"Flank Steak O'Bryan" aka Carraba's Copycat

Above is what a more experienced cook's (or maybe just one with better photography skills as I just used my phone and the flash seemed to take over) dish would look like and below is mine. Might not be as pretty but it sure did taste just as good as if we were eating at our favorite chain ever... Carraba's!!

Take your flank steak and butterfly it. Cut it into more manageable portions as you will need to pan fry it to brown all sides, unless you have a really large saute pan.  Pound steak thin on both sides with both sides of the utensil (tenderizing side and the flattening side). Season both sides with S & P. In separate bowl combine goat cheese, drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped basil. Spread over steak and roll up. Secure with cooking twine. Pan fry in EVOO to quickly brown all sides. Keep in same pan (I used cast iron) and put in 400 degree oven for 12 minutes. Super easy & SUPER DELISH! My husband was SHOCKED it was flank steak because it was so tender!!

1.5 - 2 lb flank steak

6 oz goat cheese

1/2 cup drained chopped sun dried tomatoes

S & P

3 tbsp EVOO

Artichoke Chicken and Mushroom Bake

This recipe originated from the Chew cooking show but can be found all over Pinterest and on various blogs. I made this last night for my family and we loved it- so it's a winner and going on my blog which I use primarily to save recipes that I like future reference. Here she is...

4 pounds of chicken thighs with skin left on 

1 cup of artichoke hearts 

1 medium onion sliced 

1 pound of white button mushrooms 

2 tablespoons of Grey Poupon Dijon mustard 

3 cloves of minced garlic

1/4 cup of EVOO

1/4 cup of red wine vinegar 

1/4 cup of white wine 

1/4 tsp basil 

1/4 tsp of thyme 

1/4 tsp tarragon 

S & P

bake at 375 for one hour

Protein Powder Banana Breads

My main focus in the morning is ingesting as much caffeine as I possible can as quickly as I can so I can get the household up and running, lunches packed and kids out the door to school. Like many other moms I don't have much time left over to eat breakfast myself. This was never a problem before I started weight training and adding protein to my diet. I LOATHE most protein shakes due to their chalky texture and horrible smell, so I am always looking for other options to get as much as I can without causing myself to gag. I went out in search of banana bread recipes with protein powder added to the mix. Below is two tried and true recipes...both being good. One is obviously healthier being there is only oat flour(ground up rolled oats) and no flour. It also called for 6 packets of Stevia but I would rather eat something natural rather than chemicals so I substituted 1/2 a cup of sugar. It was really good.. texture was a bit gooey but I kinda like my baked goods like that. The other recipe with flour was more "breadlike" and drier but also good. Both great options for a pre-gym snack!

RECIPE 1 (on right /flour free) bake 375 @ 1 hr (depending on type of pan used )

2 mashed bananas

1 cup oat flour (ground oats in blender)

2 scoops protein powder (vanilla, banana or cake flavored)

1 cup nonfat greek yogurt

3 large egg whites (or 1/2 cup egg beaters)

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

6-8 packets stevia (or 1/2 cup sugar)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

RECIPE 2 (on left/with flour) -  bake 1 hour & 15 minutes @ 350

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup applesauce

2 eggs

3 mashed bananas

1/2 cup milk

1tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 scoops protein powder (vanilla, banana or cake flavored)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

All Natural Margarita Mix

Recently after a visit to the medieval fair we purchased a industrial sized lemon juicer so my son could have old fashioned lemonade at home. I love to find ways to have great treats that are as natural as possible. A great treat for me is a nice stiff margarita!!  I fumbled around with a few sour mix recipes I found online and settled on my own measurements (aka one with ALOT less sugar!!) You might want one sweeter but to me this mix is just right as the Grand Marnier sweetens things up anyways. this makes approx 6 margaritas at 96.7 calories each (pre-liquor of course). Enjoy!

