Category: PROTEINS

BEEF BARLEY SOUP ~ BLOG 366.103

This homemade beef barley soup is a complete meal in a bowl! Add a toasted cheese sandwich for a decadent treat.

BEEF BARLEY SOUP

1 + 1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 + 1 tablespoon butter
1 LARGE onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 rib celery, sliced
2 cups stew beef pieces
1/2 cup flour
6 cups beef broth
1 can petite diced tomatoes 14-15 oz, undrained
½ green pepper diced
⅔ cup pearl barley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 package beef gravy mix (optional)
2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons FRESH parsley or 2 teaspoons dried
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Dredge meat pieces in flour.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon each of oil and butter in skillet.
  • Cook onions and garlic in oil over medium heat until softened. Set aside.
  • Add additional butter and oil.
  • Brown beef pieces until seared.
  • Add back in onions and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer covered about 40-50 minutes or until barley is cooked.

NOTE: Soup will thicken upon cooling, add extra broth (or water) to reach desired consistency when re-heating.

PAN FRIED HALIBUT with TOMATO BURST CHILE SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.102

PAN FRIED HALIBUT with TOMATO BURST CHILE SAUCE

Meaty and mild-flavored, firm-fleshed halibut with a flavorful sauce, made from burst cherry tomatoes, sizzled shallots and toasted garlic gives you a hearty, rib sticking satisfying meal. I had some leftover Mozzarella balls from the salad I made so I added those as I served and YUMMY!

2 + 2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons avocado oil
4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1 small shallot, small diced
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces tomato sauce
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1¼ pounds halibut cut into 4 equal pieces
½ cup basil leaves, chiffonade

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter and avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high.
  • Add garlic and shallots, cooking 2 minutes or so until they start to toast and turn light golden brown.
  • Add red-pepper flakes and swirl to toast for a few seconds.
  • Add tomatoes and sauce, simmering until tomato burst and and can easily be swirled into sauce.
  • Add basil chiffonades and blend.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

  • In another skillet melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
  • Generously season fish fillets with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
  • Add fish to skillet and sear 5-6 minutes per side until fish is cooked through
  • Ladle a small amount of sauce to plate, add fish filet and ladle with more sauce.


NOTE: COD or FLUKE make a great substitution.

CHICKEN DIVAN aka CHICKEN DIVINE ~ BLOG 366.93

I have a genetic disorder. Really, I do. It is just genetically impossible for me to follow a simple recipe This started out as me making Chicken Divan from a recent issue of Cook’s Country on skillet suppers, but it turned into something completely different.

Hubby loved it so much, he ate it for 3 nights in a row with no complaints!CHICKEN DIVINE
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
1 1/2 pounds broccoli crowns, chopped large
1 large bunch green onions, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup cream sherry
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese
3 + 3 tablespoons butter
flour for dredging

  • Dredge chicken pieces.
  • In a large skillet melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
  • When butter is sizzling add green onions and garlic, cooking a few minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  • Add chicken pieces, generously salt and peppering. Saute’ until cooked through.
  • Clean and rinse broccoli pieces.  In a large sauce pan heat chicken broth and add a vegetable strainer with the broccoli.  Steam until al dente. Reserve chicken broth.
  • Arrange broccoli and chicken on platter and keep warm.
  • Add remaining butter to skillet, scraping bits of chicken from the bottom of the skillet.  Add the chicken broth, sherry and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until slightly reduced.
  • Add heavy cream gradually, whisking all the while.  Cook until starts to thicken.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add egg yolks, lemon juice and half of the cheese, blending well.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli.
  • Top with remaining cheese.

HAM & POTATO SOUP ~ BLOG 366.88

HAM & POTATO SOUP
1 3/4 pounds golden potatoes, peeled and large diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
3 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups WHOLE milk
2 cups diced cooked ham steak
FRESH chopped Italian parsley
Shredded cheese (optional)

  • In a stock pot stir together the broth, potatoes, celery and onions.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium low and cook 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  • Stir in seasoning, to taste.
  • In another pan melt butter.
  • Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until flour is smooth and golden.
  • Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
  • Add in stock mixture, stirring until blended.
  • Add ham pieces and simmer 4-5 minutes.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish. enjoy

IRISH CABBAGE SOUP ~ BLOG 366.81

IRISH CABBAGE SOUP
1 pound QUALITY ground beef
3 green onions, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
16 ounce can small white beans, rinsed and drained
28 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 head medium cabbage head, chopped
3-3 1/2 cups homemade bone broth (see note)
4 teaspoons beef base (bouillon or better than bouillon paste)

  • Brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off grease.
  • In a dutch oven combine all ingredients except the beef and beans.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, reduce heat, stir in meat and beans.
  • Simmer 1 hour.

