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.



Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Classic New Orleans Shrimp Recipes



Today is National Shrimp Day!

When it comes to shrimp, New Orleans does it to perfection.

All these recipes, photos and videos come from NOLA.com

Individual sources and information provided for each recipe

Check out the rest of the website for awesome recipes!




Barbeque Shrimp Recipe



Shrimp Creole


Classic Shrimp Creole, prepared in food editor Judy Walker's kitchen 
Andrew Boyd, NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune 

Makes 4 to 6 servings 


4 tablespoons butter 
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
1-1/2 cups chopped onions 
1 cup chopped bell peppers 
3/4 cup chopped celery 
3 garlic cloves, minced 2 bay leaves 
2 cups peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes or 2 cups canned, chopped with their juice 
1 cup shrimp stock* or chicken broth 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon cayenne 
2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 
2 teaspoons chopped parsley 

Combine the butter and flour in a medium-heavy pot over medium heat. 

Cook, stirring, to make a blond roux, 5 to 6 minutes. 

Add the onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the bay leaves, tomatoes, shrimp stock, salt, and cayenne. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, 3 to 4 minutes. 

Remove the bay leaves. 

Add the parsley and serve over rice. 

*To make shrimp stock, combine shrimp shells with water to cover in a saucepan. Add aromatics, such as celery or a piece of onion or the peels from onions, if you wish. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Strain. 

Food editor Judy Walker can be reached at jwalker@nola.com. Diya Chacko can be reached at dchacko@nola.com. Follow them on Twitter @JudyWalkerCooks and @DCTeaChild.


Shrimp Remoulade




  Shrimp and Catfish Jambalaya




My Shrimp-Tini


Makes 4 servings


2 lemons


1 tablespoon salt


1 teaspoon cayenne pepper


24 large shrimp, peeled (leave the tails on) and deveined


1 cup ketchup


1 tablespoon prepared horseradish


1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice


1 teaspoon olive oil


1/2 teaspoon hot sauce


1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce


1 cup arugula or other salad greens


4 lemon wedges


Ice cold vodka (optional)


Put about 4 cups water in a medium-size saucepan. Cut the lemons in half, squeeze out the juice and drop the lemon halves into the pot. Add the salt and cayenne and bring to a boil. Add the shrimp and allow the water to return to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, cover and let sit for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and spread the shrimp in a shallow platter or dish, cover and chill for 2 hours.


Combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, olive oil, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl and whisk to blend. Cover and chill until ready to serve.


To assemble, put equal amounts of the arugula in the bottom of 4 large chilled martini glasses. Arrange the shrimp on top of the arugula, spoon equal amounts of the cocktail sauce over the shrimp and garnish with the lemon wedges. Splash with a bit of the ice cold vodka if you wish.


By Marcelle Bienvenu, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Monday, May 9, 2016

Lemon-Rosemary Roasted Chicken Thighs with Potatoes



Baking with rosemary fills the house with a delicious aroma.  I always use rosemary when making a roast chicken and sometimes pork.

First of all, several changes I'd make . . . use boneless chicken tenderloins.  It looks kind of dry and one of the commenters mentioned that she doubles the recipe for the dressing . . . I can see why.  Also, I would dice the potatoes and steam in the microwave for about 5 or 6 minutes before baking in the oven.  It is something I do to ensure crispier potatoes that are always tender and fluffy inside.

This is one of those recipes that is a fairly quick prep and the oven does most of the work!

Recipe and Photo Source:  Rachael Ray




Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 lemons--1 zested and juiced (about 1 1/2 tsp. zest, 4 tbsp. juice) and 1 thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 sprigs fresh rosemary


Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees . 

Whisk the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, mustard and garlic in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Toss the potatoes, chicken, rosemary and sliced lemon with the dressing in a rimmed baking dish. Season. 

Arrange the potato mixture and chicken, skin side up, in a single layer.

Roast, about 35 to 40 minutes, turning the potatoes once, until the potatoes are golden-brown and tender and the chicken is cooked through.



Saturday, May 7, 2016

Spinach and Ravioli Lasagne



Would you believe this is a 30-minute meal?

The Pillsbury kitchens have developed this awesome recipe that is so quick and easy, even beginner cooks will appear to be experienced in the kitchen and impress their dinner guests.  Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread and you are good to go!

One of my favorite convenience foods is frozen ravioli.  We always keep it in the freezer for meals or snacks. Of all my favorite snacks and/or quick meals, frozen ravioli pan fried with butter and garlic is one of my favorites.  Simple and easy.  You must try them if you haven't yet.

Everyone seems to love italian pasta meals . . . try this one today.  It is a versatile recipe, so add your own spin . . . like adding italian sauce, which is what I am going to try out.  Happy cooking!




Ingredients


1 bag (6 oz) fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped

1/3 cup refrigerated basil pesto 
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese-filled ravioli (do not thaw)
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (4 oz)
Chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired
Paprika, if desired



Directions


Preheat oven to 375°F. 

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

Toss spinach and pesto 
in a medium bowl

Mix Alfredo sauce and broth in another bowl

Add one-third of sauce mixture (about 1/2 cup) into baking dish and top with half of spinach mixture. 

Add half of ravioli in single layer over spinach mixture. 

Repeat layers. 

Top with remaining sauce mixture.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. 

Sprinkle with cheese. 

Bake 5 minutes longer or until bubbly. 

Garnish with basil and paprika.


http://www.pillsbury.com




Friday, May 6, 2016

Bean with Bacon Soup




Most people bring out their soup recipes when it gets cold, but for me, I love bean soup any time of the year.  Great Northern White Beans are my favorite.

I've made the same tried and true simple recipe as long as I can remember. Start with dry Great Northern White Beans and prepare them as described in this recipe, add fresh water just past the beans and add diced ham.  If you have one, a ham bone works best, especially if you have left meat on the bone for the soup.  Cook several hours until beans are tender.  Taste . . . you will know when they are ready.  

Don't forget to make some fresh cornbread.






Here is the Pioneer Woman's recipe for soup using Great Northern White Beans. 



Ingredients

1 pound Great Northern White Beans
4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock
1 pound Thick-cut Bacon, Cut Into 1 Inch Pieces
1 whole Onion, Diced
2 whole Large Carrots, Peeled And Diced
2 stalks Celery, Diced
Salt And Pepper, to taste
4 cloves Garlic, Minced
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
2 whole Bay Leaves
Minced Parsley, To Taste
3 whole Roma Tomatoes, Chopped (optional)


Instructions

Give the beans a rinse. Put them in a large pot and cover with water by two inches. Let them soak overnight.

Drain the beans. Add chicken stock and 4 cups of water, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until just barely crisp while the beans are cooking.  Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Add 2/3 of the bacon to the beans and reserve the rest for garnish.

Drain the bacon grease from the pan; add onions, carrots, and celery. Season with some salt and pepper and cook until just beginning to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute or two. 

Add vegetable mixture to the beans. Add the bay leaf and stir. 

Cover and cook on low (to medium-low) until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add a cup of broth if the liquid level gets too low.

When ready to serve, taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. If desired, stir in the tomatoes. Serve with chopped reserved bacon and chopped parsley.


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