1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 

3 cups water (1 cup separated & heated to dissolve the sugar into)

3/4 cup sugar

Best Ever Fried Chicken

For the past two years the day after Christmas we make fried chicken and waffles for breakfast for all the family that sleeps over on Christmas night and it's a big hit. This recipe is fantastic. We are having work done on our kitchen this week so my oven and microwave are out of commission & I have been using my deep fryer more than I usually do & my boys couldn't be happier about it! Below is my recipe for fried chicken.. Hope you enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

4 tbsp salt

3 tbsp fresh ground pepper

2 tbsp cayenne

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dry mustard

2 cups flour

8 drumsticks, 8 thighs

4 cups buttermilk

Canola oil

Mix spices in one bowl adding half to flour in seperate bowl. With remaining spices rub chicken. Poke chicken with fork to aid in flavor absorption. Pour buttermilk over chicken to marinate overnight. When ready to cook dredge chicken in flour & spice mix. Add to oil heated to 360 degrees. Cook @ 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. 

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Last night was a test run for an appetizer to serve for Christmas dinner and I am pleased to say we have a winner! These were the most AMAZING stuffed mushrooms I have ever had. Yay!!  I made some Parmesan roasted potatoes with it that are always easy and good. All you have to do is coat baking sheet with EVOO, salt, pepper and Parmesan and bake at 400 for 45 minutes.

 

SAUSAGE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

16 extra large mushroom caps, stems separated and chopped

5 TBSP EVOO

2 1/2 TBSP marsala wine

3/4 lb sweet Italian sausage

3/4 cup minced scallions- white & green part (6 leeks)

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2/3 cup plain panko

5 ounces Mascarpone Italian cheese

1/3 cup grated Italian Parmesan

2 1/2 TBSP minced fresh parsley

 

Separate stems of mushrooms chop and set aside. Toss caps with 3 TBSP EVOO and Marsala wine.  Heat remaining EVOO and sauté sausage crumbling it as it cooks. After browning add chopped stems and stir for 3 min. Add in scallions, garlic, s & p, and cook another 3 min. Add panko and combine. Finally swirl in mascarpone until creamy. Take off the heat and add in Parmesan and parsley. Fill each cap generously and bake for 50 minutes at 325

 

Panko-Parmesan Chicken & Spring Green Risotto

Well I wont lie.. this was pretty labor intensive... between the prepping, measuring, ladling, stirring, dredging, blanching, ice-bathing all at the same (while helping kids with their homework I might add) was a bit tough but the final product was well worth it. The picture doesn't do it justice as you cant taste the leeks, fennel, Parmesan, Mascarpone, lemon ect but trust me when I say it was so good even my kids ate it!!

PARMESAN CHICKEN

6 boneless breasts, pounded 1/4 inch thick

1 cup flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 eggs, whipped

1 1/4 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

butter & EVOO

 

Combine flour S & P on plate. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan on another plate. Whisk eggs in bowl. PAY ATTN TO THIS ORDER!! I thought it was weird at first but I think it was the secret. 1) Dredge chicken in flour mixture. 2) Dip both sides of chicken in eggs 3) Dredge chicken in breadcrumb mixture. Pan fry in EVOO & Butter for @ 3 minutes per side.

 

SPRING GREEN RISOTTO

1 1/2 TBSP EVOO

1 1/2 TBSP butter

3 cups chopped leeks, white & green parts (2 leeks)

1 cup chopped fennel

1 1/2 cup Arborio rice

2/3 cup white wine

4-5 cups chicken broth

1 lb asparagus, sliced in 1.5 inch pieces

1 1/2 cup frozen defrosted peas

1 TBSP grated lemon peel (2 lemons)

2 TBSP fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup Italian mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup grated Italian Parmesan

3 tbsp. fresh chives

 

Heat butter & EVOO and sauté fennel and leeks @ 5-7 minutes in medium to large saucepan. Add rice and stir to coat in butter. Add wine and simmer until liquid is dissolved. Add chicken broth 1 cup at a time and frequently stirring, waiting for all to be absorbed before adding more. takes around 25-30 minutes before done with all 4 cups. Meanwhile blanch asparagus and peas 4-5 minutes and put in a ice bath. When risotto has been cooking around 15 minutes add in lemon zest, 2 tsp salt & 1 tsp pepper along with peas and asparagus to further their cooking. Continue adding stock until rice is soft and tender. Blend lemon juice, mascarpone and Parmesan cheese with chives and fold into risotto. You are good to go! You wont be disappointed!

