Category: PROTEINS

CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN

This started out as Chicken Francaise from Recipe 30.  Then I realized I had forgotten to purchase one ingredient (a lemon so I used a lime) and accidentally purchased something different (cilantro) from what the recipe actually called for which was parsley.  So I did what I always do, I substituted the most likely ingredients and voile’, we have a new recipe. I also don’t like olive oil so I substituted avocado oil. I used significantly more garlic also.  When the chicken was gone I poured the remaining sauce over the carrots and they were really good.

CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN
4 chicken steaks or 2 large breasts, halved
WONDRA flour for dredging
2 JUMBO eggs
1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped fine
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 cup Moscato white wine
1 cup chicken stock
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons Avocado oil
4 tablespoons butter
Juice of 1 large lime
Salt and pepper to taste

  • Preheat oven to warm.
  • Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, half of the cilantro and 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese. Pour into a shallow dish large enough to fit a chicken breast.
  • Season eggs with salt and pepper, give them a light beat.
  • In another shallow dish, add the flour and a little more salt and pepper.
  • Heat the Avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium high heat.
  • Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the flour followed by the egg wash, coating to cover well.
  • Cook on each side about 4-5 minutes (depending on thickness) until golden and cooked through.
  • Remove chicken to warm plate in oven and let rest.
  • Turn the heat up under the same pan and add your wine whisking well.
  • Add the crushed garlic.
  • Add the lime juice.
  • Add the chicken stock.
  • Add the remainder of chopped cilantro.
  • Add the remainder of butter and reduce the sauce for 2 minutes on full heat until it starts to thicken.
  • Return the chicken to the sauce and turn to coat in sauce.
  • Plate chicken immediately and top with sauce.

BAKED WHITE FISH & CHAMPAGNE DRESSING

BAKED WHITE FISH

2 teaspoons peanut oil
1 small bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 teaspoon paprika
2 small kiwis, cleaned and sliced thin
2-4 white fish, cleaned and scaled, 2 pounds each
salt & pepper to taste
3 tablespoons white wine
3 tablespoons CHAMPAGNE DRESSING (recipe below or substitute fish or chicken stock)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 lemon, sliced

  • This will work with other whole lean fish and cuts or ‘roasts’ of halibut or pink salmon.
  • Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and density of the fish.
  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Spray baking dish well with non-stick spray.
  • Rinse the fish well inside and out, pat dry, season lightly with salt, pepper and paprika and lay side by side in a shallow baking dish.
  • Layer lemon slices loosely over fish and season again.
  • Pour  the stock, dressing and ending with the butter over each filet.
  • Make a loose tent of foil over the tail of the fish and place in the oven.
  • Bake, rotating the pan once halfway through the cooking time, until a skewer easily enters the thickest part of the fish, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

CHAMPAGNE DRESSING
1/3 cup peanut oil
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons sugar
salt & pepper to taste

  • Whisk together peanut oil, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt & pepper.
  • Chill for several hours.
  • Enjoy!

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CHICKEN AND ONIONS in WHITE WINE CREAM SAUCE

CHICKEN AND ONIONS in WHITE WINE CREAM SAUCE
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Wondra flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 small white onion, sliced and split into rings
1/3 cup white wine
2 tablespoons dried parsley
3/4 cup whipping cream

  • In a shallow bowl sift together the flour, salt and pepper.
  • Coat chicken with flour mixture and pat firm caking the flour into all the crevices.
  • In a large skillet heat together the butter and avocado oil.
  • Saute’ the onion rings until browned and beginning to caramelize.
  • Add the chicken and cook until brown on both sides and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken and onions and set aside.
  • Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  • Add the parsley and whipping cream, cooking over low heat until sauce thickens.
  • Serve over chicken and mashed potatoes.
  • Top with the onions.

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SLUMBERING VOLCANOES

A few years back I was reading a novel and it mentioned some interesting recipe titles. I decided to see if they were real recipes or contrived and was pleasantly surprised to find they were real. So over the next few Sundays we can experiment together. I’ve made a few additions over the years and they are getting better and better. Next time I make them I will take yet another new picture, I’m still not thrilled though this one is better than the last.

SLUMBERING VOLCANOES

4 LARGE tomatoes
1 small jar artichoke hearts, drained WELL and chopped (retain 2 tablespoons of juice for later)
3 LARGE egg yolks
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
1 LARGE clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 green onions, minced
4 slices Gruyere’ cheese

1/2 pound shrimp
1 lemon

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Carefully scoop out insides of tomatoes and drain juices from the shells.
  • Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
  • Place tomatoes, hole side up, in baking dish and put in oven for 5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, artichokes, pepper, dill, garlic and onion powders until well blended.
  • Remove tomato shells from oven.
  • Fill each tomato with artichoke mixture leaving enough room for the egg yolk.
  • Place “volcanoes” back into oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. (Time depends on how you prefer eggs cooked… if you want hard yolks – 20 minutes will give you runny yolks.)
  • Top with Gruyere’ cheese and cook 2-3 minutes more until cheese melts.
  • While tomatoes are baking, saute shrimp in butter, artichoke marinade and lemon juice.
  • Serve hot with side condiments of sour cream, chopped chives, green chili salsa, or others of your imagination!

