Category: RECIPES

PORK TENDERLOIN with BOURBON PEACH SAUCE with PARSLEY SLAW

PORK TENDERLOIN with BOURBON PEACH SAUCE with PARSLEY SLAW

TENDERLOIN
1 pound pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cups sliced peaches
2 tablespoons QUALITY bourbon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • Heat oil over medium high heat.
  • Generously season the pork tenderloin.
  • Add pork to skillet and sear on all sides until completely browned and cooked to 140°, about 5-6 minutes per side.
  • Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  • Add peaches to pan, stirring 2-3 minutes to cook through.
  • Whisk together the bourbon, vinegar, dijon and honey. Add to peaches, stirring 5minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
  • Plate pork and top with peach sauce.
  • Add a generous side of slaw and enjoy!

PARSLEY BROCCOLI SLAW
3 cups broccoli sticks bag mix
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped FRESH thyme
1/3 cup toasted almond slices
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Quality honey

  • Toss together the cabbage, parsley, thyme and almonds.
  • Whisk together the oil, vinegar and honey.
  • Drizzle dressing over slaw mixture and toss well.

FLOATING FRUIT CAKE – PEACH

This is a super fun recipe in that the batter and fruit actually trade places during the baking process ending with a crunchy biscuit topping over sweet, juicy fruit.   My favorite flavor is peach, but it works just as well with cherries, blackberries, blueberries, apples or ANY fruit combo you can think of!

PEACH COBBLER

FILLING
8 cups about 10 peaches peeled and sliced OR 32 ounces of sliced frozen peaches, thawed
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl toss peaches with 2 and cinnamon and set aside.

TOPPING
12 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Spray 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In another large mixing bowl whisk together the butter, flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder, salt and milk.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Layer evenly with peach slices.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until browned and bubbly.

NOTE: You can use other fruits, but omit the cinnamon if using berries such as blueberries, blackberries or raspberries.

CUCUMBER SALAD

CUCUMBER SALAD

1 LARGE English cucumber, peeled and chopped to 2 cups
1/2 cup chopped seeded Roma tomatoes, about 2 large tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped FRESH Italian flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped FRESH cilantro
4 red mini peppers, about 1/3 cup chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sour cream
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • In a Salad bowl toss together the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion and peppers.
  • Whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Add parsley and cilantro.
  • Pour over cucumber mixture and gently toss.

CHURCH SUPPER RING

I wish I had taken a picture of the “WHOLE” ring, but never even thought about it for some reason. It does make an impressive looking presentation for a church potluck or even impromptu company. The best part is that any leftover filling makes a GREAT cold chicken salad!  Fill a pita and eat on the run 😀
CHURCH SUPPER RING serves 8-12

2 – 8 ounce tubes Pillsbury crescent rolls
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Heinz Chili sauce
1/2 cup chopped mini peppers
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
6 strips bacon, chopped, cooked and crumbled crisp
1 package Good Season’s Italian Salad dressing

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spray 14 inch pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Unroll crescent dough into 16 triangles.
    place the wide end of the triangle 3 inches from the edge of the pan with the point overhanging the edge of the pan. Repeat overlapping the corners and lightly pressing to secure edges until all pieces are used.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce and Italian seasoning mix until well blended.
  • Fold in chicken, cheese, onions, bacon pieces and peppers until mixed well.
  • Spoon chicken mixtures over the wide edges of the dough.
  • Fold tip up over chicken mixture and tuck under the edge pressing lightly to secure the dough.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cut into slices.

