Category: SAUCES, SEASONINGS, DRESSINGS, DIPS, RELISHES, GRAVIES & RUBS

Chicken Gumbo & Sweet Chile Buttermilk Herb Dressing

This recipe originally called for okra.  Not even this southern girl likes okra and the best substitution for okra is eggplant, but hubs can’t stand that so I substitute the split peas.

CHICKEN GUMBO
*1 1/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken pieces
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
1 large shallot, chopped
5 ribs celery, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 KNORR chicken gel bouillon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup dried split peas
1 can petite diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons file’ powder
Fresh ground salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups water
Brown rice

  • Oil sides of crock pot.
  • Place onions, shallots, tomatoes, garlic and celery on bottom of crock pot.
  • Top with split peas and then chicken.
  • Whisk together water, bouillon gel, thyme, salt, pepper and file’ powder.
  • Pour over Chicken.
  • Cover and cook 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
  • Serve over rice.

*I add these frozen and they work great.

SWEET CHILE BUTTERMILK HERB DRESSING
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, minced
2 teaspoons freshly chopped chives
1 tablespoon parsley paste
1 tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot Sweet Chili Sauce
Fresh ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Using a quart  jar, add all ingredients and shake to mix well.
  • Chill several hours to blend flavors.
  • Shake well and toss with salad.

PORK SCHNITZEL, PLUM SHALLOT CHUTNEY & GRANDMA DOLL POTATO SALAD

PORK SCHNITZEL
6-8 thin pork cutlets
1 cup Panko crumbs
1/2 cup Wondra flour
Coarse sea salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons butter

  • Stir together the flour salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Dredge each cutlet through the egg and then the flour mixture before adding to the hot butter.
  • Brown to golden on each side.

PLUM SHALLOT CHUTNEY
1 jar Smuckers Red Plum Jam
1 large shallot, sliced thin

  • In a small food processor add both the jam and shallot slices, processing until smooth AND chunky.

GRANDMA DOLL’S POTATO SALAD
3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, baked and cooled
4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 large kosher dill pickles, chopped
2 tablespoons dill relish
Lots of mustard
A little mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

  • Grate potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add eggs, onion, pickles and relish, mixing to blend well.
  • Add mustard and mayonnaise to taste and desired consistency.
  • Add seasonings to taste.

VANILLA LATTE MEATBALLS with COFFEE GRAVY

Anyone can make a meatloaf or fried chicken.  When I search for recipes for recipe experiment night I look for the unusual. I found this recipe loose in my file. Heaven only knows where it came from.  It was a xerox of a xerox called Norwegian Meatballs. I changed it enough to utilize what I had on hand and we really liked it so I’ll make it the same way again, but I changed up the directions a bit.  I’ll give you the original ingredients in red with my changes in black.

VANILLA LATTE MEATBALLS with COFFEE GRAVY
1 1/2 cups ‘nilla wafer crumbs 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup half and half
1/4 cup espresso 1/4 cup strong coffee

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, finely chopped (I used a small Vidalia)
1/4 cup fresh chopped Italian leaf parsley
1 teaspoon fresh ground Himalayan Pink salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/4 cup organic butter
3/4 pound ground chuck 1 pound ground beef
3/4 pound ground country pork 1/2 pound ground turkey or ground pork

  • In a large mixing bowl combine ‘nilla wafers, heavy cream and espresso until evenly moist.
  • Add eggs, onion, parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper, mixing again by hand until well blended.
  • Add meat and blend again until evenly mixed.
  • Cover and chill for several hours.
  • With gloves or moist hands form golf ball sized meatballs.
  • Chill again for 30 minutes or so.
  • In a large skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over a medium-high heat.
  • Cook meatballs, turning as necessary until cooked through, about 10 minutes. As meatballs finish remove them with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels as you cook the rest of the meatballs.  Add remaining butter as necessary until it is all in the skillet.

1/4 cup flour
1 KNORR beef gel bouillon 1 cup beef broth
1 cup boiling water
1 cup espresso 1 cup strong coffee
1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon  Himalayan Pink salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

  • After meatballs are all cooked, whisk flour into skillet, scraping all the bits from the bottom.
  • Whisk together KNORR gel, coffee, water and seasoning.
  • When flour is golden and smooth, gradually add coffee mixture, whisking until smooth.
  • Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
  • Return meatballs to gravy, lower heat, and simmer a few minutes until meatballs are hated through.

