Showing posts with label SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS. Show all posts

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

Short cuts. A few days ago I got my hair cut. I had to stop the stylist and remind her that I was not in the military and I didn't need a high and tight. It was a good thing I have some longer layers to fill in where she took off way to much. When we meet the in-laws I sure hope they understand I don't always where my hair this short. Once I put my bicycling helmet on, you won't see a bit of my hair that's a scary thought. I will post some pictures next week. Like I was always told the only difference between a good hair cut and a bad hair cut is two weeks.

Back to short cuts. A few months ago my friend Kristy led me to these great potatoes. I am not very quick when it comes to peeling potatoes. Simply Potatoes are perfect all peeled and ready to go. They offer many different varieties. Mr Mike whipped up this great turkey hash using the Southwest style hash browns. They really have a zip. If you can't handle the zip the plain version is perfect also. Most super markets carry Simply Potatoes they can be found by the eggs, never frozen. Simply Potatoes are always in a green bag. What a mouth watering quick and tasty dinner, lunch or breakfast.

Mr Mike's Turkey Hash

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup lean turkey breast cubed
1/2 red onion cut in thin strips
1 (20 oz) Bag of Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hash browns
Salt and pepper

Heat oil in large skillet add potatoes cook thoroughly until lightly browned. Add onion and turkey cook until onion is transparent in color about five minutes. Serve immediately.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

Before Cooking

I know it appears like I am always making chicken with apricots. I do not plan it that way, it seems that a lot of recipes have chicken with apricots. I would guess other people must really like the combined flavors together. This is for sure on the list to make again. The chicken was so moist and tender with flavor bursting in each bite. Parchment packets make nice serving of juicy chicken topped with antioxidant-rich fruit. The packets can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and baked just before dinner. Aluminum foil can be used in place of the parchment paper, but I think it may stick and it would cook to fast and take away the moistness of the chicken. If sprayed with cooking spray first you might be ok. My imagination is working on lots of different versions of this fun dish. Perfect for a camp out, or a BBQ.
After cooking

Baked Chicken with Apricot Compote

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 red onions, peeled,halved vertically, and thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup fat- free, no-salt-added chicken broth
4 apricots, pitted and quatered, or 1/2 cup dried apricots, slivered
2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, about 4 oz each
1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning
2 tablespoons, chopped walnut or almonds, toasted

In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, coriander, ginger, and cumin. Cook until the onion are softened and just starting to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the broth and apricots, bring to a simmer, and cook until the apricots are soft and the juices are reduced, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the apricots and set the mixture aside to cool.

Preheat the over to 375 F. Cut out four 12- inch squares of parchment paper. Fold a square in half to create a crease, than open it up. Place a chicken breast on one side of the crease. Repeat with the remaining breast and squares of paper. Sprinkle each with the steak seasoning. Top each chicken breast with on-fourth of the apricot compote. Sprinkle each with one-fourth of the nuts.

Fold the paper squares in half over the chicken breasts, and then tightly fold in the edges, crimping around all sides to seal the packets completely. Place the packets on a baking sheet.

Bake until the parchment packets are lightly browned and puffy, about 20 minutes. Transfer the packets to a warmed individual plates. To serve, slit each packet with an X and fold back the paper. Garnish with the cilantro and sprigs and serve immediately.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Saturday Night Specials


When my daughter was young she would come home and beg for meat loaf. Never being much of a meat loaf fan, I would talk her into something else. Can't really recall what it was, the mess or the fact that we would have leftovers for weeks. Not today, left over meat loaf is a thing from the past. I decided to make this meat loaves in individual tart tins instead to just change it up a little. You are saying looks just like a hamburger, not the case at all with loads of flavor and it is so lean and juicy. I am beginning to think it is the pan that I am afraid of. Get the BBQ ready no need to heat up the house. The man was so excited low in carbs and calories and high in protein. This recipe makes four mini loaves and each one is 241 in calories. I found this recipe in an old 2006 Light and Tasty Magazine.

I am sorry I am sorry yesterday we were having a lot of computer issues and when I gave a shout to the changeabletable.blogspot.com . I put the link in incorrectly. Go by today she always has fun and appealing to the taste buds goodies.

Grilled Meat Loaves

1 egg white
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 slice rye bread, crumbled
1/4 cup grated carrot
11/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
SAUCE
2 tablespoons ketchup
41/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

In a large bowl, combine the egg white, milk and horseradish. Stir in the bread, carrot, onion, parsley, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into four small loaves.
Grill loaves, covered, over medium-hot heat or broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 8 minutes. Turn; cook 8 minutes longer. Combine the sauce ingredients; spoon over loaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

I hope everyone is having a nice three day weekend. Early in the week I made this fun grilled shrimp salad. The ingredients for this salad even the grilled shrimp can be prepared in advance. Just keep everything chilled and assemble right before serving. If you don't like or have papaya, cantaloupe can be a great substitute for the papaya. The dressing adds a little zip to the flavor. This salad is for sure a keeper. I found this recipe in the Healthy Heart cookbook put out by the American Medical Association.

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Olive oil cooking spray
5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced green onion
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails intact
4 cups shredded spinach
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 small papaya, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Prepare a fire in a charcoal grill or preheat a gas grill or oven broiler. Away from the heat source, lightly coat the grill rack or broiler pan with olive oil cooking spray. Position the grill rack or broiler pan 4-6 inches from the heat source.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, green onion, red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon of the salt, and the white pepper. Set the dressing aside.
Arrange the shrimp on the grill rack or broiler pan. Season with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Grill or broil until opaque, about 11/2 minutes on each side. Cover and keep warm.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cucumber, papaya, tomatoes, bell pepper, basil, and cilantro. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Divide the salad among chilled individual plates. Divide the shrimp among the salads, arranging them around the edges. Serve immediately.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

I just finished looking up the description for sweet potatoes and yams according to google they are one in the same. I always thought that they were different potatoes. When I bought the sweet potatoes for this dish I was very surprised that the outside was dark orange and the inside was light yellow. But to my surprise the taste was the same even though the color was different. I was hoping they would change color as they cooked, not happening. I did not plan it that way but this recipe is for two it would be very easy to add to make for a whole family. The hardest part of the recipe was finding the Caribbean jerk seasoning. It was worth the hunt at the grocery store it mixed with the brown sugar added so much flavor and sweetness to the tender meat. This recipe is a keeper. I know what they say about H1N1 but I bought the pork tenderloin way before we had a problem with pork. The pork was just the way I like it so tender it fell apart before we could take the picture. The apples and cranberry adds a little sweetness to the meat. I like the fact of no pans to wash and we didn't heat up the house. We let Mikey try it and he loved it.
Rolled Pork Tenderloin ans Sweet Potatoes

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Caribbean jerk seasoning
1 (3/4-lb) pork tenderloin
1 small apple, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sweetened dried cranberries
1 large dark orange sweet potato, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons all- purpose flour

Spray 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In small bowl, combine brown sugar and Caribbean jerk seasoning; mix well.
Place pork tenderloin between 2 sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Pound with rolling pin or flat side of meat mallet until 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle pork with 1 teaspoon brown sugar mixture. Top evenly with apple slices and cranberries. Starting with one short side, roll up, tucking in fruit while rolling. Secure with string.
Place sweet potato slices in sprayed slow cooker. Top with pork roll. Sprinkle pork and sweet potatoes with remaining brown sugar mixture.
Cover; cook on low setting for 4 to 5 hours.
About 5 minutes before serving, in 1- cup microwave-safe measuring cup, combine water and flour; blend well. Remove pork from slow cooker; place on cutting board. Remove sweet potatoes from slow cooker; place on serving platter. Pour juices from slow cooker into flour mixture; mix well. Microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds or until mixture boils and thickens slightly, stirring once halfway through cooking. Cut pork into slices; place over sweet potatoes on platter. Pour sauce over top. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

Wow we just came home and the kitchen still smells of this fragrant chicken dinner. The rosemary added so much flavor and it was so quick and easy and healthy.I found this recipe in the American Medical Association Healthy Heart Cookbook. The hubby said this one is a keeper. It is race day so I will be brief. Don't forget to come back tomorrow for a Mother's Day chocolate delight. Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mother's.Chicken with Rosemary & Pearl Onions

1 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
10 oz pearl onions
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
2 tablespoons flour
11/2 cup fat free, no-salt-added chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus sprigs for garnish
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 tomato, peeled,seeded and finely chopped

Bring a saucepan three-fourths full of water to a boil, add the pearl onion, and let stand(blanch) for 1 minute. Drain and immerse in cold water for 5 minutes to stop the cooking. Drain again and slip off the skins. Using a small, sharp knife, trim away the root and stem ends. Set aside.

In another saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Add the broth in a stream, continuing to whisk to keep lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce the heat to low and ass the pearl onion and the chicken. Simmer until the chicken is opaque throughout, about 4 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with the rosemary sprigs.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

Spring has finally sprung. (I think) It appears to be getting a little warmer. I love all the sounds and colors of spring. People are out cleaning up their yards and patios. Riding bikes, taking a walk, watching a baseball game, and picnic's.
This dish would be perfect either way hot or cold. Next time we will try it out cold. The asparagus was perfect and the peas add a little sweetness. The mint and garlic in the pesto add such a refreshment to the pallet. I am starting to think going healthy is fun... We had a late start at making this dinner but with the help of my partner in crime it only to about 30 minutes. A 2 1/2 cup serving is only 480 calories. Since we walked eight miles today I think I can handle the calories. Our Vegan daughter would love this she could just leave off the cheese. The raw's in the family could put the veggies and pesto over spinach greens. Trying to make everyone happy.
Spring Vegetable Pesto Pasta

8 cloves garlic
1/3 cup pine nuts
3/4 lb. whole wheat fusilli or penne pasta
1 lb. thin asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2" pieces
2 cup peas, fresh or thawed from frozen, divided
6 oz. basil stems discarded (about 5 cups loosely packed
8 springs mint, stems discarded (about 1 cup loosely packed)
1 oz freshly grated Parmesan (1/2-3/4 cup depending on the grater), divided
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

Preheat the oven to 300 F Lightly brush or spray the garlic with oil. Roast the garlic with the pine nuts on a baking sheet until the nuts are golden brown and the garlic has softened, about 12 minutes.
Boil the pasta in a large pot of water. Add the asparagus 2 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking. Add 1 1/2 cup of the peas when the pasta is done. Turn off the burner, drain the pasta and vegetables, and return them to the pot.
While the pasta is cooking make the pesto. In a food processor, pulse the roasted garlic and pine nuts with the basil, mint, 1/2 cup of peas, half the Parmesan, and the oil until uniformly chopped. Season with the pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water and stir into the pesto.
Toss the pasta and vegetables with the pesto. Serve immediately sprinkled with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the remaining Parmesan. Serves 4

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

I should save this recipe it post it on low cal Wednesday. But is was so good I could not wait to share it with the world. (HaHa) We love these steaks low fat and nearly carb-free entree. This is a recipe you can whip up after work it is so quick for week night meals. I just made a tossed salad and side dish while the steaks marinate, and dinner is ready in no time. I know a lot of people haven't tried cooking Charlie oh I mean tuna steaks. The texture is like a beef steak and it does not even taste at all like fish. If you give it a try for the first time come back and let me know what you think. We have tuna steaks at least once a month, each time prepared a different way. I can't say which one is my favorite I seem to like them all. One serving equals 2l8 calories.
Grilled Tuna Steaks

2/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoon of steak seasoning salt
6 tuna steaks (6 ounce each)

In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Pour 1/2 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add tuna steaks. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning once or twice. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for basting.
Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Drain and discard marinade. Grill tuna, covered, over medium-hot heat 3 minutes. Turn; baste with reserved marinade. Grill 2-4 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Before serving, brush tuna with remaining marinade.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

I haven't ever been a big sausage fan. A couple of years ago we stayed at a little bed and breakfast in Midway Utah this is a community that the Swiss developed. My parents had what we called a cabin in Midway for years (slept 16) it was pretty big. So I have been to Midway many times but never paid to stay there over night. This community became very popular in 2002 where several events for the Olympics were held. The little couple who ran the bed and breakfast served lovely German pancakes and a link of Colosimo's sausage that they purchased at Costco. A couple of weeks ago we saw a display at Costco and decided to give it a try WOW. Hubby wanted to cook and this is what he put together in ten minutes. I will say good job........The sausage has so much flavor and he added just the right flavors to enhance the sausage. Tastes better that it looks. Thanks to our little visit to the bed and breakfast we found out first hand about the sausage and how good it was. Colosimo's is a local company that makes all kinds of sausage. Here is a fun video that tells about the business. http://www.colosimosausage.com/movie.php











Spicy Italian Sausage Bowl

4 links of Colosimo's Sausage
1 can stewed tomato's with basil
1/2 onion chopped finely
Parmesan cheese

In large sauce pan saute onion until tender, then add sausage cut into bit size pieces and stewed tomato's and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer 5 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on top and serve.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Saturday Nght Specials

A few days this week the weather was beautiful we were able to eat outside, what a delight. This salad had so much flavor and very colorful it would be lovely to serve any time of year. The recipe referred to it as a quick dish. I can't say I agree with the quick part. If you have a set of rubber gloves I would put them on, when you peel the onions. I didn't and my nails were black for a couple of days. I have never been able to find red pearl onions before until now. The salad wouldn't be the same without the onions. Every bit was crunchy and flavorful.

Grilled Shrimp Salad with Corn and Avocado

Dressing
6 tablespoons orange juice
31/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
11/2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
1/4 cup olive oil

Salad
1 10 oz bag red pearl onions
metal skewers
2 pounds uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
3 large ears of corn husked
2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
12 cups mache or any lettuce
2 avocados halved, pitted, peeled, cut into 3/4 inch cubes

For Dressing: Whisk first 4 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

For Salad: Bring small sauce pan of water to boil. Add pearl onions and boil 3 minutes. Drain; cool onions slightly. Peel onions, leaving root ends intact. Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Thread onion on skewers: thread shrimp on separate skewers. Place onion skewers, shrimp skewers, and corn cobs. Brush onion, shrimp and corn with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle shrimp on both sides with smoked paprika. Grill onions and corn until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side; grill until browned; and grill shrimp until cooked through, about 2 1/2 minutes per side.
Transfer vegetables and shrimp to work surface. Cut corn kernels off cobs; place corn kernels in very large bowl. Remove shrimp and onions from skewers and add to bowl. Add mache and avocados to bowl. Toss salad with enough dressing to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

I can't believe it for the first time in my life I am lost for words. I just don't have much to say this morning. I made these Pork Chops a couple of day ago they were tender and juicy. The gravy had so much flavor. I prefer to use a bone in pork chop the meat around the bone just falls off.


Pan Fried Pork Chops with Country Gravy and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

4 large bone in pork chops
1 can of broth ( vegetable, beef or chicken) divided
3 large potatoes
1 cup whipping cream divided
1/4 cup flour
steak seasoning salt
3 cloves garlic

Pat dry pork chops, pour half of can of broth in bowl, mix flour and seasoning salt in another bowl.Dip pork chop in broth let drip dry, then dip pork chop in flour mixture covering entire pork chop well. Cook in large skillet over medium heat about 10 minutes. Transfer pork chops from skillet to small serving plate cover to keep in heat. Heat to boil pan drippings add the other half can of broth and 1/2 cup of whipping cream, lower heat to simmer stirring continually scraping up browned bits to make a perfect country gravy.
While pork chops are cooking boil potatoes in large pan until tender with a fork. Remove from pan add minced garlic and remainder of whipping cream. Beat on low speed with electric beater. With this dish I prefer to keep the potatoes a little on the lumpy side. Spoon country gravy over potatoes and pork chops.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

Since becoming a blogger I have found that I am experiencing a lot of firsts. Take for instance this recipe comes from an advertisement of a local grocery store HARMON'S your neighborhood grocer. See here in Utah we do not have a Trader Joe's. I don't believe I have ever had Chicken and Dumplings especially not like this recipe. Several times while I was making this recipe I said why am I doing this, but it all worked out in the end. The recipe calls for whole chicken parts. I choose to use boneless skinless breast because that is what I had on hand and less calories. The dumplings were very easy to make and they added texture and flavor.Harmon's Chicken Stew with Butter Biscuit Dumplings


