Homemade Italian Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 T. dried basil

2 T. dried oregano

2 T. dried thyme

2 T. dried marjoram

1 T. dried rosemary

½ T. dried sage

Directions:

1. Combine all spices in a bowl and mix together thoroughly.
2. Place mixture in a sealable jar.

Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche

 

Ingredients:

5 large eggs

1 C. heavy cream

¼ t. salt

½ t. black pepper

1 C. ham , diced

1 C. shredded cheese (anything that melts except mozzarella)

1 green onion, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Grease a 9" pie dish with butter or spray lightly with oil.
3. Whisk eggs, cream, salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle most of the ham, cheese and green onion in the pie pan.
5. Pour in egg mixture. 
6. Top with remaining ham, cheese and green onion.
7. Bake 35 minutes until golden on top and center barely wiggles. Don't overcook.
8. Remove from oven, rest 5 minutes and watch it deflate!

Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

 

Ingredients:

2 C. slow-cooked pulled pork

8 large, crisp butter lettuce leaves

½ C. mayonnaise

2 T. barbecue sauce

¼ C. red onion, finely chopped

¼ C. cilantro leaves

1 t. lime juice

½ t. garlic powder

¼ t. coarse kosher salt

¼ t. ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of tender, slow-cooked pulled pork, ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of coarse kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated and the pork is evenly coated.
3. Rinse 8 large, butter lettuce leaves under cold water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel to prevent sogginess.
4. Spoon the pork mixture evenly into the center of each lettuce leaf, dividing it among all 8 leaves.
5. Top each wrap with red onion and cilantro leaves.
6. Serve immediately for best results.

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Note:  Pictured Boneless/Skinless thighs

Ingredients:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 T. dried oregano

1 t. coarse kosher salt

½ t. black pepper

1 lemon, thinly sliced into bright rounds

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels for crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the marinade evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Tuck the lemon slices around and under the chicken thighs.
7. Bake for 35 minutes.
8. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
9. Switch your oven to broil on high for 2-3 minutes to brown the skin.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving.

Stuffed Zucchini

 

Ingredients:

4 medium zucchini

½ t. dried Italian seasoning

salt and pepper to taste

2 t. olive oil

1 lb. mild Italian sausage, casings removed

½ c. onion finely diced

1 t. minced garlic

2 c. marinara sauce

¾ c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 T. chopped parsley

cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. 
2. Coat a large rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Trim the ends off the zucchini, and cut in half lengthwise. 
4. Use a spoon to carefully scoop the flesh out of the zucchinis.
5. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper over the zucchini shells. 
6. Arrange the zucchini in the baking dish.
7. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. 
8. Add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
9. Add the onion and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until onion is softened. 
10. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
11. Season the sausage and vegetable mixture with salt and pepper.
12. Pour the marinara sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer; cook for 5 minutes.
13. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the zucchini shells, then top with the shredded cheese.
14. Bake for 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.
15. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

Bang Bang Coleslaw

 

Ingredients:

Sauce

½ C. mayo

½ C. sweet chili sauce

1 lime juice

1½ t. sriracha sauce

12 oz. Coleslaw mix

Directions:

1. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Add coleslaw mix to a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour sauce over mix and stir to make sure all of the cabbage is covered with sauce.
4. Coleslaw may seem somewhat "dry" at first.  Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes or so before serving.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

Ingredients:

6 whole bell peppers

3 T. olive oil, divided

1 lb. lean ground beef

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 large zucchini, diced

4 Roma tomatoes, diced

2 c. Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers. 
3. Remove and discard the stems, then finely chop the tops; set aside. 
4. Scoop out the seeds and as much of the membrane as you can. 
5. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. 
6. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up the lumps, until the meat is cooked through. 
7. Remove to a plate.
8. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. 
9. Add the onion and chopped peppers, and cook until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. 
10. Add the garlic and zucchini, and cook for another minute. 
11. Add the tomatoes and season with more salt and pepper. 
12. Cook until everything is heated through, then stir in the beef. 
13. Taste and adjust the seasonings. 
14. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheese. 
15. Place the peppers, cut-side up, in a baking dish just large enough to hold them upright. 
16. Fill the peppers with the meat mixture and top each with a sprinkle of the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. 
17. Pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the baking dish. 
18. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. 
19. Uncover and bake until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes more. 

Vegetable Beef Soup

 

Ingredients:

1 lb. beef stew meat

2 T. vegetable oil

1 c. onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 - 32 oz. container beef broth

1 - 14 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 qt. water

2 bay leaves

1 - 12 oz. package mixed vegetables

½ t. dried oregano

½ t. dried thyme

½ t. dried basil

Directions:

1. Trim the fat from stew meat and cut into 1-inch chunks.
2. Place meat in a large pot over medium heat with oil, onion, and garlic and cook, stirring, until meat is browned and onion is tender.
3. Add broth, tomatoes, water and bay leaves. 
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.
5. Add vegetables, oregano, thyme, and basil and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender; about 30 minutes.

Pineapple Chicken

 

Ingredients:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 t. vegetable oil

½ t. salt

1 t. pepper

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 c. pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

1 T. garlic, minced

½ t. ground ginger

½ cup pineapple juice

⅓ c. soy sauce

⅓ c. chicken broth

¼ c. hoisin sauce

¼ c. brown sugar

2 t. cornstarch

Warm Cooked Rice

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add the chicken and season with the salt and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. 
4. Add in the red bell pepper and pineapple and cook for 3-5 minutes until the pepper is tender.
5. In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger and cornstarch. 
6. Whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
7. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a low simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened. 
8. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened.
9. Serve over warm, cooked rice.

Hamburger Wraps

Ingredients:

For the Wraps

1 lb. Ground Beef

4 Extra Large Tortillas

For the Filling

2 c. lettuce, shredded

1 c. tomatoes, diced 

Pickles

1 c. cheddar cheese (Optional)

For the Special Sauce

½ c. mayonnaise

¼ c. honey

2 T. yellow mustard

2 T. ketchup

1 T. lemon juice

1 t. brown sugar

1 t. apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
2. Use a separate pan or microwave to warm the tortilla wraps. This makes them pliable and easier to wrap, taking just about 30 seconds in the microwave.
3. Lay a warm tortilla flat and start layering your fillings: add a generous scoop of the cooked beef, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
4. Over the fillings, drizzle your special sauce. 
5. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides to secure the fillings as you go. 
6. After rolling, slice the wrap in half. 
7. Serve immediately for a warm meal or wrap it in foil for meal prep to enjoy later.

Pork Street Tacos

 

Ingredients:

4 lbs. pork shoulder roast

1 T. chili powder

1 t. cumin

1 t. oregano

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

¾ C. orange juice

¼ C. lime juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, quartered

Street taco tortillas

Cheddar  or mozzarella cheese, for topping

Salsa, for topping

Sour Cream, for topping 

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. 
2. Rub the outside of the pork shoulder roast with the seasoning thoroughly.
3. In the slow cooker, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic cloves, onion. 
4. Place pork on the top. 
5. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
6. Remove roast from slow cooker and shred. 
7. Return to slow cooker and heat for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet. 
9. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes to brown the edges of the pork.
10. To assemble the tacos lay a tortilla on a flat surface add the shredded pork and your favorite taco toppings.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

 

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, diced

1 T. olive oil

2 t. garlic powder

1 t. onion powder

1 t. paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

½ C. shredded mozzarella cheese

4 large flour tortillas

½ C. creamy garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. 
3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked and browned on all sides. 
4. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Lay out the tortillas and spread a spoonful of creamy garlic sauce on each one. 
6. Top with the cooked chicken, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
7. Fold the tortillas over the filling and place them back in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
8. Slice the wraps in half, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately!

Creamy Garlic Sauce

 

Ingredients: 

2 T. butter

2 T. all-purpose flour

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

1 C. heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)

½ C. chicken or vegetable broth

½ C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 T. fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. 
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to form a paste. 
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and broth while whisking to prevent lumps. 
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. 
8. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. 
9. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Cinnamon Biscuit Bites

Ingredients:

1 small roll of canned  biscuits

2 T. white sugar

2 T. brown sugar

1 t. cinnamon

2 T. butter

Icing:

¼ c. powdered sugar

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 T. butter, softened

1 T. milk

⅛ t. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Place butter in baking dish and melt in the pre-heating oven.
3. Cut the canned biscuits into quarters.
4. In a plastic bag, combine both sugars, and the cinnamon.
5. Place the biscuit quarters in the bag and shake to coat evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the melted butter in the baking dish.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuit bites are golden brown.
8. While the biscuit bites are baking, cream together the cream cheese and butter.  
9. Add the milk, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
10. Once the cinnamon-sugar biscuit bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and place on a serving dish.
11. Drizzle or spread the prepared icing over the warm biscuit bites.

Crockpot Short Ribs

 

Ingredients:

3-4 lbs. beef short ribs

3 T. olive oil

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. onion powder

1 t. black pepper

4 carrots peeled and chopped into 3" pieces

4 celery stalks chopped into 3" pieces

2 C. beef broth

2 T. tomato paste

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. 
2. Season both sides of the short ribs with garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
3. Add ribs to the skillet and sear on each side until browned.
4. Add the carrots and celery to the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the seared ribs on top.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and minced garlic. 
6. Pour the mixture over the ribs.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (recommended) or high for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
8. Serve the ribs with the sauce spooned over the top and enjoy.

