Hey there all you fans. So in my house we eat a lot of chicken. Mark could eat just plain grilled chicken breast with brown rice and broccoli every night for dinner. Well me on the other hand, I need a little diversity, and am very bored with that meal. So I essentially took that meal, and jazzed it up a little. The nice thing is, that what I did added very few calories to the meal. So try out different things with the "old stand by" and see what you can come up with. Have fun with cooking and you will enjoy your food.
Jalapeno Lime Chicken
So this starts out being marinaded, and as with other marinades, the longer it sits, the better the flavor gets infused into the meat. You could also do this with pork chops, or perhaps even turkey cutlets.
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
2/3 chopped onion
1 cup lime juice
1/2 cup honey
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (finely)
the grated peel of one lime
1/2 tsp garlic salt
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp ground cumin
12 boneless skinless chicken breasts
*Mix the first nine things together. This is the marinade.
*Put chicken in a ziploc bag, and then pour mixture over chicken. Marinade for at least 2 hours, but as I said, the longer, the better.
*We grilled ours on our outside grill. But this could also be cooked inside on a baking sheet in the oven.
Easy Rice Pilaf
1 red bell pepper diced
1 yellow bell pepper diced
1 orange or green bell pepper diced
1/2 large onion diced
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups uncooked brown rice
4 cups water
1 cup browned almond slivers
*Saute your three types of bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a touch of olive oil.
*Once complete, add four cups of water, and bring to a boil.
*Once water comes to a boil, add rice, and mix.
*Turn temp down to med low and cover with lid. Cook for 25-40 minutes. Different brands of brown rice take different times to cook, but cook for its standard time.
*Once completely cooked throw in your almond slivers and stir. Adds a great crunch and flavor to the rice. (to brown the almonds, put them on a baking sheet, put that in a 350 oven for 5 minutes or until browned)
Serve these two together.
I served these two items with simple roasted zucchini (three different types). We cut these into chunks, coated with a little olive oil, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and standard seasoning salt. Cooked them at 350 for about 30 minutes. This was wonderful, and relatively healthy.
Check facebook in a few days for a "Cooking with Jennifer....." page. Happy cooking, and enjoy your food.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My top 10 things you ALWAYS need to have in your kitchen.........
Okay, so I know that this is just my opinion, but there are several things that I think no kitchen should ever be without. I know, my kitchen couldn't survive without these things.
1. Chicken Broth-many recipes call for it, and you never know when you are going to need it. You can use it instead of milk in mashed potatoes, use it as a base for soup, or a base for many sauces.
2. Minced Garlic-okay, not the kind you keep in the kitchen cabinet, the kind that you keep refrigerated. This is real minced garlic. You can add this to burgers, to your spaghetti, or to any other recipe that calls for garlic. Throw away that other junk.
3. Onion-when I met Mark, he always had a bowl of chopped onions in the fridge. I never understood why, but now I do. These are something that you will find that I use in many recipes. A little goes a long way, and you can saute them, and add them to frozen veggies like green beans for a little extra zing.
4. Rice-now in my house we have switched out the white rice for a healthier brown rice version. But rice is an easy side dish to any meal. You can also add some veggies to it, or throw some quick stir fry together and serve with it. But definitely look at the brown rice version. Much better for you. And oh yea, you can cook it in that chicken broth that you have already for a little extra flavor.
5. Canned tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes-what can I say about these two things......spaghetti sauce, sloppy joes, soup, and so many other options.
6. Bisquick-Not only does the box have many recipes, but you can go online and find many other recipes at http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/product-recipes/bisquick-recipes/all-bisquick-recipes Just know that you can make a lot out of a little. And there is a heart healthy version that is lower in calories and not as bad for you. I have a couple of recipes on the blog that use bisquick already with many more to come. Bisquick has saved a many night at my house for sure.
7. Ground turkey-the health benefits of turkey versus beef is incredible, and the taste difference is minor. If you treat it like you would beef you will never know the difference. Mixed with any number of the other top 10 items, you can make a great meal.
8. Barilla whole wheat pasta-this is a pasta that you can feel guilt free about eating. It is made with whole wheat flower, and you can't tell a difference in the taste.
9. Worcheschire Sauce-needs NO introduction, we use it for everything
10. Mustard-no longer is mustard just for putting on a sandwich. You can add it to mac and cheese to jazz it up, add it to a few other things for an easy marinade for chicken or beef, or thin it out for a sauce.