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GLAZED SESAME CHICKEN STIR FRY

GLAZED SESAME CHICKEN STIR FRY
1 1/2 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 LARGE egg, beaten
1/2 cup rice flour
1 red pepper, diced or sliced small
3 green onions, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon honey
1 large can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup Hoisin sauce
1 +2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1/2 pound spaghetti noodles or Soba noodles, prepared al dente’

  • Drain pineapple retaining ALL the juice.
  • Generously season chicken steaks with salt and pepper.
  • Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.
  • Dredge chicken pieces first in beaten egg and then rice flour.
  • Heat wok or skillet to medium high.
  • Add 2 tablespoons sesame oil and coat pan well.
  • Add chicken pieces and sear on all sides JUST until done.
  • Remove chicken and keep warm.
  • Add additional sesame oil and heat.
  • Add broccoli florets and saute 1-2 minutes.
  • Add bell pepper and garlic and cook until pepper is tender.
  • Add green onion.
  • Whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, Hoisin sauce and cornstarch until well blended.
  • Add sauce mixture to the wok. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring well.
  • Add in pineapple.
  • Cook until sauce is slightly thickened.
  • Add chicken pieces back in and toss to coat.
  • Add noodles and toss well.
  • Serve immediately.

This is my original recipe and it is great, but today I made thin chicken steaks because I already had them in the fridge, but much prefer the original bite size pieces – they get so much more flavor cooking that way.

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ARTICHOKE CHICKEN & PASTA with LEMON WINE SAUCE

I found this recipe called Italian Lemon Butter Chicken over at ALLrecipes and it was amazing!!  I did make several changes though for my family’s likes and we like it so much better, so go check out the original recipe and you decide.

Artichoke Chicken & Pasta with Lemon Wine Sauce
1/4 cup white wine❉
Juice of 2 large lemons
1/3 cup heavy cream❉❉
1/2 cup butter, chilled❉❉
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 pound dry campagnelle pasta
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
1 bunch green onions, halved and sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup Wondra
salt and pepper to taste
4 slices bacon, diced
6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ***TIP
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

  • To make the sauce, pour the wine and lemon juice into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook at a low boil until the liquid is reduced by 1/3.
  • Stir in cream, and simmer until it thickens. Gradually add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time to the sauce, stirring until completely incorporated.
  • Stir in parsley.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from heat, and keep warm.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
  • Brown the bacon pieces most of the way until crispy. Drain the bacon pieces on paper towels.
  • Heat remaining bacon grease and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • In a bowl, stir together flour, salt, and pepper.
  • Lightly coat chicken with flour mixture. Without crowding, carefully place chicken in hot oil cooking until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
  • Remove the chicken to paper towels.
  • Stir the onions, mushrooms and artichokes into the remaining butter, adding more butter as necessary; cook until the mushrooms are soft.
  • Add in the bacon pieces.
  • Add in pasta, stirring to blend.
  • Add sauce to the pan and stir to coat well.

NOTE 1❉:  a dry blush works well also.
NOTE 2❉❉:  I didn’t have enough butter so substituted 3/4 cup buttermilk this time and was pleased with the results.

***TIP save your artichoke marinade and use it as a base for a quick salad dressing to go with your meal.

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ROASTED RED PEPPER HAM STRATAS

ROASTED RED PEPPER HAM STRATAS
6 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
5 cups day old bread, cubed
1/3 pound ham steak, cubed
3 green onions, sliced thin
1/3 cup diced roasted red pepper
8 ounces cheese of choice
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter, sliced into slivers

  • Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper.
  • Spray four 8 ounce ramekins with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss together the bread, ham, peppers, onions and half of the cheese.
  • Pour in the egg mixture and continue tossing until bread pieces are well coated in egg mixture.
  • Spoon into prepared ramekins.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Dot with butter pieces.
  • Refrigerate overnight.

NEXT DAY:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Bake until set, about 30 minutes.

CEDAR PLANKED SALMON ala NIBBLE ME THIS ala BOBBY FLAY

CEDAR PLANKED SALMON

adapted from Chris @Nibble Me This who adapted the Potlatch seasoning from Bobby Flay
4 salmon filets
2 lemons cut into 16 slices
1 teaspoon each fresh coarse ground Himalayan pink salt & black pepper
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flake
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic, smashed
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • Preheat a charcoal grill set up for direct heat at 350°.
  • Mix the spices together for the potlatch seasoning.
  • Place half the lemon slices on the planks.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin side down on planks and season liberally with the potlatch seasoning.
  • Top each fillet with other half of lemon slices.
  • Place the planks on the grill, close the lid and cook until the internal temperature of the salmon is 120-130°, about 7-9 minutes.
  • Remove from the grill and serve immediately.  You can serve directly on the planks or remove it from the plank.

