THE PARAPLEGIC CHEF

Cycle to the Sea 2011

2011-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again where in just a few short months the weather will get nicer, the sun will come out, the flowers will bloom, and the bikes will come out!

Cycle to the Sea 2011 is fastly approaching and I need help to raise my $1000. My first time riding was last year and it was a huge success! My partner Shannon has decided to ride as a support rider and I couldn't be more excited. So not only do I have to raise $1000, she does too!

The Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program helps people with all different types of disabilities get back out in the community and acheive all different types of goals. They have helped me live an active lifestyle with their continued support in my handcycling as well as paved the way for me to Water Ski not only on a competetive level but a national level. With your support you will not only help me acheive my goal of handcycling 180 miles to the beach you will help anyone and everyone affiliated with ASAP. ASAP loans out new and used sports equipment, provides endless opportunities for adaptive golf, water skiing, snow skiing, kayaking, tennis, fishing, and Quad rugby.

If you would like to read more about it click here

Click the donate button!

We thank you again for your continued support and can't wait to get out there and show 'em what we got!

If you want to read about my story click here!

Here is a video of us coming in to the end of our ride!

Chocolate Meringue Pie

2010-02-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

Pie Crust Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
Ice cold water

-preheat oven to 425 degrees
-mix flour and salt
-mix together

-add shortening
-cut into flour/salt mixture with a pastry blender

-add enough ice cold water to form a ball

-roll out on a floured surface (wax paper)

-place in pie pan
-cut excess crust off with knife
-flute edges

-crumble a piece of wax paper, unfold and place in pie crust
-place pie rocks on top of wax paper (if no pie rocks you can use rice)
-bake in oven for exactly 12 minutes

Chocolate Pie Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups milk
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

-separate 3 eggs
-reserve egg whites for meringue

-combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in medium sauce pan

-mix ingredients
-add milk, cook over medium heat (stirring constantly)

-when mixture thickens and comes to a boil, boil 1 minute (stirring constantly)
- remove mixture from heat, beat egg yolks with fork, stir about 2 tablespoons mixture into yolks, add back into remaining mixture (stirring constantly)
-cook 2 minutes more on medium heat (stirring constantly)

-remove from heat, add butter and vanilla
-immediately pour into pie shell

Meringue Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 egg whites
dash of salt

-add water, sugar, and cornstarch in small sauce pan
-cook over medium heat, (stirring constantly) until transparent and thickened

-add egg whites and salt in bowl (copper preferably) [The copper in the bowl assists in creating a tighter bond in reactive sulfur items such as egg whites.] from Wikepedia under [egg whites]
-beat on high until foamy, continue beating gradually adding the cooked mixture in with the egg whites
-beat 3 minutes

-spread meringue over filling, sealing to edge of pie shell

- bake at 425 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned

-Plate and Enjoy!

Toffee Crunch Candy

2010-01-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
Candy Thermometer
2 sticks salted butter
2 blocks semi-sweet baking chocolate (red box)
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup chopped pecans (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
1 tablespoon white Karo syrup
3 tablespoons water

prep:

-chop pecans
-put 1/4 cup in separate bowl and save for end of recipe

-spread sheet pan with butter
-set aside

-place butter, karo, water, and sugar in pot
-cook on 4 (NO LESS, NO MORE)

-cook butter mixture (stirring constantly) until thermometer reaches 300 degrees
-the color of the butter mixture will change through the process

-once thermometer reaches 300 degrees add 3/4 cup pecans
-pour out onto buttered sheet pan

-let sit 10 minutes to harden
-melt chocolate in microwave
-30 second intervals until melted

-scoop chocolate in spoon
-let chocolate stream off spoon drizzling it over toffee
-add remaining pecans over chocolate

-once toffee has set break toffee into uneven peices

Plate and Enjoy!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

2010-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening

2 cups [packed] brown sugar

2 eggs

1-2 tablespoons grated lemon peel

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 cup sugar [for end of recipe]

prep:

preheat oven to 350 degrees

-cream shortening and brown sugar

-You can do this by hand, to move things faster I used a hand mixer

-zest lemon

-add eggs and zest, mix

-mix in baking soda, salt, ginger, and cream of tartar

-use hand mixer just enough to mix in the flour

-use wooden spoon to shape dough in large ball

-use only about a tablespoon and a half of dough when shaping into ball

-put sugar in bowl

-roll shaped dough into sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheet

-bake cookies at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes

-place on cooling rack

-plate and enjoy!

