Friday, February 23, 2024

Red Beans and Rice

 


Anything beans and rice is ok with me!

I'm not sure about the tomatoes, but I will trust Lana and at least try it.

Check out her blog . . . click here







Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion (1 medium or 1/2 a large)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 green bell pepper (1 medium or 1/2 a large)
  • 3 ribs celery
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 3/4 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 32 ounces canned light red kidney beans drained (2 cans)
  • 29 ounces canned diced tomatoes in juice (2 cans)
  • 14 ounces turkey kielbasa sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup rice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Tabasco optional, to finish

Instructions

  • In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
  • Add the chopped veggies and saute until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the thyme, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the beans, tomatoes with their juice, kielbasa, and bay leaf.
  • Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover and let it simmer while you prepare the rice.

For the rice:

  • Bring the water to a boil, add salt (about 1/2 tsp) and rice.
  • Stir well, reduce heat to low and cover.
  • Cook approximately 20-22 minutes until all water is absorbed.
  • Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.

To serve:

  • Spoon 1/2 to 1 cup rice into each individual bowl.
  • Spoon the red bean mixture over the rice.
  • Add a few splashes of Tabasco if desired.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Skinny Rotisserie Chicken and Grits Casserole

 




I have never put cream cheese in grits, but it sounds like a good idea to try.  

I'm not convinced about bbq sauce for a garnish!



Source: https://www.theseasonedmom.com/skinny-rotisserie-chicken-grits-casserole/


Ingredients

  • 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
  • ¾ cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup 2 ounces finely-grated Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter 
  • 3 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 ½ cups about 9 ounces diced rotisserie chicken
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray an 11-inch by 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

    Combine milk and broth in a medium heavy saucepan; bring to a boil. Gradually add grits and salt to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk.

      Cook for 5 minutes, or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in Cheddar, butter, and cream cheese until smooth.

      Stir in egg whites and chicken.

        Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.

          Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes, or until set.

            Just before serving, drizzle with barbecue sauce and garnish with green onions.


            Wednesday, February 21, 2024

            Homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

             


            The perfect comfort food that comes from Cracker Barrel Restaurant, one of my favorites.  I've had this dish many times at the restaurant.  It will be awesome to make it myself.

            Click here for the source recipe page with more photos and complete description from the website All Free Copycat Recipes.



            Ingredients


            • For the Chicken Stock:
            • 1 chicken, whole or cut up
            • 3 carrots, peeled and cut in half
            • 4 stalks of celery, cut in half
            • 1 onion, peeled and cut in half
            • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
            • 2 teaspoons dried sage
            • Salt and pepper to taste
            •  
            • For the Dumplings:
            • 2 cups flour
            • 1 teaspoon baking powder
            • 1 teaspoon salt
            • 3 tablespoons crisco
            • 3/4 cup milk
            •  
            • 2 carrots, chopped (optional)
            • 2 stalks of celery, chopped (optional)
            • 1 small onion
            • 2 teaspoon dried sage
                   Salt and pepper to taste


            To Make the Chicken Stock:

            Place all ingredients for the chicken stock in a large stock pot. Fill with water until all the ingredients are covered.

            Bring the ingredients to a light simmer and let simmer over low heat for about 2 hours. Then remove the pieces of chicken and set aside. 

            Strain the rest of the stock, discarding all the vegetables.

            After the chicken cools, cut it into pieces or shred it, depending on how you like your chicken and dumplings.


            To Make the Dumplings:

            Mix together all of the dumpling ingredients in a mixing bowl until they come together and form a ball. 

            Add more flour if dough is too sticky and more milk if dough is too dry.

            Place the ball of dough on a floured surface. 

            Knead a few times until smooth. 

            Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is about 1/8 inch thick.

            Cut the rolled out dough into slices, then smaller bite-sized pieces. These will be your dumplings.


            To Assemble:

            Heat the remaining ingredients in a large pot with 6 cups of the strained stock. 

            Add the reserved chicken. 

            Add more water if the ingredients are not covered. Bring to a boil.Put the heat on low and add the cut-up dumplings.

            Simmer on low for 30 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through and the broth has thickened.

            If the broth is not thick enough, create a slurry by mixing together 1 teaspoon of flour and a 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Then whisk into the broth and let simmer an additional 5 minutes.

            Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Pot Pie

             




            Love biscuits and gravy with sausage, they are one of my favorite comfort foods.  This recipe is fast and easy, but if time is not a problem, I would make homemade biscuits.

            Check out Judith's food blog, Bake at Midnite for lots of awesome recipes.  Go to the recipe source page, click here.









