Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Crescent Bake



This recipe from Pillsbury is a mix of convenience and fresh ingredients.  

Fast, easy enough for beginners and looks delicious!







Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped 
1 box (9 oz) frozen broccoli cuts
1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken 
1 jar (15 oz) four cheese Alfredo pasta sauce
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (4 oz) 
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls


Directions

Heat oven to 375°F.

Spray (2-quart) 11x7-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook chopped bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon drippings.

Microwave broccoli as directed on box. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in the same skillet . . . add mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in bacon, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, cheese and pepper until well blended. Transfer into baking dish.

Separate dough. Starting at short side of triangle, roll each triangle up halfway and arrange over top of hot filling, alternate triangles to fit in baking dish.

Bake 22 to 26 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown.

Cover with foil last 10 minutes of bake time.













Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Corn Muffins in Poblano Cups




Here is a recipe for something unusual and delicious looking.  The Captain and I love using poblano peppers and often use it in place of or together with green pepper since we love the spicy taste.

Can't wait to try this recipe that comes from Food.com (link follows recipe).






Ingredients


cooking spray
1 (7 ounce) box corn muffin mix (recommend Jiffy)
1⁄2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 (7 ounce) jar chopped pimiento
3 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
6 poblano peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded



Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions, add cheese, pimentos and cilantro.

Place poblano pepper halves on prepared baking sheet and fill each pepper with an equal amount of corn muffin mix.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in 1 muffin comes out clean. Serve and enjoy!

Raspberry Pie Squares





This is one of those recipes that can be used as a guide.  Instead of making the crust yourself, you could use frozen pastry sheets, use pre-made pie filling, frozen fruit or substitute the type of filling.

Taste of Home is the photo and recipe source, link follows recipe.





Ingredients


3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 cups cold butter
1/2 to 1 cup cold water

FILLING:
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
5 teaspoons heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon coarse sugar




Directions

Combine flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.

Divide dough in half so that one portion is slightly larger than the other; wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1-1/4 hours or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 375°. 

Roll out larger portion of dough between two large sheets of waxed paper into a 17x12-in. rectangle. Transfer to an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan and press pastry onto the bottom and up the sides of pan. Trim pastry even with edges.

Filling: in a large bowl, combine sugar, flour and salt . . . add raspberries and lemon juice . . . toss to coat. Spoon over pastry.

Roll out remaining pastry and place over filling. Trim and seal edges, cut slits in pastry. Brush top with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. 

Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. 

Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares.Yield: 24 servings.

Editor's Note: If using frozen raspberries, use without thawing to avoid discoloring the batter.



Recipe and Photo Source
Originally published as Raspberry Pie Squares in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2011, p218






Monday, June 13, 2016

Lemony Grilled Chicken



Love grilled chicken that has been marinated overnight.  The chicken picks up the flavors and brings a moisture like nothing else.

The reviews on this recipe are awesome and sounds like a winner.

This recipe comes from Taste of Home, one of my favorite food websites!







Ingredients

1 cup olive oil
2/3 cup lemon juice
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 medium onions, chopped
8 chicken drumsticks (2 pounds)
8 bone-in chicken thighs (2 pounds)



Directions

Whisk the first five ingredients until blended; stir in onions. 

Pour 1-1/2 cups marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. 

Add chicken, seal bag and turn to coat. 

Refrigerate overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.

Prepare grill for indirect heat. 

Drain chicken, discarding marinade in bag. 

Place chicken on grill rack, skin side up. 

Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat 15 minutes. 

Turn; grill 15-20 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 170°-175°, basting occasionally with reserved marinade. 

Yield: 8 servings.
Originally published as Dad's Lemony Grilled Chicken in Taste of Home June/July 2013




Sunday, June 12, 2016

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake



Chicken and rice meals are among my favorites and I love the twist of cheddar cheese in this recipe that comes from Pillsbury.

It looks delicious and I can't wait to make it!





Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
1 package (14 oz) chicken tenders (not breaded), cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
2 1/2 cups Progresso™ chicken stock (from 32-oz carton)
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
Chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, if desired




Directions

Heat oven to 375°F. 

Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. 

Mix melted butter and bread crumbs until well mixed in small bowl. Set aside.

Mix chicken, rice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chicken stock and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese in the baking dish until well mixed.

