Blue Cheese and Chive Dip from Tyler Florence

Tyler Florence always has the best recipes!  I wish they would bring his cooking shows back to the Food Network on a regular basis . . . love his demonstrations.

I never would have thought to make a dip with blue cheese, but why not?  It is my favorite salad dressing and serve it along with one of our favorite chicken dishes, Buffalo Chicken and Roasted Potatoes.  In fact, I may serve this dip the next time I make that chicken.

This dip would make an awesome compliment to spicy hot chips like the Captain likes.  But I still don't buy the sweet potato chips with this dip . . .

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1-1/2 tbsp.honey
• 1 tsp.lemon juice, or to taste
• 1 tbsp.finely chopped chives, or to taste
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• Sweet potato chips

DIRECTIONS

Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix. Season dip with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with sweet potato chips.

This recipe is courtesy of People.com's CelebFood section
Photo Credit: Kana Okada

Scalloped and Mashed Potato Gratin

The Captain and I have been into comfort food since we have been a bit under the weather.  As I was checking out Sandra Lee's website since I was looking for something quick and easy to cook, this semi-homemade potato casserole jumped out at me.

What I really like is the addition of onion soup mix for flavor.  I've used it in dips and slow cooking meat with great results.

As usual, I would use the recipe as a guide since I don't usually like frozen potato products (except for tater tots) and I would use real bacon.  Of course, the convenience foods are what make it semi-homemade, but I'd rather make it more economical and tasty.

Start to Finish: 35 minutes
Cook: 6 servings

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray, Pam®
• 1 bag (24-ounce) frozen cut red potatoes, Ore-Ida® Steam n’ Mash®
• 1⁄3 cup evaporated milk, Carnation®
• 1 tablespoon onion soup mix, Lipton®
• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 11⁄2 cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend, Sargento®
• 1⁄2 cup frozen chopped onions, Ore-Ida®
• 1⁄4 cup real bacon pieces, Hormel®
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• Dash ground nutmeg, McCormick®
• Salt and ground black pepper 
• 1⁄4 cup bread crumbs, Progresso®
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika, McCormick®

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350ºF. 

Lightly spray a 11⁄2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray; set aside.

Microwave potatoes according to package directions. In a bowl, mash half the potatoes with the milk, soup mix, and 1 tablespoon of the butter. 

Spread mashed potatoes evenly into prepared baking dish. 

Sprinkle 1⁄2 cup of the cheese, half the onions, and half the bacon on the mashed potatoes. 

Add half the remaining unmashed potatoes to the dish in an even layer. Repeat layering cheese, onions, and bacon. Top with remaining unmashed potatoes.

In a small saucepan, heat the cream, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste over medium heat to just under a boil; pour over potatoes. 

Sprinkle remaining 1⁄2 cup of cheese on top. In a small bowl, stir together bread crumbs and paprika. 

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter; stir into the bread crumbs. Sprinkle crumbs over the top of casserole. 

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbling and browned.

The Captain's Pork Stew

Who said that leftovers have to be boring?  We had some pork roast left over from our delicious meals of black beans and rice with roast pork.  The Captain made a delicious pork stew out of the leftovers!  I can't tell you how much money we have just thrown down the garbage can until we started coming up with ways to turn one meal into another.  

There are many things you can do with leftover pork roast.  My favorite is to make sandwiches on some good hoagie bread.  How about a pot of any type of beans with the leftover pork thrown in?  I've used them in my famous "Gina's Cuban Style Fried Rice" . . . actually, all types of leftovers end up in that dish!

Ingredients:

1-3 lbs Gina’s Mojo Pork* or your roast pork

1-3 large onions quartered

4-8 medium potatoes cut into bite sized pieces

1-2 heaping tablespoons of minced garlic

½ to 1 12 oz can of tomato sauce

½ to 1 can corn

½ to 1 can peas

Salt

Pepper

2 quarts of water

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil and add the onions, garlic, and potatoes boil for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile slice or shred Gina’s Mojo Pork, keep some of the fat and discard the rest.

Reduce the onions/potato/garlic mixture to a simmer and add Gina’s Mojo Pork. Add just enough tomato sauce to taste. When the stew simmers add salt and pepper to taste.

Occasionally stir the stew. As it cooks it will become long shreds of pork and the sauce will reduce.  When the potatoes have become soft (about 20 minutes), mash them against the side of the pot to break them apart.

Add the corn and peas.  Heat until steaming and serve with biscuits.

  

*The spices used in Gina's Mojo Pork do have an impact on the outcome of the total flavor of the stew.  I highly recommend making the pork for a main meal and using the leftovers for the stew.

This recipe was shared at the following linky parties:

Buffalo Chicken and Roasted Potatoes Casserole

Another awesome chicken recipe!  It seems like since I started the chicken theme a while back, I can't stop myself . . . we love chicken . . . and I still have lots of family recipes that just need photos . . . and those that are in my filing cabinets full of newspaper and magazine clippings.  I always say you can never have enough chicken recipes!