HAM STEAK with RED EYE GRAVY

HAM STEAK with RED EYE GRAVY

1 1/4 pound bone-in ham steak
2 slices bacon, chopped small
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon Wondra flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces and chilled VERY cold
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

  • Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium high heat until well rendered and crispy.
  • Pat ham steaks dry and season well.
  • Add to hot grease and brown well, about 4 minutes.
  • Flip and sear the second side about 2 minutes.
  • Remove ham pieces to a platter and tent with foil while you prepare the gravy.
  • Add onion to skillet and sauce a minute or so.
  • Add flour and whisk to combine 15-30 seconds.
  • Whisk in broth and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced and slightly thickened, 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in espresso powder and COLD butter.
  • Season to taste.
  • Pour off any residual ham juices on serving platter.
  • Top with gravy and serve immediately.

NOTE:  The main use of the bacon is to create the grease to cook the ham and gravy in so chopping extra small I find works really well in order to not need to find another use for the bacon pieces. I just leave them in the gravy 😀

HERB SALAD with BROILED TOMATOES & CREAMY CUCUMBER VINAIGRETTE

HERB SALAD with CREAMY BROILED TOMATO CUCUMBER VINAIGRETTE

MAKE THIS STEP 1-2 HOURS BEFORE YOU NEED THEM!
PICKLED ONIONS
1 teaspoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
FRESH ground salt and pepper
1/2 SMALL red onion, cut into rings

  • In a medium skillet heat avocado oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion pieces and saute’ for a minute.
  • Add vinegar, tossing to coat and remove from heat.
  • Transfer onions to a small plate and let stand 1-2 hours.

“SALAD”
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped Italian Parsley
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped dill
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped basil leaves
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped tarragon
1 LARGE English cucumber or 2 small cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 bunch beech mushrooms, cleaned and separated
1 small bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 small red onion, chopped

  • Toss all together in large salad bowl and set aside until needed.

VINAIGRETTE
Reserved cucumber peels
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 small shallot, minced
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
pinch cayenne pepper

  • In a small food processor blend reserved cucumber peels, garlic, shallot, vinegar, sour cream, buttermilk, oil and seasonings until smooth.
  • Pour over salad and toss gently.
  • Let stand 15-20 minutes and allow flavors to meld.
  • Adjust salt and pepper as necessary.

BROILED TOMATOES
4 LARGE Roma tomatoes, halved or quartered

  • Preheat broiler.
  • Place tomatoes on baking sheet skin side down.
  • Season well with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Broil 2-3 minutes until browned and bubbly.

ASSEMBLY

  • Place a large spoonful of salad mixture in bowl or on plate.
  • Drizzle with vinaigrette.
  • Set 2 broiled tomato pieces next to salad.
  • Top with pickled onions.**
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE** I often toss the pickled onions with the salad mixture JUST prior to serving.

OVEN BBQ CHICKEN

OVEN BBQ CHICKEN

2 pounds chicken thighs and legs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

SAUCE
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 tablespoons molasses
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil for easier clean up.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine ketchup, pineapple juice, vinegar, butter, lemon juice, molasses, brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, paprika, red pepper, salt and pepper.
  • Season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dip each piece in sauce and place on baking sheet skin side up.
  • Bake 45-50 minutes or until temperature reads 170°, basting with reserve sauce every 15 minutes and at the end when you remove it from oven.  Tent with foil and allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with remaining sauce.

SLOW COOKED COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

SLOW COOKED COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

Slow cooked Country Chicken and Gravy is TRULY what easy comfort food is all about!! It is  absolutely ahhh-mazing!

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet DRY chicken gravy mix
1 packet DRY Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix**(see notes)
1 – 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup**(see notes)
1 3/4 cups water or chicken broth**(see notes)
FRESH ground black pepper

  • Empty the gravy packets, cream of chicken soup, water and pepper in a slow cooker.
  • Whisk until the gravy is smooth.
  • Add chicken breasts in a single layer if possible.
  • Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  • Serve over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes

NOTES:

  • You can interchange this packet for just about ANYTHING and get an entirely NEW dish. Try Hidden Valley Ranch, Pioneer Peppered Gravy or Lipton French Onion soup.
  • Try changing out the soup flavor also for a new and inventive flavor combination. Use cream of potato or cheddar cheese…
  • The chicken is so tender you can fork shred it into the sauce and make an entirely different dish!  Try adding some carrots or peas for color.
  • I usually have homemade chicken broth around and I prefer that over water. If I use broth I change this to 2 cups as the homemade broth has more body than store bought.
  • You can also add a quick cornstarch slurry at the end if you need to thicken up the sauce.