Bake 45 to 50 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese and the bread crumb mixture evenly over rice mixture. Bake about 5 minutes or until crumbs are light golden brown.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley.







Friday, June 10, 2016

Raspberry-Lemonade Cake



This cake looks and sounds delicious and uses the best of convenience foods to make it quick and easy to prepare.

Love the idea of a poke cake and the addition of frosting and Cool Whip . . . can't wait to try this!

This recipe and photo comes from Betty Crocker.




Ingredients

1 cup very hot water
1 box (4-serving size) Jell-O™ raspberry-flavored gelatin
1 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ white cake mix
1/2 cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate
1/4 cup water 
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 egg whites
1 container Betty Crocker™ Whipped vanilla frosting
1 cup Cool Whip™ frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, if desired
Lemon peel strips, if desired



Directions

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). 

Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. 

Mix hot water and gelatin until gelatin is completely dissolved.  Cool slightly.
Beat cake mix, 1/4 cup of the gelatin mixture, 1/4 cup of the lemonade concentrate, the water, oil and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan. 

Reserve remaining gelatin mixture and lemonade concentrate.
Bake 25 to 31 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Poke warm cake every inch with fork tines. Remove 1 tablespoon of the reserved gelatin mixture to microwavable small bowl.  In another bowl, mix remaining gelatin mixture and remaining 1/4 cup lemonade concentrate and pour slowly over cake. 

Cool completely, about 1 hour.
Fold together frosting and whipped topping.  Frost cake. 

Microwave 1 tablespoon gelatin mixture uncovered on High 10 seconds to liquefy. Place small drops of gelatin mixture over frosting; with spoon or toothpick, swirl gelatin into frosting. 

Garnish each piece with raspberries and lemon peel strips. 

Store covered in refrigerator.


Pork Chop Basics



Pork chops are one of my favorite meals to cook, so versatile and delicious.

If you are interested in everything you ever wanted to know about pork chops, click here for an excellent article from Pillsbury . . . click here for "Skillet Pork Chops 7 Ways" from Betty Crocker.

In addition to the basics of pork chops, the article includes some yummy recipes.




Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Foil Pack



Talk about a loaded potato!  The possibilities are endless with these foil pack potatoes.  Add the ingredients you love.

This recipe is meant for the grill, but of course it will work nicely in the oven. Simple and convenient made wonderful!

This recipe and photo comes from Betty Crocker.com!







Ingredients

1 1/2 lb small (two-bite) Yukon gold potatoes, halved
4 teaspoons oil
2 tablespoons ranch dip mix (from 1-oz package)
1 jalapeño chile, seeded, finely chopped
4 slices cooked bacon, coarsely chopped 
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)



Directions

Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut 2 (18x12-inch) sheets of heavy-duty foil. Spray with cooking spray.
Drizzle cut potatoes with oil and sprinkle with ranch dip mix. Add jalapeño chile; stir until evenly coated. Place equal amount of mixture on center of each sheet of foil. Evenly sprinkle with bacon.
Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet and seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold.  Fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.
Place packs on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 12 minutes. Rotate packs 1/2 turn and cook 12 to 14 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender. 

Remove packs from grill, cut large X across top of each pack. Carefully fold back foil, and sprinkle potatoes with cheese. If desired, garnish with sliced jalapeño chile.

To make in oven, place packets on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees 40 to 45 minutes.



Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Pineapple Cheesecake Dessert



Here's a recipe that you can go to for quick and easy.  The only real time is waiting for it to chill and firm up in the refrigerator.

The recipe and photo come from the Kraft Foods website.

If it's got cream cheese, it's got to be good!




Ingredients

2 cups BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped PLANTERS Pecans
3 Tbsp. flour
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1 env. (1/4 oz.) KNOX Unflavored Gelatine
1/4 cup cold water
3 tubs (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1/2 cup sugar
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, drained with 1/2 cup juice reserved
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed



Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

Combine coconut, nuts, flour and butter; press onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake 15 min.

Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatine over water in small saucepan; let stand 1 min. Cook on low heat 5 min. or until gelatin is completely dissolved, stirring occasionally.

Beat cream cheese spread and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually beat in gelatine and reserved pineapple juice. Gently stir in pineapple and COOL WHIP; pour over crust. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

Chinese Cooking Essentials



One of my favorite dishes is fried rice.  In all my years of trying to perfect making it, I still have not reached that goal.  

