Pork Fried Rice

 

Fried  rice is one of my favorite meals.  I have many variations on my blog, click on the label "fried rice" to get to all of them.

As for this recipe, I would substitute white rice since I don't care for brown rice.  Also, I would use pork chunks.  I love the idea of cashews!  I typically use bean sprouts or water chestnuts.

Fried rice is one of those recipes you can adapt to your preferences or what is available in your refrigerator.

Source:  https://www.amyscookingadventures.com/2013/04/pork-fried-rice.html

¼ lb Chinese Spiced Sausage, or leftover wonton filling

2 tbsp sesame or canola oil

3 cup cold, leftover brown rice (see note)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 eggs, beaten

2 carrots, grated

½ cup peas

½ cup cashews

2-3 green onions, thinly sliced

Cook the sausage over medium heat until cooked through completely, set aside.

In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Add the rice and lightly fry, 5-7 minutes. 

Create a well in the center of the rice.  Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the beaten eggs.  Cook the eggs, gradually stirring them into the rice.

Add the carrots, peas, and cashews.  Cook for an additional 3-5.  Stir in the green onions and serve.

Serves 6-8 side dish portions

Creamy Chicken Tortellini

 

This is one of those recipes that you can substitute items to use what you have on hand.  

https://bakeatmidnite.com/creamy-chicken-tortellini/

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated tortellini
3 cups rich chicken stock 
1 cup light cream -or- half and half -or- whole milk
2 cups broccoli florets frozen or fresh
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
2 strips crisp-cooked diced bacon

Instructions

In a very large skillet (12-inches minimum) heat chicken stock to boiling.

Add the tortellini, cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 8 minutes.

Add the broccoli florets, cover and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

• Add the cream; stir well to combine.
• 
  

Mix the flour and water well so there are no lumps.

Raise heat to medium and when liquid is hot, stir in the flour/water mixture.

Stirring constantly, bring sauce to boil; reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.

Top with diced bacon.

Butter Cream Chicken

 

This recipe is one of the first I am going to try.  That gravy over mashed potatoes or rice would be perfect.  I've never used ritz crackers as a coating for the chicken, but I would love to try it out.

I will be checking out Jamie's blog for more awesome recipes!

Source:  https://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/02/butter-cream-chicken/

INGREDIENTS

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 sleeves ritz crackers
• 5-8 Tb olive oil
• 4 Tb butter
• 1 C chicken broth
• 1 C half and half + 2 Tb, divided
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 2 Tb cornstarch
• salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut your chicken up into chunks with some kitchen scissors. I usually cut each breast into thirds or sometimes fourths depending on the size of the breast.

 

2. Place your chicken into a gallon sized ziploc bag and seal the bag. Pound the chicken flat with a meat mallet. 

3. Grind the Ritz Crackers into crumbs in a small food processor. Place them in a shallow pan, I find a loaf pan to work best for this step. 

4. Press each chicken piece into the crumbs, being sure to coat both sides generously. Place each coated chicken piece on a plate.

 

5. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Once it is good and hot, pour about 5 tablespoons Olive Oil into your pan.

 

6. Let your oil heat up just for 30 seconds or so, and then put the chicken carefully in the pan. Don't crowd it now. You'll need to cook the chicken in two batches. 

7. Let the chicken cook until it's nice and golden brown on the bottom, should take about 3-4 minutes. Turn each piece with a fork and allow it to cook on the other side. The chicken is done when it's no longer pink inside. 

8. Remove the chicken to a separate plate and cook your second batch of chicken, adding another few tablespoons of oil to the pan before you add the chicken. 

9. Once you have cooked all of the chicken you'll have some beautiful crispy treasures left in the pan. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup chicken broth to the pan allowing the butter to melt. Whisk the mixture around a bit, scraping the bottom of the pan to break the crispy pieces loose.

 

10. Add 1 cup half and half and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Whisk it around to incorporate and allow it to come to a boil. 

11. Into a small bowl pour 2 tablespoons half and half and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir it around until smooth.

12. Pour the cornstarch mixture into your pan and stir it with a whisk. Allow it to return to a boil as it heats it will thicken into a nice smooth sauce of wonder and bliss.

13. Remove it from the heat, give it a taste and add a bit of salt and pepper to you liking.

Cheesy Taco Bake

 

Fast and easy meal.  Love Bisquick recipes!

Source: https://sweetlittlebluebird.com/cheesy-taco-bake/

Ingredients

• 2 cups Bisquick Original Mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
• 1 to 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (cooked and excess fat drained)
• 16 oz  jar chunky salsa 
• 11 oz can mexicorn, drain excess liquid
• 1 packet low sodium taco seasoning (1 to 1.25 oz packet)
• 2 cups finely shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix Bisquick, water and cilantro.Mix until all dry ingredients are gone – dough will be soft and form a ball. Spread/press dough mixture evenly in bottom of baking dish. Set aside.

Cook beef in large skillet over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until brown and ready. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning, mix well. Next add salsa and corn, mix. Spoon beef mixture evenly over dough.

Bake on middle rack of oven for 22-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Check the center with a toothpick and make sure it comes out clean. Once ready, remove from oven, top with cheese and place back in oven for a couple of minutes, just until cheese has melted.