Category: PROTEINS

BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS ~ TAKE OUT STYLE

Take Out Style Enchiladas are a power packed recipe full of flavor with a velvety chili sauce that is very fragrant, but NOT overly spicy. Adapted from Jennifer Aaronson @ MARLEY SPOON

BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS ~ TAKE OUT STYLE
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2/3 pound lean ground beef, browned to crumbly and drained of grease
1 can shoepeg niblet corn, drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar-jack blend
2 ounces pickled jalapeños, FINELY chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2-3 green onions, sliced and diced (greens and whites separated)
1 tablespoon beef broth concentrate
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 425° with a rack in the center.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium.
  • Add taco seasoning, tomato paste and 1 tablespoon flour; cook, whisking, 1 minute.
  • Whisk together broth and beef broth concentrate.
  • Add to saucepan, stirring to blend. Bring to a simmer, cooking 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. 
 Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beans, scallion whites, chopped jalapeños, half of the corn, 1/3 cup of the sauce and ⅔ of the cheese; stir to com-3bine.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

  • Brush tortillas on both sides with oil, then place on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake tortillas on center oven rack until just warmed and softened, about 2-3 minutes (watch closely). Wrap in foil or a clean kitchen towel to prevent from drying out, keep covered until ready to use.

  • Lightly oil the inside of a medium baking dish.
  • Pour in ¼ cup sauce, spreading to coat the bottom.
  • Arrange tortillas on a work surface.
  • Divide filling (about ⅓ cup each) evenly among tortillas; roll up tightly and arrange in prepared baking dish, seam side down.
  • Top with remaining sauce.
  • 
Sprinkle enchiladas with remaining cheese.
  • Bake on center oven rack until cheese is browned and bubbling, 20 minutes.
  • Garnish with remaining scallions sprinkled over top, and with remaining jalapeños on the side.

CHICKEN & APPLES ~ PURE COMFORT FOOD

This recipe is adapted from Eliza Winograd Marley Spoon and provides a hearty and complete comfort meal with rustic mashed potatoes, flavorful chicken with its sweet and tart apple with a creamy sauce and crisp tart salad as a companion. The recipe as written didn’t have enough OOOMPH for us (it was actually quite bland), so I OOOMPED it up a bit 😀

CHICKEN & APPLES over Mashed Potatoes with Spinach Salad

SALAD & DRESSING
2  cups torn baby spinach
1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon FINELY diced shallot
1 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced into 1/4 inch cubes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted if desired

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the chopped shallots.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Set aside.
  • Just before serving, toss spinach leaves and chopped apple, nuts and dressing.

POTATOES
1/4-1/3 cup sour cream
2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and large diced
2 tablespoons butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Place potatoes in a small saucepan with 1 teaspoon salt along with enough water to cover by 1-inch.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Drain, return to pot, add 2 tablespoons butter and keep covered. 


CHICKEN
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (see note)
2 teaspoons BETTER THAN chicken concentrate
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt + FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
1 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced into 1/4 inch cubes
1 shallot, FINELY chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 + 1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
1 cup water

  • Pat chicken dry and generously season all over with a mixture of the onion powder and FRESH ground sea salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high.
  • Add chicken until well browned on both sides but not cooked completely through, 2–3 minutes per side.  Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in reserved skillet over medium-high.
  • Add apples, garlic and the remaining shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned and slightly softened, 3–5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour over skillet and cook 30 seconds.
  • Whisk together water, chicken concentrate and Dijon mustard. Add to skillet, gently stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Return chicken to pan, simmering 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through, apples are tender and sauce has thickened.

  • Return saucepan with potatoes to medium-high and add sour cream and 2 tablespoons butter. Coarsely mash using a fork or potato masher.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve chicken with apples and sauce spooned over top with mashed potatoes and salad alongside.