 

Quinoa Quinoa Quinoa!!

Did you know Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain? It provides all the amino acids the human diet needs and it's gluten free. Quinoa dates back over 5,000 years with strong ties to the Inca civilization. The culture called it the "mother grain" and they were right it surely is a SUPERFOOD!! Check out 3 tried and true recipes below.. and say HELLOOOO to diet food that's actually good!!

 

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chickpeas

 

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed

1 cup green onion, sliced

1 cup flat leaf fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/2 lb cucumber, seeded and sliced

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup cooked quinoa (cook as package directs)

S & P

1/3 cup EVOO

 

Quinoa with Feta & Dill

 

1 cup quinoa (cook as package directs)

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cucumber, seeded and diced

3 TBSP chopped fresh dill

1/3 cup green onions, minced

3-4 TBSP fresh lemon juice

S & P

 

Southwestern Black Bean & Mango Quinoa

 

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 cup corn

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon (juice only)

1 cup fresh mango, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 cup jalapeno, diced

1 cup quinoa (cook as package directs)

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp turmeric

1.5 TBSP EVOO

1/2 tsp cumin

 

Mix spices and olive oil separately and drizzle over finished product while mixing well.

Sweet Sweet Sweet Potato Hash!

This summer my family and I vacationed in California and my super cool aunt prepared a wonderful meal with a side of sweet potato hash topped with a delicious vinaigrette. I think she said she saw it on the TV show Restaurant Impossible. I searched the web and couldn't find it but found one similar by Bobby Flay so I used that and just added bacon to it (6 pieces cooked crispy, chopped and added in at the end). My husband is the guy that refuses to eat any leftovers no matter how good they are & he ate this for lunch for two days afterwards. HA!!

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:

1 cup sliced green onions (green part only)
3 TBSP white wine vinegar
1tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup EVOO
2 tsp honey
S & P

FOR THE HASHBROWNS:

1/4 cup canola oil
2 TBSP butter
1 medium Spanish onion (halved and sliced thin)
pinch of sugar
1 TBSP fresh thyme leaves, chopped
6 large sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into 1 inch dice

If you have a bullet blender or small smoothie blender this works perfect!!  I was amazed how it transformed once emulsified. Combine onions, vinegar, mustard and a few tablespoons of water and blend until smooth. Add EVOO and continue to blend until emulsified. Add the honey and some salt & pepper and pulse a few more times until blended. For the hash browns heat half of the recipe's portions of oil and butter and cook onions with a pinch of sugar until they are caramelized. Add thyme salt & pepper and set aside. Parboil potatoes for 10-12 minutes until tender and drain. Add remaining oil and butter to the sauté pan and add drained potatoes until browned (and carefully flipping as to not mash). Add in the onion mixture (and bacon if you want.. I think it added another dimension to the dish). Transfer to a serving platter and top with the green onion vinaigrette. Enjoy!!

Who says Mexican can't be healthy?

I love Mexican food but often feel too guilty to enjoy it but these were delicious and so good for you too!! The only thing prepackaged were the flour tortillas but once I get my tortilla press I will be making those from scratch too ;) I originally got this recipe from Pinterest where it is all over the place labeled spinach and black bean enchiladas but I added chicken (for my carnivorous husband) and red pepper  for color. Here she is!!

FOR THE SAUCE:

3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp. EVOO
2 tsp cumin
1/4tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
S & P

FOR THE ENCHILADA STUFFING:

15 oz can black beans rinsed & drained
1.5 cups thawed frozen corn
6 oz fresh spinach (cooked and drained prior to adding)
6 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
3 cups shredded cheese (reserve 1 cup for the top)
6-8 flour tortillas

To make sauce heat EVOO and spices and flour until bubbly. Slowly add in broth and whisk. Combine all ingredients for stuffing. Spray casserole pan with PAM and ladle sauce on bottom to prevent sticking. Wrap up enchiladas top them with sauce and cheese and bake for 30 minutes at 375. That's it.. super easy & super delish!

