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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Blue Cheese Pasta

This is a really quick meal that satisfies.  You can also use it as a side to grilled chicken.  

Ingredients:

6 slices of bacon
1 pound Brussels sprouts (shredded) 
1 cup heavy cream 
1 cup (4oz) blue cheese 
1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
1 pound pasta (bowtie is pictured)
1/2 cup pasta water.  


Cook Pasta per directions on package.  

Chop bacon and cook in skillet until crispy.  
Once cooked remove bacon on to paper towel lined plate.  Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat.  
Add shredded sprouts,  salt and pepper to taste (approx 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.  I use less salt and more pepper).  Cook over medium heat until sprouts are tender, about 5 minutes.  Stir in cream, cover and simmer until sprouts are tender about 3 min.  Take mixture off heat and add blue cheese.  

Add cooked pasta to the mixture.  Use reserved pasta water to thin out sauce as needed.  

Add additional salt and pepper if necessary.  Serve with toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top.   I also add crushed red peppers for a little bit of spice.  

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Teriyaki Drumsticks

Came across this recipe and made a few changes to kick up the spiciness.  I would like to try it with chicken breasts.  It does not picture well, but sure does taste great.


Ingredients

2 scallions (whites and greens)
1 jalapeño (optional)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup coarse ground mustard
1/4 cup water
2 tbs soy sauce
4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
6 skinless drumsticks


Mince scallion whites with one jalapeño.
In a 12 inch skillet, combine minced scallion whites/jalapeño with sugar, mustard 1/4 cup water, soy sauce and vinegar.  Bring mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to medium.  Add the skinless drumsticks to skillet and cover.  Cook for 10 minutes.  Rotate chicken and cook for another 10 minutes or until chicken registers 180 degrees.  Remove chicken to a plater a
nd cover.  Reduce the sauce in the pan over high heat until slightly thickened.  Remove from heat and add diced greens and pour over chicken.



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Cedar Plank Salmon

Costco has been selling Atlantic salmon almost every weekend.  This week weekend we also found that they were selling cedar planks.  Not sure how this would work with frozen salmon but I assume the same; just be sure to thaw it.

Ingredients
1 cedar plank
salmon (about 2 lbs)
4 Lemons (3 sliced 1 juiced)
4 tbs butter
salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and fresh thyme to taste


Soak the cedar plank for 2 hours.

Preheat grill on high for about 10 minutes.

Place salmon on pre-soaked cedar plank.   Season the salmon with salt and pepper, a little bit of garlic powder, onion powder and fresh thyme. Place lemon slices on top of salmon.  Place pats of butter on top of the lemons.  Place plank on preheated grill and lower heat to low.  Squeeze remaining lemon on top of salmon.  Close grill lid and cook 10 to 20 minutes until the salmon is flaky. I can not  give you a grill temperature because our grill is not that fancy.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Easy Cordon Bleu

I have been looking for quick and easy meals that taste good.  I tried this recipe and it  turned out really well.

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
4 slices of ham
4 slices of smoked gruyere cheese (can use provolone or swiss instead)
12 Ritz crackers (crushed)
Salt and pepper to taste.
2 tbs coarse ground mustard


Preheat oven to 475.

Salt and pepper both sides of chicken breasts and place into a rimmed baking sheet.
On each breast spread 1 tbs coarse ground mustard.  Lay ham across chicken breasts so the entire breast is covered.  Lay cheese on top of the ham.  Top with crushed Ritz crackers.  Bake 20 minutes turning half way.  Chicken should register 160.