Month: September 2022

Garlic Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

Garlic Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

Garlic Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is one of our favorite quick dinners. I start this quick dish by making a light stir-fry sauce. Then, I cook lots of bell peppers and. Finally, I cook plump shrimp in lots of garlic butter and toss everything with 

Pork Tenderloin and Mushroom Marsala

Pork Tenderloin and Mushroom Marsala

Pork Tenderloin and Mushroom Marsala is one of our favorite fall dinners. I start this pork dish by browning some pancetta and tender pork tenderloin. Then, I make a rich and creamy mushroom marsala sauce. Finally, I serve the pork topped with the lush marsala 

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers are one of our favorite fall appetizers. I start this recipe by making a hearty pot sticker filling. Then, I wrap the pumpkin filling in gyoza wrappers and fry and steam the pot stickers until they’re golden brown. Finally, I serve the pumpkin potstickers with my Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce. We like these pumpkin pot stickers for several reasons. First of all, I like how cheaply I can make all forty-five of these dumplings. It is so much more economical than getting takeout pot stickers or buying good-quality frozen pot stickers. Secondly, I like that I can make these pot stickers ahead of time. They taste just great reheated in the microwave. And, lastly, we all love these savory pumpkin and pork pot stickers and the dipping sauce.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Large Non-Stick Skillet with a lid- Use this to cook the pot stickers. Or, if you have an electric skillet with a lid, that also works great. I used my electric skillet.
  • A Food Processor- Use this to make the filling. If you don’t have a food processor, just mince everything up really fine.

The Ingredients Needed for Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

  • Gyoza Wrappers- I used the Nasoya brand wrappers.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar- You can find this with the Asian foods or with the vinegars.
  • Soy Sauce- Use light soy sauce. I like the Kikoman brand.
  • Chili Garlic Sauce- You can find this with the Asian foods.

How I Made my Pot Stickers

  • First, I made the filling and wrapped the dumplings up. If you need help with the pleating and pinching, I suggest you look up a video on how to do it. Just know it doesn’t have to be perfect. It will still taste delicious.
  • Then, I fry the pot stickers and then steam them.
  • Finally, I make the dipping sauce and serve the pot stickers.

If you like pork, you need to try these savory and delicious Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers.

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers
Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers
Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

Pot Stickers stuffed with ground pork, grated pumpkin, cabbage, ginger, and chives. Served with a Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 40 pot stickers

Equipment

  • large non-stick skillet with a lid or a large non-stick electric skillet with a lid
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

For the Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce
  • 2 tbsp. mirin
  • 2 tbsp. scallions, minced

For the Potsticker Filling:

  • 12 ounces ground pork
  • ½ cup chopped cabbage
  • ¼ cup peeled and grated pumpkin or butternut squash
  • 1 tbsp. each grated ginger and minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. chopped chives
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil

To Assemble the Potstickers:

  • 2 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 45 round pot sticker wrappers
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce: simply stir together all the ingredients.
  • Next, make the pot sticker filling: Place all the ingredients in the food processor and process until combined.
  • Next, stuff the potstickers: Dust a sheet pan with the cornstarch. Cup one pot sticker wrapper in your hand. Brush the edges with water. Put a couple of teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper and fold it in half pleating the top and pinching it to the bottom half as you go. The goal is to have the dumpling stand up when you fry it.
  • In a large nonstick skillet or nonstick electric skillet, heat half the vegetable oil on medium heat. Add half the dumplings and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Pour in half the water and cover the dumplings. Lower the heat to low. Cook the pot stickers until the water is almost all evaporated. Uncover the potstickers and cook another minute. Repeat with the rest of the dumplings, oil, and water. Serve with the dipping sauce.
Keyword appetizers, pork
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Chai Spiced Honey Cake

Chai Spiced Honey Cake

Chai Spiced Honey Cake is one of our favorite fall cakes. I start this cake by beating together a quick and easy cake batter. Then, I bake the cake for just about thirty minutes. After it cools, I either serve it just as it is, 

Shrimp and Fresh Corn Grits

Shrimp and Fresh Corn Grits

Shrimp and Fresh Corn Grits is one of our favorite summer dinners. I start this dish by browning some rich andouille sausage. Then, I make a rich and buttery Creole sauce full of peppers, onion, and garlic. Next, I cook plump Gulf shrimp right it 

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas are one of our favorite summer dinners. I start these quesadillas by braising boneless skinless chicken thighs in my homemade Salsa Verde. Then, I shred the chicken and put it into flour tortillas along with lots of Colby Jack cheese. Finally, I top the quesadillas with Roasted Corn Salsa and sour cream. We like these quesadillas for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make all the components of this dish ahead of time. Then, right before serving, I just fry up the quesadillas. Secondly, I like that this is a complete meal. No side dishes are necessary. And, finally, we all love the tender chicken and all the melted cheese.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- I used this to make the Salsa Verde. If you don’t have a food processor, just mince everything with a knife.
  • A Dutch Oven- I like to braise my chicken in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven. But you can use any four quart or larger pot.

The Ingredients Needed for Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

  • Chicken- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs. I always use Bell and Evans chicken because I find it to be the most tender.
  • Tomatillos- You can find these at markets with good produce sections. Sometimes these come with a husk on them. If so, you’ll need to remove the husk before chopping.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use my homemade stock. The recipe is below.
  • Cheese- I used Colby Jack cheese, but Monterey Pepper Jack would also be great.

How I Made my Quesadillas

  • First, I braised the chicken. It’s important to just simmer the chicken and not boil it. Boiling the chicken will make it tough.
  • Next, I roasted the corn for the salsa.
  • Finally, I added everything to the tortillas and fried them up. And, I added the salsa on top.