BEEF RAGOUT with SALAD & ONION BACON VINAIGRETTE

The definition of Ragout is well seasoned meat and vegetables cooked in a thick sauce.  Translated it means YUMMY, flavorful and perfect for a cold winter’s night.

BEEF RAGOUT with SALAD
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 pounds quality stew meat cut into bite sized pieces
4 tablespoons Classico Sun-dried tomato pesto
1 large can pureed tomatoes
1 cup baby carrots, halved
1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped
2 large stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes, seasoned (I used basil, garlic & oregano)
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Pink Himalayan salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil

  • Coat crock pot with non stick cooking spray.
  • Stir together all the ingredients until well mixed.
  • Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours or 4-5 hours on low.
  • Serve over pasta.

*Original recipe called for Pancetta, but I find it a bit too salty and expensive so just used quality bacon from my butcher.

ONION BACON VINAIGRETTE
4 slices bacon
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1/2 cup Tarragon vinegar
3/4 cup cream sherry
1/4 cup Avpcado oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste

  • Cook bacon until crisp.
  • Drain bacon on paper towels.
  • Add green onions to bacon grease and cook until tender.
  • Add vinegar, simmering 5 minutes.
  • Add cream sherry, simmering another 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in oil.
  • Fold in thyme leaves and bacon.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve warm.
  • Refrigerate leftovers.

CHICKEN SANDWICH with BLACKBERRY RELISH

I’ve been having very strange cravings for vinegar based food lately.  Today I decided to make a Blackberry Relish and stranger yet to put it on a fairly plain sandwich (Onion roll, rotisserie chicken pieces, mayo and provolone cheese).  Next time I’m thinking of chopping the chicken and mixing it with the relish and putting it on a nice fresh sourdough.

BLACKBERRY RELISH
2 cups blackberries*, chopped
1/4 cup minced green onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped green chiles, drained well
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  •  Mix all together and chill.

*frozen are okay to use, but if you use frozen thaw first draining off all moisture.

MARINATED PRIME RIB & OVEN ROASTED ASPARAGUS with LEMON SAUCE

This was our Christmas Eve meal with the Caramel Apple Cheesecake for dessert. We used to have larger Christmas eve family gatherings when I was young and those tended to be buffets.  Now that it is usually either just the 2 of us or a smaller gathering I make a more formal and traditional meal. 

I used the scraps leftovers (not that there were many) to make the New Year’s Day Black Eyed Pea Chili.

MARINATED and SEASONED PRIME RIB
5 pound boneless beef rib roast
3/4 cup Mad Housewife Merlot wine
1 small Vidalia onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Avocado oil
*2 tablespoons  Savory Spice Shop Hidden Cove Lemon Garlic Blend
*2 tablespoons  Penzey’s English Prime Rib Rub 
*1 teaspoon  Penzey’s OR Savory Spice Shop’s Horseradish powder

  • Whisk together the wine, water and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Place roast in a large plastic bag that has been placed in a shallow baking dish.
  • Pour marinade over roast and seal bag.
  • Marinate 6-8 hours, turning bag occasionally.

 

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Place sliced onions in bottom of roaster.
  • Drain roast and discard marinade.
  • Rub roast generously with the avocado oil. Let roast sit on drainboard a moment to allow excess oil to drain off.  At this point wash your hands to remove the excess oil also so the rub will go on better.
  • Stir together the Hidden Cove Lemon Garlic Blend, English Prime Rib Rub and the horseradish powder until well mixed.
  • Sprinkle rub mixture over roast until well coated all the way around.
  • Place roast, fat side up on onion slices.
  • Insert oven thermometer.
  • Roast until desired doneness (we like medium rare which was 135 degrees and about 2 1/4 hours), but no more!
  • Transfer roast to cutting board and immediately tent with foil for 20 minutes before carving. This is the resting phase and mandatory to the perfect prime rib. During this phase your roast will raise another 10 degrees. 

*If you want a thicker rub add more spices making sure to keep these proportions.

DO NOT SKIP THE RESTING PHASE!!

OVEN ROASTED ASPARAGUS with LEMON SAUCE
1 bunch asparagus
Avocado oil
sea salt
fresh ground black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Snap off woody ends. 
  • Wash asparagus and drain well.
  • Pat dry and then drizzle with avocado oil, smoothing all along each stalk as you place asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Roast 10 minutes or until fork tender, but snappy and browning on the outside.