Book Reccomendations - The Kitchen House and The Secret Life of Bees

If you enjoyed the book The Help by Kathrynn Stockett...you will absolutely LOVE these novels!!

The Kitchen House: Orphaned Irish 7 year old Lavina arrives at a tobacco plantation where she will live and work alongside it's slaves. Under the care of Belle, the masters illegitimate daughter she becomes very attached to her stand in family yet is separated from them from the color of her skin. As Lavinia matures she is accepted into the world of the big house where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. So much more happens after this but you must read it to find out!!

The Secret Life of Bees: Lily Owens is a motherless child who lacks memory of her mothers presence and the cause of her death. She lives in a lonely abusive house with her father who is rarely home and when he is it is far from pleasant. When Lily's housekeeper whom serves as a stand in mother for her insults racist locals and gets herself beaten and jailed Lily bravely sets out to set them both free. They escape to South Carolina and are taken in by eccentric bee-keeping sisters who hold not only the secrets to the past but hope for the future.

Back to LIVING IN THE NOW & counting all my blessings

I cannot believe it has been so long since posting on this blog. My sole purpose of initially starting this project was to record wonderful recipes of foods I have cooked or books that I have read. I have a tendency to be enthralled in a good story to whereas I stay up through the night to read only to sadly forget it’s storyline or the enjoyment I received from it. On vacation this summer I was discussing books with my aunt and couldn’t remember reading a book that I apparently raved about on facebook. It was then I decided to start writing here again.

The past year I have spent chasing unfulfilled childhood dreams and trying to insert myself into a world I didn’t fit into. It took me sustaining a broken arm, several false friends and blowing A TON (like a year or two’s  worth of college tuition TON) to realize the saying “It’s never too late to follow your dreams” is not only false but often irresponsible too. Just because YOU CAN.. doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Which leads me back to why I am here. I am no longer looking elsewhere for a definition of “who I am”  or “where I belong” but rather knowing I am already proudly doing it. I have a wonderful life denied to many.  I am fortunate to be able to be “just a mom” with a physically able body, a mind that loves to explore, hands that can create, a beautiful home and a husband that still loves me even after all these years.  I seek nothing but ways to improve what I have already been blessed with.  Cheers!! It’s good to be back :)

The most amazing healthy dish ever!!

AMAAAAZZZZING!!!  This is seriously soooo good. I got the recipe from Nourished By Nature's facebook page & copied their picture as well because I am too lazy to download my pics from my camera..some blogger huh? Besides I need to figure out out to get the pink beet stain off my fingers!!  That was the only unenjoyable part.. roasting & peeling the beets.. wonder if it would compromise the flavor much to use canned? This picture looks like she used barley or something, which would prob be just as good but just as a forewarning my quinoa turned pink from the beets.. Im not sure if this is because they were still warm or what.. but none the less it seriously was delish warm but is now chilling in the fridge for quick salads for lunch.

Quinoa, Greens and Feta

Ingredients:
2 medium or 3 small beets (any color) roasted
1 cup kale or green of your choice(collards, chard, beet greens)
1 cup quinoa
...

Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced or pureed
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (may substitute 1 to 2 tablespoons walnut oil for 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil)
1/2 cup broken walnut pieces
2 ounces feta or goat cheese, crumbled (more if desired for garnish)
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, marjoram, chives, mint

1. Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, add salt to taste and the greens. Blanch for two minutes, and transfer to the ice water. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop coarsely and set aside.

2. Bring the water back to a boil, and add the quinoaand cook as directed.

3. While the quinoa is cooking, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together the vinegars, salt, garlic and mustard. Whisk in the oil(s). Add to the quinoa. Peel and dice the beets and add, along with the greens, feta or goat cheese, herbs and walnuts. Toss together, and serve warm or room temperature

Oven Roasted Bacon/Parm Potatoes

I copied this recipe straight off www.myadventuresinthecountry.com (hence the ridiculously long instructions). But it's worth all the heavy reading b/c it is really good..