It seems like maybe I have not spent enough time studying the concepts of chinese cooking.  After reading an excellent article from The Cooking Channel on Chinese Cooking Essentials, the realization hit me that I am way too under informed about ingredients used.

Click here to go to the article from The Cooking Channel.



Sweet and Sour Barbequed Chicken




These delicious looking grilled chicken drumsticks come from Kelsey Nixon of  The Cooking Channel.

Love sweet and sour with the added dimension of spicy hot.  Looks like an awesome recipe that reminds me of Bourbon Chicken.

A great addition to your chicken recipe collection :)  I would also use the marinade for pork or seafood.


Ingredients

8 medium chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 to 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 cup marmalade
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes



Directions

Sprinkle the chicken with some salt and pepper and let sit for 10 minutes. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag. 


Combine 1/2 cup of the apple cider vinegar, the vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and thyme. Pour the mixture over the chicken, seal the bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate from 2 hours to 8 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Combine remaining cup apple cider vinegar, marmalade, mustard, sugar, salt and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook about 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is slightly thickened. Set aside until ready to use.

Prepare an outdoor charcoal grill to medium-high heat.  Placing the coals on one side of the grill for direct and indirect heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Grill the chicken on the direct heat until charred on all sides, about 8 minutes per side, turning and basting often. Finish the wings on the indirect heat side until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F, the wings will be golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes.

Cook's Note: If you are traveling from a prep area to another grilling destination, pack an On the Go Grilling bag. Some suggested items to make the cooking cleaner and easier is to include things like heat-resistant gloves, matches, mini cutting board, salt, pepper towels, tongs, disposable gloves, paper towels, knife, trash bags, newspaper and kitchen shears or scissors.



Recipe courtesy of Kelsey Nixon
Show: Kelsey's Essentials

Monday, June 6, 2016

Mexican Stuffed Chicken Breasts




This chicken really looks yummy.  I can see serving it on a bed of savory mexican rice along with a salad.

Seems like an easy prep, even for a beginner.  I would not change a thing!

This recipe comes from the kitchens of Betty Crocker, always an awesome choice for finding great recipes.






Ingredients

Chicken
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (4 oz)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 oz each) 
2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (4 medium) 
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves



Directions

Heat oven to 400°F. 

Line large, rimmed sheet pan with foil. 

Place wire rack on top of foil and spray with cooking spray.

Mix pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, chiles and 1 tablespoon of the taco seasoning mix. 

Cut 3-inch-long pocket to within 1/4 inch of opposite side of breast on the thick side of each chicken breast

Spoon about 1/3 cup cheese mixture into pocket of each chicken breast. Try to secure chicken up and over stuffing to keep filling from spilling out during cooking. Secure with toothpicks.

Mix remaining taco seasoning mix and the olive oil. 

Place chicken on rack and brush with oil mixture.

Roast uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until stuffing reaches internal temperature of 160°F. 

Top chicken breasts with mozzarella cheese. 

Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Sprinkle each breast with green onions and cilantro.





BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe



Love the twist on the traditional macaroni salad!

Sounds delicious, although I am not sure about the chili sauce.





Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chili sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
3 cups shredded lettuce
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled



Directions

Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl.  

Add the macaroni, tomatoes and onions; toss to coat. 

Cover and refrigerate. 

Just before serving, add lettuce and bacon; toss to coat. 


Yield: 6 servings.


Source:  Taste of Home
Originally published as BLT Macaroni Salad in Country Extra May 2000, p51

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Italian Chicken Braid



Doesn't it look delicious?  Great for a meal or appetizer, brought to you by the Pillsbury kitchens.

Quick, easy and delicious is what I love about this recipe.  It is also a starting point recipe with lots of room for versatility.  I would love to include fresh mushrooms.  

A great recipe for beginners in the kitchen who want to impress their guests.








Ingredients

    • 1 box (8 oz) Green Giant™ Simply Steam™ frozen garden vegetable medley
    • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast 
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
    • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese 
    • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 
    • 2 cans Pillsbury™ refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheet 
    • 1 egg white, beaten


Directions

Heat oven to 375°F. 

Line large cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

Microwave frozen vegetables using directions from the box, 2 to 3 minutes to thaw.

