir the broth mixture into the pan, coating everything well. 
  • Nestle the thighs on top, skin-side up, making sure that the skin is NOT submerged.
  • Bring to a boil, cover with the lid, and transfer the pan to the oven for 40 minutes.
  • After 45 minutes of braising, remove the lid and continue to cook 15-20 minutes until the chicken and potatoes are cooked through and the skin is golden and lightly crisp.
  • Remove the pan from the oven, scatter with the thyme and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes.
  • Top with grated cheese if desired.

 

 

STUFFED BANANA PEPPERS ~ BLOG 366.228

STUFFED BANANA PEPPERS adapted from Mary Berg  Yield: 4 servings

FRESH ground Kosher salt and black pepper
4 banana peppers
1/4 cup FINE breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Pampered Chef Chile Lime seasoning
2 tablespoons WHOLE milk
2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
1 yellow onion, FINELY minced
2 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1 cup MILD ROTEL (drained)
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1 LARGE egg yolk
1-2 cups homemade tomato sauce
1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon FINELY chopped FRESH parsley, plus more for serving
2 teaspoon FINELY chopped FRESH oregano

  • Heat your oven to 350°.
  • Bring a medium saucepan of salt seasoned water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the banana peppers to blanch 2-3 minutes until JUST slightly tender.
  • Drain and slice one side off the pepper to expose the interior and remove the ribs and seeds.
  • Set the peppers aside and finely chop the small piece you cut from each pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium heat and add in the onion and chopped pepper.
  • Season with the Chile lime seasoning, salt and pepper, cooking 3-5 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
  • Stir in the garlic and transfer half of the mixture into the bowl with the breadcrumbs and set aside to cool to room temperature.
  • Add the ROTEL into the pan with the remaining onion mixture, bring to a simmer, cover with an off-kilter lid and reduce the heat to low to cook and keep warm.
  • Add the ground beef to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture along with the egg yolk, cheese, parsley and oregano.
  • Place a small amount of tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Season well with salt and pepper to taste and mix well to combine.
  • Stuff the meat mixture into the peppers and set into a greased baking dish.
  • Drizzle with the remaining tomato sauce, cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Serve the peppers topped with the sauce and a HUGE sprinkling of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and FRESH chopped parsley.

DECONSTRUCTED CABBAGE ROLLS ~ BLOG 366.221

DECONSTRUCTED CABBAGE ROLLS

1 medium onion, chopped
1 LARGE carrot, julienned
1/2 head cabbage, sliced
1 pound ground pork
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • In a large skillet brown the ground pork breaking it into small pieces.
  • When just about cooked through, add onions cooking 5-6 minutes more until meat is cooked though and the onions opaque.
  • Add the carrots, garlic, salt and pepper cooking 4-5 minutes more.
  • Whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, broth and tomato sauce.
  • Add the tomato sauce mixture, stirring to coat well.
  • Add the cabbage and tomatoes.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage is tender.
  • Serve over rice.

NOTE: If you like the taste of the peppers you normally stuff, then dice a red pepper and add in when you add the carrots.

SUPREME BEEF FLAUTAS ~ BLOG 366.219

Flautas are one of my favorite ways to eat Tex Mex. It’s like your favorite taco and a burrito had a baby. All rolled up and fried to give you a crispy shell outer shell even though they are baked and stuffed with all your favorites and then topped with FRESH pico de Gallo and lime cream.

BEEF FLAUTAS SUPREME Yields 6 flautas

1 LARGE shallot
3/4 pound QUALITY ground beef
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef Tex-Mex or southwest seasoning
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1/3 cup chicken broth

  • Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and brush with oil or coat with nonstick spray.
  • Wash and dry all produce.
  • Halve, peel, and thinly slice shallot and mince a few of the slices until you have 1-2 tablespoons.
  • Save the minced portion for the PICO DE GALLO.
  • Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add sliced shallots, cooking for 2 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and seasoning, cooking 4-6 minutes, breaking up meat into pieces, until beef is browned and shallot is softened.
  • Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth (½ cup for 4 servings).
  • Simmer 2-4 minutes more until mixture is thickened and beef is cooked through. Turn off heat.

6 Flour Tortillas
½ cup Mexican Cheese Blend

  • Drizzle tortillas with 1 tablespoon avocado oil (2 tablespoons for 4 servings).
  • Brush or rub to completely coat.
  • Place tortillas on a clean work surface.
  • Add a heaping ¼ cup filling to one side of each tortilla, then sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon Mexican cheese.
  • Roll tortillas up tightly, starting with filled sides, to create flautas.
  • Place seam sides down, snugly on prepared sheet.
  • Bake on middle rack until golden brown and crispy, 8-12 minutes.