I know this list seems a little random. But I challenge you to buy these 10 things, keep them in your kitchen, and see all the ways you use them. Even if you have nothing else, you can make a meal with these things. And oh yea, cut out some of the prepared foods that aren't so good for you. Enjoy cooking!! Think about what you are cooking, and think about what you are feeding your family!!!
1. Chicken Broth-many recipes call for it, and you never know when you are going to need it. You can use it instead of milk in mashed potatoes, use it as a base for soup, or a base for many sauces.
2. Minced Garlic-okay, not the kind you keep in the kitchen cabinet, the kind that you keep refrigerated. This is real minced garlic. You can add this to burgers, to your spaghetti, or to any other recipe that calls for garlic. Throw away that other junk.
3. Onion-when I met Mark, he always had a bowl of chopped onions in the fridge. I never understood why, but now I do. These are something that you will find that I use in many recipes. A little goes a long way, and you can saute them, and add them to frozen veggies like green beans for a little extra zing.
4. Rice-now in my house we have switched out the white rice for a healthier brown rice version. But rice is an easy side dish to any meal. You can also add some veggies to it, or throw some quick stir fry together and serve with it. But definitely look at the brown rice version. Much better for you. And oh yea, you can cook it in that chicken broth that you have already for a little extra flavor.
5. Canned tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes-what can I say about these two things......spaghetti sauce, sloppy joes, soup, and so many other options.
6. Bisquick-Not only does the box have many recipes, but you can go online and find many other recipes at http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/product-recipes/bisquick-recipes/all-bisquick-recipes Just know that you can make a lot out of a little. And there is a heart healthy version that is lower in calories and not as bad for you. I have a couple of recipes on the blog that use bisquick already with many more to come. Bisquick has saved a many night at my house for sure.
7. Ground turkey-the health benefits of turkey versus beef is incredible, and the taste difference is minor. If you treat it like you would beef you will never know the difference. Mixed with any number of the other top 10 items, you can make a great meal.
8. Barilla whole wheat pasta-this is a pasta that you can feel guilt free about eating. It is made with whole wheat flower, and you can't tell a difference in the taste.
9. Worcheschire Sauce-needs NO introduction, we use it for everything
10. Mustard-no longer is mustard just for putting on a sandwich. You can add it to mac and cheese to jazz it up, add it to a few other things for an easy marinade for chicken or beef, or thin it out for a sauce.
I know this list seems a little random. But I challenge you to buy these 10 things, keep them in your kitchen, and see all the ways you use them. Even if you have nothing else, you can make a meal with these things. And oh yea, cut out some of the prepared foods that aren't so good for you. Enjoy cooking!! Think about what you are cooking, and think about what you are feeding your family!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Coconut Almond Custard Pie
So why am I cooking so much you might ask. Well I am finally off, and I finally have a little time to do what I love. Well that and Mark is out of town, so I can bake until my hearts content. So I have "inflicted" my baking on my friends and my staff, and you are reaping the benefits because I have just been experimenting and playing around in the kitchen.
So this recipe is a twist on another recipe that I have. I changed it because of ingredients that I did and didn't have. And guess what, it worked. The good thing is that I think it would work with just about anything you might have. Its a basic custard pie without a crust, and this one has coconut and almonds in it.
Coconut Almond Custard Pie
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup melten butter
1/2 cup bisquick (no kitchen should ever be without this)
Mix these three things REALLY well. Then add:
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vanilla (or almond) extract
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Mix all ingredients well. Put in greased glass pie dish. This will bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out of center clean. Pie forms its own crust, and coconut ends up on top browned. Cool and serve.
So, this is my play around recipe, and IT WORKED! We loved it. I think you could do it with a whole host of things. Once you get that basic custard pie down, you are set. Try it and let me know what you think. Happy baking, and don't be afraid to experiment.
So this recipe is a twist on another recipe that I have. I changed it because of ingredients that I did and didn't have. And guess what, it worked. The good thing is that I think it would work with just about anything you might have. Its a basic custard pie without a crust, and this one has coconut and almonds in it.
Coconut Almond Custard Pie
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup melten butter
1/2 cup bisquick (no kitchen should ever be without this)
Mix these three things REALLY well. Then add:
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vanilla (or almond) extract
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Mix all ingredients well. Put in greased glass pie dish. This will bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out of center clean. Pie forms its own crust, and coconut ends up on top browned. Cool and serve.
So, this is my play around recipe, and IT WORKED! We loved it. I think you could do it with a whole host of things. Once you get that basic custard pie down, you are set. Try it and let me know what you think. Happy baking, and don't be afraid to experiment.
White Bean Hummus
Okay, so we have found the ULTIMATE healthy bean dip (hummus-for those who want to call it by its real name). Although, I will tell you that Sheyanne (my 16 year old) states, and I quote "it smells like butt", but she still eats it. So I guess its good, and relatively healthy. I took this to our Sunday School holiday party and it was eaten right up. Someone even ate it right out of his hand. So I guess that is something for you.
Now it does take a lot of random spices, but you will find that most of these are things that you either have in your cabinet from that "experimental" recipe, or are easily found at your local grocery.
White Bean Hummus
2 can great northern beans drained and rinsed
1 tbsp of minced fresh garlic
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Mediterranean seasoning
3/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp honey or light karo syrup
This is soooooo easy. Drain and rinse your beans. Measure out all your seasonings, and put it in your food processor or in your blender. The thought is to make it very smooth, so I run mine for about 2 minutes, then scrape down the sides, and run it for another minute. We serve ours with Pita chips and can garnish with some diced tomato. This can easily be refrigerated and served the next day. Since we are cutting out a lot of the oil of traditional hummus, it is much better for you.
Enjoy!!!!
Now it does take a lot of random spices, but you will find that most of these are things that you either have in your cabinet from that "experimental" recipe, or are easily found at your local grocery.
White Bean Hummus
2 can great northern beans drained and rinsed
1 tbsp of minced fresh garlic
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Mediterranean seasoning
3/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp honey or light karo syrup
This is soooooo easy. Drain and rinse your beans. Measure out all your seasonings, and put it in your food processor or in your blender. The thought is to make it very smooth, so I run mine for about 2 minutes, then scrape down the sides, and run it for another minute. We serve ours with Pita chips and can garnish with some diced tomato. This can easily be refrigerated and served the next day. Since we are cutting out a lot of the oil of traditional hummus, it is much better for you.
Enjoy!!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Almond Joy Cake
Hey there all,
So today I am posting a "shared" recipe from one of the ladies in my mom's office. And boy oh boy is it wonderful. I made it and let me just say, it will be a recipe that I make over and over again. It may seem like it has a lot of steps, but it is really easy. Try it you will love it. And don't worry if you don't like coconuts or the nuts it calls for in the recipe. (It is definately better with them, but...) You can leave them out, or sub them with a nut of your choice.
I hope you all enjoy this, and happy cooking!!!!!! (and thanks to Nancy who provided this recipe, I LOVE IT!!)
So today I am posting a "shared" recipe from one of the ladies in my mom's office. And boy oh boy is it wonderful. I made it and let me just say, it will be a recipe that I make over and over again. It may seem like it has a lot of steps, but it is really easy. Try it you will love it. And don't worry if you don't like coconuts or the nuts it calls for in the recipe. (It is definately better with them, but...) You can leave them out, or sub them with a nut of your choice.
Almond Joy Cake
Step 1
Chocolate cake mix with pudding
Bake cake as directed on the box.
Step 2
1c. sugar
1c. evaporated milk
24 large marshmallows
14 oz package of coconut
Bring sugar and milk to boil. Remove from heat. Add 24 large marshmallows- stir until completely melted. Add coconut. Pour mixture over hot cake- covering completely.
Step 3
1½ c sugar
½ c evaporated milk
1 stick of butter
1½ c. chocolate chips
Almond slivers or pecans
Bring sugar and evaporated milk to hard boil- remove from heat. Add butter- stir until melted. Add chocolate chips- stir until melted. Pour mixture over cake. Top with almonds or pecans.
I hope you all enjoy this, and happy cooking!!!!!! (and thanks to Nancy who provided this recipe, I LOVE IT!!)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Holiday........
So the holidays are gone (thank goodness), and those of us in retail are very glad. It has been a while since I have been able to post anything but thats the job of a retail manager. Seventy hours a week from Thanksgiving through New Years. But we made it, and now its done. So back to what I love, and thats cooking.
So today for Sunday School I made sausage balls, and was asked to post the recipe for them, so here goes. These are so easy, and can be made a day in advance, and heat in microwave. They are great for potlucks, and parties, and we LOVE them for every holiday occassion.
Sausage Balls
3 cups bisquick
1 pound browned breakfast sausage (we love the Jimmy Dean SAGE sausage, not spicy, but has some good spice to it)
1.5 cups shredded chedder cheese
milk to moisten
*Brown your sausage prior to mixing with other mixture.
