Category: PROTEINS

KRAB & PEA FRITTERS

KRAB & PEA FRITTERS
1 cup sour cream
1 small bunch green onions, whites and greens, finely minced and divided
2 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk*
12 ounces krab, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Sea Salt
red pepper
Frank’s Hot sauce
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

*I only had heavy cream and 1% milk on hand, so I used 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup 1% milk and they were perfect.

  • In a medium bowl mix together the sour cream and half the green onions.
  • Add in lemon juice, salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste.
  • Set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk the eggs until frothy.
  • Whisk in the milk.
  • Add the flour, baking soda, salt and pepper to taste, blending until combined well.
  • Fold in the krab, the other half of green onions and peas until well blended.
  • Using a deep skillet (at least 2 inches) heat the oil over a medium high heat until it shimmers.
  • Add the batter to the oil 1 heaping tablespoon at a time.
  • Cook the fritters in batches, 2-3 minutes per side.  Use a slotted spoon to turn them.  Be sure not to crowd the pan.
  •  Transfer fritters to paper towels to drain.
  • Serve hot with sour cream.

HULI HULI CHICKEN

There is nothing better than chicken on the grill in the summertime. Whether it’s smoked, BBQed or marinaded – you really can’t go wrong. It’s an easy dinner and it doesn’t heat up the house.

This chicken is soaked in a soy sauce brine, then grilled and brushed with an amazing pineapple juice glaze for the last bit of grilling. This recipe is adapted from Cook’s Country, June 2009 & Tide & Thyme. I changed a few aspects of the recipe by using chicken breasts which is what I had on hand and it cuts down on cooking time.  I served it with a bowl of Hawaiian macaroni salad & fresh pineapple wedges which disappeared immediately thanks to hubby.

Huli-Huli Chicken

For the chicken
1 quart water
1 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 tablespoon avocado oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken piece **

**I used all boneless, skinless breasts and adjusted the grilling time accordingly.  The breasts were so much better than bone in pieces!

For the glaze
3 (6-ounce) cans pineapple juice
1/4 cup packed golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon liquid smoke (can omit if using a charcoal grill)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons Asian chili-garlic sauce
Brine Chicken
  • Combine water and soy in a large bowl.
  • Heat oil in large sauce pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir into soy sauce  mixture.
  • Add chicken and refrigerate, covered, for at least 1 hour or up to 8.

Make Glaze

  • Combine pineapple juice, sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger and chili-garlic sauce in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer until thick and syrupy (you should have about 1 cup), 20-25 minutes. 

Prep Grill

  • CHARCOAL GRILL Seal wood chips in foil packet and cut vent holes in top. Open bottom vents on grill. Light about 75 coals. When coals are covered with a fine gray ash, spread evenly over the bottom of the grill. Arrange foil packet directly on coals. Set cooking grate in place and heat, covered with lid vent open halfway, until wood chips begin to smoke heavily, about 5 minutes. (For gas grill, place foil packet directly on primary burner.
  • GAS GRILL **Heat all burners on high, covered, until wood chips begin to smoke heavily, about 15 minutes.
  • Turn all burners to medium-low.
  • Scrape and oil the grate.
**IF YOU USE LIQUID SMOKE IN THE GLAZE YOU CAN SKIP THE CHIPS.

Grill Chicken

  • Remove chicken from brine and pat dry.
  • Arrange skin side up on grill (do not place chicken directly above foil packet).
  • Grill, covered, until chicken is well browned on bottom and meat registers 120 degrees, 25-30 minutes.
  • Flip chicken skin side down and continue to grill, covered, until skin is well browned and crisp and thigh meat reaches 170 to 175 degrees, 20-25 minutes longer.
  • Transfer chicken to platter, brush with half of the glaze, and let rest 5 minutes.
  • Serve, passing remaining glaze at table.

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BAKED CHICKEN TAQUITOS & RUSTIC CHUNKY GUACAMOLE

Hubby actually found this recipe over at Two Peas & Their Pod and requested I make them soon! Taquitos are just rolled up tacos. Her recipe calls for baking them which I adore since we just don’t do or need the fat, but don’t worry they still get nice and crispy in the oven!