Mediterranean Chicken Burgers With Greek Yogurt Sauce And Tomato-Cucumber Relish

 

Ingredients:

For the Greek Yogurt Sauce:

1 C. Greek yogurt

2 t. lemon zest, grated

2 T. fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. olive oil

½ t. salt

For the Burgers:

1 lb. ground chicken

1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped

1 ear fresh corn, kernels cut from cob

½ medium red bell pepper, finely diced

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

½ C. panko bread crumbs

2 T. cilantro, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 t. ground cumin

1 t. ground coriander

1 t. salt

½ t. freshly ground black pepper

3–4 tablespoons olive oil, for searing

For the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered

⅓ medium seedless English cucumber, finely diced

2 green onions, finely sliced

¼ C. fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

2 T. fresh lemon juice

Pinch of salt

Directions:

Greek Yogurt Sauce: 

1. In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients. 
2. Place in the fridge to chill.

Burgers:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). 
2. In a large bowl, combine all burger ingredients except oil. 
3. Mix well and form into patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. 
5. Sear burgers for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. 
6. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until cooked through.

Tomato-Cucumber Relish: 

1. In a medium bowl, combine all relish ingredients. 
2. Stir gently to mix.

Serve burgers on homemade flour tortillas with a dollop of Greek yogurt sauce and a side of tomato-cucumber relish.

Stuffing

 

Ingredients:

1 loaf, inexpensive sandwich bread, cubed and dried overnight

½ C. unsalted butter

1¾ C. yellow onion, finely diced

2 stalks celery, finely diced

1 t. sage 

2 t. rosemary

2 t. thyme

1½ t. salt

½ t. black pepper

1¾ C. chicken broth

2 large eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Cube loaf of sandwich bread the night before and leave in a large bowl to dry somewhat.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
3. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish, set it aside.
4. In a skillet melt ¼ cup butter and sauté the onion and celery, uncovered, for 3 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add the sage, rosemary and thyme. Sauté, uncovered, for an additional 2 minutes. 
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the salt and black pepper, and set it aside.
7. Using a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon, combine the cubed bread, chicken broth, melted remaining ¼ cup butter, and the beaten eggs. 
8. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated.
9. Stir in the cooked onion mixture until all ingredients are combined.
10. Evenly spread the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish.
11. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing is golden brown.

Chicken and Potato Dumplings aka Gnocchi

 

Ingredients:

2 T. unsalted butter

2 C. sliced white mushrooms

1½ C. yellow onion, diced

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

2 t. reduced salt chicken bouillon seasoning

½ t. salt

½ t. black pepper

3 C. shredded rotisserie chicken white meat

15-oz. bag frozen peas & carrots, thawed

2 (10.5-oz.) cans of cream of chicken with herbs soup

1½ C. chicken stock

12-oz. package of potato gnocchi

Directions:

1. In a large sauté pan, on medium heat, add the butter, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, fresh thyme leaves, chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper. 
2. Sauté the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are tender.
3. Add the diced rotisserie chicken, peas & carrots, and cream of chicken soup to the pan. 
4. Stir to combine fully.
5. Slowly stir in the chicken stock until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
6. Bring the chicken mixture to a low boil, add the potato gnocchi, and reduce the heat to medium-low. 
7. Simmer the gnocchi chicken mixture for 15-20 minutes or until the gnocchi is fully cooked and tender. 
8. Be sure to stir often to keep the gnocchi from sticking together.
9. Remove from the heat and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

 

Ingredients:

2 C. + 2 T. all-purpose flour

1 t. cornstarch

1 t. baking soda

½ t. salt

¾ c. unsalted butter, melted + slightly cooled

¾ c. packed light or dark brown sugar

¾ c. granulated sugar

1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature

1 ½ t. pure vanilla extract

1 heaping c. white chocolate chips

1 c. roughly chopped macadamia nuts

Directions:

1. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. Whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until combined. 
3. Pour into dry ingredients and mix everything together until completely combined. 
4. Fold in the white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. 
5. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 4 days. If chilling for longer than 2 hours, allow to sit at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes before rolling and baking because the dough will be quite hard.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). 
7. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
8. Roll cookie dough into balls, about 1-1.5 Tablespoons of dough per cookie, and arrange 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. 
9. Bake for 12-13 minutes or until lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look soft.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pecan Sandies Cookies

 

Ingredients:

1 C. unsalted butter softened

¼ C. granulated sugar

⅓ C. packed light brown sugar

2 C. all-purpose flour

½ t. salt

1 ½ t. vanilla extract

1½ C. coarsely chopped pecans, reserve ½ cup

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 
3. Using a stand blender with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric blender on medium speed, cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, approximately 2-5 minutes. 
4. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until incorporated. 
5. Reduce the speed to stir and add the chopped pecans reserving about ½ cup. 
6. Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop for equal measurements, roll the dough into balls and then roll them through the reserved chopped pecans.
7. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them for warm air to flow. 
8. Press the balls fairly flat using the flat bottom of a glass or a glass Pyrex measuring cup.
9. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until lightly browned. 
10. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to fully cool.