NOTE: I substitute a creamy horseradish for the Dijon due to an allergy that works well for me, but the flavor base is up to you 😀

SPICY HONEY RIBS

SPICY HONEY RIBS
3 pounds baby back ribs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 cup honey
1/4 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional – see notes)
5 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 limes, juiced

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs.
  • Generously season ribs all over with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Wrap each rack of ribs in heavy duty aluminum foil.
  • Place on rimmed baking sheet and bake 2 1/2-3 hours until meat is tender.
  • While ribs are cooking whisk together the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until sauce is reduced by half.
  • When you remove the ribs from the oven, move the oven rack to the top and rack 6-8 inches from the broiler.
  • Preheat oven to broil.
  • Open foil and place ribs bone side down.
  • Generously brush ribs with sauce.
  • Broil 3 minutes.
  • Generously brush ribs again with sauce.
  • Broil 2-3 minutes more.
  • Serve with remaining sauce.

NOTES: I’m deathly allergic to mustard so I substitute Jalapeno ketchup for the mustard and omit the Sriracha sauce.

ROSEMARY THYME BUTTER SAUCE CHICKEN

ROSEMARY THYME BUTTER SAUCE CHICKEN
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders equivalent
1 + 1 + 1 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon FRESH minced rosemary
1 tablespoon FRESH thyme leaves
3/4 cup diced sweet onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup SMALL diced carrots
1 cup SMALL diced YUKON potatoes (turnips make a great substitution)

  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over medium heat.
  • Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
  • Transfer to plate and keep warm.
  • Add another tablespoon of butter to pan.
  • When melted add in onions, carrots and potatoes.
  • Season with FRESH ground salt and pepper, stirring and cooking 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add wine to the skillet, scraping bottom to loosen the seared bits.
  • Add cream and bring to SLOW, LOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and cook until sauce slightly thickens.
  • Add in rosemary and stir to coat.
  • Add in remaining better, stirring until smooth.

CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN SOUP

Need a FRESH start to the new year?  Try this soup full of tender chicken, crunchy snap peas and a tangy lemon bite to wake up your senses.

LEMON CHICKEN CREAMY SOUP
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
3/4 cup small diced red onion
2 1/2 cups chicken bone broth
Juice of 2 LARGE lemons
2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups trimmed and halved sugar snap peas
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Italian leaf parsley
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

  • Melt butter in sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add onions, sauteing 2-3 minutes until soft.
  • Sprinkle with flour and stir well until smooth.
  • Add lemon juice and broth gradually.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until it begins to thicken.
  • Stir in chicken and peas, simmering another 5 minutes until chicken is warmed through and peas are crisp-tender.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in cream, simmering just until the cream is blended in and heated through.
  • Season to taste.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE: I like to serve it with my Savory Chicken Bread 😀 That recipe will post tomorrow.

PAN SEARED PORK with BRAISED TURNIPS & PARMESAN

I recently caught an episode of The Kitchen and instantly fell in love with this recipe from Geoffrey Zakarian. Turnips are one of the MOST under utilized vegetables in my opinion.

I did make a couple of changes due to allergies and likes, but it is AWESOME! The pork doesn’t appear seared in the picture, but it is – maybe too much flash too close! 😀 Turns out hubby doesn’t care for cooked turnips, though he loves them raw with salt, but I LOVED it!

PAN SEARED PORK with BRAISED TURNIPS & PARMESAN serves 4

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic salt 
1 teaspoon dried oregano 
8 thin bone-in pork chops 
FRESH ground sea salt and tri-color pepper
2 tablespoons avocado oil 
3 green onions, minced 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 cup turnip dice (1/4-inch), tops reserved (see note)
1/2 cup white wine 
1 cup chicken stock 
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 
1/2 teaspoon fresh tarragon or rosemary, minced 
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish 

  • Combine the cumin, garlic salt, and oregano in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the pork chops on all sides with salt and pepper, followed by the rub.
  • In a large saute pan, heat the oil over high heat, then turn down to medium.
  • Add the pork medallions and sear until caramelized on one side, 2-3 minutes. Flip, then sear on the other side until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 150°, 2-3 more minutes.
  • Remove the pork and set aside covered with foil to rest.
  • Return the pan to the heat and add the scallions and garlic. Cook over low heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the turnips and cook, stirring to coat the vegetables, for 1 minute.
  • Add the white wine and chicken stock, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce by three-quarters, about 5 minutes.
  • Chiffonade 1/2 cup of the turnip greens and add to the sauce with the butter and tarragon.
  • Return the pork and any accumulated juices to the pan, turning to coat the pork chops.
  • Remove from the heat and top with the Parmesan cheese.
  • Divide among plates and garnish.

