Category: RECIPES

SMOKEY WHISKEY WINGS

SMOKEY WHISKEY WINGS Serves 4

Sweet, savory AND a bit of a kick.

WINGS
2 pounds chicken wing sections
3 tablespoons salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 quarts cold water
2 tablespoons canola oil
FRESH ground salt and black pepper
2-4 tablespoons cornstarch

  • Combine the 3 tablespoons salt, sugar, and water in a large bowl.
  • Add the wings and set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Remove wings from brine and pat dry.
  • Toss wings in a bowl with the FRESH ground salt and black pepper and cornstarch until coated evenly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Arrange wings in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet.
  • Bake 30-45 minutes until cooked through and crispy.

SAUCE
3 tablespoons butter
1 garlic clove, FINELY minced
½ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup whiskey
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup Tabasco OR Frank’s Original hot sauce (optional)
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (flavor of choice)

  • Melt butter in a saucepan.
  • Whisk in the brown sugar, whiskey, hot sauce, liquid smoke, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper.
  • Stir occasionally 10-15 minutes.
  • In a large heatproof bowl, toss together the wings and sauce, coating them well.
  • Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

SKILLET PASTA with VODKA SAUCE

SKILLET PASTA with VODKA SAUCE
1 bunch green onions or 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vodka pasta sauce, homemade or jarred – your choice
3 cups homemade beef stock
12 ounces penne pasta
1/4 cup chopped marinated sun-dried tomato pieces
1/2-3/4 cup quartered marinated mozzarella balls
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • Coat 12 inch non-stick skillet with non-stick cooking spray. I like to use my heavy enameled cast iron crock pot skillet.
  • Heat over medium-high heat.
  • Add beef, sweet Italian sausage, most of the green onions (save some for garnish), FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper to taste, cooking 8-10 minutes and breaking up the meat into small crumbles until meat is cooked through.
  • Add garlic and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Drain the meat and discard the grease.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the sauce and water to skillet. Bring to boil.
  • Add pasta and red pepper flakes.
  • Cover 10-12 minutes and cook JUST until tender.
  • Stir in meat and remaining sauce, cooking a couple minutes to heat through.
  • Gently fold in Mozzarella ball pieces.
  • Top with scallions and serve immediately.

SHEET PAN PANCAKES

Hubs LOVES pancakes, but they’re not something I can tolerate much anymore so this is a simple recipe that keeps well for reheating too. It’s also simple enough to reduce for a small size.

SHEET PAN PANCAKES
2 1/2 cups WHOLE milk or half & half
2 EXTRA LARGE eggs
1 tablespoon PURE vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick salted butter, melted
2 cups WILD blueberries
butter & syrup, for serving

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the milk, eggs and vanilla, blending well. Using a blender or hand mixer works well also.
  • Add the flour mixture gradually, blending until smooth.
  • Add half of the melted butter, blending well.
  • Spread half the remaining butter on a sheet pan, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
  • Pour pancake batter over the butter evenly.
  • Sprinkle with most of the blueberries, reserving a few for garnish.
  • Bake 20 minutes until golden.
  • Brush entire pancake with remaining butter, cut into squares and serve with syrup or powdered sugar.

CHICKEN PARMESAN SPINACH ARTICHOKE BAKE

Turn your favorite party dip into a hearty casserole meal that will satisfy EVERYONE!

CHICKEN PARMESAN SPINACH ARTICHOKE BAKE serves 8

3 cups chicken rotisserie chicken **
2 shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound fusilli pasta, uncooked
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained well and diced
12 ounce container spinach artichoke dip
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 ounces frozen baby spinach, THAWED & SQUEEZED DRY
3 cups homemade chicken stock
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Mix together the artichoke dip, artichoke pieces, onions, garlic, spinach, chicken pieces and 1/2 cup of the cheese until well blended.
  • Add chicken stock and blend well.
  • Fold in pasta.
  • Cover with foil and bake 35-45 minutes, stirring a time or two.
  • Remove foil and sprinkle evenly with remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan.
  • Bake 5-10 minutes more until cheese is melted and pasta is tender.
  • Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

NOTES:

  • You can make this more of a side dish by deleting the chicken pieces.
  • Another alternative is to season and grill the chicken first and then shred it. It adds another depth of flavor.

PAPRIKA RUBBED CHICKEN

PAPRIKA RUBBED CHICKEN
3-4 pounds picnic chicken (thighs and legs)
1/2 cup red wine
16 ounce jar RAGU Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce (white)
8 ounce tomato sauce
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley, optional
1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • Preheat oven to 400.
  • Combine paprika, garlic, FRESH ground sea salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together the wine, tomato sauce and RAGU sauce until well blended.
  • Wash and dry chicken pieces.
  • Rub the chicken pieces all over with the spice rub.
  • Add 1 cup of the pasta sauce mixture to a 4 quart baking dish.
  • Add chicken pieces in a single layer if possible.
  • Brush chicken piece tops with remaining sauce.
  • Bake 45-50 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Arrange chicken on platter and top with sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest.

