Category: PROTEINS

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD ~ FAITH and FOOD FRIDAY #6

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
2 cups dry rotini pasta
1/2 pound snap peas, trimmed and halved
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 LARGE shallot, small diced
1/4 cup FRESH chopper parsley
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced or rough grated
1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts, diced (optional)
3 tablespoons tarragon rice vinegar (or flavor of choice)
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1/2 cup avocado oil
1/4 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well.
  • Whisk together the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Italian dressing, mustard (if using), salt and pepper until emulsified.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss cooled pasta, snap peas, shallots, Parsley, artichoke heart pieces and chicken pieces together.
  • Pour vinegar mixture over and toss again.
  • Fold in tomatoes and cheese, tossing to coat well.
  • Chill several hours before serving.

CHICKEN, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALAD with BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

CHICKEN, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALAD with BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

CHICKEN, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALAD
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup FINELY sliced red onion or shallot
1/4 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
1 can seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed WELL
1 LARGE can fire roasted corn, drained WELL
1/2 cup sour cream
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 1/2 cups chopped OR shredded rotisserie OR grilled chicken
1 cup shredded spicy Mexican blend cheese
4-6 cups salad greens of choice
FRESH chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
1 batch balsamic vinaigrette (see below)

  • Whisk together sour cream and lemon juice. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl toss together the beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes and vinaigrette.
  • Toss together the chicken and sour cream mixture until well coated.
  • Fold in cheese.
  • Transfer bean mixture to platter.
  • Top with chicken mixture.
  • Sprinkle with FRESH ground pepper, cilantro and FRESH lime wedges if desired.

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
GENEROUS 1/2 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
1 tablespoon QUALITY Dijon mustard
1-2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Add all ingredients to a lidded mason jar and shake WELL.
  • Refrigerate until needed and shake WELL again before using.

PINK ALFREDO PRIMAVERA MEATBALLS

PINK ALFREDO PRIMAVERA MEATBALLS
MEATBALLS
1/2 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 SMALL onion, FINELY chopped
2 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • In a large bowl mix together ground meats, seasonings, chopped onion and garlic until well blended.
  • Form into golf ball sized meatballs.
  • Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Sear meatballs, turning often, until browned.
  • Transfer to paper towels to drain.

PINK ALFREDO SAUCE
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic, jar
1 tablespoon Classico sun-dried tomato paste
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/4 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Melt butter in a saucepan.
  • Add garlic and saute until fragrant.
  • Gradually add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Stir in salt, pepper and grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until melted.
  • Whisk in egg quickly and heat through.

VEGETABLES
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch matchsticks
1/2 cup frozen petite peas, thawed

  • Melt butter and oil in a large sauce pan.
  • Add carrots, sauteing 3-5 minutes until begin to soften.
  • Add asparagus pieces, sauteing a couple minutes more.
  • Fold in peas.

ASSEMBLY
1 /2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Spread half the sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
  • Arrange meatballs on sauce.
  • Arrange vegetables around meatballs.
  • Pour remaining sauce over top.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS
6 bone-in pork chops
1 cup salad dressing Italian style
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce
1 LARGE lime juiced

  • Whisk together the Italian dressing, apple sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and lime juice.
  • Place pork chops in large container in a single layer.
  • Pour marinade over chops, cover and let chops marinate 8-12 hours.
  • Pre-heat grill to medium and oil grate
.
  • Remove chops from marinade.
  • Pour marinade into sauce pan and heat over medium heat to a SLOW boil
.
  • Let marinade boil for at least one minute then remove from heat
.
  • Place chops on grill and baste occasionally.
  • 
Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side until browned and no longer pink
.

FAITH and FOOD FRIDAY #5 ~ CHERRY BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

God, We thank You for this food, for rest and home and all things good, for wind and rain and sun above, but most of all for those we love. God our Father, Lord, and Savior, thank You for Your love and favor. Bless this food and drink we pray and all who share with us today. Amen.

CHERRY BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s original BBQ sauce
1/2 cup Smuckers Tart Sour Cherry Jam or Orange Marmalade
garlic powder, to taste
1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos
6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • Combine jam or marmalade and BBQ sauce in a medium saucepan.
  • Whisk in liquid aminos and garlic powder to combine.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
  • Grill chicken on a oiled grill 4-5 minutes per side, turning to get grill marks until cooked through.
  • Brush with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

ORANGE BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

ORANGE BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup water chestnut, diced small
2⁄3 cup mushroom, diced small
1 small shallot, diced
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 leaves butter lettuce
1/2-1 cup crispy rice noodles
freshly ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Bring oil to high heat in a wok or large frying pan.
  • Saute chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side or done.
  • Remove chicken from the pan and cool.
  • Add shallots and green onions to pan sautéing until soft.
  • Add water chestnuts, garlic, mushrooms and ginger, sautéing a few minutes more.
  • Add stir fry sauce and stir until well blended.
  • When chicken is cool, shred it as small as the mushrooms and water chestnuts pieces are.
  • Add chicken into mixture, toss to blend and coat well.

