Category: PROTEINS

APPLE GLAZED PORK ROAST & GRAVY

APPLE GLAZED PORK ROAST & GRAVY
1/2 cup SMUCKERS apple jelly
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
3 pound boneless pork loin roast, tied
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Whisk together the jelly and vinegar.
  • Generously season pork roast with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Spray roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Roast pork roast 1 hour until temperature reaches 145°, brushing with glaze after 45 minutes.
  • Transfer pork to cutting board and cover with foil to rest 10 minutes.
  • While roast rests, pour all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings into saucepan over low heat.
  • Whisk the cornstarch into the 2 tablespoons of drippings to make a slurry.
  • Add slurry to thicken to desired consistency.
  • Slice roast and serve immediately.

CAMPFIRE FOILS ~ BEEF, CHICKEN & ROOT VEGGIES

CAMPFIRE FOILS ~ BEEF, CHICKEN & ROOT VEGGIES
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH, FINELY chopped tarragon
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 cup baby carrots, halved
1 LARGE sweet onion, cut into thin wedges
3-4 beets, peeled and chopped
3-4 red potatoes, cut into large chunks
1 lemon, THINLY sliced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1/2 pound grilled medium rare flank steak, rested and cut into bite sized chunks
1/4 pound salt pork, diced (or substitute 4 slices thick bacon)

  • Preheat oven to 375° or grill to medium heat.
  • In a small skillet rendered salt pork or bacon until ALMOST crisp.
  • Add butter, tarragon, garlic, salt and pepper in a small saucepan and simmer until melted and well blended.
  • Toss veggies and lemon slices with the melted butter mixture. Drain veggies, reserving butter mixture.**see note
  • Arrange 4 large (12×16 or so) pieces of foil on the counter top.
  • Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Divide veggies evenly among the foil pieces.
  • Toss chicken tenders with the drained butter and arrange evenly on top of veggies.
  • Drizzle any remaining butter on top of each packet.
  • Bring the edges of the foil up, folding a couple times to seal, but leaving air space.
  • Bake or grill 50 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

NOTE: If you would like to prepare this in advance as I have many times, cut the chicken tenders into thirds.  Then toss to coat well all the meats and veggies with the butter mixture in a large mixing bowl.  Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to prepare foil packets.

CHEESE STEAK STUFFED PEPPERS

CHEESE STEAK STUFFED PEPPERS serves 4 PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS with a TWIST!
4 bell peppers, halved and seeded, your color of choice
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 large onion, sliced thin
16 ounces sliced mushrooms
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 1/2 pound flank steak, grilled and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
8-16 slices provolone
FRESH chopped parsley, for garnish

  • Generously season flank steak with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Grill steak 2-3 minutes over a greased medium grill.
  • Remove from grill and rest on cutting board covered with foil.
  • Preheat oven to 325º.
  • Place peppers in a large baking dish and bake until tender, 30 minutes.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil.
  • Add onions and mushrooms and season with salt and pepper, cooking until soft, 6 minutes.
  • Add steak, tossing to coat well and blend.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning.
  • Add provolone to bottom of baked peppers and top with steak mixture.
  • Top with another piece of provolone and broil until golden, 3 minutes.

TERIYAKI BEEF & VEGGIES

TERIYAKI BEEF & VEGGIES
1 1/2 pounds thin flank or flat iron steak
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 bunches green onions, sliced on bias
3 carrots, peeled and sliced on bias
2 cups snow peas, trimmed of strings and ends
2-3 mini peppers, seeded and cut into rings
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4-1/3 cup chopped cilantro, optional

  • Whisk together teriyaki sauce, water, vinegar and cornstarch.
  • Pat steak dry and GENEROUSLY season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in skillet.
  • Add steak and cook 2-3 minutes per side until 125°.
  • Transfer to cutting board and tent with foil.

 

  • Add remaining oil to skillet.
  • Add carrots to hot oil for 2 minutes.
  • Add onions, snow peas and pepper rings, stirring to sear.
  • Add garlic, stirring until fragrant.
  • Transfer the vegetables to a platter and keep warm.
  • Add ALL the juices into the skillet along with the teriyaki mixture simmering 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  • Slice steak on bias and add steak to the sauce, turning to coat.
  • Add steak and sauce to vegetables on the platter.
  • Serve over rice.

HOISIN GLAZED GRILLED PORK CHOPS & PINEAPPLE SALSA

HOISIN GLAZED GRILLED PORK CHOPS & PINEAPPLE SALSA
CHOPS
4-6 bone in THICK pork chops
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup Hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Whisk together the Hoisin sauce and vinegar in a small bowl.
  • Transfer 3 tablespoons to a small bowl and set aside.
  • Pat chops dry and generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Brush pork chops with the sauce mixture.
  • Grill pork over hot grill 3-4 minutes per side until seared and cooked through.
  • Transfer pork to platter and brush with reserved Hoisin sauce mixture.
  • Tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes.

SALSA
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch rings
1 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced OR 1/4 cup minced mini red peppers
1/4 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons FRESH grated ginger

  • Brush pineapple all over with oil.
  • Grill over hot grill 3 minutes on each side until charred.
  • Transfer to cutting board.
  • When cool enough to handle, chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
  • Toss pineapple, green onions, cilantro and ginger with sesame oil.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

MEATLOAF BURGERS

MEATLOAF BURGERS
1/2 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1 LARGE egg
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon FRESH minced thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
4 buns

  • Combine ground sirloin, ground pork, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in mixing bowl.
  • Shape into 4 patties.
  • Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar. Set aside 1/3 cup for serving.
  • Grill patties on greased grill 5-7 minutes until browned.
  • Flip burgers and brush with glaze, cooking another 5 minutes.
  • Transfer burgers to platter and serve with buns, cheese and reserved glaze for dressing buns.

GRILLED BALSAMIC BEEF KEBABS

GRILLED BALSAMIC BEEF KEBABS
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup avocado oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak tips, trimmed into 1 inch chunks
1 red onion, cut into wedges
Colorful Mini peppers, cut into chunks

  • Whisk together vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes and oil in a small bowl.
  • Season steak pieces GENEROUSLY with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add steak pieces to a large ziploc bag.
  • Pour oil mixture over steak pieces and marinade 2-4 hours.
  • Drain steak pieces and add drained marinade to a small sauce pan.
  • Cook marinade over medium heat until slightly thickened,
  • Thread meat, onion wedges and pepper pieces alternately onto prepared skewers.
  • Grill kebabs, turning every 2 minutes and basting with reserved sauce until charred and cooked through.

GRILLED PORK CHOPS & PLUMS

GRILLED PORK CHOPS & PLUMS
4 thick bone-in pork chops
2 tablespoons avocado oil
4-6 LARGE plums, halved and pitted
Juice from 1 LARGE lemon
2 tablespoons PACKED brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground coriander
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

  • Whisk together the avocado oil and lemon juice. Set aside.
  • Rub plums with half of the brown sugar.
  • Whisk together the remaining brown sugar with the coriander, ginger, salt and pepper.
  • Lightly brush the pork chops with oil mixture and then sprinkle with spice mixture.
  • Sear chops on an oiled grill over medium heat 3-4 minutes per side until you reach 140° and a good sear on each side.
  • Transfer chops to platter and tent with foil while you grill the plums.
  • Add plums to grill 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and skins are peeling away.
  • Peel away skins and toss plums in remaining lemon juice mixture.
  • Serve immediately.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN with PINEAPPLE SALSA and RED PEPPER JELLY GREEN BEANS

TERIYAKI CHICKEN
1/3 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon FRESH grated ginger
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders

  • Whisk together the liquid aminos, sugar, mirin, ginger and cornstarch together in a small saucepan.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil over medium heat until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Marinate chicken pieces for 1 hour.
  • Grill chicken 2-3 minutes per side on a medium hot grill.
  • Brush chicken with remaining sauce as grilling.

JALAPENO PINEAPPLE SALSA
1 pineapple, diced
4 cups watermelon cubes
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
1 cup cherries, diced
1 small red onion, diced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro

  • Toss all together.
  • Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

RED PEPPER JELLY GREEN BEANS
1 1/2 pounds FRESH green beans, trimmed
1 LARGE shallot or SMALL red onion, diced
4 cloves or chicken in garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup FRESH orange juice
1/2 cup red pepper jelly
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons butter

  • Heat butter until melted over medium heat.
  • Add shallots or red onions and saute 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add green beans and orange juice, stirring to coat.
  • Add jelly to top of beans, cover and cook over medium heat 10-15 minutes until beans are tender.
  • Stir in cilantro to blend flavor and serve immediately.

GRILLED CHICKEN with PEACHES & GREEN TOMATOES

GRILLED CHICKEN with PEACHES & GREEN TOMATOES
1/2 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced FRESH ginger
4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2-3 green tomatoes, cut into wedges
2-3 FRESH peaches, cut into wedges
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped flat leaf parsley
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Combine liquid aminos, brown sugar, ginger and garlic in a large Ziploc bag.
  • Add chicken, seal bag and turn to coat chicken.
  • Refrigerate AT LEAST 2 hours. All day or overnight is best. Turn bag frequently.

 

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a LARGE cast iron skillet heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add tomatoes and peaches to cook, turning once, until lightly browned.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Whisk together the lemon juice, salt, honey and 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
  • Fold in parsley.
  • Pour over tomatoes and peaches, gently turning to coat.
  • Add last 1/2 tablespoon of oil to skillet over medium heat.
  • Drain chicken of marinade.
  • Add to skillet skin side down, cooking 2-3 minutes until browned.
  • Turn chicken and transfer to oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  • Plate chicken and top with peach tomato mixture.

NOTE:  Grilling the chicken works well too.

UPDATED CHICKEN CACCIATORE

This recipe is one that is so versatile that it can feel like you are eating separate dishes on the same night.  Hubby doesn’t do cooked mushrooms.  I don’t do capers or olives. So, I make the red part of the sauce and then split it in half and prepare each half with the items we like individually. 😀

UPDATED CHICKEN CACCIATORE
6 BONELESS, SKINLESS chicken chicken steaks
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/3 cup WONDRA all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 pound sliced cremini mushrooms (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, THINLY sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon FRESH and FINELY chopped oregano
1 teaspoon FRESH and FINELY chopped rosemary or thyme
One 28-ounce CRUSHED whole tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped black olives
2 tablespoons drained capers, chopped
1/4 cup torn FRESH basil leaves

  • Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then toss them in a bowl with the flour to lightly coat.
  • Heat the oil and butter in a large, wide pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  • Add the onion and mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring, until the onion is softened and the mushrooms are lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and peppers, stirring, until the peppers are just starting to soften, about 1 minute.
  • Add the wine and bring to a boil, then cook, scraping up any brown bits, until reduced by about half.
  • Add the oregano and rosemary or thyme.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juice and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the olives and capers.
  • Return the chicken to the pot, nestling in the sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with the basil.
  • Serve immediately.

SHEET PAN RANCH PORK CHOPS

SHEET PAN RANCH PORK CHOPS
5 tablespoons Avocado Oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 ounce Ranch dressing dry mix packet
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 LARGE red onion, cut into wedges
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
2 small sweet peppers (orange and yellow), seeded and cut into strips
4 THICK boneless pork chops
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup FRESH, FINELY chopped Parsley

  • Preheat oven to 475°.
  • In a large bowl whisk together Avocado oil, Worcestershire sauce, ranch dressing mix, salt and pepper until well blended.
  • Reserve 3 tablespoons in a small bowl.
  • Add the onions and peppers to the marinade and toss until well coated.
  • Remove the onions and peppers with a slotted spoon and layer evenly on your sheet pan.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes until beginning to soften.
  • Add reserve marinade to bowl.
  • Add pork chops and toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle pork chops with paprika.
  • Add pork chops to sheet pan and bake 7-8 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink.
  • Sprinkle with Parsley and serve immediately.