LOOSE MEAT BACON CHEESE BURGERS

LOOSE MEAT BACON CHEESE BURGERS

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Heinz Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
1 tablespoon Avocado oil
1/2 Sweet Vidalia Onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef chuck
6-8 slices bacon, chopped, browned and drained of grease
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet pickles
6 slices cheddar cheese
12 pull-apart dinner rolls

  • Preheat oven broiler.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
  • Heat the avocado oil in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the onion and ground beef. Season with the FRESH ground salt and pepper. Cook and stir until browned. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
  • Spread mayonnaise mixture on both sides of buns.
  • Remove from heat and stir in pickles and any remaining sauce.
  • Place bottoms of rolls on baking sheet and toast under broiler a couple minutes – WATCH that they don’t burn.
  • Remove baking sheet and turn oven down to 400°.
  • Spread the bottoms with cheese followed by the meat mixture.
  • Layer cheese on top of meat followed by the crumbled bacon.
  • Add tops to the burgers.
  • Bake 10 minutes until tops are toasted and cheese is melted.

NOTE: Also good with Frank’s Sweet Chili Lime Sauce.

HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

This recipe is ALWAYS a winner. Full of flavor and JUST spicy enough to please everyone at your dinner table.

8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Thai basil

  • Lay chicken thighs into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
  • Whisk liquid aminos, ketchup, honey, garlic, and basil together in a bowl; pour over the chicken.
  • Cook on Low for 4 hours.
  • Serve over rice or noodles.

NOTE:  To spice this up I use Jalapeno ketchup instead of plain.

ROAST PORK with GARLIC ONION GRAVY

ROAST PORK with GARLIC ONION GRAVY

3-4 pound pork roast
1 bulb garlic, cloves peeled
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 shallots, halved and sliced
2 carrots, halved and sliced thin
2 stalks celery, chopped
FRESH thyme sprigs
2+ cups chicken broth (preferably homemade and STRONG)
2 tablespoons Wondra flour
3 tablespoons cold water

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Make as many slits in the roast as you have garlic cloves and insert 1 clove into each slit.
  • Rub roast with Cajun seasoning.
  • In a heavy skillet heat avocado oil.
  • Sear each side of roast until browned.
  • Remove roast from skillet adding to roasting pan.
  • Add carrots, onions and celery to skillet, sautéing 5-8 minutes until tender.
  • Arrange veggie mixture around roast.
  • Top with thyme sprigs.
  • Add 1 cup of the broth to roasting pan.
  • Cover loosely with foil.
  • Roast 45 minutes to an hour (145°).
  • Remove roast and arrange on platter, tenting with foil and let stand while you prepare the gravy.

  • Strain pan drippings through a sieve into a saucepan. Discard solids.
  • Add remaining broth to drippings.
  • Whisk together the cold water and Wondra flour.
  • Add flour mixture to pan drippings, whisking until smooth.
  • Cook over medium high heat 5 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.

HERBED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

HERBED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE makes 16 ounces

1 shallot or 4 green onions, halved and sliced thin
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup FRESH torn basil leaves (VERY small pieces)
1/4 cup FRESH chopped Italian Parsley
1/4 cup FRESH chive pieces
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped tarragon
1 pound heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/8 cup Sherry Cream Sherry
1/4 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup Avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • In a 16 ounce mason jar add shallot slices, minced garlic, basil pieces, parsley pieces, chives and tarragon with 1/2 of the tomatoes.
  • Add salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle in vinegar and oil.
  • Cover and shake vigorously.
  • Add remaining tomatoes and shake again.
  • Season to taste.