1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb hickory smoked, thick sliced bacon
3 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
coarse salt
fresh ground pepper
fresh parsley

Directions:
Scrub potatoes and place in a large pot. Fill pot with water until potatoes are covered by 2-3 inches of water. Bring water to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. 
Meanwhile, partially freeze bacon for easier cutter. (Ten minutes in the freezer works well.) Slice bacon strips in half, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. I like to cut my bacon prior to cooking. It’s easier to work with in the skillet and easy to drain with slotted spoon.
Cook bacon in a skillet until golden, but still flexible. You don’t want it crunchy. Remove cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the bacon drippings.
Check potatoes and if fork tender, drain and allow to cool. If making this recipe again, I would peel the potatoes before I boiled them or try leaving the skins on all-together. Yukon Golds have a relatively thin skin, so I think this would have added a nice look and texture to the potatoes.
While potatoes are cooling, preheat the oven to 425° and mince the garlic and parsley. Also, grate the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Next, prepare the baking sheet by brushing 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half the bacon drippings on the bottom of the pan. I used a fairly large cookie sheet for this and it worked well.
Once the potatoes are cool, peel and cut in half, or quarter if potatoes are large.Place cut side down on prepared pan and sprinkle with course salt and fresh ground pepper. Place in 425° oven for 35-40 minutes. Rotate potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure an even color. I did not do this and some of mine were more golden than others.
Reduce temperature to 375°, turn potatoes over and sprinkle with the bacon, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are evenly browned and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Makes 4-6 servings, depending on serving size. Serve immediately!

Chilled Avocado, Corn & Tomato Salad

Ok.. this is seriously HEAVENLY.. I think the word I initially used is sacred..lol.. b/c it is really that good & so very simple.

1 avocado, diced
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
2 ears of corn, grilled
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Sauce:
1 squeezed lime
3 tbsp canola or olive oil
1 tbsp honey
s & p
1 clove garlic, pressed

Copycat Chili's Black Bean Soup

Well I dont have a pic for this soup b/c it didn't come out very well. The soup is so dark it just looks like a pot of black.. but man is it good. I personally think it was a bit too salty (and I didnt even add the 2 tsp salt) for how much beef bouillons it called for.. next time I will be cutting that amount in half. I also didnt thicken with the cornstarch & it didnt need it. This is great as is but even good served over a bed of jasmine rice :)
 
1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup yellow onion diced 1/4 cup carrots, diced (or buy bag shredded) 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced 4 beef bouillon cubes 1 cup boiling Water 1 1/2 quarts (3 pounds) canned black beans, not drained 2 tablespoons cooking sherry 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 teaspoons garlic, granulated 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground 2 teaspoons chili powder 8 ounces smoked sausage, small dice 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water

In a medium stock pot, place the olive oil, onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Saute the vegetables until they are tender. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add the bouillon cubes, and allow to dissolve. Add the bouillon, cooked beans, and the remaining ingredients (except cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water) to sauteed vegetables. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook approximately 15 minutes. In a blender, puree 1 quart of the soup, and put back into the pot. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoon water. Add the cornstarch mix to the soup and bring to a boil for 1 minute.

Smashed Potatoes

My husband loves potatoes.. so anytime I can find a potato recipe it is a score because to me a potato is just a potato but not in his opinion! So here goes.. courtesy of Pinterest/Pioneerwomancooks.com

Ingredients

• 12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt To Taste
• Black Pepper To Taste
• Rosemary (or Other Herbs Of Choice) To Taste (I used fresh tarragon, parsley & basil)

Preparation Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.
On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.
With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.
Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.)
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Best Steak Marinade EVER!!!

 Courtesy of Pinterest/Fit Chicks :

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons dried basil
1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes    
1 teaspoon ground pepper

Summer Fruit Sangria

This is seriously so good!!!!  Thanks to Martha Stewart!!  Delish!!

Ingredients

• 6 cups assorted fruits (such as mango, pineapple, cantaloupe), sliced or cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh basil or mint leaves ( I used Mint!!)
• 1/2 cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau (I used Grand Marnier!!!)
• 1 bottle crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• Ice

Directions

1. In a large bowl or pitcher, combine fruit, ginger, basil or mint, and orange liqueur. Mash gently with the back of a wooden spoon until basil is bruised and fruit releases juices. Add wine and lemon juice and stir to combine. Refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 1 day). To serve, fill eight glasses with ice and top with sangria.