Juice of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cool water
2 teaspoons sugar
2 LARGE egg yolks

  • In a small saucepan whisk together the water and cornstarch over a medium heat.
  • Bring to a slow boil, whisking constantly.
  • Add sugar and whisk until dissolved. Immediately remove from heat to cool!
  • Return the saucepan to the lowest setting.
  • Beat egg yolks and lemon juice until well blended.
  • Whisk egg yolks into cooled sauce and cook slowly to thicken.  TOO HIGH A HEAT WILL CURDLE YOUR SAUCE.
  • Season as necessary and pour over plated asparagus.

BAKED HAM with APPLE PINEAPPLE GLAZE

BAKED HAM with APPLE PINEAPPLE GLAZE
7-8 pound ham
2 medium apples (I like Honey Crisp)

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Peel, core and thinly slice 2 apples.
  • Add apple slices to bottom of baking dish.
  • Place ham cut side down on top of apple slices.
  • Insert oven thermometer and bake 2 1/2 – 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
  • Brush with glaze last 20-30 minutes.

8 ounces crushed pineapple
8 ounce jar pineapple preserves
1/2 cup tangerine juice
2 medium apples (I like Honey Crisp), peeled, cored and thinly sliced

  •  In a small sauce pan whisk together the crushed pineapple, pineapple preserves and tangerine juice.
  • Add apple slices (or chunks if preferred).
  • Bring to a SLOW boil and then reduce to low simmer.

GRAN’S VINAIGRETTE

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large green onion, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
juice of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lime
3/4 cup olive or peanut oil

  • In a dressing bottle combine the garlic and onion. sugars, salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, oil, sugars, salt and pepper.
  • Pour over the garlic and onion.
  • Shake well to combine until well blended.

BLACK FRIDAY THANKSGIVING WRAP UP with NEW RECIPES for GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE SAUCE, PUMPKIN PECAN BUTTER CAKE with CARAMEL SAUCE & CINNAMON PECANS

As I mentioned before, I DO NOT shop Black Friday, unless it’s from the comfort of my desk chair talking to a computer.  Thanksgiving weekend for us is and always has been casual.  This year was no exception. With just 2 of us this year I bought a turkey breast only.  So my questions is, where does the rest of the turkey go?

Our range is on the way out also – losing the heating elements one by one and the oven is now 75 degrees under temperature.  I didn’t want to take a chance so I started the turkey breast in the slow cooker and then used the oven to only brown the top.  Amazingly, it turned out PERFECT!  I see great turkey sandwiches tomorrow! And there are plenty of leftovers until the new range is installed next week.

Our morning started out foggy and drizzly before turning to serious cold and rain.  I did manage to capture this Robin hanging out in the old garden bed.

And the first opening bloom of the Christmas Cactus this season.

99.9% of my recipes are made from scratch, but every now and then I do cheat a bit.  Part of Thanksgiving’s dessert, PUMPKIN PECAN BUTTER CAKE with CARAMEL SAUCE & CINNAMON PECAN was one of those small cheats and believe me I will cheat again, but next time I’ll add some fresh whipped cream.  MOST of the recipe is scratch ingredients, but it called for a Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix.  Instead I used a SuperMoist BUTTER PECAN cake mix and it was FABULOUS!  I’ll give you the original recipe (which for the life of me I can’t remember where it came from – probably pinterest) with my changes in red.

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
3-15 ounce cans cut green beans, drained VERY WELL!
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Wondra
1 1/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon each, paprika, sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Savory Spice Shop Hidden Cove Lemon Garlic Blend
1 teaspoon celery flakes
2 tablespoons Riverhouse Parmesan Herb dressing **
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup +/- French’s French fried onion rings

  • Over medium heat melt butter in saucepan.
  • Whisk in Wondra until golden.
  • Add milk and heavy cream gradually, bringing to a boil JUST SLIGHTLY!
  • Reduce heat and simmer, stirring continuously until sauce begins to thicken.
  • While still stirring add in paprika, salt, pepper, Lemon Garlic and celery flakes. When you reach your desired consistency set pan aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss the green beans with the Riverhouse Parmesan Herb dressing.
  • Pour sauce over beans and gently toss and coat.
  • Pour into a baking dish and top with crumbled bacon and fried onion rings.
  • Bake 20-30 minutes until heated through.

**If you can’t find this brand, Litehouse Parmesan Caesar is a great substitute.

CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE SAUCE
1 bag cranberries
1 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup fresh squeezed tangerine juice with pulp*
1/2 cup pineapple juice*
2 cups sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange peel
  • Wash cranberries and drain in colander.
  • Mix tangerine juice, pineapple juice and sugar in saucepan until dissolved.
  • Add cinnamon and orange peel. Stir well.
  • Add the cranberries and pomegranate seeds simmering over medium high heat until bubbling, stirring often.
  • When the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat.
  • Cook uncovered or until all cranberries and pomegranate seeds have ’popped’.
  • Sauce will thicken as it cools.
  • Can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or frozen for future holidays.