Oven Roasted Chicken with Mango Chutney

2010-01-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs, bone in

2 cups brown rice

2 ripe mangoes

1 medium onion

1 garlic clove

1 tablespoon ginger

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

4 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1/2 cup water

preheat oven to 400 degrees

-coat pan with olive oil

-place chicken in pan, salt and pepper

-cook chicken for about 30 minutes or until juices run clear

-to crisp up skin, place oven on broiler and brown

dice onion and place in small bowl

mince ginger and place in separate bowl

mince garlic and place in bowl with ginger

There are many ways to open up a mango. The easiest I have found is to cut it open like an avocado. Run your knife around the seed of the mango, then kind of twist the seed off of one side, then spoon the seed out.

You want to score the inside of the mango into cubes.

Spoon the mango out of the shell and place in separate bowl.

Mango Chutney:

-heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large saute pan

-add onions, saute for about 5 minutes

-add garlic and ginger, saute 2 minutes

-add mangoes and stir

-add sugar, water, vinegar, and crushed red pepper

-turn heat on low

-cover and cook for about 30 minutes

-cook rice as directions say

-place rice, chicken, and chutney on plate

-Plate and Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate

2009-12-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Hershey's Cocoa

1/2 cup Sugar

1 can Evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups Milk

1-2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Marshmallows/Whipped cream

Favorite coffee mug

Prep:

-add sugar, cocoa, milk, and evaporated milk in a pot

-turn burner on medium heat

- stir constantly until all ingredients are dissolved (when stirring push wooden spoon against the pot to break up the cocoa balls)

-bring to soft boil

-take hot chocolate off stove

-add vanilla extract

-stir

-pour into coffee mug

-top with marshmallows or whipped cream

Enjoy!

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

2009-09-05T05:02:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
4 salmon filets (6 oz each)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 rosemary sprigs
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter
side item of your choice

Prep:

preheat oven to 200-250 degrees or so

-combine orange juice, balsamic, honey and rosemary to small mixing bowl

-place salmon on cutting board skin down
-oil, salt and pepper
-heat skillet on medium/high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil
-place salmon in skillet flesh side down
-let cook until golden brown sear
-flip over and place in oven

-place balsamic mixture to a cold saute pan
-bring to a boil
-boil until thicker, remove rosemary
-add butter, let boil 1-2 minutes

-remove salmon from oven
-place on salad greens
-spoon balsamic glaze over salmon

Artichoke Crab Dip

2009-08-19T04:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 cup Mayo or Miracle Whip
1 cup grated parmesan
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove (pressed)
1/4 cup minced almonds
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can artichoke hearts (drained and finely chopped)
1/2 lb. imitation crab (chopped)
2 tablespoons roasted red pepper (minced)
1/4 cup dry plain breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 roma tomatoes
french bread

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees

-grate parmesan
-add to small mixing bowl

-measure out mayo
-add to bowl

-zest lemon
-add to bowl

-juice lemon
-add to bowl

-chop artichoke hearts
-chop crab
-add to bowl

-mince red pepper

-press garlic into mixture

-add pepper
-mix

-blend melted butter almonds, and breadcrumbs

-spoon crab mixture into baking dish
-place breadcrumbs on top

-dice roma tomatoes
-place on top of breadcrumbs
-bake dip for 20 minutes

-slice bread
-butter, salt, and pepper
-broil in oven until brown

-place crab dip atop bread slices
-serve

Pecan Crusted Salmon with Mango Salsa

2009-08-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Mango Salsa

Ingredients:
2 mangoes
1/2 cup red onion, small diced
1 finely diced pablano pepper
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 shot orange juice
1 shot red wine vinegar
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

-peel mango and cube
-place in mixing bowl

-dice onion
-add with mango

-finely dice pablano pepper
-add to bowl

-dice red pepper
-add to bowl

-zest orange
-add to bowl

-juice orange
-add to bowl

-chop cilantro
-add to bowl

-add red wine
-stir, let sit 1 to 2 hours

Pecan Crusted Salmon

pre heat oven to 450 degrees

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets
2 cups pecans
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

-chop pecans

-mince garlic
-measure out cayenne
-place in bowl with pecans and mix

-measure out olive oil
-place in separate bowl
-dip fillets in oil and roll in the pecan crumb mixture

-heat large skillet and lightly saute salmon on one side
-turn onto a sheet pan and bake fish in oven for 4-5 minutes or until done to taste

Salad Greens

Ingredients:
1 bag mesclun mix greens
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
pinch of salt

-toss greens with oil, balsamic, and salt

-place on middle of plate
-place salmon on top of greens
-top with mango salsa

Mom's Famous Peach Jam

2009-07-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

7 medium fresh peaches (4 cups smashed)
7 canning jars (lids included)
5 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 packet Sure.Jell (recommend not using Ball)

Yields: 7 jars Jam

Prep:

-place lids and bands in water

-place on stove and begin to boil

-place jars in water

-place on stove and begin to boil

-stove set-up should look like this:

The reason for boiling your jars and lids is to sterilize and rid germs.

-peel peaches and cut into sections

-place in large bowl

-smash peaches

-measure 4 cups

-place 4 cups smashed peaches in large stock pot

-place lemon juice, butter, and sure jell in pot with peaches

-Stir constantly

-bring peach mixture to a rolling boil

-once to a rolling boil add sugar and stir one minute

-pull jars out of boiling water

-turn upside down for a few seconds

-turn jars right side up

-place large funnel in jar

-pour peach mixture in jar

-once all jars are filled wet a paper towel

-wipe all sides of jars

-drain bands and lids

-place on clean towel

-place bands on jars first

-place lids on jars

-use paper towel to screw lids on tight (will be hot)

-turn upside down immediately (5 minutes)

-after 5 minutes place right side up

-wait for jars to POP! (seal)

Snapper with Parsley & Cilantro Sauce

2009-07-07T03:09:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
2 lbs. Red Snapper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup clam juice
1/2 cup fresh or dried parsley (minced)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (minced)
2 shallots (minced)
juice of 1 lime

Prep:

-preheat oven to 400 degrees
-rinse fish and pat dry
-drizzle oil on both sides
-salt and pepper
-place snapper in glass baking dish
-pour clam juice over fish
-cover with aluminum foil and place in oven

-bake 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork
-dice shallots and place in small bowl

-pick cilantro off stems and mince
-place in bowl with shallots

-add parsley
-juice lime in bowl
-stir mixture and place in fridge

Red Potato Bed

Ingredients:
10 red potatoes
olive oil
1 clove garlic
salt and pepper

Prep:
-quarter potatoes
-place in pot with water
-boil until soft

-mince garlic
-heat 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil in hot skillet
-add garlic

-once garlic is almost brown, drain potatoes and add to skillet
-salt and pepper, saute until covered in oil and browned
-remove from skillet and place on plate

-remove fish from oven
-place on potatoes with pan juices
-spoon cilantro mixture onto fish and serve!

French Dip Sandwiches

2009-06-29T04:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 beef roast (3 to 4 lbs.)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 beef bouillon cube
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 loaf french bread

Prep:

-sear all sides of meat in skillet
-transfer to crock pot

-combine soy sauce, bouillon, and spices
-pour over roast

-add water to almost cover roast

- cook on LOW for 10 to 12 hours
- remove meat from broth (reserving liquid)
- shred meat with fork
- place on french bread, add cheese
- turn broiler on and melt cheese

- place with reserved liquid, which is now your Au Jus.

Cooked Apples

2009-06-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

4 red apples
1 stick butter
cinnamon (to taste)
sugar (to taste)

Prep:

-slice apples

-place apples in large saute pan

-slice butter, place on apples

-sprinkle sugar and cinnamon

-cover and cook

-cook apples for about 20 to 25 minutes

-stirring occasionally

Green Bean Casserole

2009-06-16T07:06:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

2 can french style green beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 large can french fried onions

Prep:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

-drain green beans

-add to glass baking dish

-mix cream of mushroom soup

-top with fried onions

-bake in oven for 20 to 25 minutes

*pictured with Chicken Divine

Chicken Divine

2009-06-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees

Ingredients:
4 to 5 chicken breasts
1/2 cup miracle whip
2 can cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
8 oz. mild cheddar cheese
8 oz. seasoned stuffing (Pepperidge Farm)
1 stick butter

Prep:

- parboil chicken about 10 to 15 minutes

-add cream of chicken soup, miracle whip, and lemon juice to small bowl
-mix together

-drain chicken
-cut into bite size pieces

-place chicken on bottom of 9x13" pan
-spread mixture over chicken

-shred cheese
-place on top of mixture

-spread stuffing on top of cheese
-cut butter into squares
-arrange over stuffing

-bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure you don't burn the bread crumbs!