NOTE: For a truly Irish soup, substitute 12 ounces of Irish beer (Guinness) for 12 ounces of the chicken broth and omit the champagne vinegar.

TOMATILLO CHICKEN ~ BLOG 366.79

This is an EXTREMELY flavorful and yet SUPER simple recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or company!

CHICKEN TOMATILLO
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons WONDRA flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef Chile Lime seasoning
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef TEX MEX seasoning
12 ounce can Salsa Verde
1/2 cup FINELY shredded Mexican shredded cheese
1 green onion, minced

  • Blend together the chile lime and TEX MEX seasoning.
  • Generously season each chicken breast with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper and then the seasoning mix.
  • Spread flour in a shallow bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour.
  • Heat butter in a large skillet until melted over medium heat.
  • Add chicken breasts, searing 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Pour salsa Verde over chicken breasts and simmer on low 5 minutes.
  • Plate chicken and ladle additional sauce over top.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and green onions.

CHEESY MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 366.72

CHEESY MEATBALLS ala SLOW COOKER

1 LARGE egg
1/2 cup WHOLE milk
2 tablespoons minced dried onion
4 tablespoons chili powder, divided 2 + 2
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed FINE
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork sausage
2 cups shredded Velveeta
2 cans Progresso Tomato Basil soup
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the egg, milk, minced onion, 2 tablespoons chili powder, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper until well blended.
  • Stir in crackers until evenly mixed.
  • Add beef, sausage and cheese, mixing gently, but thoroughly.
  • Shape mixture into 1 inch balls and place on greased baking sheet.
  • Bake 15-18 minutes until browned.

 

  • Combine soup, broth, brown sugar and remaining chili powder in a slow cooker until well blended.
  • Gently fold in meatballs.
  • Cook 2-3 hours covered on low until meatballs are cooked through and coated well in cheese sauce.
  • Serve with pasta of choice.

ALMOND CRUSTED CHOPS with CIDER SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.67

ALMOND CRUSTED CHOPS with CIDER SAUCE
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, FINELY ground
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/3 cup AP flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
4 thick boneless pork chops
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup apple cider
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey

  • Combine the bread crumbs and almonds in a shallow bowl.
  • In a second shallow bowl combine the flour, salt and pepper until well blended.
  • In a third shallow bowl add the beaten eggs.
  • In a LARGE (so you don’t crowd the chops) skillet melt the avocado oil and butter together.
  • Dip each chop into the flour, then the eggs and finally the Panko mixture. shaking off the excess after each dip.
  • Add to hot oil. Cook chops 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove chops to a plate and keep warm.
  • Discard oil.
  • Add apple cider to the same skillet and warm.
  • Add cream cheese cubes and honey, blending until smooth.
  • Adjust seasoning.
  • Serve over chops.

PINEAPPLE LEMON CHICKEN ~ BLOG 366.60

PINEAPPLE LEMON CHICKEN
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon cooking sherry
1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos
2 LARGE eggs
scant 1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups neutral oil

  • Whisk together the sherry and liquid aminos in a large bowl.
  • Add chicken and toss to coat. Let stand 15-30 minutes.
  • In a small bowl beat eggs with the cornstarch and baking powder until it is a smooth batter.
  • In a large skillet or wok heat oil to 350°.
  • Dip chicken in batter.
  • Fry until golden.
  • Discard oil.

1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4-1 cup homemade chicken broth
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1 SMALL can crushed pineapple , drained, but reserved
1 LARGE lemon, sliced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • Combine reserved pineapple juice and enough broth to make 1 cup.
  • Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, broth mixture, lemon juice and seasoning.
  • Heat oil in the same skillet or wok.
  • Add lemon slices for 30 seconds.
  • Slowly add cornstarch broth, cooking and stirring constantly until sauce becomes clear.
  • Pour over chicken and serve immediately.

HOT CHICKEN SALAD ~ BLOG 366.58

HOT CHICKEN SALAD
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
2 stalks celery, cleaned and thinly sliced
3/4 cup toasted almond pieces, divided 1/2 and 1/4 cups
1 can small water chestnuts, drained and chopped or sliced
2 mini red pepper, diced
3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup + 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
Paprika, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 2 quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl combine the chicken pieces, celery, green onions, red peppers, water chestnuts and Parmesan cheese.
  • In a smaller bowl whisk together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Fold cream cheese mixture into the chicken mixture.
  • Spoon mixture into prepare baking dish.
  • Bake covered 25 minutes.
  • Uncover, sprinkle with remaining almonds, Parmesan cheese and paprika. Bake 5 minutes more.
  • Serve hot.

