Category: RECIPES

PINEAPPLE CHILI MEATBALLS

This recipe makes 70 meatballs making it perfect for a crowd, tailgating party, church potluck or freeze in batches for quick weeknight meals.

HONEY GARLIC GLAZED MEATBALLS
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup PANKO bread crumbs
2 LARGE eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons each FRESH sea salt and black pepper
1/2 cup finely diced Vidalia onion
3 LARGE cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon butter

SAUCE
1/2 cup Smucker’s Pineapple Preserves
1/3 cup Sweet Red Chili Sauce
6 ounces orange juice
3 tablespoons Teriyaki sauce

  • Spray baking racks with non-stick cooking spray and place on baking trays. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the milk and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
  • Crumble ground beef over milk mixture and combine well.
  • Shape into ping pong size balls.
  • Place each meatball on a baking rack.
  • Baked uncovered 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

While meatballs are baking start sauce.

  • Whisk together all the ingredients and bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes more.
  • Add meatballs to sauce, gently turning to coat.
  • Cook for 5-10 minutes.

HONEY GARLIC GLAZED MEATBALLS

This recipe makes 70 meatballs making it perfect for a crowd, tailgating party, church potluck or freeze in batches for quick weeknight meals.

HONEY GARLIC GLAZED MEATBALLS
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup PANKO bread crumbs
2 LARGE eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons each FRESH sea salt and black pepper
1/2 cup finely diced Vidalia onion
3 LARGE cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup jalapeno ketchup
1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons BRAGG’s liquid aminos

  • Spray baking racks with non-stick cooking spray and place on baking trays. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the milk and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
  • Crumble ground beef over milk mixture and combine well.
  • Shape into ping pong size balls.
  • Place each meatball on a baking rack.
  • Baked uncovered 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

While meatballs are baking start sauce.

  • Melt butter in a LARGE sauce pan.
  • Add garlic, cooking until aromatic.
  • Whisk in the ketchup, honey and liquid aminos.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes more.
  • Add meatballs to sauce, gently turning to coat.
  • Cook for 5-10 minutes.

CHICKEN TAMALE PIE

This is a great recipe that is a super easy casserole replacement for the time consuming task of stuffing tamale husks.

CHICKEN TAMALE PIE

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Place a 10 inch cast iron pan on a baking sheet and place in oven to warm.

FILLING
3 cups chopped FRESH tomatoes
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced into a paste
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon Wondra flour
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Pulse together 2 cups of the tomatoes, onions and garlic until ALMOST pureed.
  • Heat the avocado oil in a skillet.
  • Stir in the chili powder and flour.
  • Whisk in the broth and tomato puree mixture and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Cool.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of sauce.
  • Add in chicken and remaining tomatoes.

TOP CRUST
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 LARGE egg
1 can SHOEPEG corn, drained
1 small can green chiles, drained
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
2 cups shredded cheese (combination of cheddar and jack)

  • Combine the cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
  • Whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter and egg.
  • Fold in dry ingredients to the wet ingredients JUST until combined.
  • Gently fold in corn and green chiles.

ASSEMBLY

  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
  • Add the butter to the cast iron pan.
  • Carefully pour the batter into the pan and bake 20 minutes.
  • Poke holes in cornbread.
  • Spread reserved sauce over the cornbread.
  • Top with chicken mixture.
  • Sprinkle cheese over chicken mixture.
  • Return baking sheet to oven and bake 10 minutes until cheese melts.

 

HARVEST STUFFED PORK CHOPS

HARVEST PORK CHOPS
8 boneless pork loin chops, 1 inch thick
2 cups small chopped celery
1 small red onion, chopped small
1/4 cup chopped Italian Parsley
2 cups crispy bread cubes for stuffing
2 cups chicken broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 cup pineapple jam
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Carefully cut a pocket into each pork chop.
  • Combine the celery, onion, parsley, bread cubes, chicken broth, melted butter and cranberries until well blended.
  • Add a large scoop of stuffing to each pork chop and close with a toothpick.
  • Spread remaining stuffing mix into baking dish.
  • Generously season each chop with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil over medium high heat.
  • Sear each pork chop on each side and place on top of stuffing in baking dish.
  • Cover with foil.
  • Bake 30 minutes.
  • Heat jam and remaining cranberry sauce for 30 seconds in microwave.
  • Uncover chops and spread sauce mixture over top.
  • Return to oven and and bake another 10 minutes until chops reach 160°.

NOTE: Dried cranberries can be substituted, but you’ll need to increase the chicken broth by 1/4 cup for additional moisture.

CHILI TAMALE PIE

CHILI TAMALE PIE
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small red pepper, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed well
2 1/2 cups mild enchilada sauce
1 can shoepeg corn, drained
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Jack)
1 Jalapeno pepper, optional

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spray 2 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Start browning ground beef in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add onions, garlic, chili powder and salt cooking 5 minutes or so, stirring often.
  • Add beans and half of the sauce, bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Add corn and return to simmer 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Spread half of the remaining sauce in the baking dish.
  • Top with 4 tortillas, overlapping as needed.
  • Top with half the cheese followed by half the filling mixture.
  • Add 4 more tortillas.
  • Repeat layering with 1/2 cup cheese and remaining filling.
  • Top with last 4 tortillas, remaining sauce, remaining cheese and jalapenos if using.
  • Grease one side of a sheet of foil and place greased side on top of baking dish.
  • Bake 20 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 5 more minutes.