My very own Chia Pet!!

I'm not sure how unusual this is... but the kids and I got a kick out of it. Our cockatiel was on the porch for the day and knocked out his used up millet.. guess fromt he humid conditions and sprinklers ect. it started to sprout!!  How funny :)

Swordfish is Delish!!

WOW.. mercury or not.. I'm eatin it & enjoying every bite!! There is no real recipe here.. just rub on some Emeril's fish rub & grill 5 min per side (dont forget to oil grill)! I did make some basil butter to put on top and although not so healthy.. it was so good... even my kids ate it!!  First time ever they have eaten fish..prob because we told them it was chicken until they were finished!! hahahahaha :)

Powerhouse Salad!!

Powerhouse Salad... aka White Bean Salad w/ Lemon Vinegarette :) Simply mix & chill 20 min.. so easy & so good :) No excuse to not eat healthy!!

1 fresh squeezed lemon
20 basil leaves, chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can rinsed & drained canellini beans (or chick peas)
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp EVOO
1 tbsp honey

Chicken w/ Sundried Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce

OK.... THIS WAS SERIOUSLY SOOOOOO GOOD!!  This recipe is from Gabbi's Kitchen. I loved it so much & I am not even sure you need the meat.. would be great just over pasta.. or even with some shrimp or scallops.. I felt like I was eating in my own little Carraba's or something.. sooo good!! I doubled the sauce & glad I did.. so keep that in mind...

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons EVOO
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup onions, chopped finely
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 shallot, minced
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (drained)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup regular cream
1/4 16 ounce package whole wheat pasta, uncooked


Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken & grind fresh pepper on each side. Cover & cook until done, about 5 minutes on each side.   Remove from heat and set aside, keeping covered.
In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, & shallots, cooking 1-2 minutes, just until soft. Add sun dried tomatoes; stir. With a whisk in hand, add flour & stir. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to remove any lumps. Add cream, still whisking. Whisk that sucker to death! :) Continue whisking for 3-4 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken. Take off heat and let sit; it will continue to thicken, feel free to stir every so often as you cook the pasta:
Add fresh basil to sun dried tomato sauce and give it a good stir.

Grilled Salmon w/ Creamy Cucumber-Dill Salad

Yay!!!  My cooking drought has finally passed. With the kids being home from school my organization and ability to concentrate within the store was a bit challenged to say the least!!  But now that I have that under control again.. I'm back in the saddle y'all!!  I got this recipe off my new favorite site Pinterest.. it was originally from Once Upon a Chef.. (gotta make sure I give credit where credit is due!!). It was very good & refreshing.. I personally need a bit more flavor.. so I might blacken the salmon prior to cooking.. but it was very good as is...

For the Salmon
4 6-ounce salmon fillets
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

For the Cucumber-Dill Salad
1 English hothouse cucumber
1/3 cup finely sliced red onion, from one small red onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellman’s
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions
1. Cut cucumber in half and then slice each half down the middle lengthwise. Use the tip of a teaspoon to scoop out center seeds. Cut into thin slices and place in colander along with red onion. Toss with salt and let sit in sink at least 30 minutes, until water drains out.
2. In the meantime, make the dressing. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, dill, garlic, sugar and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
3. When cucumbers and onions are ready, release any excess water by tapping colander on the base of the sink, then use a large wad of paper towels to pat vegetables dry. Add to dressing and toss well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
4. Preheat grill to high heat. Clean grill rack, then brush lightly with oil. Close lid and let return to temperature. Rub salmon with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon) and pepper. Place fillets skin side down and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, 4-5 minutes (resist the urge to peek or flip early; when fillets are nicely seared on the first side, they should release easily). Flip the fillets over and continue grilling until done, 2-3 minutes. Let cool slightly, remove the skin if desired, and serve with the cold cucumber-dill salad piled over top or alongside.