Mix vegetables, chicken, Parmesan and mascarpone cheeses in large bowl; stir in Italian seasoning.

  • Unroll both dough sheets on the cookie sheet, overlapping long sides to make 15x13-inch rectangle and press seam to seal. 
  • Spoon chicken mixture in the center center of the rectangle in 6-inch-wide strip. 
  • Make cuts 1 inch apart on each long side of rectangle to within 1/2 inch of filling. 
  • Fold strips of dough diagonally over filling, alternating from side to side and pressing to seal. 
  • Brush with beaten egg white.
Bake 22 to 28 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes.





Thursday, May 12, 2016

Sloppy Shrimp and Shrimp Stock recipes




Jimmy Buffett's sister Lulu was a guest on this morning's "Cooking with Friends" on the Fox and Friends morning show.  What a personality!  We would love to visit her restaurant if we are ever in the Florida panhandle area. I wonder if they have a burger on the menu called "Cheeseburger in Paradise" . . . I bet they do! Check out the link below for more information on her restaurant, cookbook and more recipes. 

I want her cookbook! . . . OK, so I couldn't resist, I just went to Amazon and bought the cookbook :)  Can't wait to get it!!!

She had our mouths watering with her recipe for Sloppy Shrimp and also provided her recipe for shrimp stock.






"If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you’ll love these recipes from Jimmy Buffett’s sister Lucy! Her cookbook “Lulu’s Kitchen: A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life” features these recipes and more, inspired by her coastal Southern roots and Grandma’s cooking! Learn more about Lucy, her cookbook, and her restaurant Lulu’s by clicking here."

Fox and Friends website



SLOPPY SHRIMP




Sloppy Seasoning Mix:
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. white pepper
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. paprika


Ingredients:

1 stick, plus 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
½ c. olive oil
2 tbsp. fresh garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
½ c. dark beer, room temperature
½ c. Shrimp Stock (recipe below)
2 lbs. large headless shrimp in the shells
1 tbsp. LuLu’s Perfect Pepper Hot Sauce™
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp. fresh parsley, minced
1 loaf French bread or 4 hot dog buns


Instructions:


In a small bowl, combine all seasoning mix ingredients. Set aside.

Melt 1 stick of butter with olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet large enough to fit shrimp without overcrowding. When butter and oil begin to sizzle, add garlic and rosemary. Stir once. Add seasoning mix and stir once.

Add beer and shrimp stock, shaking skillet to marry the oil and liquid. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring or shaking the skillet constantly.

Add shrimp. Stir to coat and sauté or shake pan, turning shrimp, for 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to turn pink. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Stir well and cook for 1 minute. Do not overcook shrimp!

Quickly remove shrimp with a slotted spoon to 4 soup bowls. Ladle liquid over shrimp and serve immediately with crusty French bread and a roll of paper towels.

SHRIMP STOCK

Makes about 4 quarts

Ingredients:
Heads, tails, and shells from 5 pounds of peeled shrimp – or – tails and shells from 4 pounds of shrimp and 1 pound shrimp in the shell
6 qts. water
3 onions, chopped into large chunks
6 ribs celery, chopped into large chunks
1 bunch green onions, chopped into large pieces
Handful of parsley with stems, thoroughly washed
2 lemons, sliced into ¼ -inch rounds
1 tsp. whole black
Peppercorns
1 whole clove garlic

Instructions:

Run cold water over shrimp heads and shells (or shrimp if using them). Place all ingredients into an 8-quart stockpot over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or until stock is simmering. Skim foamoff the top. Continue to skim as needed.

Cook stock for 2 hours or until stock is reduced to about 4 quarts.
Place uncovered stockpot in an empty sink. Fill sink with water and ice around the stockpot. Stir stock every 15 minutes until completely cooled. Strain stock and refrigerate or freeze immediately.


LULU’S CRAZY CREOLA SEASONING

Makes ½ cup

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. salt
2 tbsp. granulated garlic
4 tsp. granulated onion
¼ c. paprika
1½ tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. white pepper
½ tsp. dried thyme leaves
½ tsp. dried oregano leaves

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.


Excerpted from the book LULU’S KITCHEN by Lucy Buffett. Copyright © 2007, 2016 by Lucy Buffett. Reprinted with permission of Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved.