Category Archives: What’s for Dinner?

Quinoa-Salmon Power Bowls

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lb              Salmon Filet

3 Tbs plus         Olive Oil

1 Tbs                  Lime Juice

2 tsp                   Honey

3 cups                Red Quinoa, cooked

1 cup                  Spinach, cooked

1 cup                  Corn, cooked

1/3 cup              Scallions, chopped

tt                         Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a piece of foil on a baking sheet and lay the salmon on the foil and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the salmon with foil and seal the foil packet by folding the edges. Bake for 25 minues.

Cook red quinoa as instructed on packaging.

To make the dressing, whisk three tablespoons of olive oil with lime, honey, salt and pepper. Add 2/3 of the dressing to the cooked quinoa and divide into four bowls.

Chop scallions and cook spinach and corn as desired. I use frozen vegetables for a quick meal. divide the vegetables into the four bowls on top of the quinoa. Add the baked salmon to the bowls. Top with the remaining dressing.

 

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Filed under Fish Favorites, Healthy Lunches, Summer Favorites, What's for Dinner?

Chicken Piccata

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INGREDIENTS:

4 (6 oz)            Chicken Breasts, skinless, boneless halves

1/2 cup             All-Purpose Flour, divided

1/2 tsp               Kosher Salt

1/4 tsp               Black Pepper, freshly ground

2 1/2 Tbs           Butter, divided

2 Tbs                  Olive Oil, divided

1/4 cup               Shallots, finely chopped

4 medium          Garlic Cloves, thinly sliced

1/2 cup                White Wine, dry

3/4 cup                Chicken Broth, fat-free, lower-sodium, divided

2 Tbs                    Lemon Juice, fresh

1 1/2 Tbs             Capers, drained

3 Tbs                   Flat-leaf Parsley, fresh and coarsely chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet. Place 1 teaspoon flour in a small bowl, and place remaining flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle both sides of chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour in shallow dish; shake off excess.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chicken to pan; sauté 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken fro pan; keep warm.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots to pan; sauté 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add wine; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browed bits. Cook until liquid almost evaporates, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 cup broth to reserved 1 teaspoon flour; stir until smooth. Add remaining 1/2 cup broth to pan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Stir in flour mixture; cook 1 minute or until slightly tick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, juice and capers. Place 1 chicken breast half on each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 2 tablespoons sauce. Sprinkle each serving with about 2 teaspoons parsley.

 

 

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Filed under Chicken Dishes, Fall/Winter Favorites, What's for Dinner?

Chicken Cacciatore

a0e247f3-7e35-4283-b246-c96ab6736cceINGREDIENTS:

1 Whole          Chicken, cut into serving pieces (3-4 lbs)

2 Tbs.               Olive Oil

1 cup                Onion, sliced thin

1 clove             Garlic, sliced thin

1/3 cup            White wine

1 1/2 cup         Roma Tomatoes, peeled and chopped (about 8)

tt                      Salt and Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Wash and dry the chicken pieces.

In a pan large enough to hold the chicken pieces, put the oil and onions in the pan and turn the heat to medium. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and the chicken pieces, skin side down. Cook until the skin forms a golden crust, then turn over and cook the other side until it becomes golden.

Add salt and pepper, turning the chicken pieces over 2 or 3 times. Add the wine and let the mixture simmer until half of the wine is evaporated.

Add the tomatoes and lower the heat to a bare simmer. Cover with the lid and slightly ajar. Turn and baste the chicken occasionally. If the liquid in the pan dries up, add 2 tablespoons of water. Continue cooking until the chicken is easily pulled off the bone, about 40 minutes.

NOTE: The entire dish can be prepared up to two days in advance. Reheat before serving.

 

 

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January 25, 2019 · 2:01 pm

Pizza Rolls

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INGREDIENTS:

14-16 oz          Pizza Dough

1 cup               Pepperoni, sliced

2 cups             Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

2 Tbs               Butter

1/2 tsp             Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp              Italian Seasonings

tt                       Parmesan Cheese, grated

AN                   Marinara, for dipping

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll pizza dough into a rectangle about 10 x 14 inches. Sprinkle dough with pepperoni and mozzarella.

Starting with the long end roll up the dough tightly,. Slice into 1-inch pieces. Place rolls on lightly greased or parchment baking sheets,

For the glaze: In a small bowl combine the melted butter, garlic powder and Italian seasonings. Brush over rolls.

Bake for 10 minutes or until browned on top. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

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Filed under Comfort Cuisine, Fall/Winter Favorites, Holiday Menus, Party Picks, What's for Dinner?

Spaghetti Squash Fideos

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbs         Olive Oil, extra-virgin

2 (3-in)     Mexican Chorizo Link, casings removed, sliced into 1/4 in thick rounds

1/4 cup      Yellow Onion, chopped

3 cloves     Garlic, minced

1 each        Red Bell Pepper

1 lg             Spaghetti Squash, cooked, scraped into noodles and squeezed of excess moisture

1/4 tps       Smoked Paprika

tt.                Fine Sea Salt and Pepper

1 lb.            Shrimp, medium, peeled, tails left on and deveined

1/2 tsp       Sweet Paprika

1/4 cup     Curly Parsley, freshly chopped for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoons, transfer to a plate. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the spaghetti squash noodles, smoked paprika, and cayenne and season with salt and black pepper,. Cook for 3 minutes, until the squash is warmed through. Return the chorizo to the skillet and toss well to combine.

Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper and the sweet paprika. Nestle the seasoned shrimp into the skillet and cover. Cook until opaque, 3 to 4 minutes,. Uncover the videos and toss well,

Divide among four plates, garnish with parsley and serve.

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Filed under Comfort Cuisine, Fall/Winter Favorites, Inspiralized, What's for Dinner?

Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce (slow cooker)

INGREDIENTS:

6 ea          Chicken Thighs, bone-in skin removed (about 2 1/2 lbs)

1 tsp          Oil

2 cans       Coconut Milk (light okay)

2 Tbs        Basil Leaves, dried

2 tsp         Salt

3/4 tsp      Pepper

2 Tbs        Yellow Curry Powder

1 Tbs         Chili Powder

1 Lg           Red Onion, chopped

8 cloves    Garlic, minced

2 ea           Jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped

1 Tbs        Cornstarch

1 Tbs        COLD water

1 tsp         Ginger, freshly grated or minced

1/3 cup    Cilantro, freshly copped

DIRECTIONS:

Remove the skin from the chicken using your fingers and a serrated knife. Salt and pepper each thigh.

Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil (or you can use nonstick spray.)

When the oil is hot, add 3 chicken thighs. Don’t put them too close together, you want to avoid steaming.

Cook for about 2 minutes, until nicely browned on the bottom. Then flip the chicken over to brown the other side for about 1-2 minutes. Remove chick to plate.

Repeat searing process with the other 3 chicken thighs. If there is still enough grease in the pan then you won’t need to add oil.

meanwhile, in a slow cooker combine coconut milk, basil, 2 teaspoons salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, yellow curry and chili powder (to taste). Stir to combine.

Add the chopped red onions, garlic and jalapenos. Add the browned chicken and stir to combine.

Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours.

Remove chicken from the cooker and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let cool for a couple of minutes.

Add ginger to the slow cooker.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon COLD water. Stir until it’s not lumpy. Add this to the crockpot and stir.

Shred the chicken, removing the bones and any tough bits. It should just be falling apart.

Return the meat to the slow cooker and stir. Return the lid and cook for another 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cilantro.

Serve with rice, cauliflower rice or naan.

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Filed under Chicken Dishes, Comfort Cuisine, Fall/Winter Favorites, International Inspirations, What's for Dinner?

Pork Ragu with Creamy Polenta

CB8070DB-D00F-448A-9198-74DFBC61F89BINGREDIENTS (Pork):

3 lbs          Pork Shoulder, skinless, boneless and cut into 3 pieces

1 Tbs         Vegetable Oil

1 Lg           Onion, finely chopped

6 cloves    Garlic, finely chopped

2 Tbs         Tomato Paste

1/2 cup     Red Wine, full-bodied

28 oz         Tomatoes, can of whole peeled

4 sprigs    Thyme

2 sprigs    Rosemary

2 ea           Bay Leaves

tt                Kosher Salt and Pepper

INGREDIENTS (Polenta):

1 1/2 cups  Polenta, coarse (not quick cooking)

1/4 cup        Butter, unsalted

1/2 cup        Parmesan, plus more for serving

1/2 cup        Parsley, fresh and chopped

tt                   Kosher Salt and Pepper, freshly ground

tt                   Olive Oil (for drizzling)

DIRECTIONS (Pork):

Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Cook pork, turning often, until evenly browned, 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a platter and pour off pan drippings.