Is there anything any more fun for an appetizer than a plate of FUN Mexican food? Don’t forget to top it with all your favorite toppings too. You can leave all the topping separate and do an appetizer bar for a party. The taquitos are the perfect appetizer or even the whole meal. The more toppings the better in my opinion. I’m going to make it again for Super Bowl! Her recipe is great the way it is, we just added a few additional toppings.

Hubby found this recipe just in time for my grocery shopping day too and I made them the next day for the NASCAR race – so perfect because I made them in advance and wasn’t in the kitchen during the race.

I did omit the step (changing it to brushing them with avocado oil) “Spray the taquitos generously with nonstick cooking spray” as I try to use very little chemicals in cooking and the spray just has an odd taste to me when used directly on food. And I added greenchile verde sauce, diced green onions and diced cilantro to the insides.

BAKED CHICKEN TAQUITOS
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

2 cups shredded chicken (I used rotisserie chicken)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup green chile verde sauce
1 bunch green onions, minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheddar jack combo
20 corn tortillas *

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
Salsa
Guacamole
Sour Cream
Diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Chopped Jalapeños
Limes for squeezing
Chopped black olives
Chopped Green Chiles
Chopped Green Onion
Crumbled Queso Fresco
Finely shredded Jack cheese
Finely shredded Cheddar cheese

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 cup green chile verde sauce, chopped green onions and chopped cilantro. Stir until chicken is well coated and everything is well distributed.
  • Add the shredded cheese and blend well.
  • Before you roll up the taquitos, place the corn tortillas in between damp paper towels and heat them up in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and fill quickly.
  • Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla and roll it up tightly. Place each tacquito, seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Continue rolling taquitos until the tortillas and filling are gone. You should have about 20 taquitos. Nestling the taquitos tightly keeps them from spreading during baking.
  • Use a silicone brush to spread a little avocado oil on the tops of the taquitos.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and serve warm with desired toppings.

When I make up the platter, I top the taquitos with the toppings we both like and then do up a side bar for the toppings that we use differently.

NOTE 1*: This will make them easier to roll and keep them from tearing.

NOTE 2**: These tasty snacks can easily be made in advance.  You can even freeze the taquitos before you bake them. Lay the taquitos in a single layer, side by side on a baking sheet, cover with saran and freeze. When frozen, place taquitos in a freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425° and place frozen taquitos on a large baking sheet lined with foil or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes.

RUSTIC CHUNKY GUACAMOLE

4 large avocados (black in color, slightly soft to the press)
Juice of 1 large lime
Juice 1 lemon or tangerine
1 bunch green onion, diced
3⁄4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped finely
1 large tomatoes, diced
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
finely chopped fresh jalapeno (optional)

  • Slice avocados in half. Discard the seed. Scoop all the meat into a medium bowl.
  • Add juice of one fresh lime immediately to prevent browning.
  • Use a fork and mash to desired consistency.
  • Add chopped onions, tomato, and cilantro, stirring gently to mix ingredients.
  • Add juice of lemon or tangerine.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Stir just slightly, until incorporated.
  • Add jalapeño to taste.
  • Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for a dip, or use with your favorite TexMex meal.

NOTE: If you want a very creamy dip use a food processor. Otherwise doing it by hand gives you a rustic chunky guacamole.

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APRICOT ALMOND CHICKEN

APRICOT ALMOND CHICKEN
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken
1 cup Smucker’s apricot jam
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 green onions, chopped
4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sliced almonds**
2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Preheat oven to 350˚.
  • Whisk together the jam, soy sauce, green onion and vinegar.
  • Put half of the sauce in a shallow bowl and coat each piece of chicken.
  • Set the other half aside.
  • Place chicken pieces in a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle almonds over chicken pieces.
  • Drizzle with butter.
  • Bake uncovered 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
  • Serve with reserved sauce.

**I used honey roasted from the salad toppings section of the produce section.

PARMESAN MUSHROOM CHICKEN

PARMESAN MUSHROOM CHICKEN
4 thin skinless, boneless chicken steaks
seasoned flour (I use Wondra with salt & pepper)
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Asiago Parmesan

  • Combine WONDRA flour with salt and pepper – mix well.
  • Dip chicken in the buttermilk and then dredge in the flour mixture.
  • Heat butter and saute’ chicken until golden.  Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  • Add olive oil.
  • When oil and butter are well mixed and heated through add mushrooms, thyme and garlic sauteing until golden.
  • Add wine to deglaze pan being sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly until well blended.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
  • Plate chicken, serving with rice pilaf or mashed potatoes and top with mushroom sauce.