Delish Salmon Recipes

Last night I made another awesome healthy meal & forgot to take a pic for you but you'll just have to trust me!  It was the double K salmon (but I do happen to like the Ginger Glazed recipie better b/c it is sweeter) with some steamed brown rice & sauteed fresh spinach & sliced red peppers. Yes please!

Double K Salmon

2 lb atlantic salmon
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 soy sauce
3 tbsp pineapple juice
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 garlic gloves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp hot pepper (red pepper flake or hot sauce)

Marinate for 1 hour. Grill skin side down. (If you dont oil the grill first skin will get stuck to the grill.. which is good in a way b/c the fish comes right off the yucky skin.. but it was a big grill cleaning process to cook the skin off ..whew!) Cook covered for 5 minutes, then uncover and brush with more marinade and cook another 15-20 min.

Ginger Glazed Salmon

1.5 - 2 lbs fresh salmon
cooking spray
1/2 cup pineapple preserves (I have used orange marmalade too when in a pinch)
1.5 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1.5 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp s & p

Preheat oven to 425. Coat baking dish with cooking spray. Place fillets in and cover w/ preserves mixture. Bake @ 325 for 15 minutes or until fish flakes. (Fish thicker than 1 inch thick takes longer).

Tuesday Night Tuscan Chicken

1.5 lb skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp EVOO
1/4 cup of white wine
1 bag fresh baby spinach (5-6 oz)
1 pack washed fresh sliced mushrooms
1 14.5 oz can of italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
4 oz Mozzarella cheese

Preheat skillet, season chicken with s & p. Add oil to pan & swirl. Cook chicken @ 4 min until browned. Flip chicken and add rest of ingredients except cheese. Cook another 5-6 min (unitl chicken is 165 degrees). Add sliced fresh cheese, remove from heat.. put cover back on and let sit until cheese is melted. Now serve :) So incredibley quick and easy.. there is no excuse not to feed your family healthy foods!!  Enjoy :)

Pan Seared Pork w/ Reisling Brown Sugared Apples

Ok.. this is seriously good! This is the second time I have made this and I still just love it! The first time I used a pork loin but this time I just used porch chops & instead of Reisluing I used Chardonay and it still turned out great!  So as for the ingredients: 4 tbsp of butter (2 for the apples and 2 for the pork) 4 tbsp brown sugar, 3-4 apples peeled & cut into 1/8 slices, 1.5 lb pork tenderloin (or chops), 1 cup Reisling (I used more like 2 cups of Chard because I used 5 apples), 2.5 cups chicken broth........................Now for the instructions: Melt 2 tbsp of butter and brown sugar in first pan until tender.. recipe said 4 min per side but I did it dbl.. you want them nice & brown and tender. In second pan add 2 tbsp butter and add salted & peppered pork fry for about 7 min per side until cooked. Remove pork and add in wine to pan to deglaze and reduce. Once reduced add chicken stock and let reduce more @ 15 min or so. Once Reduced add in apple mixture, mix and serve over pork. Sooo very good!

How Great is this!!!

I recently took the kids to a birthday party & the family had their ceiling painted like this!! I absolutely love it!!  I asked to take a pic and told them I was going to copy it once I find out what company did it!!  Isn't it great??!!

2012 Summer Reading List!! Yay!!

Irish Corned Beef

OMG. I dont like corned beef.. but this was SERIOUSLY GOOD!!  My hub scoured the internet for the perfect recipe & this is what he got courtesy of "foodtrampdiaries.com". (thank you food tramp.. wish we could meet!!  xoxo) My husband loves to throw parties and his motto is "go big or go home".. this accompanied a giant turkey, stuffing, scalloped potatoes, sauteed green beans ect ect ect.. but my favorite part of the day were the Cheesecake Factory Cakes.. his pick was Oreo (which was really good despite my incessent bragging over my choice) which was.... (are you ready for this?) White chocolate, rasberry truffle cheesecake with oreo crust..holy hell..I think I ate the whole thing.. in the same voice that says "I dont understand why I am gaining all this weight"! HAHAHAH LMAO!!! Anyways, w/o further A due..please meet Bill's (aka food tramp's :) "Best Ever Corned Beef"...

