Saturday, October 26, 2013

October 27, 2013

Sunday
Chicken-and-Cheese Enchiladas
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-and-cheese-enchiladas-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
1 small red onion, halved
1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, husked and rinsed
1 to 2 serrano chile peppers, stemmed and seeded
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Kosher salt
Pinch of sugar
8 corn tortillas
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and/or Monterey Jack cheese
1/3 cup fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
3/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Directions
Preheat the broiler. Slice half of the onion into thin rings and set aside. Place the other onion half, tomatillos and serranos on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil until the vegetables are soft and slightly brown, 7 to 10 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer the vegetables and any liquid to a blender, add the broth and puree. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the sugar. Meanwhile, stack the tortillas, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave just until warm and soft, 1 minute; keep covered. Toss the chicken with 2 cups shredded cheese in a bowl. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture down the middle of each tortilla. Add a few cilantro leaves and roll up. Place the enchiladas side by side in a lightly oiled 9-by-13-inch baking dish and brush with the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Broil until crisp and golden, 3 minutes. Pour the tomatillo sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with the onion rings, queso fresco and any remaining cilantro.

Guacamole: Cheat recipe, mix refrigerated pico de gallo from the store with mashed avocados. Adjust salt to taste

Monday
Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/spinach-and-ricotta-dumplings-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
Kosher salt
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
2 large eggs
Freshly ground pepper
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups prepared marinara sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Crusty bread, for serving

Directions
Bring a large, wide pot of salted water to a simmer. Put the spinach in a large bowl and separate it with your hands. Add the ricotta, 3/4 cup parmesan, the flour, eggs, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the nutmeg. Mix with a fork to form a slightly sticky dough. Spread some flour on a plate. Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of the spinach-ricotta mixture and roll into about 24 loose balls using floured hands. Gently roll the balls in the flour. Bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the butter. Meanwhile, gently lower the dumplings into the simmering water and cook until they rise to the surface and are firm, about 5 minutes. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon, letting the water drain off, and add to the sauce. Gently toss to coat, then transfer to plates and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Serve with bread.

Tuesday
Savory Italian Beef Stew
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/savory-italian-beef-stew-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 bag (14-ounce) frozen pearl onions, C&W
1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, Hunt's
1 package (12-ounce) baby carrots
1 packet (1.6-ounce) garlic herb sauce mix, Knorr
1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth, Swanson
1 packet (0.5-ounce) pesto sauce mix, Knorr
 
Directions
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine stew meat, onions, undrained tomatoes, carrots and garlic herb sauce mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth and pesto sauce mix. Pour over all in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 to 10 hours.

Wednesday
Deli meat sandwiches: For simple gourmet sandwiches, use store bought pesto on one slice, mayo on other, 2 slices of ham, 2 slices of salami, heap with shredded mozzarella and either put in Panini press or stove top in a pan till cheese is melted. Serve with chips and fruit of choice.

Thursday
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast  
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Breast/Detail.aspx?evt19=1
Ingredients:
1 (6 pound) bone-in turkey breast
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix

Directions:
Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry. Cut off any excess skin, but leave the skin covering the breast. Rub onion soup mix all over outside of the turkey and under the skin. Place in a slow cooker. Cover, and cook on High for 1 hour, then set to Low, and cook for 7 hours.

Green beans: Arrange frozen beans with dried chopped onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder in greased baking pan. Bake at 400F uncovered till cooked.

Potatoes: Grease baking dish. Arrange quartered red potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bake at 400F till lightly browned.

Friday
Pork chop suey
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pork_chop_suey.html
Ingredients
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons molasses, preferably blackstrap
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
5 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
1 medium onion, slivered
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cups mung bean sprouts (see Note)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Brown rice
 
Preparation
1. Combine broth, soy sauce, molasses and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 2 tablespoons of the mixture to a small bowl; stir in cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add pork and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the pink is gone, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, onion, bell pepper, sprouts and ginger and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in the broth mixture and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; add the reserved cornstarch mixture and pork (and any accumulated juice) and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. /serve with cooked brown rice.