            Ingredients

            1 pkg (8) refrigerated biscuits
            16 oz. ground breakfast sausage
            2 1/2 cups milk
            3 tbsp butter
            1/4 cup flour
            1 tsp salt
            1/2 tsp pepper


            Instructions

            Brown sausage meat, breaking up lumps. Drain and set aside.

            Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut each biscuit into quarters. 

            Place HALF of the cut up biscuits on the bottom of a 1.5 quart casserole dish.

            Bake for 10 minutes. 

            Meanwhile, prepare sausage gravy by melting butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. 

            Add flour (make a roux) and whisk so there are no lumps. Cook roux over medium heat about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. While whisking, add milk slowly, making sure there are no lumps. Add salt and pepper. Cook sauce until it begins to thicken. 

            Add cooked sausage.

            Remove baking dish with partially-baked biscuits from the oven. Pour sausage gravy on top of biscuit crust. Place remaining biscuits on top of the casserole; return to oven and bake an additional 25-30 minutes, or until top biscuits are golden brown.


            Tuesday, February 20, 2024

            Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Bake

             

            Photo Source:  Back For Seconds - Recipes You Can't Resist


            Quick and easy . . . looks delicious!

            Another recipe using rotisserie chicken and great for freezing.

            Check out Stephanie's blog for the recipe: 







            Monday, February 19, 2024

            Honey Garlic Chicken

             



            Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-have recipe in my opinion.  

            Find this recipe and more at:





            Cheddar Parmesean Scalloped Potatoes

             


            Photo source: gimmesomeoven.com


            Potatoes always get my attention!

            I need to get away from those boxed potato mixtures, this type of recipe is so much better.

            Click here to go to the recipe source page.






            Sunday, February 18, 2024

            Italian Crescent Casserole

             


            Another delicious recipe using crescent rolls.  I'm going to try Laura's recipe that looks quick and easy.

            The only thing I would do different is add italian sausage.

            Click here to go to the recipe source page at Real Mom Kitchen.  It is a great source for delicious recipes!





            Teriyaki Chicken & Rice

             

            Photo source: www.whilehewasnapping.com

            This is one of those recipes that calls for the cook's judgment in amounts of some of the ingredients.  For example, the chicken.  I would buy a rotisserie chicken and cut up an appropriate amount for the amount of rice you will be making.  

            In my opinion, I would not cook everything together.  Cut up rotisserie chicken, make a pot of rice and make the sauce, then assemble all together. 

            Just my opinion!  It sounds delicious and I can't wait to make it.



            Source: https://www.whilehewasnapping.com/2011/03/20-minute-teriyaki-chicken-rice/



            Ingredients:

            Pre-cooked Chicken  
            Rice
            1/4 cup Brown Sugar
            1/4 cup Soy Sauce
            3 Tbsp of Ketchup
            1/4 cup water

            Directions:

            In a bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, water and ketchup.  Stir until well blended.  Set aside.  

            Measure out enough rice to feed your family and measure out the correct amount of liquid for your rice.
              

            I should have almost a cup of teriyaki sauce mixed in my bowl.  I will then need approximately 3 more cups of water.  If you want a stronger teriyaki flavor simply increase the amount of sauce you prepare and decrease the extra water accordingly.  

            Pour the teriyaki sauce in the rice cooker.  Add the extra water.  

            Dice the chicken and dump it in the cooker as well.  Set the cooker to cook and walk away.  Serve when the switch flips from “cook” to “warm”, at least that’s what mine does.  I usually serve it with steamed veggies or mix the veggies right in.  

            Super simple and prep time is like ten minutes max.


            Sesame Chicken Potstickers

             

            Photo Source: damndelicious.net

            Love Asian food!  I've never made potstickers and look forward to giving it a try.

            This is another recipe that is perfect for making a batch and putting some in the freezer for another meal if you are cooking for one or two.

            Click here to go to the recipe source page.  Check out the rest of damndelicious.net recipes, this website is outstanding and must not be missed.



            Wednesday, February 14, 2024

            Southern Potato Bake

             


            Delicious, fast and easy!

            A potato casserole is comfort food at its best.  

            Check this one out . . .

            Click here for the source recipe page from Mr. Food's website, one of my favorites.




