Monday, December 10, 2012

Cheddar-Garlic Oven Fried Chicken

 
 
This is one recipe for the garlic lover, which I happen to be! I did use chicken tenders instead of the chicken breast. It was easier and cooked a little quicker. Over all its a good dinner, I will lessen the amount of garlic and add more cheese to the mixture next time I make them again.
 
 
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons minced garlic (can use more or less)
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided (garlic lovers can use more)
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or can use white salt)
3/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumb (seasoned or plain)
1/2 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
shredded cheddar cheese (optional and use any amount desired, or can use shredded mozzarella cheese)
Preheat oven to 350°F.
  1. Butter an 11 x 7-inch pan (if using more than 4 breasts use a larger pan)
  2. In a bowl, combine melted butter with fresh minced garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and salt.4
  3. In another bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup finely grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder and coarse ground black pepper
  4. Dip chicken in butter mixture; then in crumb mixture.
  5. Place in prepared pan and bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until cooked through, larger breasts may take more time (placing the chicken on a rack in a pan will produce an extra crispy crust).
  6. Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella the last 5 minutes of cooking (this is only optional.


Monday, December 3, 2012

Slow-cooked Southwest Chicken

Slow-cooked Southwest Chicken
Slow Cooker Meals by Taste of Home pg41



I came across this recipe in a magazine I found at the check out stand at the store. I didn't do anything different this time but will probably try to find a cilantro lime rice to put with it next time.

I doubled the recipe and put one meal in the freezer. I love knowing I have a quick dinner option in the freezer!!

2 15oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 14 ½ oz reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 14 ½ oz can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, undrained
½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast
1 jar (8 ounces) chunky salsa
1 cup frozen corn
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 cups hot cooked rice



1. In a 2 or 3 quart slow cooker, combine the beans, broth, tomatoes, chicken, salsa, corn and seasonings. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until thermometer reads 170.

2. Shred chicken with two forks and return to the slow cooker; heat through. Serve with rice.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Italian Peppers and Sausage

Sausage and Peppers

 
 


I found this pinterest as well. (Yes I have a slight obsession with Pinterest) The link above will take you to a post with several recipes on it. I have only tried this one so far though.

I loved this one and will add it to my routine for sure! Its super easy and was yummy. It has a fresh taste to it!


6 Italian Sausage (or chicken sausage)
2 green peppers
1 red pepper
1 large red onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans Italian diced tomatoes
2 tbs Italian seasonings

Split between 2 gallon sized freezer bags, seal, mix, lay flat, freeze

Directions for Bags:
Add drizzle of olive oil, cook on low for 6 hours, serve over hot noodles or fresh French bread with mozzarella cheese.



Monday, November 19, 2012

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Pumpkin French Toast Bake
 
 
 
 
I have to say the first run on this one was a little disappointing to be honest. It needs another flavor and I didn't have the nuts, nor do I like nuts in my food, to put in it. I will be doing another run on this one to see if I can find another flavor to add in.



3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups 1-inch bread cubes (depending on type of bread)
7 large eggs
2 cups milk (any kind)*
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup pumpkin BUTTER (or 1/2 cup pumpkin puree)*
3-4 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
nuts, like pecan or walnuts (optional)



Cut any kind of bread into 1-inch cubes – I recommend a crusty, whole grain variety, but sandwich bread will work, too. Just use enough slice to fill a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish quite full.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and pumpkin butter until well combined. Pour over bread and push down with a spoon or your hands until it’s all soaked and mostly covered. Cover with saran wrap or lid and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees, uncover and top with brown sugar and nuts (optional). Bake for 35-45 minutes or golden brown and no longer wet.

Serve immediately with maple syrup, honey or agave nectar. Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to a couple days.

Notes

* I HIGHLY recommend using pumpkin butter as it has a concentrated pumpkin flavor and is much sweeter than puree. But if using puree instead of butter, it’s important to compensate the flavor by adding a bit more puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a little agave nectar, brown sugar or maple syrup to the batter. Otherwise, it will lack that delicious fall, pumpkin flavor you’re going for. * I used 2%, but use skim or low-fat for a lighter recipe. Alternatively, use non-dairy such as soy or almond.

Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 10 slices; per slice: Calories: 122 Fat: 4 g Carbohydrates: 13.7 g Sugar: 7.4 g Sodium: 145 mg Fiber: 1.3 g Protein: 7.8 g

Monday, November 12, 2012

Buttermilk Chicken

 



This is yet another Pinterest find. I tried this one because my sister tired it and loved it. Sadly....I did not like it at all.


3 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks
3 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon paprika, plus more for sprinkling over the chicken
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sea salt
Very generous amount of freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary

In a large bowl, stir together the buttermilk, paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper. The buttermilk will turn a nice light shade of pink.

Place the chicken in a gallon-size freezer bag and pour the buttermilk brine over it. Seal the bag and shake so that all the chicken pieces are well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate 2 hours at the bare minimum, or ideally 7+ hours, or 1 to 2 days for the best flavor.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a roasting pan or sheet tray with foil or parchment. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and arrange them in the pan. Brush the tops with the olive oil, then sprinkle a bit of salt and enough paprika to add a nice red hue to the top. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes. In the last 10 to 15 minutes of roasting, carefully slide the pan out half-way, sprinkle a bit of rosemary over the chicken, then return the pan to roasting. The chicken is done when the top has a deep golden-reddish hue and juicy-looking all over. Transfer the chicken and rosemary to plates and serve with roasted potatoes or a side salad.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Buttermilk Parmesan Pork Chops

Buttermilk Parmesan Pork Chops
 

I found this one on Pinterest as well. I love pork chops and I love cheese so I knew I wanted to try it! I will say that I did not use near as much bread crumbs that this calls for. I also added some of my favorite seasonings to the bread crumb mixture. I loved this one. It will be a repeat in my house for sure!!


4 thin-sliced, boneless center cut pork chops
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese + a little more for garnish
3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup chicken stock

Tenderize and trim fat from pork chops if you’d like.Add pork chops to a baking dish and pour buttermilk over top. Soak for at least 2 ours, or over night. Remove pork chops from fridge 30 minutes before you plan to make them. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl, combine panko, flour, salt, pepper and parmesan. Heat an over-safe skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Grab a pork chop from the buttermilk, letting any excess milk run off. Dredge through panko mixture, coating completely. Lay down in skillet and repeat with remaining chops. Brown pork chops for 3 minutes on each side only! You don’t want them to toughen up. After six minutes, turn off heat and add chicken stock to pan. Sprinkle a little parmesan on pork chops and cover skillet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Corn Dog Muffins

 
 
 
When I found this recipe on Pinterest I knew I had to try it as soon as possible. I mean how could I not try it, a healthier version of corn dogs?! Sign me up! So I stopped by the store on my way home from work and got the supplies.
 
This is a quick and easy dinner for sure. It isn't something I will do all the time but once in a while it will be repeated!
 
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
1/2 package hot dogs
 
Prepare the muffin mix according to the directions on the box. Then but up the hot dogs into bite sized pieces and distribute evenly among 12 muffin pans. Pour muffin mixture evenly in the muffin cups. Bake until mixture is done. Enjoy them hot!!
*I will add cheese to the mixture next time I do this.