Anyway . . . I love the flavors of buffalo chicken wings, but I just don't like wings.  So I have been on a mission to find recipes that are similar.  

This recipe is a combination of buffalo chicken wings and baked potatoes in a cheesy casserole . . . YUMMY!!!  This is a keeper for sure!!

Just a note about potatoes . . . I have adopted a new way of preparing potatoes. No matter how they will be used in the meal, I cook them partially in the microwave.  I really hate to bite into a potato that is not completely done and they take forever to cook thoroughly.  For this meal, we cubed the potatoes and cooked them in the microwave in a steamer type of container for 2 minutes. Seems to me they soak up the sauce a little better before going into the oven.  

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 3-6 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (depending on your heat preference)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less depending on your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 8 potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup diced green onions
• Blue cheese dressing for dipping sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat hot pepper sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt in a large skillet over low heat, stirring until thoroughly combined. Turn off heat. 

Toss potatoes in the hot pepper sauce mixture to coat, using a slotted spoon to transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish. 

Leave remaining sauce in skillet. Mix chicken into remaining sauce and allow to marinate while potatoes roast.

Bake potatoes until tender inside and crisp and brown outside, 45 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.

Reduce oven heat to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

Spread chicken cubes over roasted potatoes followed with the cheese and green onions over the chicken. 

Return to oven and bake until chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is bubbling, about 15 minutes.

Adapted from a recipe found on AllRecipes.com

Tater Tot Muffins

Oh my . . . two of my favorite things all rolled into one!

What an awesome concept!

This recipe comes from Peggy Trowbridge Filippone from About.com who always comes up with such great cooking ideas.

Peggy suggests experimenting with other ingredients like sour cream, chives, bacon, cheese and also commented that it can be baked as a casserole.    Her recommendation for leftovers is to scramble them into some eggs . . . now that sounds delicious!  I would top the egg dish with some cheddar cheese.

Can't wait to try these!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Resting Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 package (28 ounces) frozen mini tater tots, thawed
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 can cream of celery soup (undiluted)
• 2 cups fine-shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided use
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1/8 cup chopped chives
  

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray standard-sized muffin tins with vegetable oil.

Break each tater tot in half. Combine tater tots, diced onions, undiluted cream of celery soup, 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, bacon bits, and chives.

Compress potato mixture into prepared muffin pans, pressing firmly, and place on a rimmed cookie sheet. Top with remaining Cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until nicely browned. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 12 servings 

Source: Tater Tot Muffins Recipe Photo © 2011 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes

Great concept for lunches, picnics or anytime you want lunch "on the go."

This recipe comes from Betty Crocker and loaded with convenience foods for fast preparation.  I will be using it at a guide, using fresh foods instead of the higher priced convenience foods.

Love the possibilities using this concept of cupcakes!

Ingredients

1

can (18.5 oz) Progresso® Rich & Hearty chicken pot pie style soup

1/3

cup Betty Crocker® Potato Buds® mashed potatoes (dry)

1/2

cup Green Giant® frozen mixed vegetables, cooked

1/4

teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/4

teaspoon pepper

2

cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated flaky dough sheet

1

tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

• 1Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.
• 2In medium bowl, mix soup, potatoes (dry), cooked vegetables, thyme and pepper.
• 3Unroll 1 can of dough; spread with half of soup mixture. Starting at shortest side, roll up; pinch edges to seal. Cut into 6 slices. Place 1 slice in each of 6 muffin cups. Repeat with remaining dough and soup mixture.
• 4Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush top of each with melted butter; remove from pan. Serve immediately.
• If substituting crescent rolls for the dough sheet, be sure to firmly press perforations to seal before spreading with soup mixture.

Southern Fried Fish

Fried fish is one of my favorite foods.  Although I prefer grouper, it is very expensive in this area (even though we live right off the Gulf) and we usually settle for tilapia.  When we are lucky enough to have a great fishing adventure and actually come home with fish, we make fried fish every night until it is all gone.  

We have found that the frozen tilapia that comes in large bags is the best value . . . if it is available in your area.

I make a very simple tartar sauce to go with the fried fish.  Sorry, I don't measure, so taste as you go until it is the right combination for you.  Mix mayonnaise, dill, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dill pickle juice and finely minced dill pickle (optional) . . . chill.  A slightly different variation (especially if low on mayonnaise) is to add some sour cream.  It makes a great topping for baked potato instead of plain sour cream.

Ingredients

Fish fillets
1 cup yellow corn meal
⅓ cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (amount to taste for heat)
(or you can sprinkle directly on the fish before coating with dry ingredients)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Cooking oil

Marinade:  milk and hot sauce (amount to taste for heat)



Directions

Add the fish and allow to marinate for a few hours.