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CARAMELIZED LEMON & GREEN CHILE VERDE WHITEFISH

CARAMELIZED LEMON & GREEN CHILE VERDE WHITEFISH
4 white fish (cod, snapper etc…) 6 ounce fillets
1 large bunch green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 lemon, sliced about 1/8-1/4 inch thick
2 teaspoons sugar divided
2 tablespoons green chile verde sauce
fresh ground salt and pepper to taste

  • Melt coconut oil and butter in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Saute onions a few minutes until tender.
  • Add lemons around the edge of the pan.
  • Sprinkle lemons with 1 teaspoon of the sugar.
  • Generously salt and pepper the fish fillets and place in the center of the pan.
  • Cook 3-4 minutes (depending on thickness) until opaque and then turn.
  • Turn the lemons and sprinkle with remaining sugar.
  • Add chile verde sauce over the lemons.
  • Add lid to the pan and cook another 3-4 minutes.

CAST IRON SKILLET CHICKEN

I menu plan.  I cut coupons.  I read sale ads.  Being a Virgo I tend to be controlling too, but the best thing you can do for yourself, your family and your budget is to stay a bit flexible too. When I run across a fantastic sale, I adjust, adjust and adjust to accommodate it into my menu planning.

Do you like those rotisserie chickens from the market?  I do, but on average they are only 2-3 pounds and cost anywhere from $5-$8 or even more.  My local grocer ran a unadvertised special the other day and I got this 5.86 pound beauty for 97 cents a pound.

Now an almost 6 pound chicken will get us a minimum of 4 meals!  So this one even with the additional items of butter, preserves and syrup will cost us around 75 cents per person maybe less if we get more than 4 meals.

I love my cast iron skillet too!  There is nothing better for even cooking heat!  I like to roast my chicken in it so the sides are always radiating an even heat to the whole chicken.

CAST IRON SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN

5-6 pound roasting chicken
3-4 tablespoons butter, softened
salt & pepper
1/2 onion, wedged small
1 cup apricot pineapple preserves
1/4 cup PURE maple syrup
  • Wash chicken and dry.
  • Spread butter along the inside of the cast iron pan and all over the chicken.
  • Generously salt and pepper the chicken.
  • Place onions along side the chicken.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the preserves and syrup.  Set aside and allow to come to room temperature.
  • Roast at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.
  • With a pastry brush spread preserve mixture all over the chicken every 10-15 minutes until skin is crisp and chicken is cooked through. This should be from 30-45 minutes based on the actual weight of your chicken.

DURANGO CHICKEN

DURANGO CHICKEN
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can diced green chiles, drained REALLY well
1 green onion per chicken breast, minced
1 1/2 slices thin swiss or jack cheese
8 ounce package Old El Paso Roasted Tomato Mexican Cooking Sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter per chicken breast, melted and cooled slightly
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh fine bread crumbs
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Crush together the bread crumbs, chili powder and garlic salt until you have fine crumbs.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and blend well.  Set aside.
  • Pour sauce into bottom of baking dish.
  • Flatten chicken breasts – I like to put them in a large ziploc bag and use a rolling pin.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add a single layer of cheese on chicken breasts.
  • Top with green onions and green chiles.
  • Carefully roll chicken breasts, securing with baking bands. DO NOT USE RUBBER BANDS.
  • Roll each breast in butter and then the crumb mixture.
  • Place on top of sauce.
  • Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Plate chicken.
  • Ladle sauce over chicken.
  • Enjoy.

STICKY GLAZED PORK CHOPS

WHY IT WORKS: LET’S SEE, it’s sticky, it’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s glazed, it’s juicy and IT’S YUMMY! Oh AND the glaze works on pork, chicken, beef and veggies too! It’s also quick and easy, but looks like it was super involved.