Yields: 2 cups
*You can use ALL orange juice if you prefer

***I like to make a double batch at Thanksgiving and freeze half for Christmas.

PUMPKIN PECAN BUTTER CAKE with CARAMEL SAUCE & CINNAMON PECANS
CAKE BOTTOM 
1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix (Butter Pecan)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 Egg

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line the bottom of your 10 inch springform pan with parchment paper. I cut a square sheet and close it into the seam of the bottom with the latch and then trim into a circle. Lightly spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • NOTE: you can use a 9×13 cake pan, but coat it well with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, melted butter and egg until well blended.Press batter into the bottom of your springform pan.

FILLING 
8 ounces softened cream cheese
15 ounce can pumpkin
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
1/2 teaspoon orange peel 
3 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Caramel sauce (recipe follows) 
Candied pecans (I used Fisher’s Cinnamon Pecans) 
Kraft Caramel Balls 
Smucker’s Pineapple Sauce, slightly warmed (optional)

  • In a large mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth.
  • Add melted butter, vanilla and eggs, beating until well combined.
  • Fold in powdered sugar, orange peel and pumpkin pie spice until just mixed.
  • Pour batter over cake base and smooth even.
  • Bake 60-75 minutes until cake is set and top is only slightly wobbly (similar to a cheesecake consistency).
  • COOL COMPLETELY on a wire rack BEFORE removing the pan.
  • Serve sliced with Caramel sauce, pineapple sauce, caramel balls and pecans.

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED LESS TIME USING A 9X13 PAN!

CARAMEL SAUCE 
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup sugar
2+ tablespoons water

  • Combine the cream and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • In a medium saucepan cook the corn syrup over a medium heat until bubbly.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to cook until the edges begin to turn a light amber color.
  • Add in 1/4 cup sugar more and repeat until all the sugar is blended in.
  • Continue cooking until amber color darkens stirring constantly.
  • Remove from the heat and carefully fold in the cream mixture.
  • Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until caramel is bubbling.
  • Serve warm.
  • Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Microwave 20-30 seconds to soften refrigerated caramel before serving.

I’m off to wrap Christmas presents – Have a great weekend! 

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PERFECT CHEESECAKE FOR BAKING PARTNERS

We had many scrumptious choices this month – too many – hard to choose just one. It was a beautiful and classic cheesecake, tangy and sweet, with a velvety smooth and rich texture.I added my homemade caramel sauce and served it for Easter.

Perfect Cheesecake.jpg

adapted from Perfect Cheesecake by Simply recipes for Baking Partners GROUP April 2013

Crust
2 cups of Graham cracker crumbs (I used a combo of ginger snaps and vanilla wafers)
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch sea salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (if using salted butter, omit the pinch of salt), melted
Filling
32 ounces cream cheese at room temperature and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of Sea salt
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla
4 large eggs
2/3 cup regular sour cream
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Topping – I omitted to help cut down on the cholesterol since I was adding the caramel sauce
2 cups regular sour cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

CRUST PREPARATION

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place a 9 inch spring form pan on a large sheet of heavy duty foil.  Smooth foil up the sides rolling at the top edge.  You are basically making your pan water proof.
  • Grind the graham crackers and/or ginger snaps in a food processor until finely ground.
  • In a large bowl stir together the crackers, sugar and salt. With your hands blend in the melted butter until you have a uniform consistency.
  • Press the cracker crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.

FILLING PREPARATION

  • Cream the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the sugar and beat for a few minutes more.
  • Add the salt and vanilla, beating until well blended after each addition.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition.
  • Add the sour cream, beating until well blended.
  • Add the heavy cream, beating until well blended.
  • Scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl scraping up any thicker bits of cream cheese that has stuck to the sides or bottom.

BAKING

  • Place the foil-wrapped springform pan in a large, high-sided roasting pan.
  • Pour about 2 quarts of boiling water around the pan.
  • Pour the prepared cream cheese filling into the springform pan over the cracker crust.
  • Smooth the filling level.
  • Bake on the lower rack of your oven.
  • Carefully pour the hot water into the roasting pan creating a water bath for the cheesecake. Pour enough water to reach halfway up the side of the springform pan.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Turn off the oven.
  • Crack open the oven door 1-inch or so, and let the cake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Slow cooling this way helps prevent cracking in the cheesecake.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and discard the foil.
  • With a fresh piece of foil, tent the cheesecake so that the foil doesn’t actually touch the cheesecake.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.