PICO de GALLO
1 LARGE Roma Tomato
4 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons avocado oil
1 LARGE lime, juiced (I serve with an additional lime wedge)
2 green onions, sliced

  • Finely dice tomato.
  • Zest and quarter lime.
  • In a small bowl, combine tomato, minced onion, half the lime zest, and half of the lime juice.
  • Season to taste with salt.

 

  • In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream, remaining lime zest, and the other half of the lime juice.
  • Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.
  • Season to taste with salt.
  • Divide flautas between plates.
  • Top with pico de gallo, sliced green onions, lime wedges and lime crema.
  • Serve.

 

PORK TENDERLOIN with SUN DRIED TOMATO CREAM SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.215

SUPER easy as well as moist and tender and a really unique flavor combo on the gravy have made this a family favorite!

PORK TENDERLOIN with SUN DRIED TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

PORK

1 pound pork tenderloin
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/4 cup butter, cubed

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Line baking sheet with heavy duty foil.
  • Pat pork tenderloin dry.
  • Season well with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Mix honey and garlic together.
  • Rub pork all over with the minced garlic and honey mixture.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet.
  • Brown tenderloin on all sides. DO NOT WASH SKILLET!
  • Dot foil with butter and add roast to the center.
  • Fold foil up and around the roast, crimping the edges.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to platter, keeping warm and reserving drippings for the sauce.

SAUCE

1/4 cup favorite white wine
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of a tart and tangy BBQ sauce
2 teaspoons WONDRA
1/4 cup chicken bone broth
2 cups FRESH baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes, drained well and chopped small

  • Using the same skillet add the shallots, cooking 1-2 minutes.
  • Add wine to deglaze the pan.
  • Add BBQ sauce and cream.
  • Whisk together the WONDRA and chicken broth until smooth.
  • Add to skillet, whisking constantly.
  • Add pork drippings and bring to a SLOW boil, reduce heat stir constantly 1-2 minutes until desired consistency.
  • Fold in spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes, heating through.

CRANBERRY BBQ CHICKEN WINGS ~ BLOG 366.214

CRANBERRY BBQ CHICKEN WINGS

DIP
1 LARGE lemon
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH parsley

  • Stir together the sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
  • Whisk in lemon juice until smooth.
  • Fold in green onions and parsley.
  • Cover and chill until needed.

WINGS
1 can cranberry sauce (whole berry)
1 package Lipton onion soup mix
1 cup Catalina dressing
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
3 pounds chicken wings (tips removed)

  • Stir together the cranberry sauce, soup mix and Catalina dressing in a LARGE bowl.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of marinade.
  • Add wings to large bowl, tossing to coat wings well in marinade.
  • Cover or transfer to a large ziploc bag.
  • Chill for at least 2 hours!

 

  • Heat oven to 425°.
  • Line baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick baking spray.
  • Spread wings in a single layer on baking sheet.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear brushing with reserved marinade during the final 5-10 minutes of baking time.
  • Transfer to platter and serve with dip.

APPLE PIE PORK CHOPS ~ BLOG 366.208

APPLE PIE PORK CHOPS Yield 4-6 servings
4-6 1 inch THICK boneless pork chops
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
6 ounce package Stove Top Stuffing mix, prepared per package
21 ounce can Comstock apple pie filling
1-2 ounces avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Season pork chops all over and add to oil, browning 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Lightly grease 9×13 baking dish.
  • Spread pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Layer pork chops over the pie filling.
  • Layer the stuffing mix over the pork chops.
  • Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.

NOTE: Changing the fruit flavor can give you a new and more complex flavor profile. I really like these with cherry, apricot, peach or pineapple also.

PAN FRIED ARTICHOKE CAKES & SUN-DRIED TOMATO DIPPING SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.205

I adapted this recipe for Pan Fried Artichoke Cakes from Buffalo Wyoming’s Piezano menu. They are composed of a colorful mixture of marinated artichoke hearts, caramelized red onions, fire roasted bell peppers, scallions, panko, Parmesan, and seasonings that are then pan sautéed until golden brown and sun-dried tomato lemon aioli sauce making them as colorful as they are tasty!

DIPPING SAUCE
1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 medium clove garlic, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon FRESH lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon FINELY grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons FINELY diced sun dried tomatoes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Mix the all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl, add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

ARTICHOKE CAKES yields 10 cakes
2 15-ounce jars of marinated artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, and FINELY chopped
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
FIRE ROASTED red bell pepper, FINELY diced
1 rib of celery, FINELY chopped
1/4 cup FINELY diced red onion
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten

  • Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, mixing thoroughly.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon avocado oil


  • Place the flour in a large shallow dish.
  • 
Divide the artichoke mixture into 4 equal size balls.
  • Squeeze the balls to release any excess moisture.
  • Form the balls into patties about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Lightly dredge in the flour.
  • Place the patties on a plate, cover and freeze for 1/2 hour to help them stay together and to allow the flavors to meld. 