NO CHURN VANILLA ICE CREAM ala A KID from KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP or NO CHURN COOKIES & CREAM ICE CREAM

July 17th was National Ice Cream Day. So I made ice cream of course 😀

Hot where you are? What better way to beat the heat than to make some homemade ice cream? The best part about this recipe is that it’s a completely no churn, soft serve recipe.  It’s so good!! It disappears pretty quickly, so why not make a double batch. It is also great to change up in flavor by using flavored Oreos, freeze dried fruit flavors or a FRESH berries coulee! This one is plain with a hint of color and chocolate sauce.

NO CHURN ICE CREAM ALA Duff Goldman serves 6

One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract **See NOTES
Pinch kosher salt
2 cups heavy cream
Your favorite toppings, such as sprinkles, caramel syrup, etc. for serving

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt.
    In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, about 3 minutes.
  • Gently mix a scoop of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture. Fold in the rest of the whipped cream very gently. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the mixture.
  • Transfer to a freezer container or a loaf pan, smooth the top, then press a piece of wax paper against the surface. This will prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Freeze until the ice cream is frozen and scoopable, 6 hours to overnight.
  • Scoop the ice cream into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings or with a pie or cobbler. Enjoy!

NOTE: A great alternative is using 1/2 vanilla extract and 1/2 mint. And if you are using mint, why not add some mini chocolate chips too?

OR

NO CHURN COOKIE & CREAM ICE CREAM serves 6

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon PURE vanilla extract
HALF of a 3 ounce package of vanilla pudding mix (or your flavor of choice)
1/2 normal package of Oreos, crushed (flavor of choice)

  • In a bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and whip until stiff peaks begin to form.
  • In a separate bowl, pour in 1 can sweetened condensed milk.
  • Add the vanilla and the vanilla pudding.  Mix well.
  • Add in half of the crushed Oreo cookies and mix.  
  • Pour this mix into the whipped cream, and fold it in gently.
  • In a metal loaf pan, pour about half of the mixture.
  • Add a layer of crushed Oreos, and then top with the remaining ice cream mixture.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining crushed Oreos.
  • Cover with press and seal or plastic wrap and freeze for 24 hours.

NOTE: Make this any flavor you want by using flavored oreos.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE CHICKEN – PAN SEARED CHICKEN with a TANGY & CREAMY STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SAUCE

This recipe is tender, juicy, looks elegant and pairs wonderfully with any green vegetable.  It is truly my intention to try AT LEAST 1 recipe a week from my RECIPE SCRAPS.  My original version was a CREAMSICLE CHICKEN.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE CHICKEN – PAN SEARED CHICKEN with a TANGY & CREAMY STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SAUCE serves 4
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see notes)
3 tablespoons brandy
1 1/4 cups pineapple juice (see notes)
4 green onions, minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
6 ounce CHOBANI raspberry lemonade yogurt (see notes)
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon water
scant tablespoon avocado oil
Strawberry and lemon slices for garnish
Jasmine rice, prepared per package
Vegetable of choice, prepared accordingly

  • Heat avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat.
  • Generously season chicken pieces with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Saute’ chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
    Remove chicken to plate, tent with foil and keep warm.
  • De-glaze pan with brandy.
  • Add the pineapple juice, garlic and green onions.
  • Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to simmer 2-3 minutes.
  • Whisk together cornstarch with water.
  • Whisk cornstarch mixture into yogurt.
  • Whisk yogurt mixture into pan sauce and adjust seasoning.
  • Simmer until thickened and cooked through.

NOTES:

  • If you prefer 8 thighs substitute easily.
  • I sometimes use a pineapple orange juice to alter the flavor a bit.
  • CHOBANI yogurt flavors work beautifully. Raspberry lemonade is another favorite.

BLUEBERRY SOUR CREAM BREAD & MUFFINS

Whether you are starting your morning or having a midnight snack these super moist muffins with a blueberry burst in every bite topped with a buttery, sweet, crunchy crumble are a hit. PLUS these are super easy and come together in just minutes! They’ll keep several days IF THEY LAST THAT LONG!

BLUEBERRY SOUR CREAM BREAD & MUFFINS

MUFFINS
2 LARGE eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup avocado oil
1 1/4 teaspoon PURE vanilla
2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups FRESH small WILD blueberries** see notes

  • Preheat the oven 400°.
  • Line 12 muffin cups with muffin papers or spray with cooking spray.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until fluffy.
  • Add the sour cream, oil, and vanilla and whisk to combine.
  • In a larger mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the wet ingredients and stir JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERWORK THE BATTER! Overworked batter will not rise very well and will be tough.
  • Gently fold in the blueberries.
  • Fill the muffin cups with about 1/4 cup of batter or 3/4 full.