            What You'll Need


            • 1 (10-1/2-ounce) can cream of broccoli soup
            • 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
            • 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
            • 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
            • 1 stick butter, melted, divided
            • 1 (32-ounce) package frozen southern-style hash browns
            • 1 teaspoon salt
            • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
            • 1/2 cup corn flakes, coarsely crushed

            What to Do


            1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
            2. In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, and 1/2 stick butter; mix well. Stir in hash browns, salt, and pepper; pour into baking dish.
            3. In a small bowl, combine corn flakes and remaining butter; mix well. Sprinkle over potatoes.
            4. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.





            Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipes

             


            Here are links to more than just one more chicken recipe.  

            If you love enchiladas, this post is for you!

            Yes, I love chicken.




            Chicken Enchilada Casseroles

            • 4-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole  - The 4-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe is a great choice for a quick and easy Mexican chicken casserole. While it's easy to make, it's also easy on your budget.
               
            • Smothered Chicken Enchilada Bake - Chicken enchiladas are wonderful any day of the week. Take this Smothered Chicken Enchilada Bake for a test drive on the day of your choosing.
               
            • Cheesy Mexican Chicken Casserole - This Cheesy Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe incorporates three kinds of cheese and green chillies. It's not only colorful, but packed with flavor!
               
            • "Layered" Chicken Enchiladas - If you are in the mood for chicken, try "Layered" Chicken Enchiladas. This Mexican casserole is made in layers like lasagna.
               
            • Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole - Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole redefines the enchilada casserole. The crumbly, cheesy tortilla crust may just be the best part.
               
            • Easy Chicken Enchilada Bake - Easy Chicken Enchilada Bake is one of the tastiest recipes for chicken enchilada casserole. You can throw it together quickly, so it makes for a great weeknight meal.

             

            Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Recipes

            • 5-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole (shown) - This 5-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a very zesty meal! This slow cooker casserole calls for red enchilada sauce, boneless chicken breast, olives and Cheddar cheese, with a bottom layer of tortillas.
               
            • Slow Cooker Cornbread Chicken Enchiladas - This Mexican enchilada casserole has got it all: an enchilada base and a cornbread topping. You can't pass up chicken enchilada casserole recipes like this one.
               
            • Chicken Enchilada Slow Cooker Casserole - This Chicken Enchilada Slow Cooker Casserole is a colorful and tasty chicken enchilada casserole recipe, made with chicken, sour cream, salsa, tortillas, olives and other delicious ingredients.

             

            Chicken Enchilada Recipes

            • Chicken and Chile Enchiladas - Made with roasted chicken, fresh spices, diced green chili peppers, sour cream and cheese, this Mexican enchilada casserole is spicy and delicious.
               
            • Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas with Black Beans - Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas With Black Beans is sure to be satisfying. There's no chicken soup in sight, just fresh ingredients. This Mexican meal will really make you say, "Wow."
               
            • Skinny Chicken Enchiladas - If you're in search of low-fat Mexican casserole, this recipe for Skinny Chicken Enchiladas is a tasty option.
               
            • Creamy Chicken and Chile Enchiladas - This casserole is like one big enchilada that everyone will enjoy. Topped with green chili peppers, this enchilada casserole really has a kick to it.
               
            • Chicken Enchilada with Avocado Cream Sauce (shown) - This Chicken Enchilada with Avocado Cream Sauce is a great way to spice up any meal. The creamy avocado sauce is so delicious and tastes like it could be served in a four star restaurant.
               
            • Chicken, White Bean, and Chorizo Enchiladas - This is an incredible chicken enchilada casserole recipe that is so easy to make at home.
               
            • Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas - Filled with cheese and moist chicken, this chicken enchilada recipe is a must-have for your dinner menu. By using cans of already made green chili sauce, you cut out time from cooking without cutting the flavor.
               
            • Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas Verdes - Take a break from your run-of-the-mill recipes for chicken enchilada casserole by making recipes for chicken enchilada casserole with spinach!
               
            • Daring Chicken Enchiladas - Daring Chicken Enchiladas is one of the spicier recipes for chicken enchilada casserole because it is made with chili peppers and poblano peppers. 
            SOURCE:  https://www.allfreecasserolerecipes.com/ 


            AND MORE!





            Sunday, June 19, 2022

            Homemade Spice, Seasoning and Gravy Mixes

             



            The cost of everything is getting out of hand.  As a family on a fixed income we are coming up with different things to keep costs down to a minimum.  I don't think we are alone!

            A great start is using our own spice, seasoning and gravy mixes.  I'll add to the following list as I find articles and videos for a wide variety.

            Here's Everything You Need to Make 1- Flavorful Spice Mixes

            10 Homemade Pantry Staples That Save Money


            Homemade seasoning mixes - taco, fiesta, onion soup mix


            More to come!