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • 
Add the patties to the pan and cook until well browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. 

  • Serve the cakes with the dipping sauce.

PEACH PINEAPPLE JALAPENO CHICKEN ~ BLOG 366.201

I adapted this recipe for Strawberry-Jalapeño Chicken from DELISH

This one is for sweet-and-spicy lovers. When I found this recipe it was for a strawberry jalapeño chicken. It sounded intriguing to me, but everyone I cook for turned their noses up at the idea UNTIL I converted it to either peach, apricot or pineapple. Or better yet a combination of all three flavors.

Start well seasoned chicken breasts and pan sear them 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, smother them in your peach or pineapple or apricot chipotle sauce, and topped with FRESH SALSA made from the same flavors to create this scrumptious dish that will leave them begging for more. The sweetness of the fruit coupled with the spicy of the pepper and the smokey of the chiles are a match made in heaven.

PEACH PINEAPPLE JALAPENO CHICKEN Yield: 4 – 6 servings

SALSA
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsely, plus more for serving
1 cup+ chopped FRESH pineapple
3 peaches, chopped
1-3 jalapeños, seeded, chopped, divided (depending on the heat level you want)
2 shallots, FINELY chopped, divided
3-4 tablespoons pineapple balsamic vinegar (or a QUALITY balsamic)
2 tablespoons Frank’s Chile Lime sauce
2 tablespoon QUALITY honey

  • In a small bowl, toss cilantro, peaches, pineapple, jalapeños, shallots, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. 
  • Spoon over chicken or eat with a spoon 🙂
  • Top with cilantro.

1 + 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil.
  • Pat chicken dry and season both sides with pepper, garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons salt.
  • Add chicken to skillet and cook 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Top with salsa and Enjoy!

BAKED FIRECRACKER CHICKEN ~ BLOG 366.198

This firecracker chicken recipe is chunks of crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. An easy dinner option that the whole family will love!

FIRECRACKER CHICKEN serves 4

1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 LARGE eggs beaten
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1/3 cup FRANK’S original hot sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
1/4 cup sliced green onions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Place the chicken pieces on a plate and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
  • 
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs.
Heat the oil over high heat in a large pan.
  • Place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on ALL sides or until golden brown. You may have to work in batches. DO NOT CROWD PAN!!
  • 
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking dish.
  • 
In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and red pepper flakes.

  • Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through to coat the chicken with the sauce.
  • Top with green onions and serve.


GREEN CHILE BEEF CALDILLO ~ BLOG 366.194

I saw this recipe on facebook and it looked oh so good!!! I just had to try it and am extremely pleased by the results.

GREEN CHILE BEEF CALDILLO

This thick, spicy, and flavorful dish becomes the MOST satisfying soup or stew you’ve ever had.

3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 1/2 – 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
1 LARGE onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound tomatillos, husked and chopped
3-4 green chiles (such as poblano or Anaheim), roasted, peeled, and chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
FRESH cilantro, chopped for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  • Add the beef to the pot in batches, browning on all sides.
  • Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
  • Add the onion to same pan, cooking 3-5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatillos, green chiles, and jalapeño (if using), cooking 5-7 minutes until the tomatillos start to break down.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. SEE NOTE
  • Add the beef broth, ground cumin, and dried oregano, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Simmer, partially covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Ladle into bowls.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and warm tortillas on the side.

NOTE: At this point I usually use the slow cooker for 4-6 hours.

BEEF FILET BITES IN BALSAMIC SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.193

This recipe is inspired by Olive Garden’s Beef Filets in Balsamic Sauce. You can serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes or a baked potato and salad to have the perfect date night or company meal.

BEEF FILET BITES IN BALSAMIC SAUCE

4 tablespoons avocado oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 medium Vidalia onion, sliced thin
1/2 SMALL red pepper, diced small
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons QUALITY balsamic vinegar
2 pounds beef tenderloins, cut into bite sized pieces
1/4 cup WONDRA
FRESH rosemary sprigs
FRESH chopped parsley

  • Heat oil and butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Dredge beef pieces in seasoned flour, shake off excess.
  • Add beef pieces to pan and sear 3-5 minutes. Remove beef and keep warm.
  • Add onion slices, season with salt and pepper and cook 10 minutes or until caramelized.
  • Add wines, broth and vinegar, bringing to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until reduced by half.
  • Add beef back in and heat through.
  • Garnish and serve immediately.