STREUSEL
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon (I use Red Ape)
1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Using a cheese grater grate the butter into the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Using a pastry cutter work the butter into the flour mixtures until the mixture resembles course crumbs.
  • Place 1-2 tablespoons on the top of the muffin batter in each muffin cup.
  • Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

NOTES: FROZEN blueberries can be substituted and they do not need to be defrosted first. Defrosted will also work, but the juices will turn your muffins a little purple. Still tasty, just purple.

BALSAMIC MOZZARELLA WATERMELON SALAD

This recipe so SIMPLE, but also EXTREMELY refreshing and with all the textures really yummy too for any summer meal. PERFECT for any BBQ, PICNIC or POTLUCK! BALSAMIC MOZZARELLA WATERMELON SALAD serves 4-6
2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
2 cups marinated mozzarella pearls **(see notes)
3 LARGE green onions, sliced **(see notes)
1/2 cup FRESH chopped parsley or cilantro
1/2 cup FRESH broccoli micro greens
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
2-3 cups baby greens

  • Toss the watermelon, mozzarella balls, basil or parsley and onions together.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Pour vinegar all over the mixture and gently toss.
  • Chill until ready to sever.
  • Just before serving gently toss with the micro greens and lettuce if using.

NOTES:

  • I like to quarter the mozzarella pearls so they make it into more salad bites.
  • Red onion works well also.
  • The baby greens are great for a crowd where you know you will have no leftovers, but if you want to save any for the next day, the greens get wilty. 😀

FRUITY COLESLAW

Colorful, sweet, crisp, tangy and crunchy make this slaw the PERFECT side for ANY backyard BBQ, picnic or church potluck 🙂

FRUITY COLESLAW
3-4 cups cabbage slaw mix
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped strawberries
1 cup chopped FRESH pineapple
1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup craisins or golden raisins
1 cup cashews or sunflower seeds, optional

SAUCE
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4+ cup apple cider vinegar
3-4 tablespoons sugar, to taste
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, vinegar and sugar until well blended.
  • Pour over slaw mixture and toss well.
  • Chill several hours.
  • If using toss sunflower seed or nuts at this time.

CRISPY CHEDDAR CHICKEN

CRISPY CHEDDAR CHICKEN

2 pounds chicken tenders or 4 large chicken breasts cut into tender sized strips
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed to crumbs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup WHOLE milk
3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped parsley, optional

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Season the cracker crumbs with the FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.
  • Make a dredge station with 3 separate pans of the milk, cheese and cracker crumbs.
  • Dip each piece of chicken into the milk and then the cheese, pressing the cheese into the chicken with your fingers.
  • Then firmly press the cheesy coated chicken into the cracker crumbs to coat well.
  • Lay the chicken inside the pan.
  • Sprinkle the parsley over the chicken.
  • Cover the pan with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  • Remove the tin foil, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the chicken are golden brown and crispy.

SAUCE
1 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup (see notes)
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons butter

  • In a medium sauce pan whisk together the soup, sour cream and butter.
  • Stir over medium high heat until warmed through.
  • Serve over the chicken.

NOTES: Cream of anything soup (as long as it goes with cheddar cheese) works and helps change up flavors!

APOLOGIES TO RODNEY SCOTT POTATO SALAD

I always make a recipe the way it is written the first time and then adjust to our likes the next time. So, while Rodney’s recipe was really good, we did adjust it a bit. DISCLAIMER: I’m deathly allergic to mustard, so when I make things that require mustard I make it without and then pull out a portion for me before adding the mustard for him and others.

When I made this the second time it really didn’t resemble Rodney’s recipe any longer but, hubby said it was so good when he taste tested it that I didn’t even need to add the mustard at all! High praise coming from the confirmed mustard King.

The sweet, yet spicy mix of flavors makes the perfect side for ANY backyard BBQ, picnic or potluck supper!

APOLOGIES TO RODNEY SCOTT POTATO SALAD

DRESSING
3/4 cup Duke’s ‘Hint of lime’ mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon Pampered Chef 3 onion seasoning
Heinz yellow mustard, to taste (optional)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Whisk everything together until well blended, tasting and adjusting as necessary. Set aside.

1 purple onion, diced
2 stalks celery, FINELY diced
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley
3 1/2 pounds red potatoes, peeled if desired, quartered
6 hard boiled eggs, peeled
2 green onions, minced for garnish
Paprika, for garnish

  • In a LARGE mixing bowl, toss together the celery and onion.
  • Grate eggs into the mixture and gentle mix together.
  • Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes. Reduce the heat and gently boil potatoes 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
  • Drain potatoes.
  • Add potatoes to the mixing bowl.
  • Pour dressing mix over potatoes while still warm.
  • Using a large spoon or “meat chopper” break apart potatoes into smaller pieces while mixing everything together.
  • Arrange in serving bowl.
  • Top paprika with green onions.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

NOTES: Assemble this while the potatoes are still warm so that they absorb all the flavors better.

OPTIONS: Replace the apple cider vinegar with half FRESH lemon juice and half pepperoncini juice.