STICKY GLAZED ANYTHING
Protein of choice for 2 or veggie combo (I used broccoli and carrots with pork chops)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 large green onion, sliced thin on an angle
4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Bragg’s amino acids
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons avocado oil
salt and pepper to taste
sesame seeds

  • Heat avocado oil over medium high heat in cast iron skillet.
  • Season your protein. If using vegetables, season and saute’ just until beginning to soften.
  • Generously season your protein of choice.
  • Sear your choice of meat 3-4 minutes per side, set aside and keep warm.
  • Add sweet chili sauce, Bragg’s amino acids, honey and 1 tablespoon of water to pan, whisking combine.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil and then immediately reduce to a simmer.
  • Add protein or veggies back in and coat well with sauce.
  • Turn frequently and cook until glazed well and sauce has thickened.
  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

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BEEF STROGANOFF

WHY THIS RECIPES WORKS – This recipe is full of simple, but comfort oriented ingredients that makes for a quick week night dinner that is completely satisfying.  Just add a green salad or vegetable and you’re ready!

BEEF STROGANOFF

1 1⁄2 lbs beef, sliced thin or chopped small
2 tablespoons baking soda
1⁄4 cup room temperature water
3 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped small
3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
1⁄2 lb mushrooms, sliced thin
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry white wine
LARGE pinch sea salt
1⁄2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper
1 1⁄2 cups sour cream
cooked wide egg noodles

  • Slice beef very thinly across the grain, or cut into bite size pieces and place in ceramic or glass bowl.
  • Whisk together the baking soda and 1/4 cup water. Pour it over the beef. Stir well and let sit for 15 minutes.
  • Melt butter into oil and sauté onions on low heat for about 10 minutes until golden. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook another 10 minutes (add a little wine for moisture if needed).
  • Remove the beef from the bowl and rinse well under running cold water in a colander; let drain.
  • Add well-drained beef to the cooked mushroom mixture and sauté another 10 minutes. When you add the beef it will make the sauce foam – DON’T PANIC — this is to be expected and will subside.
  • Sprinkle flour in and stir until everything is coated.
  • Add the broth plus the Worcestershire, bay leaf, wine, paprika, and white pepper to the meat mixture.
  • Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, tasting it periodically until any “floury” taste is gone.
  • When you are close to serving, take it off the heat and add the sour cream, careful not to curdle, and stir well.
  • Remove the bay leaf.
  • Serve over cooked buttered noodles.NOTE: The BIG “secret” in this recipe that makes it PERFECT is soaking the meat with the baking soda mixture. It ensures a wonderfully tender and velvety beef.

PAN SEARED COD with SOUR CREAM SAUCE

WHY IT WORKS: The crushed red pepper in the crust gives you a bit of a bite while the sour cream sauce tempers it smoothly.

PAN SEARED COD with SOUR CREAM SAUCE
1 cod fillet per person
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 small shallot, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2-4 tablespoons rice flour
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons Avocado oil

  • Whisk together the sour cream, shallots and salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice as desired.
  • Heat oil over medium high heat.
  • Add flour, salt and pepper to a plate.
  • Pat dry the cod fillets.
  • Dredge cod fillets in flour and add to sizzling oil.
  • Cook 4 minutes on the first side and then flip for another 2 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
  • Serve over rice or with potatoes.

 

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FONTINA STUFFED CHICKEN

WHY IT WORKS: This recipe is light and refreshing while ALSO being crisp and savory. This makes a great “company” meal.

FONTINA STUFFED CHICKEN
1 tablespoon avocado oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even 1/4 inch thin pieces
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1/4 cup FRESH chopped Italian Parsley
1/4 cup julienne cut sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained, dried and chopped
2 large eggs
FRESH ground Himalayan pink salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • In a medium mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, fontina cheese, bacon pieces, green onions, parsley and sun dried tomatoes until well blended.
  • Season cheese mixture with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk egg with salt and pepper.
  • Spread cheese mixture over chicken breasts.
  • Roll chicken up from the shortest side and secure with toothpicks.
  • Add paprika to Panko crumbs.
  • Dip chicken in egg mixture and then in Panko crumbs.
  • Place chicken rolls seam side down in a greased baking dish.
  • Drizzle tops with the oil.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove toothpicks and serve.

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