If you like Tex-Mex flavors, you need to try these cheesy and delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas.

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas
Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas
Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas stuffed with chicken slowly braised in a salsa verde. They're topped with a Roasted Corn Salsa.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp. each garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 chopped tomatillos
  • 1 chopped jalapeno
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup cilantro
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 4 8-inch flour tortillas
  • 3 cups Colby Jack cheese
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Roasted Corn Salsa:

  • 2 ears of corn
  • 4 tsp. salted butter
  • 1 cup diced plum tomato
  • 1 minced jalapeno
  • ¼ cup red onion, minced
  • ½ cup minced cilantro leaves
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. lime juice
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Begin by preparing the Salsa Verde Chicken: Dry off the chicken thighs all over with paper towels and sprinkle on all the spices. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil. Add a couple of chicken thighs at a time and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove the thighs to a plate after they're browned. After all the chicken is browned put it all back in the pot.
  • While the chicken browns, make the Salsa Verde: Put the tomatillos, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and lime juice in the food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add this mixture to the chicken pot along with the chicken stock. Cover and simmer for 50 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and shred it. With a slotted spoon remove 1 cup of the braised minced vegetables and add this to the chicken.
  • While the chicken simmers make the Roasted Corn Salsa: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel the husks of the corn and wrap each cob in foil, with two teaspoons of butter in each packet. Roast for thirty minutes. Cut the corn off the cobs and place the kernels in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and refrigerate until serving.
  • Lay out your four tortillas. Place some shredded chicken and cheese on half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half, and cook on medium heat, on a grill pan, or in a cast iron skillet. Use some of the butter to cook each quesadilla. Just cook them long enough to melt the cheese. Serve with the roasted corn salsa and sour cream.
Keyword Chicken
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Chicken Stock

Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • lbs. chicken breasts and wings with skin and bones
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 peeled onions
  • 2 peeled carrots
  • 3 peeled parsley roots
  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 peeled parsnip
  • 2 tbsp. garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley and fresh dill

Instructions
 

  • Put the chicken and the salt in a large, tall pot and cover with ten cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any scum that forms.
  • Add all the vegetables and herbs and simmer for two and a half hours. Pour the soup through a strainer to remove everything but the broth.
Keyword chicken soup, chicken stock, stock
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Summer Tomato Fettuccini Carbonara

Summer Tomato Fettuccini Carbonara

Summer Tomato Fettuccini Carbonara is one of our favorite summer dinners. I like this fettuccini for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this fettuccini is just thirty minutes. I like to make this fettuccini after a busy day when I 

Lamb Gyros with Pickled Cabbage

Lamb Gyros with Pickled Cabbage

Lamb Gyros with Pickled Cabbage is one of our favorite summer dinners. I start this dish by mixing up an aromatic ground lamb loaf mixture. Then, I bake the loaf, slice it thinly, and grill it. Finally, I serve the lamb stuffed in pita pockets 

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies are one of our favorite fall cookies. I start these apple cookies by stirring together an easy drop cookie dough. Then, I make a rich and creamy Vanilla Glaze and drizzle it all over the cookies. We like these apple cookies for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make these delicious cookies in just about one hour. Secondly, I like that the dough can be made ahead of time. Then, I can bake up the cookies right before serving them. And, finally, we all love the sweet fall flavors in these cookies.

The Equipment I Used

  • An Electric Mixer- I used this to mix together the cookies. You could also just stir it together in a bowl.
  • A Food Scale- For perfect baking results, weigh your flour and sugar.
  • A Sifter- Use this to sift together the dry ingredients.
  • A Pastry Bag- I used a pastry bag with a star tip to drizzle on the glaze. You could also just drizzle it on with a spoon. Or you can put the glaze in a plastic bag, and just cut the corner off the bag.

The Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies

  • Flour- Be sure to use all-purpose flour. I always use King Arthur brand flour.
  • Butter- Use unsalted butter. I always use Kerry Gold Irish butter.
  • Sugars- I use only Domino brand sugars.
  • Apples- I used Gala apples, but you could also use Granny Smith apples.
  • Walnuts- I only use Diamond walnuts.

How I Made my Cookies

  • First, I made the cookie dough. Be careful to not overbeat the ingredients.
  • Next, I let the cookies cool completely.
  • Then, I made the glaze and drizzled it on the cookies.

If you like apples, you need to try these sweet and yummy Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies.

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies
Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies
Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies

Cinnamon butter drop cookies filled with apples and walnuts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 36 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 baking sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For the Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cookies:

  • ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
  • cup all-purpose flour (180g)
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. each baking powder, baking soda, salt
  • 8 tbsp. softened unsalted butter (112g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • cups minced, peeled Gala apples

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp. heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Toast the walnuts in a skillet on low heat for five minutes.
  • Sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, with the paddle beater attached, cream together the butter and both sugars. Starting on low speed and then increasing to medium, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until combined and lighter in color, for two to three minutes.
  • Add the vanilla and egg and beat until just combined. Add the sifted dry ingredients and beat in until just combined.
  • Stir in the apples and walnuts until just combined.
  • Drop one tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Space them at least two inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Cool the cookies on a wire rack until they're completely cooled.
  • For the Vanilla Glaze: Mix together the sugar, vanilla, and cream. Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off, to apply the glaze to the cookies.
Keyword cookies
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Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup

Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup

Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup are one of our favorite summer breakfasts. I start these pancakes by cooking up a sweet blueberry syrup and whipping together some vanilla whipped cream. Then, I stir together a sweet vanilla ricotta pancake batter. Next, I cook the pancakes