Remove the fish and drain.

Coat the fish into mixed dry ingredients.  Shake off excess.

The fish is best deep fried (365 degrees), but may be pan fried (I love to pan fry the fish in some olive oil and butter).

Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Crispy Potato Latkes

• 
  
• Latkes—fried, onion-laced shredded potato patties . . . they are a Hanukkah tradition for Layla Schlack.  She tells the story of her tradition along with lots of tips and techniques, including photos of the process . . . click on the link for "How to Make Latkes."

I love these type of potato patties, but have not found a recipe that I really like. Layla's recipe is the real deal and I will be trying it soon.  Seems like her trick of using the potato starch instead of flour or matza meal is the secret to crispy deliciousness.

If you are interested in making these latkes, you will want to read the article.

• 
  
• Crispy Latkes 
• by Layla Schlack from Fine Cooking 
  Issue 126

• To learn more, read:
  How to Make Latkes
• 
  

Serves 4 as a side dish

Yields 8 latkes

• 1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 large egg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
• Sour cream for serving
• Applesauce for serving

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 200°F. Put a paper-towel-lined rimmed baking sheet on the rack.

Fill a large bowl halfway with cold water. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the potatoes into the water, or grate onto a cutting board and then immediately put them in the water.

Line a colander with cheesecloth and set it in the sink. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to the colander; reserve the bowl of water. Gather the cheesecloth into a bundle and squeeze firmly until the potatoes stop giving off liquid.

Transfer the potatoes to a medium bowl and using your hands, mix in the onion, egg, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Carefully pour off the reserved potato soaking water to get to the white gluey starch on the bottom of the bowl. Transfer the starch to the potato mixture and mix it in with your hands.

Add enough oil to a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet, preferably cast iron, to measure 1/8 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a potato strand dropped in it sizzles vigorously.

Scoop 1/4 cup of the potato mixture onto a slotted metal spatula and use the bottom of the measuring cup to press it until it’s about 1/4 inch thick, letting any excess liquid fall into a small bowl. Don’t worry if the latke is not perfectly round. Slide it into the oil. Make 1 or 2 more latkes for the first batch and fry, flipping once, until they’re golden-brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture, stirring it between batches. Serve immediately or cool and freeze for up to 1 week and reheat in a single layer, uncovered, in a 300°F oven.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 180; Fat (g): 8; Fat Calories (kcal): 70; Saturated Fat (g): 1; Protein (g): 4; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3.5; Carbohydrates (g): 23; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3.5; Sodium (mg): 300; Cholesterol (mg): 45; Fiber (g): 2;

PHOTO: SCOTT PHILLIPS

Country Turkey Casserole

Your guests will think you worked for hours in the kitchen!  

They'd never guess how quick and easy this recipe is . . . one of those semi-homemade meals that I love so much.  Of course it includes Campbell's Soup, which is the best secret I have for semi-homemade cooking.

You can also use your leftovers or substitute a store-bought rotisserie chicken for the turkey.  Since I love broccoli and corn so much, I would consider including them in my meal.  Substitute whatever you like!

Low fat or no fat items can also be used.  One of my greatest discoveries has been generic no fat half and half that I substitute for milk or heavy cream.  I can't tell the difference . . . really!

The recipe and photo originated from Campbell Kitchens, but my source was the website Recipe Lion. Check out both websites for quick and delicious meals!

Serves: 5 (about 1 3/4 cups each)

Preparation Time: 10 min

Cooking Time: 25 min

Ingredients

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup 

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Potato Soup

1 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 cups cooked cut-up vegetables (use a combination of cut green beans and sliced carrots)

2 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken

4 cups prepared Pepperidge Farm® Herb Seasoned Stuffing

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Stir the soups, milk, thyme, black pepper, vegetables and turkey in a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Spoon the stuffing over the turkey mixture.

Bake for 25 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown.

Potato Salad Recipes

Potato salad is one of my favorite foods!

It is one of those meal items that can be varied in so many ways.

Usually, I just add mayo, lots of hard boiled eggs, dill and pickles.

It is how I've made it for years and years.  I love to sneak a little

bowl of it while it is still warm!  Yum!!

Sometimes you just need to vary things a bit, so I went to one

 of my favorite food websites and did a search of potato salad

 recipes.  Lots to choose from!  

My choice to feature is this "No Bake" Bake Potato Salad

 since baked potatoes are another favorite!  

The photo comes from Mr. Food's website.

Ingredients

• 8 medium potatoes (about 3 pounds), 
• scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 
  
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 
  
• 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
• 
  
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits
• 
  
• 4 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
• 
  
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 
  
• 
  

Instructions

Place potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. 

Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. 

Cook potatoes 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender; 

drain well and allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients; mix well. 

Add potatoes and mix until well combined.  

Serve warm, or cover and chill until ready to serve. 

Click here for lots of potato salad recipes
 from Mr. Food's website