NOTES: There are several ways to test for doneness when grilling fish.  These tips are from Chris @NIBBLE ME THIS from the Cooking Fish Fundamentals lesson at Rouxbe Online Cooking School.

  • Test for doneness early and often.
  • A rough guide is 10 minutes total per inch of thickness.
  • Cook to an internal temp of 120-140° but fish with dense flesh (tuna, salmon) can be done at 120f.
  • Check the inside flakes at the thickest place.

RITZY CHEDDAR CHICKEN

RITZY CHEDDAR CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 sleeve RITZ crackers
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

SAUCE
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons butter

  • Pre-heat oven to 400°.
  • In a food processor grind crackers until fine crumbs.
  • Generously pepper chicken pieces.
  • Soak chicken pieces in the buttermilk.
  • Dredge chicken pieces through the cheese first and then the crumbs.  Pressing each layer firmly into the chicken pieces before the next layer is applied..
  • Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Lay chicken pieces into the baking dish.
  • Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes or until chicken is golden brown.
  • While chicken is baking begin the sauce.
  • Melt the butter in heavy saucepan.
  • Blend in flour and salt, cooking until bubbly.
  • Remove from heat and gradually stir or whisk in chicken brothe and milk alternately.
  • Return to heat and cook, constantly stirring until smooth and thickened.
  • Stir over a medium high heat until sauce is heated through.
  • Serve over chicken.

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HOT CHICKEN CHILE VERDE SALAD

While you cook this, leftovers are good either heated or cold or even on a sandwich.

HOT CHICKEN CHILE VERDE SALAD
3 cups cubed cooked chicken OR 1 Costco rotisserie chicken torn into pieces
3 celery ribs, chopped
8 ounce cans sliced water chestnuts, drained and quartered
1 can green enchilada sauce
3/4 cup REGULAR mayonnaise (do NOT use lowfat)*
1 1/2 cups sour cream 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1 small shallot, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 small can chopped green chiles
1/2 cup Panko crumbs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used finely grated SHARP cheddar)
1/2 cup Almond Accents honey roasted sliced almonds, crushed**

  • In a large bowl combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, enchilada sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper until well blended.
  • Add chicken pieces, celery, water chestnuts, almonds and onions until well combined.
  • Turn into a greased baking dish.
  • Combine bread crumbs and almonds.
  • Top with bread crumbs and then cheese.
  • Arrange green chiles around the edge of the baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until heated through.

NOTES:
*I cut this in half for continuity because the enchilada sauce was much thinner than the original cream of chicken soup
**from the produce section – a salad topper

CHICKEN CHILE VERDE

CHICKEN CHILE VERDE

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken, breasts and/or thighs
1 batch Fire Roasted Salsa Verde
1 large tomato chopped
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
3/4 cup sour cream, divided
3/4-1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • Spray casserole dish with NON-STICK cooking spray
  • Lay chicken pieces in bottom.
  • Generously salt and pepper chicken.
  • Cover with Fire Roasted Salsa Verde
  • Place a generous dollop of sour cream on top of each chicken piece.
  • Cover with grated Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro.
  • Bake 45 minutes at 350°.

Fire Roasted Salsa Verde
My Source for awesome homemade verde sauce is Chris the wonderful cook, griller, photographer and Big Green Egg enthusiast. Check out his blog at NIBBLE ME THIS.  He adapted this from Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue!

1 pound tomatillos, husks removed
1 Serrano pepper
1 jalapeno pepper
1 Anaheim pepper
1 large onion, peeled and sliced into thirds
3 cloves garlic, peeled and skewered together with a toothpick
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon bacon fat
3 ounces chicken stock
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

  • Get your grill cooking at about 450f.
  • Place the peppers and tomatillos on and sear them until all sides are blackened.
  • This should take a few minutes per side. Remove and place them into a plastic bag for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, grill the onion and garlic until browned (about 4 minutes a side for the onion, 1-2 for the garlic) and remove from heat.
  • Skin, seed, and dice the peppers.
  • Skin and quarter the tomatillos. Don’t be super picky about getting all the charred skin off, you want a little in there for flavor.
  • Quarter the grilled onions.
  • Place them all in a food processor and pulse them until you get a salsa like texture.
  • Heat the bacon fat over medium high heat and then add the tomatillo mixture for 3-5 minutes. You’ll get some thick “pops” as the thick liquid heats but keep stirring.
  • Mix in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the flavors get happy together.
  • Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

TERIYAKI BEEF STIR FRY

TERIYAKI BEEF STIR FRY

3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided 2 + 1
1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound boneless round or chuck steak cut into thin 3-inch strips, seasoned well with garlic powder and pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
4 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, cut into wedges
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1⁄3 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
hot cooked rice

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth.
  • Add beef slices and toss to coat.
  • In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat heat oil.
  • Add beef and stir-fry to desired tenderness; remove and keep warm.
  • Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Return beef to pan, tossing to blend with vegetables.
  • Add carrots and toss to blend.
  • Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, remaining cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; add to the pan, stirring to coat well.
  • Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes more.
  • Serve over rice.

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