Saturday
Campfire Beans
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/campfire-beans-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
4 cups dried pinto beans
1 whole ham hock
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 whole onion, diced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions
Rinse the beans under cold water, sorting out any rocks or particles. Place the beans in a stockpot with the ham hock and cover with water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the water level is fine. Add more water as needed. Throw in the garlic, red bell peppers and onions. Cover and continue cooking for another hour or two, remembering to check the water level. Add the chili powder, black pepper, and salt (or more to taste). Then cover and cook until the beans are lovely and tender, another 20 to 30 minutes. The liquid should be very thick and stew-like, not thin like a soup. Serve with cornbread as a meal, or spoon on top of nachos, tacos, etc.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

October 20, 2013


Sunday

Stuffed shells


Ingredients:

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells

2 eggs, beaten

1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese

1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 tablespoon dried parsley

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce

8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

3. In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, mushrooms and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells.

5. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.

 

Spinach

 

Monday

Walking Tacos


Ingredients

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 1 medium onion, chopped

 6-8 little sweet peppers or 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, chopped

 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

 1 lb lean ground beef

 Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper

 2 cans diced tomatoes

 1 Cup Herdez Salsa or your favorite salsa

 1 small can tomato paste

 1 Cup warm water

 3 cans of beans, drained (I used black, pinto and red kidney)

 1 can black olives sliced

 2 Tablespoons chili powder

 1 Tablespoon ground cumin

 1 Tablespoon hot sauce, Tabasco

 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice

 Pinch of Kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper and Lawry’s Garlic Salt with Parsley (to taste)

 1/2 Cup fresh chopped cilantro

 Bags of Fritos

 Shredded cheddar cheese

 Sour cream

 Jalapenos, or green onions

 

 1. Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onion and peppers for 5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, salt and pepper. Cook until browned. Drain if needed. I usually don’t need to for the lean beef. Pour in tomatoes, salsa, tomato paste then stir to combine. Add 1 Cup warm water to thin out slightly then add in beans, olives, chili powder, cumin, hot sauce, lime juice, salt, pepper and garlic salt. I start with just a pinch of salt then keep tasting until it’s to my liking. Add chopped cilantro and reduce heat to low to simmer until ready to serve.

 2. Open bags of fritos. Spoon in chili, cheese, sour cream and jalapenos. Stick a fork in it and eat!!

 

Tuesday

Thai curry and egg fried rice

 

Wednesday

Baked chicken

Tomato rice

Green beans

 

Thursday

Fish

Mashed potatoes

Broccoli

 

Friday

 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

6 October 2013

Sunday
Breakfast: Bacon/hash browns/raisin bread/Eggs

Varan bhaat
http://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/varan-bhaat.aspx#sthash.BqTh2Ao9.dpuf
Ingredients
Split pigeon pea (toor dal/arhar dal) 1/2 cup
Turmeric powder 1/4 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pure ghee 1/4 cup
Asafoetida a pinch
Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon
Rice, boiled 3 cups

Method
Clean, wash and soak toor dal for half an hour in one cup of water. Take soaked dal, two cups of water, salt, turmeric power in a pan and put to boil. Cook till the dal is well done. Mash thoroughly. Heat two teaspoons of pure ghee in a pan. Add asafoetida, cumin seeds. When the cumin changes color add the tempering to the mashed dal and cover immediately. To serve press the hot boiled rice into a vati. Overturn the vati onto the serving plate. Pour hot varan on top of it or serve alongside and top it with a teaspoon of pure ghee.

Peas and potato bhaaji
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1471633/pea-and-potato-bhaji
Ingredients
2 medium potatoes, chopped into small cubes
100g frozen peas, boiled
1" piece of ginger, chopped finely
1 green chilli, seeds removed
1 tsp Garam Masala
1/2 tsp salt
splash of vegetable oil
small bunch Coriander, chopped

Method
1. Heat the oil and fry the ginger and chilli till fragrant.
2. Add the potatoes and Garam Masala and cook for 10 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Add the boiled peas and salt, and stir through the coriander.
 
Koshimbir
http://www.swayampak.com/recipe/swayampakkhamangkakdi.htm
Ingredients
1 medium size tender cucumber
1/2 jalapeno (medium hot)
2-3 tbsp peanut powder
1/2 cup yogurt
Cilantro leaves,
salt and sugar to taste.