2 lb yellow onion
2 lb carrotts
6 lbs corned beef brisket
1 cup malt vinegar
8 oz Irish Stout beer ( drink the rest.. you will cook better!!)
1 tbsp corriander seed
1 tbsp coriander seed
1 tbsp mustard seed
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp whole all spice
1/2 tbsp black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
3 lbs cabbage
2 lbs red potatoes

For Glaze

1 cup course ground mustard
1/2 to 1 cup orange marmalade (depending on how sweet you want it to be)

Peel annd cut carrots in large chunks. Cut onions into wedges. Slice cabbage heads into 8 wedges per head of cabbage. Clean potatoes, they can be left whole or left cut in 1/2. Place beef in bottom of stock pot. Add 1 cup of onion & one cup of carrot. Place remainder in the fridge for later. Add all the spices, beer, & malt vinegar to the pot. Add more beer to cover the beef if needed (or again.. drink it). Bring liquid to a boil, then turn down to simmer for 3 hours. Next, remove beef..place on roasting pan & cover w/ glaze then finish in 350 degree oven for 30 min. Remove beef place veggies in pot, cover & bring to full boil for a full 30 min. P.S.... Always slice beef against the grain :)

Emeril Lagasse"s Chicken Marsala - BAM!!!

I know I have been MIA from here for quite some time,  I have been buried in textbooks and and glued to the little league fields.. but with Spring season wrapping up & some easier classes for summer semester I am hoping to be back in the saddle cooking delicious meals for the fam and hopefully fitting in a good book or two to share with you. Here is a recipe for the most delicious Chicken Marsala you have ever had. I think the secret is the "Essence seasoning" that you mix in with the flour. I dbl this recipe so there are left overs. SOOOO GOOD. Enjoy :)

1/2 cup flour
1 tbsp Essence seasoning (recipe to follow)
2 6-8oz chicken breasts (pounded thin)
1 tbsp EVOO
4tbsp butter
3 cups of mushrooms (I use bella.. but recipe says cremini, oyster or shitake)
3/4 cup marsala
1 cup chicken stock
s & pep

Combine flour & essence seasoning. Dredge chicken in mixture. Heat large skillet on high heat.. add 2 tbsp butter. brown chicken @ 3 min on each side. transfer to plate & set aside. Add remaining butter and sautee mushrooms until tender and liquid given off. Add marsala wine and scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pan. when wine reduces by 1/2  andd the chicken stock and cook @ 3 min or until sauce thickens. Lower heat & add chicken back to pan. Continue to cook until they are cooked through @ 6 min.

Essence Seasoning (makes @ 2/3 cup.. store in airtight jar)
2.5 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp thyme

Delicious & Healthy Fish Chowder

I got this recipe off a Bermuda sherry pepper sauce years ago and just love it. As a word of advice don't use shellfish like shrimp or scallops because they get tough. I forgot to add the water once & it still turned out great, so I guess the water requirement depends on if you like your chowder like a soup or a stew. The original recipe called for 4 quarts of water and 10oz beef broth.. I changed it to how I like it.. so feel free to switch it up!

4 cups water
3 lbs fresh fish filets ( I use salmon & tilapia or mahi)
1/2 tsp thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp peppercorns (or ground for milder)
Red pepper flakes if you can handle it :)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3 tbs butter (or EVOO is even better)
3 lg onions, chopped
8 celery stalks, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped ( I use 3)
3 green peppers, chopped
1 lg can whole tom (28 oz)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
1 carton (32oz) beef broth
1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1 lemon (or 2 tsp lemon juice)
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced (about 5)
6 carrots, peeled and diced

Lightly parboil potatoes and carrots, set aside. In a large pot saute garlic, onions, celery and peppers till slightly tender. Add tomatoes (use large ladle to smush them while cooking), broth, water & remaining spices & ingredients (excluding potatoes, carrots & fish). Simmer 30 minutes. Add de-skinned & chopped chunks of fish fillets (will break up when cooking) and now the potatoes and carrots. Cook for another 30 minutes. You will see the fish breaking apart when you stir.. there is your cue it's ready! Soooo sooo good & healthy to boot!