STIR FRY SAUCE
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

  • Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.

SPECIAL SAUCE
1⁄2 cup water
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄4 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons water
3 tablespoons orange marmalade
2 cloves garlic, minced
1
2 teaspoons Siracha

  • Whisk together the sugar and water in a small bowl until completely dissolved.
  • Add liquid aminos, rice wine vinegar, lemon juice, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, orange marmalade and desired amount of Siracha whisking until well blended.

ASSEMBLY

  • Serve each helping in a lettuce leaf.
  • Top with a handful of crispy rice noodles.
  • Pour Special sauce over the wraps.

CHICKEN MADEIRA

This makes for a perfect fancy dinner and it is extremely easy to prepare. Make it for company and they’ll think you worked on it ALL day.

CHICKEN MADEIRA
2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
16 ounces button mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 LARGE bunch green onions, sliced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2-4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons FRESH Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups Madeira Wine (Marsala works in a pinch)
1 1/2 cups beef stock
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

  • Fill a medium pot with 6 cups water, bring to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt.
  • Add asparagus and boil uncovered until crisp tender and bright green, 2-3 minutes then remove immediately from hot water, quickly submerge into cool water to stop the cooking and set aside to drain.
  • Place a large heavy (oven-safe) pan over medium-high heat and melt in 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil.
  • Add sliced mushrooms and cook 5 minutes until soft.
  • Stir in shallots and onion and cook 3 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic cloves then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Add parsley, cooking another 2 minutes then remove mixture to a plate and wipe skillet clean with wet paper towel.
  • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound each cutlet between plastic wrap until no more than 1/4″ thick.
  • Season chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper.
  • Place same pan over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil.
  • When butter is finished foaming, add chicken breasts and saute 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and JUST cooked through.
  • Remove chicken from pan to the same plate as mushrooms. KEEP WARM.
  • Add Madeira wine and bring to a SLOW boil, cooking until reduced by half, 5 minutes of vigorous boiling, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze as you go.
  • Add beef broth and SLOW boil again until 2/3 cup liquid remains.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add heavy cream and simmer 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper and turn off heat.
  • Return chicken to the pan, turning it to coat in the sauce.
  • Top with mushrooms, asparagus and sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. I sometimes use sliced mozza.
  • Broil 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley.

GARLICKY SHEPHERD’S PIE

GARLICKY SHEPHERD’S PIE

10 inch prepared pie crust

POTATO TOPPING
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
10 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup beef broth
4 tablespoons butter, softened
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Add the potatoes and garlic to a large sauce pan.
  • Cover with cold water.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, 10-15 minutes.
  • Drain.
  • Transfer the potatoes and garlic to a large bowl.
  • Add the sour cream, 1/4 cup of the broth, butter, salt and pepper, and beat on low speed with a hand mixer until the potatoes are light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • If the mixture is too dry, add the remaining 1/4 cup broth. DO NOT OVER MIX!
  • Cover and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°.

FILLING
4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, chopped
1 LARGE shallot, diced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 pound ground beef
2 to 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped, (about 1 cup)
1 cups frozen petite peas, thawed and drained
2 LARGE garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 (12-ounce) bottle beer (flavor of choice)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon FRESH finely minced tarragon leaves
1 teaspoon FRESH finely minced thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup FRESHLY grated Gruyere or Cheddar

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally until browned and crisp.
  • Drain on paper toweling and set aside.
  • Add the avocado oil to the drippings in the skillet and increase to medium heat.
  • Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle in the sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to caramelize, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the carrots and peppers, sautéing 2-3 minutes more.
  • Stir in the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat, until the beef begins to brown, about 7 minutes.
  • Fold in the peas, and garlic, stirring a couple minutes more.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and flour and cook, stirring, until well blended, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the beer, bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes.
  • Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the cooked bacon, the broth, herbs, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
  • Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared crust.
  • Spread the potato topping evenly over the beef mixture.
  • Bake until the filling is hot, the topping is lightly browned and the edges are bubbly, about 35 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the cheese.
  • Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
  • Let rest out of the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #4 ~ INSTA POT STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

God, You’re great! God, You’re good! Now we thank you for our food. By your blessings we are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread. Amen

INSTA POT STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS
PICKLED ONIONS
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
1 small red onion, halved and sliced thin

  • Bring the water, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper flakes to a boil in a small saucepan.
  • Place onions in a tempered bowl.
  • Pour vinegar mixture over onions and toss gently.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

PORK AND SAUCE
1/2 cup PACKED brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon FRESH ground ginger
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-4 pieces
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2/3 cup homemade chicken broth
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Bibb Lettuce leaves
Toasted sesame seeds
1 bunch green onions, sliced diagonally

  • Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, ground ginger, Chinese 5 spice,
  • FRESH ginger, 1/2 of the green onions, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add pork pieces, turning to coat well.
  • Add the oil to the insta pot and set to saute’.
  • When hot, add pork pieces and brown 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
  • Add broth to insta pot, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
  • Whisk in the Hoisin sauce, vinegar, chili sauce and Sriracha.
  • Return the pork to the pot.
  • Place lid on and set to lock. Make sure the valve is in the sealed position. Set to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
  • Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
  • Turn the valve to the venting position to vent any remaining pressure.
  • Turn the insta pot off and remove lid.
  • Remove pork to cutting board and shred.
  • Set insta pot back to saute and stir in remaining brown sugar.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and 3-4 tablespoons of the liquid from the insta pot.
  • Pour cornstarch mixture into the insta pot and whisk until smooth, stirring and cooking 10 minutes until thickened.
  • Season to taste.
  • Return the pork pieces and stir to coat.
  • Serve on lettuce leaves with pickled onions.
  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

BETTY WHITE’S CHICKEN WINGS

I ran across an article about celebrity recipes and the one that stuck out to me was BETTY WHITE’S CHICKEN WINGS. They claim this recipe went viral before viral was a “thing”. Well, I LOVE Betty White, so I had to try them. 😀 I altered them very little. The biggest alteration was eliminating the “death to me” allergy ingredient of dry mustard. Hubby said in his opinion, it wasn’t even necessary. The other alterations I made were substituting Bragg’s liquid aminos for the soy sauce because it reduces the sodium A LOT and decreasing the water which made them stickier and in my opinion tastier! Anytime I make wings I start them in a buttermilk soak to plump them also. That said, these wings were AMAZING!

BETTY WHITE’S CHICKEN WINGS
3 pounds plump chicken wings
1/2 cup butter
1 quart buttermilk
1 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Arrange wings in shallow baking pan or 2 as necessary for a single layer.
  • Pour buttermilk over top and refrigerate 2 hours.
  • Drain off buttermilk and rinse wings. Let them drain while you prepare the marinade.
  • Return wings to baking dish(es) in a single layer.
  • In a large sauce pan combine the butter, liquid aminos, water, garlic powder and brown sugar whisking to combine until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Turn off heat and cool 15 minutes.
  • Pour marinade over wings and refrigerate 2 hours.
  • Remove pan from refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Bake 75-90 minutes depending on plumpness.

SHEET PAN HAMBURGER STEAK with MUSHROOMS & ONIONS

SHEET PAN HAMBURGER STEAK with MUSHROOMS & ONIONS

1 large Vidalia onion – halved and sliced thin
1/2 pound of your favorite mushrooms – sliced
avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 pounds double ground chuck
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Lawry’s garlic salt
3-4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
FRESH ground salt and pepper for each patty
4 tablespoons butter, thinly sliced into eighths

  • Heat oven to 400°.
  • Line a baking pan with tin foil.
  • Place onions and mushrooms on the pan, drizzle with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper and toss to coat.
  • Gently mix together the ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, bacon pieces and a generous sprinkling of FRESH ground pepper.
  • Form into 6  steaks.
  • Gently nestle each hamburger steak on top of veggies.
  • Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
  • Place pan in the oven and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, until steaks are brown around edges.
  • Remove from oven and top with pat of butter.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes and serve with with your favorite side dish.

F3 FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #3 ~ TEX MEX a.k.a. MEXICAN MANICOTTI ~ BEEF or CHICKEN

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

Some days are busy- we have lots of things to do, and we might not always take a break just to stop and talk to God. But most of us still find the time to eat even when we’re very busy. Taking time to pray before our meals gives us a great opportunity to connect with God. Next time you have a really busy day, enjoy a few minutes in prayer with God before your meal.

CHICKEN MEXICAN MANICOTTI
1 box Uncooked manicotti shells
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce, as desired
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Cook manicotti per package directions, al dente.
  • In a medium bowl combine the chicken pieces, 3/4 cup salsa, parsley, most of the green onions, garlic, hot sauce and ricotta cheese.
  • Spread half of the remaining salsa on the bottom of baking dish.
  • Gently fill manicotti shells with chicken mixture and layer on top of salsa in baking dish in a single layer.
  • Spread the remaining salsa on top of manicotti.
  • Cover and bake 40 minutes.
  • Uncover and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over top.
  • Bake 10 minutes more.
  • Garnish with remaining green onion and olives.
  • Serve with sour cream.

BEEF MEXICAN MANICOTTI
1 box Uncooked manicotti shells
2 cups browned ground beef
1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce, as desired
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Cook manicotti per package directions, al dente.
  • In a medium bowl combine the chicken pieces, 3/4 cup salsa, parsley, most of the green onions, garlic, hot sauce and ricotta cheese.
  • Spread half of the remaining salsa on the bottom of baking dish.
  • Gently fill manicotti shells with chicken mixture and layer on top of salsa in baking dish in a single layer.
  • Spread the remaining salsa on top of manicotti.
  • Cover and bake 40 minutes.
  • Uncover and sprinkle Mexican cheese over top.
  • Bake 10 minutes more.
  • Garnish with remaining green onion and olives if desired.
  • Serve with sour cream.