For tempering:
2 tbsp. ghee(clarified butter), 3-4 curry leaves, pinch of hing, cumin seeds

Method
Peel off the skin of cucumber. Finely cut or grate cucumber. Cut green chillies in cylindrical shape. Chop coriander. Take salad bowl and add cucumber, yogurt and peanut powder. Add salt and sugar to taste. Give it a stir. Now Pour the prepared tadka/tempering on the top of the salad. Mix well the entire content. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Tempering (tadka)
Heat ghee in a small pan. Add jeera ( cumin) seeds followed by curry leaves and hing.
 
Monday
Chicken and dumplings
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chicken-and-dumplings-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
Chicken:
1 (2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup
 
Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Ice water
 
Directions
To start the chicken: Place the chicken, celery, onion, bay leaves, bouillon, and House Seasoning in a large pot. Add 4 quarts of water and in water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer the chicken until it is tender and the thigh juices run clear, about 40 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and, when it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones. Return the chicken meat to the pot. Keep warm over low heat.
 
To prepare the dumplings: Mix the flour with the salt and mound together in a mixing bowl. Beginning at the center of the mound, drizzle a small amount of ice water over the flour. Using your fingers, and moving from the center to the sides of the bowl, gradually incorporate about 3/4 cup of ice water. Knead the dough and form it into ball. Dust a good amount of flour onto a clean work surface. Roll out the dough (it will be firm), working from center to 1/8-inch thick. Let the dough relax for several minutes. Add the cream of celery soup to the pot with the chicken and simmer gently over medium-low heat. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces. Pull a piece in half and drop the halves into the simmering soup. Repeat. Do not stir the chicken once the dumplings have been added. Gently move the pot in a circular motion so the dumplings become submerged and cook evenly. Cook until the dumplings float and are no longer doughy, 3 to 4 minutes. To serve, ladle chicken, gravy, and dumplings into warm bowls. Cook's Note: If the chicken stew is too thin it can be thickened before the dumplings are added. Simply mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water then whisk this mixture into the stew

Green beans
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/green-beans-with-lemon-and-garlic-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
 
Directions
Blanch green beans in a large stock pot of well salted boiling water until bright green in color and tender crisp, roughly 2 minutes. Drain and shock in a bowl of ice water to stop from cooking.  Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the butter. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans and continue to saute until coated in the butter and heated through, about 5 minutes. Add lemon zest and season with salt and pepper.

Tuesday
Turkey burgers/ sweet potatoes/ Fruit
I will be just baking/grilling frozen burgers and tater tots and serve with fruit of choice
 
Wednesday
Deli meat sandwich/ Chips/ Fruit of choice
 
Thursday
Fish: Bake fish of choice with lemon zest, garlic and butter

Mashed cauliflower
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bullion (may substitute 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions
Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat. Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well; do not let cool and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels. In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until almost smooth. Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter. Hint: Try roasting the garlic and adding a little fresh rosemary for a whole new taste.
 
Lima beans
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-lima-beans/
Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (16 ounce) package frozen baby lima beans

Directions:
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, and spray with cooking spray. Saute onions until soft and translucent. Pour in chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Add lima beans, and enough water just to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, until beans are tender.

Friday
Baked chicken
http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-bake-26223
What You'll Need
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds) 
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free) 
1/3 cup milk 
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
1 jar (4 1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained 
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs 
2 tablespoons butter, melted 
 
How to Make It
Place the chicken into a 3-quart shallow baking dish.  Stir the soup, milk, garlic powder and mushrooms in a medium bowl.  Spoon the soup mixture over the chicken. Stir the cheese, bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl.  Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the soup mixture. Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.  Stir the sauce and serve with the chicken.

Garlic spinach
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-sauteed-spinach-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons good olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped garlic (6 cloves)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Lemon
Sea or kosher salt, optional
 
Directions
Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it's very clean. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves. In a very large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, but not until it's browned. Add all the spinach, the salt, and pepper to the pot, toss it with the garlic and oil, cover the pot, and cook it for 2 minutes. Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until all the spinach is wilted. Using a slotted spoon, lift the spinach to a serving bowl and top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of sea or kosher salt. Serve hot.

Saturday
Mac’n’cheese
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/macaroni-and-4-cheeses-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash
2 cups 1 percent lowfat milk
4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
2 ounces Monterrey jack cheese, grated (about 2/3 cup)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon powdered mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.