TOPPING PREPARATION

  • In a large mixing bowl cream together the sour cream, powdered sugar and vanilla, until well blended.
  • Chill topping mixture until you are ready to serve the cake.

PREPARE THE CAKE FOR SERVING

  • Run a table knife around the inside edge of the spring form pan to release anything that might have stuck during baking.
  • Remove outer pan ring.
  • Spread the sour cream topping evenly on cheesecake.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve.
  • Enjoy.

CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup sugar
2+ tablespoons water

  • Combine the cream and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • In a medium saucepan cook the corn syrup over a medium heat until bubbly.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to cook until the edges begin to turn a light amber color.
  • Add in 1/4 cup sugar more and repeat until all the sugar is blended in.
  • Continue cooking until amber color darkens stirring constantly.
  • Remove from the heat and carefully fold in the cream mixture.
  • Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until caramel is bubbling.
  • Serve warm.

Makes 1 1/2 cups. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
NOTE: Microwave20-30 seconds to soften refrigerated caramel before serving.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN w/ LEMON GARLIC GREEN ONION TAHINI (Lemon Sesame Sauce)

PAN SEARED CHICKEN w/ LEMON GARLIC GREEN ONION TAHINI (Lemon Sesame Sauce)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
sea salt and pepper
1/2 cup Panko crumbs
1 JUMBO egg
Baby Spinach
3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup tahini
6 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons safflower oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sour cream
3 green onions, minced

  • Spread sesame seeds on cookie sheet and bake until fragrant.  8-10 minutes.
  • Shake frequently.
  • DO NOT BROWN. COOL!
  • Add sesame seeds and oil to a small food processor.  Blend until a smooth paste forms.
  • Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, green onions and 1 tablespoon sour cream blending until smooth.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Pound chicken breasts thin.
  • Beat egg to use as a wash on chicken breasts.
  • After egg washing chicken, dredge in Panko crumbs.
  • In a large skillet melt butter until sizzling.
  • Add chicken pieces and sear on both sides until cooked through.  About 4-6 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken.  Keep warm.
  • Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to pan and spinach.  Saute lightly.
  • Plate spinach and then chicken.
  • Top with Tahini Sauce.

Bacon, Meatball & Sun Dried Tomato Carbonara Lasagna

Where do you do your best thinking? For me I usually have my best ideas in the shower or the pool or while I’m driving or … – LOL it always seems to be someplace where paper and pen are NOT handy. I always tell myself I’ll remember, but then the errands and appointments take over and many times I forget for days on end if I remember at all.

Fortunately I remembered this one.  I will be making this one MANY times over! 

Note: A while back I started using Ronzoni oven ready lasagna noodles.  I love them. They turn out perfect EVERY time and you don’t have mess with noodles tearing or being hot and sticky!

BACON, MEATBALL & SUN DRIED TOMATO CARBONARA LASAGNA

MEATBALLS
1 pound ground chuck
1/2 sleeve saltine crackers
1 teaspoon Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 JUMBO egg
4 green onions, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

    • With your hands blend together all ingredients until well mixed.
    • Form 1/2 inch meatballs.
    • Brown meatballs over a medium heat until outsides are seared well.
  • Drain on paper towels.

FILLING
15 ounces whole milk Ricotta cheese
1 JUMBO egg
1 teaspoon Italian herbs

  • Whisk together and set aside.

SAUCE
1 batch Alfredo sauce (recipe below)
3 tablespoons Classico Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

    • Prepare Alfredo sauce per recipe below.

ASSEMBLY

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Spread a nice layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
    • Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
    • Add a layer of ricotta filling.
    • Add meatballs in a single layer.
    • Top with the remaining ricotta filling.
    • Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
    • Add another layer of lasagna noodles.
  • Spread remaining sauce on top of noodles.
    • Sprinkle a nice layer of mozzarella cheese on top about 2 cups finely grated, cover and bake 35 minutes.
    • Remove lid and bake 10 more minutes until top is golden .
  • Let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting into.

ALFREDO SAUCE
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic, jar
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/2 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • Melt butter in a saucepan.
    • Add garlic and saute until fragrant. 
    •  Gradually add heavy cream, stirring constantly. 
    • Stir in salt, pepper and grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until melted. 
  • Whisk in egg quickly and heat through.