Wipe out any burned bits from pot, but leave the golden-brown pieces (doing this will keep the finished sauce from tasting bitter). Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is starting to brown and caramelize, 12-15 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly darkened in color, 5-8 minutes.

Add wine and cook, scraping up and browned bits until reduced by about half, 5-8 minutes.

Add tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you go, then add thyme, rosemary and bay leaves, stir in 2 cups water. Add pork with any juices accumulated on the platter; season with salt and pepper.

Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until pork is falling apart tender, sauce is thickened (it will be thicker than a typical pasta sauce), and flavors have melded, 2 1/2 – 3 hours.

Using two forks, break up pork into pieces or shred it (your choice); taste and season with salt and pepper.

Pork can be cooked 5 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill in sauce.

DIRECTIONS (Polenta and Assembly):

Bring 6 cups salted water to a boil in a large pot. Whisking constantly, gradually add polenta; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, whisking often, until polenta is tender and creamy, 20-25 minutes (if polenta becomes too thick too soon, loosen mixture by adding more water and continue cooking). Add butter and 1/2 cup Parmesan to polenta and whisk until melted; Season with salt and pepper.

Spoon polenta into bowls or onto a platter and top with pork. Scatter parsley and more Parmesan over top and drizzle with oil.

 

 

 

 

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Filed under Comfort Cuisine, Fall/Winter Favorites, What's for Dinner?

Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos

59AA2E3A-39BD-4F9E-AA8B-32C3DA28162C.jpegINGREDIENTS:

1 lg            Sashimi-grade Ahi Tuna Steak (3/4 – 1 lb)

1/4 cup     Sesame seeds

1 cup        Pico de Gallo, fresh

1 each       Mango, ripe

1 each       Avocado, ripe

1/2 cup     Mayonnaise

1 Tb          Honey

1 tsp          Wasabi Paste

1 cup         Cabbage Slaw, finely shredded

12 oz          Wonton Wrappers, square

2 qts           Fry Oil

DIRECTIONS:

Pour the oil in a large stock pot and heat over medium to 350 degrees F. Cut the wontons into half to make triangles. Once the oil is hot, gently drop 4-6 at a time into the oil and dunk. Fry them for 1-2 minutes until golden brown (I pan fry them) then remove with tongs and place on a paper towel lined platter or bowl. Sprinkle with salt and repeat with the remaining wrappers. If the wontons turn with the remaining wrappers. If the wontons turn dark immediately, the oil is too hot. Low the heat and wait a few minutes, then start again.

Meanwhile, peel and dice the mango. Mix the diced mango into the pico de gallo for a fresh quick salsa (see my pico de gallo recipe with the carne asada.) Add a little sriracho or hot sauce if desired. Then whisk the mayo, honey and wasabi together. Salt to taste. Peel and slice the avocado.

Once the other components are ready. Heat a skillet to high heat. Cut the ahi steak in half lengthwise to create two thin steaks. Season both with salt and pepper, then pour the sesame seeds out on the plate and press both sides of each steak into the sesame seeds. Once the skillet is hot, sear the ahi steaks for approximately 1 minute per side, for the exterior is crusty, but the inside is still raw. Cut the ahi steaks into small cubes.

To serve: Pile the wonton chips on a large plate or platter. Top with shredded cabbage. Then sprinkle on the mango pico de gallo, followed by ahi tuna cubes and avocado slices. Scoop the wasabi mayo into a squirt bottle and squire over the wonton nachos. Enjoy!

 

 

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Filed under Fish Favorites, Summer Favorites, What's for Dinner?