NOTE: Turnips in the stores around here are already trimmed of their tops so I substituted chiffonaded spinach leaves.

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS (AIR FRYER)

Using the air fryer to make these chicken wings is, in my opinion, THE best way to prepare them. They are PERFECTLY seasoned, SUPER crisp, salty, peppery and garlicky ALL at the same time! They have crisp salty skins with a hint of garlic, lemon and pepper in EVERY bite. These are seasoned to perfection and cook so fast with no marinating required!

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS (AIR FRYER) serves 4

1 pound chicken wing drummettes
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon Frank’s Original hot sauce
2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Hidden Valley ranch powder

  • Thoroughly pat dry chicken wings with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.

  • Whisk together the hot sauce and avocado oil.
  • Toss to coat in oil and hot sauce mixture.
  • Sprinkle with garlic salt, lemon pepper and ranch seasoning.
  • Toss to evenly coat with seasoning.

  • Place on air frying basket, spacing evenly and air fry at 400˚ for 7 minutes per side, a total of 14 minutes, or until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside.
  • Serve with a side of your favorite ranch or bleu cheese dressing.  We use Bob’s Big Boy.

BROILED LOBSTER TAILS

We were gifted with a fantastic OMAHA STEAKS box of Sirloins and Lobster tails for Christmas. We ate 2 of the steaks for Christmas Eve and saved the other 2 and Lobster tails for New Year’s eve and day.  What a great way to finish a horrific year and start the new one.  Thank you so much Brent and Dawn 😀 we really enjoyed our gift!

This is a simple recipe, but as my FIL always said, sometimes simple is the best way to bring out the even better flavors!

BROILED LOBSTER TAILS

2 Lobster tails
4 tablespoons butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 LARGE lemon, cut into wedges

  • Preheat broiler, position top rack 3-4 inches from heat source or preheat grill to medium.
  • Butterfly tails by cutting down through middle of hard shell with a sharp knife. Cut through flesh but not underside membrane.
  • Hold tail in both hands and open flat.
  • Brush lightly with melted butter.
  • Season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Place lobster tails on sheet pan wrapped in foil shell side down.
  • Broil for 6-7 minutes.

NOTE: For grilling, place flesh side down on grill and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping when necessary if flare up occurs.

BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAIL

BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAIL adapted from Ree @ Pioneer Woman
1 cup jalapeno ketchup
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish 
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
1/2 teaspoon Bragg’s liquid aminos 
1/2 tablespoon vodka 
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced 
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper 
16 peeled, de-veined and cooked extra-large shrimp (about 1 pound), tails on
1/2 celery stalk, finely diced, plus 16 small celery stalks with leaves, for garnish (optional)

  • Mix together the ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, liquid aminos, vodka lemon zest and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the sauce to 16 shot glasses, then top each with a shrimp and a sprinkle of diced celery.
  • Place a celery stalk with leaves into each glass.

CHICKEN FRIED RICE

CHICKEN FRIED RICE
1 tablespoon avocado oil
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos or soy sauce
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
FRESH ground black pepper
1 red pepper, diced
1 LARGE carrot, diced
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1 bunch green onions, sliced on the diagonal – reserve a few for garnish
4 cups cooked rice, chilled
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken

  • In a large skillet heat half of the oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add eggs and swirl to coat pan bottom.
  • Cook 1-2 minutes until set.
  • Transfer egg to cutting board.
  • Cool slightly.
  • Roll up like a jelly roll and thinly slice crosswise. Set aside, keeping warm.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the liquid aminos and chili sauce. Set aside.
  • Add remaining oil to skillet and heat over medium heat.
  • Add peppers, onions, corn and peas, cooking 4-5 minutes.
  • Add rice, chicken pieces and reserved sauce mixture, cooking 4-5 minutes until heated through.
  • Toss with reserved scallions and egg pieces.
  • Serve immediately with additional soy sauce if desired.