APPLE CIDER CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS ~ BLOG 366.54

APPLE CIDER CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
8 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons butter
1 small red onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, FINELY chopped
2 tablespoons FRESH, FINELY chopped parsley
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
3 cups homemade chicken bone broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple cider

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Melt butter in a dutch oven.
  • Quickly sear chicken on both sides and set aside.
  • Add onion, celery, parsley, salt and pepper, to taste, stirring until vegetables are tender.
  • Sprinkle with flour and mix well.
  • Add broth, vinegar and cider, stirring to blend and bring to SLOW boil. Cook until slightly thickened.
  • Nestle chicken pieces into vegetables.
  • Cover and bake 30-45 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

DUMPLINGS
2 cups AP flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon COLD butter
1 LARGE egg at room temperature, lightly beaten
2/3 cup WHOLE milk

  • Combine flour, baking powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Cut butter in until coarse crumbs.
  • Whisk egg and milk together.
  • Stir milk mixture into dry ingredients JUST until moistened.
  • Increase oven to 425°.
  • Drop by mounds over chicken.
  • Bake uncovered 10 minutes.
  • Cover and bake 10 minutes more until toothpick comes out clean.

NOTE:

  • Boneless and skinless is my preference and requires less initial baking time, but if you really like a crispy skin go for it.
  • I also often add in carrots or butternut squash if I have it.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE & ARANCINI ~ BLOG 366.53

BE SURE AND READ THROUGH THE RECIPE FIRST. The Arancini takes the longest and requires the most attention so be sure and start with the rice!

ARANCINI makes 18 balls Adapted from Joanna Gaines
Total 2 hours and 50 minutes including cooling and chilling times Active 60-70 minutes

1 quart homemade bone chicken broth
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup small-diced Vidalia onion (about 1/2 medium)
2 garlic clove, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup (4 ounces) Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Juice of 1 Meyer lemon
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 LARGE eggs
3 cups Neutral oil, for deep-frying
2 cups Marinara Sauce, for serving

  • Bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a large pot.
  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and sauté, stirring, until translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and sauté 10 to 15 seconds, until tender.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the rice, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Season to taste with the FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Ladle 1 cup of the stock into the rice mixture and stir constantly until the rice soaks up all the liquid, about 5 minutes.
  • Continue adding the stock 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting the rice soak up the liquid before adding more.
  • When all the stock has been added, cook, stirring constantly, until all the liquid is absorbed and the risotto is thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and add the Parmesan, cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until well combined.
  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the risotto out on it to cool for 30 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until fully chilled, for at least 1 hour.
  • BREAK TIME 😀
  • Make a dredging station of the panko, flour and eggs. Be sure and season the flour and panko with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Shape the risotto into 1 1/2-inch balls, using gloves or lightly spraying your hands with olive oil to keep the balls from sticking. 
  • Freeze the risotto balls on a sheet pan for 10 minutes.
  • Dredge each risotto ball in the flour, coating it well, then dip it in the egg mixture, letting the excess egg drip back into the bowl. Roll the ball in panko to coat it well. Refrigerate while the oil heats.
  • Pour 2 inches of oil into a large pot. Have a wire rack lined with paper towels ready. Heat the oil to 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
    Working in batches, use a slotted spoon or spider to lower a few arancini at a time into the hot oil. Do not add more than can float freely in the hot oil. Fry 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown.
  • Drain them on the paper towel-lined rack and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot with marinara or divide among plates and cover with the sauce.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE serves 4 Adapted from Joanna Gaines

2 tablespoons avocado oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 LARGE  shallots (1/2 cup minced)
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup QUALITY dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups baby spinach
1 tablespoon chopped FRESH parsley
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon

  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  • Season the chicken with the FRESH sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  • Place the chicken in the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer to a plate to cool and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
  • Add the shallots and garlic, sautéing and stirring often, until just softened, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Let simmer 10 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Add the cream and cook, stirring often, until the mixture can coat the back of a spoon, 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and add the spinach and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
  • Cut the chicken against the grain into diagonal strips 1 inch wide, 2 to 3 inches long, and return it to the skillet.
  • Sprinkle with the parsley and serve with the lemon wedges.