Portuguese Baked Eggs

5FF2255A-2E16-4B11-B8FF-BD98F36D664AINGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup           Olive Oil

3 ea                  Bell Peppers, any color thinly sliced

1 md                Red Onion, thinly sliced

2 ea                  Beefsteak Tomatoes, cut into wedges

8 cloves          Garlic, thinly sliced

1 ea                   Jalapeno, with seeds (we prefer without), halved lengthwise

1/4 cup            Basil Leaves, fresh

2 Tbs                Oregano Leaves, fresh

1 1/2 tsp           Chili Powder

1 tsp                  Paprika

tt                       Salt and Black Pepper, freshly ground

1 cup                 Ricotta

6 lg                    Eggs

1 cup                  Sharp White Cheddar, grated

1/4 cup              Parmesan, grated

For Serving     Country-Style Bread

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, 10-12 minutes.

Add tomatoes, garlic, jalapeno, basil, oregano, chili powder and paprika to pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and liquid is thickened, 20-30 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Discard jalapeno.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Transfer bell pepper mixture to a 13 x 9″ baking dish. Using the back of a spoon, make 6 evenly spaced divots in the mixture. Spoon a dollop of ricotta into each divot, then crack 1 egg into each. Top with cheddar and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Bake, rotating dish halfway though until Parmesan is melted and egg whites are almost set but yolks are still runny, 15-18 minutes.

Serve baked eggs with toast. (Yolks will continue to cook as dish sits, so serve right away if you prefer for eggs soft.)

DO AHEAD: Bell pepper mixture can be cooked one day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

 

 

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Filed under Breakfast Bests, Fall/Winter Favorites, Holiday Menus, International Inspirations, What's for Dinner?

Tacos Carne Asada con Pico De Gallo

7268D501-07E4-4A81-8113-FA57F777B450.jpegEA158F84-B08E-48E5-8035-24DF5534D85D.jpegINGREDIENTS:

2 lbs          Flank or Skirt Steak, trimmed of excess fat

1 recipe     Mojo, recipe follows

a/n             Olive Oil, for coating the grill

tt                Kosher salt and Pepper, freshly ground

16 ea          Tortillas, corn

a/n              Lettuce, Romaine or Iceberg for serving

a/n             White Onion, chopped for serving

a/n             Jack Cheese, shredded for serving

1/2 cup     Pico de Gallo, recipe follows

2 ea           Limes, cut in wedges for serving

INGREDIENTS For MOJO:

4 cloves    Garlic, minced

1 ea             Jalepeno, minced

1 lg             Handful of Cilantro, finely chopped

tt                Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper

2 ea           Limes, juiced

1 ea           Orange, juiced

2 Tbs         White Vinegar

1/2 cup     Olive Oil (I reduce to 1/4 cup)

INGREDIENTS for PICO DE GALLO:

4 ea         Vine-Ripe Tomatoes, chopped

1/2 md    Red Onion, chopped

2 ea         Green Onions, white and green parts sliced

1 ea         Serrano Chile, minced

1 bch       Cilantro Leaved, chopped

1 ea          Lime, juiced

1/4 cup   Olive Oil

1 tsp        Kosher Salt

DIRECTIONS:

Lay the flank steak in a large baking dish and pour the mojo over it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours, so the flavors can sink into the meat. Don’t marinade the steak for more than 8 hours though, or the fibers break down too much and the meat gets mushy.

Preheat an outdoor grill or ridged grill pan over medium-high flame (you can also use a broiler). Brush the grates with a little olive oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Pull the steak out of the marinade and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill (or broil) the steak for 7-10 minutes per side, turning once, until medium rare. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Thinly slice the steak across the grain on the diagonal.

Warm the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side in a dry skillet or on the grill, until toasty and pliable.

To make the tacos, stack up 2 of the warm tortillas, lay about 4 ounces of beef down the center, and sprinkle with some lettuce, onion and cheese. top each taco with a spoonful of the Pico De Gallo salsa and garnish with lime wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

DIRECTIONS for the MOJO:

In a mortar and pestle or bowl, mash together the garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper to make a paste. Put the paste in a glass jar or plastic container. Add the lime juice, orange juice, vinegar and oil. Shake it up really well to combine. Use as a marinade for the chicken or beef or as a table condiment.

Yeild: approximately 1 1/4 cup

DIRECTIONS for the PICO DE GALLO:

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together. Toss thoroughly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors marry.

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Filed under For the Grill, Salsas and Chutneys, Summer Favorites, What's for Dinner?