HOT HONEY LIME BUTTER CHICKEN

Hidden in a stack of my magazine tear outs, I found this delectable recipe for a chicken recipe that is as sweet as it is spicy and is an eye catching appetizing dish. I made just a very few changes to appeal to my liking.

HOT HONEY LIME BUTTER CHICKEN
4 chicken leg quarters
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Frank’s Original hot sauce
2 + 2 + 2 tablespoons butter
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon avocado oil
Zest and Juice of 2 limes, separated (see notes)
2 green onions, sliced thin

  • Preheat oven 425°.
  • Stir together cumin, salt and pepper to make a dry rub.
  • Pat chicken pieces dry.
  • Rub chicken all over with the dry rub.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter and avocado oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken, skin side down and sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden on both sides.
  • Transfer chicken to baking sheet or baking dish, skin side up.
  • Wipe skillet clean.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • When melted add honey, hot sauce and garlic, cooking a few minutes until well blended.
  • Pour honey mixture evenly over chicken.
  • Place baking dish in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes, or until chicken pieces register 175°.
  • Turn off oven and let chicken rest 5 minutes
  • Transfer chicken to platter and keep warm.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of butter to skillet to melt.
  • Whisk lime juice into drippings and transfer back to skillet with butter, cooking until slightly thickened.
  • Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with scallions and lime zest.

NOTES: Oranges or lemons work just as well as limes and have a subtle change in the flavor profile.

WET & DRY BRINED ROAST TURKEY

Preparing turkey breasts instead of the whole turkey is a sure fire way to make sure everyone has the white meat they desire. It is also EASIER – no carcass or bones to mess with. AND it looks more elegant when served. No wait time while someone has to carve it is a real plus too! PLUS you still get enough drippings to make a GREAT gravy with.

I use one 3 pound breast per two people. This gives you enough for the BIG day as well as leftovers for sandwiches. I also use both a WET BRINE and a DRY BRINE.

For Thanksgiving I take the turkey out of the freezer on Monday and move it to the refrigerator. It will thaw in less than 24 hours generally. Then on Tuesday I submerge it into the wet brine. On Thursday I drain off the wet brine an hour before I want to roast it and bring it to room temperature.

WET BRINE
3 cups WHOLE milk
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sea salt

  • Whisk together until salt is dissolved.
  • Place turkey breast in large ziplock bag.
  • Place bag in baking dish or large bowl.
  • Pour brine in bag and seal tight.
  • Refrigerate 24-48 hours.

DRY BRINE
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon orange peel

  • Drain wet brine for turkey breast and pat dry.
  • Combine ingredients in mortar and finely grind.
  • One hour before you plan to start roasting, rub turkey breast on both sides, lightly cover with cheesecloth and allow to come to room temperature.

3 pound half breast
2 carrots, washed and sliced (optional)
2 stalks celery, washed and sliced (optional)
1 SMALL onion, diced (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon COARSE Kosher salt
FRESH ground black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 450°. This will start the browning process.
  • Adjust oven shelf to low position.
  • Add any veggies you might be using to the bottom of the roasting pan. If using veggies I add a couple tablespoons of butter to the bottom so they don’t burn. Also if using veggies you can place the breast directly on top eliminating the roasting rack and another thing to wash!
  • Top with roasting rack.
  • Transfer DRAINED brined breast to a roasting rack.
  • Brush turkey with melted butter. Loosen the skin and brush a little butter under there also. Make sure skin is covering as much meat as possible. This helps keep your turkey moist.
  • Season with Kosher salt and FRESH ground black pepper.
  • Move pan to oven.
  • Reduce heat to 350° when you place turkey breast in the oven. This will slow down the cooking to keep the meat juicy. With no bones the turkey breast will cook much more quickly.
  • Roast 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 165°. Check every 15 minutes – NOT to baste, but to make sure your skin is no browning too fast. If it is, lightly cover with foil for the remainder of the roasting time.
  • Remove turkey to carving board, cover with foil and rest 15-20 minutes while you prepare the gravy from the drippings.
  • Prepare gravy.
  • Carve turkey.

NOTE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container 5 days or frozen up to 2 months. LOL like any leftovers will last that long! I see serious turkey sandwiches ALL weekend long!