2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ea onion- diced 1/2
2 ea carrots-diced 1/4
2 ribs celery -diced 1/2
1 lb chicken legs
1 lb chicken thighs
1 quart chicken broth
1 ea bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Dumplings
1 c unbleached flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup +1 tablespoon milk

In a stock pot, heat l tablespoon of the oil and lightly saute vegetables. Remove to a paper towel and add the rest of the olive oil. Brown the chicken pieces in 2 batches and remove the chicken. Add broth and scrape up any of the browned bits from the chicken. Add the chicken, vegetables, and herbs, bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken and defat the broth. Drop in the dumplings and simmer 8 minutes. Divide the chicken and dumplings between 6 bowls and ladle the vegetables and broth over the top.

Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly, add the milk and stir with a fork until lightly moistened. Turn dough onto a floured board and pat the dough to 1/2 thick. Cut into 1" squares and cook as directed.

Start to Finish Time 1 hr 30 minutes

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

For years I was an order taker. This time I was the order giver bring this get that can't you read my mind you are suppose to be able to. My poor hubby sometimes I remind myself of Kate on John and Kate plus Eight, she is always ordering John to do something. Last Saturday I posted that is was a stressful day. After I returned from the Phantom we had to quickly get dinner and go to a concert. I sure felt sorry for the people who sat next to us GARLIC. Back to being that order taker for years I work off and on at the Cinegrill Restaurant. They make a wicked Hot Corned Beef Sandwich I talked about it earlier in the week. Here it is. Easy to make, fun to eat on the go.
Cinegrill Hot Corned Beef Sandwich

4 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup butter
4 tablespoons of parsley
Heavy All purpose Bun
Thinly slice corned beef from deli or left over
Mustard and or Horseradish

Roast garlic to nice and soft. Mix garlic with butter to make paste add parsley and blend. Butter buns and lightly toast about 40 seconds. In the mean time warm up corned beef in sauce pan. Remove buns from oven and place warm corned beef on top of bun, add mustard or horseradish which ever you prefer enjoy.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

STRESS Most of the time we do not have allot of important and pressing things going on in our lives. Then today comes the some what fun and scary at the same time HAT day. Will the dress match the hat. Will I look like a goof at the Phantom. When my Grandmother died several years ago she was in her late nineties. She left a very large collection on hats. So my Mother formed a little hat Guild in honor of Grandmother. All of the daughters, granddaughters and granddaughter in-laws received a hat and each year after the celebration we exchange the hats. So you have a different hat and a different dress each year. Just not today we have an OPEN HOUSE while we are at the Phantom, and a concert to attend tonight and trying to help my daughter find a dress to match her hat because she did not know she would be in town to attend. A two year old at our feet at all times. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Stay tuned tomorrow I will post some pictures of the fun day. You do not want to miss tomorrows CHOCOLATE.

At one of my favorite restaurants when, I have the rare roast beef sandwich that I shared a couple of weeks ago. I always have as a side dish of the French Onion Soup. This was a first for me and the hubby loved it said it tastes better then the restaurant. I do not agree I am my own worst critic. It was fun and different to make and we enjoyed it.

French Onion Soup


3 large onions, sliced
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 tablespoon all- purpose flour
2 can (101/2 ounce each) condensed beef broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
6 slices French bread, Toasted
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese (12 ounces)

Cook onions in margarine in Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and just begin to brown: sprinkle with flour. Gradually stir in 1 can broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in remaining broth, the water and Worcestershire sauce. Heat to boiling: reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes.

Place 1 slice toast in each of 6 ovenproof soup bowls or casseroles. Pour soup over toast: sprinkle with cheese. Set oven control to boil and/ or 550 F. Broil soup with tops 3 to 4 inches from heat until cheese is melted and light brown, about 5 minutes. Makes six 1 cup serving.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

We are on our way to the Asian Market this morning. Thanks to Maria of Two Peas and a Pod a few weeks ago she shared that she had attended a cooking class at Viking Cooking School. I looked it up and found that they were teaching a Sushi Class, lucky me. Sushi is one of our favorites but since we are still not eating out we can't partake. We learned allot fresh fish is very important and a very sharp knife. Below is a few pictures of the sushi that the hubby and I made it is very obvious that we need lots and lots of practice. I know allot of people who don't like the seaweed, they have a new product witch is a soy paper wrap, which is similar to a thin tortilla. The soy paper wraps were bright in color yellow or green almost pretty, can't wait to try. My favorite of the night was the Spicy Tuna Roll.


Spicy Tuna Roll

4 ounces sashimi-grade fresh tuna coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon Japanese mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Asian Chile garlic sauce, or to taste
1 green onion, green tops only very thinly sliced
2 sheets nori
2 2/3 cups prepared sushi rice
1 teaspoon prepared wasabi, divided, plus additional as an accompaniment
Pickled ginger as an accompaniment
Japanese soy sauce, as an accompaniments

1. Cover a bamboo sushi rolling mat in plastic wrap. Combine the chopped tuna, mayonnaise, chile garlic sauce and green onion slices in a small mixing bowl; set aside until needed.
2. Cut the nori sheets in half crosswise to make eight 4x7 inch sheets. Place a half-sheet of nori on the bamboo mat, shiny-side down, with the long side toward you at the edge of the mat closest to you. Dampen your hands with hand vinegar, then spread a scant 1/3 cup of sushi rice evenly over the entire half sheet of nori, leaving a 1/2 inch border at the top of the nori sheet uncovered to help seal the roll; be careful not to compact the rice. Do not make the layer of rice to thick, or it will not seal properly.
3. Spread a thin line of wasabi paste horizontally across the center of the rice with your finger. Form 1/4 of the tuna filling into a log shape; place on the wasabi line.
4. To roll, use your fingertips to hold the core ingredients in place, and use your thumb to push up the end of the mat closest to you Continue to roll up the nori sheet, pulling the bamboo mat out of the way, until the nori edges overlap by about 1/4 inch. Gently press the mat around the roll to shape it.
5. Use a very sharp knife to cut each roll, as a dull knife will tear the sushi roll apart. Clean and wet the knife between each cut with a damp towel. Cut down through the roll, using the entire length of the knife, with a quick, decisive motion, then pull the knife toward you. Do not use a sawing motion.
6. Cut each roll into 6 slices; attractively arrange on a serving platter, and serve with pickled ginger, soy sauce and additional wasabi as accompaniment.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

I think I like apricots now. When I was a child (I still am a child) we had two apricot trees. What a chore they were, when they were on we picked like crazy. We made apricot nectar, jam, fruit leather and some dried apricots. I don't remember having Apricot Chicken. Searching through my recipes I found several, but not quite what I was looking for so I mixed them up a little. This chicken was so tasty and tender the nuts and the jam add tons of flavor to the rice. Yesterday on my daughter blog she posted the song I Did It My Way, sung by the Three Tenors performed for Frank Sinatra. So here is my way Apricot Chicken.
My Way Apricot Chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup wild rice
1 cup chopped nuts not fine
4 boneless chicken breast
1 cup apricot jam
1 cup low cal French dressing
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 c dried apricots
1 envelope onion soup mix

Combine onion soup mix and 2 cups chicken broth in small sauce pan. Cook rice in chicken broth instead of water. While that is cooking heat oil in skillet and add chicken and nuts. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes until brown on both sides. Remove chicken from pan and combine cooked rice, nuts, apricot jam, and French dressing mix well together. Pour rice into a glass casserole dish, place chicken on top of rice with dried apricots on top of chicken and bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

For a few years the hubby has been asking for Gnocchi yea sure sometime I will make them. Finely I had to let it be known I was clueless as to what a Gnocchi even was let alone make. I don't feel so bad my parents also didn't know what a Gnocchi was. At my local Sam's Club a few weeks ago I saw a box of Gnocchi's so I picked it up. What is a Gnocchi? A Gnocchi is a little potato dumpling wrapped in a noodle. I believe they are on the menu at Olive Garden but I have not tried them before. This is a first I must say I was very impressed. Teresa at ablogaboutfood2.blogspot.com had a vegetarian recipe on her blog a few weeks ago with spinach and pine nuts that's next to try. The Gnocchi come in a vacuumed packed package with three in a box, the shelve life is a year. Next time I am going to try making them by scratch.

First Time Gnocchi

1 package of Gnocchi
1 large Italian sausage sliced
2 cans of tomato sauce
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 can diced tomato's
1 chopped red bell pepper
Romano Cheese
Parmesan Cheese

In large skillet cook Italian sausage, garlic, bell pepper and red pepper flakes. Then add tomato's and simmer at least 15 to 20 minutes. Place Gnocchi in boiling water it takes about three to four minutes they will float when they are done. Pour sauce over drained Gnocchi add cheese and enjoy.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

BE MINE

We love to travel and our favorite trips are cruising. Last year we introduced all of our children, (adults) on the way to the airport. Here we had seven people who knew a lot about each other through email, pictures, and web cams but had never been introduced. What a fun trip that was. Reasons being the Iraq war. Our son is their for the second time and our son-in law is on his third tour. " Our little grandson's can't wait to see daddy." One of the meals we all enjoyed was the Steak and Lobster Tail. This is so quick and easy. We found the Lobster Tail at Albertsons for 5.50 this last week, not much to spend for a great Valentines Meal.



Broiled Lobster Tails

Preheat the broiler.

Place lobster tail on a medium Baking Sheet. With a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut top side of lobster shells lengthwise. Pull apart shells slightly, and season meat with equal amounts butter, paprika, salt and white pepper.
Broil lobster tails 5 to 10 minutes, or until butter is melted and lightly browned, and lobster meat is opaque. Carefully remove from shell. Dipping sauce 3 tablespoons butter with a little garlic and parsley flakes. You could also use cocktail sauce.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

When I was going to school in Hawaii. I would often babysit for some Chinese friends of the family. In payment for me sitting with their three little girls, they would fix me a lovely Chinese stir fry dinner. At the time I really didn't like anything but hamburgers and pizza. Until this dish came along the vegetables are always so tender. The sauce adds so much flavor. That little touch of ginger is so refreshing to the palate. It became one of my favorites. In celebration of the Chinese New Year this past week.


Chicken Stir Fry With Broccoli and Water chestnuts


1 pound of chicken breasts sliced into 1/2 strips
1 medium onion
1 large carrot sliced long way
1 cup broccoli ends trimmed and separated into florets
1 cup snow peas
1 can drained water chestnuts
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 c Teriyaki marinade Sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 cloves of garlic minced
2 tablespoons sesame oil

Heat oil in large nonstick pan or wok over medium high heat. Add chicken brown on all sides, drains excess grease. Add garlic and gingers ,onion saute 2 minutes. Add carrot, broccoli, and snow peas, cook until vegetables are soft and tender. Add soy sauce, Teriyaki sauce and water chestnuts, orange peel cook until well blended about two minutes. This can be served over white rice or brown rice or by itself. When living in Hawaii I always added a little fresh pineapple.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Saturday Night Specials

When I was growing up we had what the family referred to as Saturday Night Specials. This was a hot dog not your ordinary Oscar Meyer hot dog we had bratwurst and knackwurst from the butcher shop. My parents were stationed in Germany and came back with a love for the dogs and I don't mean German Shepherds.

So each Saturday night I will try and continue the specials. This week we had Tuna Steaks with Tangerine roasted red pepper salsa. I found this recipe in Robin Miller Quick Fix Meals.When you purchase the steaks they will be dark pink in color with no skin and no bones after it is cooked they look just like a beef steak. The picture does not do justice for how great these are. I am a cook but not a photographer. I am getting better please bear with me.

Grilled Tuna Steaks With Tangerine- Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Four Tuna Steaks(preferably sushi quality)
1 1/2 Cups of tangerine sections Chopped
1/2 c diced roasted red peppers
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Coat a stove-top grill pan or outdoor grill with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high.
Season the tuna steaks all over with salt and pepper and place in the pan or on the grill. Cook until well seared and cooked to your desired degree of doneness, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the tangerine, peppers, onion, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and garlic powder, tossing to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve tuna with the salsa spooned over the top.