SLOW COOKED CHICKEN IN WINE

SLOW COOKED CHICKEN IN WINE
2-3 pounds chicken thighs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 can Cream of chicken soup or soup substitute
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup white wine
1 potato per person, halved and quartered into bite size pieces.
2 cups baby carrots
Chopped Parsley, garnish

  • Whisk together the broth, wine and soup.
  • Spray slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour soup mixture into slow cooker insert.
  • Generously season chicken thighs.
  • Place chicken thighs in soup mixture and cover.
  • Cook on high 4-6 hours.
  • Add potato pieces and carrots.
  • Recover and cook 1 hour more on low.
  • Serve over rice pilaf or mashed potatoes.

NOTE: If sauce is too thin when you add potatoes and carrots add a quick corn starch slurry.

CHOPPED STEAKS

These are super quick and deliciously flavorful making them great for weeknight dinners!!

CHOPPED STEAKS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Combine everything except the meat until well blended.
  • Add the meat and mix well.
  • Shape into 4 patties.
  • Heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add patties and sear until browned.
  • Flip and move pan to the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  • Transfer steaks to platter and tent with foil.

GRAVY
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup minced shallots
1/4 cup minced Italian Parsley
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups beef broth

  • Add butter to the pan you cooked the steaks in.
  • When butter is melted add shallots and mushrooms, sauteing 8-10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir well.
  • Add broth and blend well.
  • Cook 3-5 minutes until desired thickness.

NOTE:

  • Hubby hates mushrooms. So, many times I omit the mushrooms and double the shallots or add green onions and it tastes just as great!
  • If gravy doesn’t thicken as much as you would like, add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

1/2 cup all purpose flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup baby carrots
3 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
1/2 cup heavy cream
chopped Italian Parsley for garnish
Prepared mashed potatoes

  • Combine flour, salt, paprika and pepper in a large Ziploc bag.
  • Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture and reserve flour mixture for later.
  • In a deep skillet melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and cook 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Add onion and celery to pan, sautéing 2 minutes.
  • Add remaining flour to pan and whisk until all flour is absorbed.
  • Add chicken broth, stirring well.
  • Add chicken, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until cooked through and fragrant.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Stir in cream and cook 2 minutes.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.
  • Garnish with parsley.

TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

1 cup tarragon vinegar
1 cup avocado oil
1 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon FRESH minced thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tablespoons FRESH minced tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sugar

  • Combine ALL ingredients and blend well.
  • Refrigerate.
  • Shake well before using.

CHICKEN & BROCCOLI COBBLER

CHICKEN & BROCCOLI COBBLER yields 4 servings
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 cups cubed sourdough or Brioche bread
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
3 cups SMALL broccoli florets
3 cups torn rotisserie chicken
scant 1/3 cup finely chopped red pepper
1 small bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 1/4 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade, fresh deli or jarred)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cream sherry

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Lightly grease baking dish or ramekins. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl drizzle butter over bread cubes and toss well.  Reserve 1 cup to top casserole with.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and toss again.
  • Whisk together the Alfredo sauce, sour cream and cream sherry.
  • In another bowl toss together the broccoli, chicken, bell pepper, onions and sour cream mixture.
  • Add half of the bread cube mixture to the broccoli mixture and toss well.
  • Spoon broccoli filling into baking dish or ramekins.
  • Top with remaining bread cubes.
  • Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and toasted.

NOTE:  If using a rotisserie chicken I salvage the juices from the bottom to incorporate with the melted butter to add flavor to the bread cubes.

GRILLED BBQ BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN WINGS

GRILLED BBQ BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN WINGS

3 dozen chicken drumettes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
36 slices bacon, cut down to 3/4 strips – save 1/4 ends for another dish or salad
1/2 cup favorite BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Chipotle)
3 tablespoons pineapple juice
36 toothpicks
Lime wedges for serving.

  • Soak toothpicks in pineapple juice for 20 minutes.
  • Prepare grill for indirect heat.
  • Pat chicken dry.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Wrap each piece with a bacon slice and secure with a soaked toothpick.
  • Oil grill grates.
  • Grill drumettes over direct heat 4-6 minutes until bacon is lightly browned. Turn frequently so as to brown evenly.
  • Move chicken to cold side of grill, cover and cook 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Baste several times during last 5 minutes.
  • Serve with lime edges.

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
6-8 chicken pieces, legs and thighs
1 tablespoon Frank’s original hot sauce
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup Bisquick
1 teaspoon each FRESH ground Sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/4 cup crisco
1/4 cup butter

  • Whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.  Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk mixture and chill in refrigerator for 8-24 hours.
  • Drain chicken WELL.  Discard marinade.
  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Whisk together Bisquick, salt, pepper and paprika in a large ziploc bag.
  • In a large baking dish that will hold the chicken pieces in a single layer, melt the crisco and butter in the oven.
  • Add chicken pieces to Ziploc bag, shaking until well coated.
  • Add chicken pieces skin side down to hot butter mixture.
  • Bake 45 minutes until skin is crisp.
  • Turn chicken and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until cooked through.
  • If desired make a gravy from the drippings and serve with mashed potatoes.