*Pictured with Green bean casserole

Soy on the Cob

2009-06-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

4 ears of corn
1 stick of butter
soy sauce

Prep:

-clean corn

-melt butter in microwave

-add equal amount soy sauce

-place two ears on square piece foil

-brush butter on both sides of corn

-fold foil until closed

-place corn on bottom rack

-turning every five minutes until slightly burnt

*recipe pictured with baked beans and mini burgers

Mini Burgers

2009-06-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger meat
mini hamburger buns
cheddar cheese
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon steak sauce
1 tablespoon worcestershire

-preheat grill
-mince garlic

-place meat in bowl
-add rest of ingredients
-mix

-patty out to mini burgers
-place on grill, cook to desired temperature
-place cheese on desire burgers

- plate and serve

*burgers shot with baked beans and corn on the cob

Mom's Famous Hummingbird Cake

2009-06-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

*Vanilla extract not pictured

Ingredients:

3 cups flours
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups oil
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple (undrained)
2 cups chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for frosting)
2 cups chopped bananas

Prep:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-combine flour, sugar, salt, and soda and mix

-add cinnamon

-add eggs, oil, and vanilla

-stir until moistened (do not beat)

-stir in pineapple and pecans

-chop bananas

-add to bowl and stir

-dust a 9 inch cake pan with flour

*To dust, place 1/2 cup flour in cake pan, step outside and hit the side of the pan with your palm until all sides of the pan are lightly covered.

-place cake batter in pan

-bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until done

-once the cake is done remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes

-insert a metal spatula or knife(touching to the bottom), going around all sides of the cake to release it from the pan

-place cooling rack over cake and flip over

-let cool for 10 to 20 minutes

Frosting Ingredients:

1 stick butter
1 8 ounce package cream cheese
4 to 5 cups confectionery sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup of remaining pecans

Prep:

-place butter and cream cheese in small bowl and mix

-add vanilla and sugar

-mix until smooth (frosting should be thick enough to stand on its own)

-spread frosting on cake

-sprinkle pecans on cake

Garlic and Lime Wings

2009-06-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
4 pounds chicken wings, cut at joints
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2/3 sup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 5 limes)
1/3 cup olive oil
zest of 2 limes
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons dried marjoram

prep:
-cut wings at joints and throw out wing tips
-set aside in fridge

-warm skillet and toast cumin seeds until golden and very fragrant
-make sure you shake the pan to ensure that they don't burn and even the cooking
-once cooked crush cumin in a mortar with a pestle
-add to bowl
If you do not have one just use a bowl and something that is able to crush the seeds

-mince garlic (I used a food processor)
-add to bowl

-zest 2 limes
-add to bowl

-add 2/3 cup lime juice to bowl

-add dried marjoram to bowl

-add 1/2 cup olive oil to bowl

-mix and pour over wings
-cover and marinate for 1 hour

While the chicken is marinating, you can start on making the chipotle mayo!

Chipotle mayonnaise:
1 cup mayonnaise
-used fat free miracle whip
1/2 cup sour cream
2 to 3 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
-used 2 peppers
1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

I used a food processor to make the sauce. If you do not have one you can use a bowl and whisk, and dice up the pepper (with gloves).

-add mayo, sour cream, mustard, adobo sauce

-add adobo peppers with mixture (We used two peppers, and it was SPICY. If you have a sensitivity to spicy foods I would recommend a 1/2 to 1 pepper).

-Mix and place in fridge
-Get your crock pot out and place temperature on high
-Heat a large skillet over medium high heat
-Lift the chicken out of the marinade, reserving the marinade, and brown the chicken in the skillet, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
-As the wings brown transfer them to the crock pot.
-Pour over the remaining reserved marinade, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.

-after chicken is done cooking place on plate with sauce and ENJOY!

Baked Beans

2009-05-26T03:33:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
2 cans pork and beans
4 slices bacon
1 yellow onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup

Prep:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-place beans in baking dish & add brown sugar and ketchup

-cook bacon in skillet until done (save bacon grease)

-dice onion

-saute onion in remaining bacon grease and add with beans

-chop bacon and add to beans

-bake in oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until bean sauce has caramelized (becomes dark & sticky) on sides of pan.

Cucumber Salad

2009-05-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers, sliced
1 med. onion, sliced
1/2 c. vinegar
2 1/2 tbsp. sugar
1/4 c. water

Prep:

-peel and slice cucumbers and place in bowl

-dice onions and add with cucumbers

-measure out sugar and salt and add to bowl

-measure out water and vinegar

-pour over cucumbers and onions

Green Bean and Potato Salad

2009-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 small bag of red potatoes
1/2 lb. fresh green beans
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
fresh ground black pepper

Prep:

-quarter potatoes and place in pot with water and bring to boil

-while potatoes are boiling snap the tips off of the green beans and set aside

-mince garlic and set aside

-cook potatoes until al dente, add clean green beans and continue boiling until green beans are cooked

-strain potatoes and green beans

-heat oil in pan

-once hot add garlic to pan and saute

-add potatoes and green beans to garlic

-add seasonings

Balsamic Marinated Steak

2009-05-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

Ingredients for marinade:
2 or 3 sirloin steaks
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup light soy sauce
2 tablespoons garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup very finely chopped onion
pinch of cayenne

Ingredients for Asparagus:
1 pound asparagus
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper

Prep for marinade:

-measure out liquids and add to mixing bowl
-add pepper

-finely mince onion and add to bowl

-mince garlic and add to bowl

-pour marinade over steaks, cover and place in fridge for 1 hour

While steak is marinating, you can start on the prep for the asparagus. That way you can cook them at the same time.

Prep for Asparagus:

-trim off the thick bottom end of asparagus
-mince garlic and place in small bowl

-add oil and paprika

-zest lemon, add to bowl

-lay asparagus side by side and pierce metal scewer through the middle to create a raft

-place steaks on grill and cook to your desired temperature

Temperature(F)
140 Rare - cool, red center
150 Medium Rare - warm, red center
160 Medium - pink, hot center
165 Medium Well - hint of pink, hot center
170 Well - no pink, hot center

-place rafts on grill and brush with oil mixture.

-cook to your desired tenderness and salt and pepper on plate

Mom's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-05-01T18:38:00.004-07:00

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups flour
2 sticks butter
1 cup shortening
4 eggs
1 bag chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda

Prep:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

-soften 2 sticks butter in microwave 25-30 seconds

-put in large bowl

-add shortening and mix

-add brown sugar

-add sugar and mix

-add eggs and mix until blended

-add vanilla, salt, soda

-add flour *depending on altitude add more or less flour

-mix well and add chips

-portion 9 cookies per sheet

-bake 7 minutes

BBQ Chicken & Hot Potato Salad

2009-05-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ingredients for BBQ chicken:

Your choice of how many legs you want
1 bottle of BBQ sauce
1 pastry brush

Prep for BBQ Chicken:

-heat grill and add chicken legs
-baste BBQ on chicken
-when chicken is fully cooked remove from grill

This chicken would pair well with my baked beans or my green bean and potato salad which I have pictured with it.

Fresh fruit with dip

2009-04-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

Any fruits of your choice. Here is what I chose:

Strawberries
Oranges
Pineapple
Apples
Cantaloupe
Grapes

Fruit Dip Ingredients:

Blender
8 oz. sour cream
1 banana
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
sprinkle of cinnamon

-peel and cut banana and add to blender

-add rest of ingredients to blender

-blend until smooth

-place fresh fruit on plate with dip and serve
-if needed, place dip in refrigerator for 15 minutes to thicken

Ginger Steak Salad

2009-04-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ingredients for steak marinade:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sherry
2 garlic cloves, minced or buy already minced garlic
1/2 jalapeno De-seeded
2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 NY strip

Prep:

-mince garlic or buy and place in large zip-loc baggy

-de-seed jalapeno and add to baggy

-add soy sauce, sherry and brown sugar to baggy with steak

-marinate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours

Ingredients for salad dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 garlic gloves minced or buy already minced
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
1 bunch green onions (used to top salad)

-mince garlic and add to empty bowl

-skin ginger and mince
-add to bowl with garlic

-juice lime
-add to bowl

-add olive oil, soy sauce, and sugar

-stir and place in fridge

-once meat has marinated, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in hot skillet and cook meat to your desired temperature

-mix some of the dressing into the salad greens

-cut tomatoes

-cut green onions and set aside

-place salad greens on plate with tomatoes
-slice steak to put on salad
-top with green onions

-plate and serve

Rosemary Salmon

2009-03-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Four 1/4 pound salmon fillets
Four Roma tomatoes
4 whole lemons
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 teaspoons of olive oil
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
salt and pepper
aluminum foil

Prep:

-preheat oven to 475 degrees.
-cut 4 sheets of foil big enough to hold salmon and ingredients.
-cut lemons into slices and set aside

-quarter tomatoes and set aside

-measure out olive oil

-get rosemary ready to place on salmon

-place two lemon slices in the middle of foil sheet
-place salmon on top of lemon slices and cover with one teaspoon olive oil
-sprinkle salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and then pick rosemary from stem and rub on top of salmon
-place two more lemon slices on top of salmon and then place 1 quartered tomato around salmon
-pull the sides of the foil together and place on sheet pan
-bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your pleasure

Once cooked take out of oven and plate. We steamed broccoli as a side. Just place fresh or frozen broccoli in a pot with just enough water to cover the bottom, place a lid on and steam to your preference. Sprinkle with the broccoli with salt or a little low-fat cheese.

Fiesta Chicken

2009-03-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Lime Chicken Ingredients:

6 chicken breasts
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh or dry thyme
2 cloves garlic or already minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt

Black Bean Salsa Topper Ingredients:

1 can organic black beans (drained)
1 can corn (drained)
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 tomato (optional)
1 tablespoon Cilantro
1 garlic clove
Squeeze of lime

Lime Chicken Prep:

-pull thyme from stem and mince or if using dried thyme add to medium mixing bowl.

-mince garlic or use already minced garlic and add with thyme

-zest lime and add with other ingredients

-squeeze lime to make 1/3 cup juice and add to bowl or buy lime juice from the produce section

-add salt, pepper, and olive oil and baste over chicken in a glass cooking dish and
chill/marinate 10 minutes

-while this is marinating, start on the Black Bean Salsa prep below

-once marinated preheat broiler, place on rack and broil 5 inches from the heat and cook for 6 minutes or until light brown.

-turn chicken and brush lightly with liquid from pan

-broil 6 to 8 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink.

Black Bean Salsa Topper Prep:

-drain black beans and corn and add to small mixing bowl

-chop red onion and add to the bowl

-dice tomato and add to the bowl

-finely chop up the cilantro and add to the bowl

*You can also add some more lime juice, or if you want a bit of a kick like I did, you can add some diced jalapenos.

Chili

2009-03-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion
1 clove garlic
1 chili spice packet
1 can tomato sauce 15 0z.
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can ranch style beans
Elbow macaroni (optional)
Sour Cream
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup water

Prep:

-dice onion

-mince garlic

-brown ground beef, add onions and garlic and strain
-after straining, put back into skillet and add chili spice packet and 1 cup water

-add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans to crock pot or large pot on stove

-add ground beef mixture to crock pot or large pot and let cook on high for 3 hours
-if on stove, cook on medium and stir often to prevent scorching on the bottom

-add noodles if desired, and cornbread as a side
-top with sour cream and cheese

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

2009-02-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and torn into pieces
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 stick butter
12 corn tortillas
3 cans cream of chicken soup
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz. sour cream
Small can of diced green chilies

Prep:

-boil water in pot and add chicken

-remove chicken and tear into pieces
-cut 12 corn tortillas into pieces

-saute onion in butter

-add cream of chicken, green chilies, onion, chicken, and cheese in bowl and stir

-add corn tortillas and sour cream and spread into 9x13" pan
-bake at 325 to 250 degrees for 25 minutes

-remove from oven and enjoy!

Mom's Famous Lasagna

2009-02-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

12 to 14 lasagna noodles
1 lb. ground beef(optional)
1 lb. Italian sausage (optional)
*if not using meat add vegetable such as eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash,etc.
2 cans 16 oz. tomatoes
2 cans (16 oz.) tomato sauce
2 onions, diced (1 cup)
1 clove garlic
1 lb. mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/2 lb. fresh Parmesan cheese
1 lb. Ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon of each of the following:
Basil
Oregano
Thyme
Rosemary
Parsley
Sugar

Dash of salt/pepper

Prep:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

-shred Parmesan (set aside)

-shred Mozzarella (set aside)
-set aside Ricotta

-mince garlic clove

-dice onion

-set aside herbs

-if using meat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage
-add onion and garlic, strain and put in a large pot
-add tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and herbs
-simmer until the sauce reaches the consistence of Spaghetti sauce, this should take about 1/2 hour to 1 hour -begin cooking lasagna noodles; drain
-reserve 2 to 3 cups of your cooking sauce in a bowl
-over low heat, add Ricotta cheese to remaining sauce and stir to even color

-in rectangular baking dish (13 x 9 x 2) layer the following: noodles, ricotta cheese sauce, and mozzarella
-make two layers like this, add one more layer of noodles and top with reserved tomato (meat) sauce
-top with Parmesan cheese
-bake uncovered 45 minutes to 1 hour until bubbly and slightly browned on top

Serve with garlic bread and/or a salad.

Tortilla and Black-Bean Pie

2009-01-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
4 flour tortillas (burrito size)
1tablespoon oil
1 large onion, diced
1 jalapeno, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1.2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
12 oz. beer (would recommend a lime flavored beer)
1 package frozen corn (10 oz)
1 bunch scallions
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Prep:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

-using a paring knife, trim tortillas to fit a 9 inch springform pan (using the bottom of the pan as a guide) and set aside

-dice onion and set aside in bowl

-dice jalapeno and add with onion

-mince garlic and add with jalapeno and onion

-add cumin

-thinly slice scallions (save 1/4 cup for garnish) and set aside in separate bowl

-shred cheddar cheese and set aside in separate bowl

-drain and rinse beans, set aside

-heat oil in skillet over medium heat

-add onion, jalapeno, garlic, cumin, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is transparent

-add beans and beer, bring to boil

-reduce heat to medium and simmer until almost the liquid has evaporated, then add corn and scallions

-remove from heat

-fit a tortilla in bottom of spring form pan

-layer with beans mixture and spread cheese on top

-repeat 3 times, using 1 cup cheese on top layer

-bake until hot and cheese has melted; should take 20 to 25 minutes

-remove pie from pan, sprinkle with scallions, and slice into wedges

-serve with Pico de Gallo and sour cream

Pineapple Mango Salsa

2009-01-29T07:48:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 whole pineapple
1 mango
1 medium onion
Handful of Cilantro

Prep:

- cut up pineapple

-peel and cut mango and add to bowl with pineapple

-cut up onion

-add pineapple, mango, cilantro, and onion to food processor and mix.

- Serve with tortilla chips

Pico de Gallo

2009-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
3 vine-ripened tomatoes
1 medium yellow onion
1 lime
Handful of cilantro (or your preference)
Sprinkle of sugar and salt

Prep:

-dice tomatoes and put in large bowl

-dice onion and add with tomatoes

-clean cilantro and chop add with onion and tomatoes

-dice jalapeno (remove seeds for less heat)

-juice lime, sprinkle sugar and salt to taste
- stir and serve

Stuffed Peppers

2009-01-28T03:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

4 green bell peppers (nice and square so they will stand up)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano (fresh or dry)
1 tsp basil (fresh or dry)
2 carrots, julienned
1 cup peas (canned or frozen)
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
2 to 3 cans tomato sauce

Prep:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-measure out tomato sauce, peas, oregano, and basil

-cut off tops and remove seeds and membrane from peppers

-place peppers in large pot and fill pot with 1/4 water and cover (just enough to cover bottom of peppers)

-steam for 5 minutes

-start cooking rice

-while the peppers are steaming and rice is cooking, julienne your carrots (set aside)

-dice onion (set aside)

-mince garlic and add with onions

-once the rice is cooked and the peppers are steamed, heat oil in large skillet, saute onion and garlic for 1 minute

-add herbs, carrots, and peas, cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until carrots are tender.

-reduce heat and add rice and 1 cup tomato sauce and heat through

-put two spoonfuls of tomato sauce into bottom of each pepper and add mixture into peppers

- pour remaining tomato sauce on tops of the peppers the peppers should be standing upright

-bake in oven for 30 minutes

-add mozzarella to top and broil until cheese has melted and browned a little

Mom's Famous Chicken n' Dumplings

2009-01-26T05:49:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

Dumplings:
4 cups of flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tablespoons butter

Broth:
1 De-boned chicken
1 can cream if chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom
2 cans milk (use cream of mushroom can)

Prep:

-add whole chicken, chicken broth, and water(enough to cover chicken) in stock pot

-cook chicken for 1 hour or until done

-reserve liquid

-de-bone the chicken and throw bones away

Dumplings:

-mix dry ingredients

-cut butter into flour

-add milk

-mix into ball

-roll on well-floured waxed paper with flour on top of dough also

-cut into strips

-take half of the broth that you cooked the chicken in and add to stock pot with the broth ingredients

-bring to a boil (stove should be on 4-5) stirring constantly (to prevent milk from scorching)

-add cooked chicken

-once the broth has come to a boil add dumplings one by one, pushing each one down

-the broth should boil over the dumplings and cook for 10 minutes

-add salt and pepper to taste

-serve in bowl with fresh ground pepper on top

Mom's Famous Ziti

2009-01-19T03:46:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 box Ziti noodles
2 jars Basil and herb tomato/spaghetti sauce
12 oz mozzarella cheese (save half to top with)
1 onion
1 lb. hamburger meat (optional)

Prep:

Preheat oven to 350

-cook the noodles and drain, set aside in large bowl

-shred mozzarella

-dice onion

-cook the hamburger meat (optional) and drain

-saute onions until tender and put in large bowl

-add sauce with onion, cheese (half), meat (optional)

-add noodles, mix well, pour into 9 x 13" pan, and top with remaining cheese

-bake in oven for 30 minutes

-butter bread and add garlic powder

-broil in oven until brown

-serve with salad and garlic toast

My Own Chicken Salad

2009-01-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 can cooked chicken or 1 large cooked chicken breast
2 stalks of celery
1/2 red or yellow onion
1/2 gala apple (save rest of apple for slices)
10 red grapes
1 small bag of walnuts
3/4 cup of lite miracle whip
dash of ground pepper/ salt
dash of garlic powder

Prep:

-drain can of chicken or boil chicken breast until done and chop

-chop celery and add with chicken in bowl

-chop apple and add to bowl

-chop onion and add to bowl

-cut grapes into quarters and add into bowl

-chop walnuts and add to bowl

-add salt, ground pepper, garlic powder and miracle whip.

-serve on bread

Spicy Ginger and Orange Chicken with Broccoli

2009-01-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

4 boneless/skinless chicken breast halves cut into thin strips
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 lb broccoli florets
3 tablespoons cornstarch
vegetable cooking spray
1/2 small yellow onion-diced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup orange marmalade (in the jelly aisle)
2 large oranges, peeled,sectioned, and coarsely chopped

Prep:

-place chicken and soy sauce in a shallow dish or heavy duty zip-loc bag
-cover or seal and chill for fifteen minutes
-cook broccoli in boiling water until tender; drain
-plunge into ice water to stop cooking process; drain and set aside
-cook rice and set aside bowl of cornstarch

-mince garlic and ginger

-measure out your chicken broth, marmalade, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper

-dice onion

-zest 1 teaspoon of rind

-cut orange into sections, peel rind off and coarsely chop

-drain chicken reserving soy sauce
-toss chicken slices in cornstarch

-brown chicken, in batches, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium high heat until done

-remove chicken from skillet keeping the drippings in the pan and keep warm

-add reserved soy sauce, onion, garlic, ginger, orange rind, red pepper, sesame oil and saute until onions are tender

-add chicken broth and marmalade next, stirring until marmalade is melted

-return chicken to skillet, bring to a boil, and stir in broccoli and orange sections

-serve immediately over your bed of rice