*Mix together bisquick and cheese. Once sausage has cooled enough to handle mix in in too. No need to drain it, the little bit of fat will supply moisture for the sausage balls.
*Use milk as needed to bind together. But be careful! Do not add too much. I like to add about a tablespoon at a time, mix it and see if it needs more. It is supposed to be a DRY mix.
*Once thats all done, form mixture into balls about the size of an average donut hole, and put on greased cookie sheet.
*Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.
Enjoy. We love to serve these with blackberry preserves.
Lets just say that everyone loves these and will be asking you to bring them to everything. They will be a hit for sure. So whats next, white bean hummus. Later I will post that recipe that I have dabbled with over the holiday season and boy is it delicious.
Everyone have a great Sunday!!!!!!!!
So today for Sunday School I made sausage balls, and was asked to post the recipe for them, so here goes. These are so easy, and can be made a day in advance, and heat in microwave. They are great for potlucks, and parties, and we LOVE them for every holiday occassion.
Sausage Balls
3 cups bisquick
1 pound browned breakfast sausage (we love the Jimmy Dean SAGE sausage, not spicy, but has some good spice to it)
1.5 cups shredded chedder cheese
milk to moisten
*Brown your sausage prior to mixing with other mixture.
*Mix together bisquick and cheese. Once sausage has cooled enough to handle mix in in too. No need to drain it, the little bit of fat will supply moisture for the sausage balls.
*Use milk as needed to bind together. But be careful! Do not add too much. I like to add about a tablespoon at a time, mix it and see if it needs more. It is supposed to be a DRY mix.
*Once thats all done, form mixture into balls about the size of an average donut hole, and put on greased cookie sheet.
*Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.
Enjoy. We love to serve these with blackberry preserves.
Lets just say that everyone loves these and will be asking you to bring them to everything. They will be a hit for sure. So whats next, white bean hummus. Later I will post that recipe that I have dabbled with over the holiday season and boy is it delicious.
Everyone have a great Sunday!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Mashed Potato Casserole
So it has been an incredibly busy Thursday, but such is life when you work in retail and it is 9 days before Christmas. I just got home from work and my wonderful hubby has leftover turkey and stuff from their work potluck, so thats what I am having for dinner. So what does that make me really want--my mashed potato casserole. Okay, this is the EASIEST thing ever. And is a great twist on mashed potatoes and baked potatoes, and I guarantee will be a hit for the holidays.
Baked Mashed Potato Casserole
**Boil your favorite potatoes for mashed potatoes just like you normally would. Prepare them with butter, milk, salk, pepper just like you normally would once they are soft. (at this point they would be just like normal "mashed potatoes")
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese, chedder is best
Diced Onion
Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped up (you can also use diced ham if you like it better)
Green onion, diced
(you will notice that those are not exact measurements, that is because it is up to you to decide how much you want to "jazz it up", use as much or as little as your taste likes, we personally like a lot of onion and lot of cheese, but not as much bacon in my house, so thats what I do. Customize it to your taste)
**Mix with your mashed potatoes your sour cream, diced onion, bacon (you can also used diced up ham if you like that better), and 3/4th of your shredded cheese.
**Put in baking dish. Cover with remainder of your shredded cheese, and diced green onion.
**Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes until cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Serve immediately!!
So I hope you all are having a great week, and I hope you all are cooking some great meals. Let me know what you have experimented with and what has worked for you and what hasn't. Let me know if you have tried anything new, and what it was. I'd love to hear your recipe.
Jennifer
Baked Mashed Potato Casserole
**Boil your favorite potatoes for mashed potatoes just like you normally would. Prepare them with butter, milk, salk, pepper just like you normally would once they are soft. (at this point they would be just like normal "mashed potatoes")
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese, chedder is best
Diced Onion
Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped up (you can also use diced ham if you like it better)
Green onion, diced
(you will notice that those are not exact measurements, that is because it is up to you to decide how much you want to "jazz it up", use as much or as little as your taste likes, we personally like a lot of onion and lot of cheese, but not as much bacon in my house, so thats what I do. Customize it to your taste)
**Mix with your mashed potatoes your sour cream, diced onion, bacon (you can also used diced up ham if you like that better), and 3/4th of your shredded cheese.
**Put in baking dish. Cover with remainder of your shredded cheese, and diced green onion.
**Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes until cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Serve immediately!!
So I hope you all are having a great week, and I hope you all are cooking some great meals. Let me know what you have experimented with and what has worked for you and what hasn't. Let me know if you have tried anything new, and what it was. I'd love to hear your recipe.
Jennifer
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