RSS Feed

Posts Tagged ‘easy meals’

  1. BISTRO BURGERS RECIPE

    January 31, 2011 by Daniel


    Basil leaves are a tasty replacement for lettuce in this simple but fun take on traditional burgers. Use the largest leaves you can find.

     

    BISTRO BURGERS RECIPE

    Serves: 4 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 5 Minutes Ready In: Less than 30 Minutes

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •1 1/2 lb. ground beef chuck (80% to 85% lean)
    •2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning salt
    •6 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
    •4 ciabatta rolls, split
    •2/3 cup mayonnaise
    •3 tablespoons lemon juice
    •8 tomato slices
    •12 large basil leaves

    PROCEDURE:

    •Heat grill.
    •Gently combine ground beef and seasoning salt in medium bowl.
    •Shape into 4 (4-inch) patties 3/4 inch thick.
    •Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or coals 10 to 12 minutes or until thoroughly
    •During last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, top burgers with cheese and place rolls, cut-side down, on grill until cheese is melted and rolls are golden brown.
    •Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise and lemon juice in small bowl
    •Spread over cut sides of rolls.
    •Top burgers with tomato and basil.

    Enjoy
    Chef Phil

     Serve with your favorite potato or macaroni salad for the mid-winter picnic.


    Category Beef, Recipes | Tags: ,,,,, | No Comments

  2. CHICKEN RATATOUILLE RECIPE

    December 9, 2010 by Daniel


    An easy 1 dish dinner for a quick but satisfying dinner.

     

    CHICKEN RATATOUILLE RECIPE

    Serves: 4 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 5 Minutes Ready In: Less than 30 Minutes

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •1 Tablespoon olive oil
    •4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    •2 Zucchini, about 7″ long, sliced thin
    •1 Small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
    •1 Medium onion, sliced thin
    •1 Medium green pepper, cut into 1″ pieces
    •1/2 Pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
    •1 16 ounce can whole tomatoes, cut up
    •1 Clove garlic, minced
    •1 Teaspoon dried basil
    •1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
    •Salt and pepper to taste

    PROCEDURE:

    •Heat oil in a large saute pan.
    •Add chicken and saute for about 3 minutes (or until lightly browned)
    •Add zucchini, eggplant, onion, green pepper and mushrooms.
    •Cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
    •Add tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley and salt & pepper
    •Stir to combine and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is tender

    Enjoy,
    Chef Phil

     Serve over rice with a crusty bread to enjoy all the juices


    Category Chicken, Recipes, Vegetable Dishes | Tags: ,,,,, | No Comments

  3. PORK LOIN ROASTED IN MILK

    November 9, 2010 by Daniel


    GOT MILK ?

     

    PORK LOIN ROASTED in MILK

    Serves: 6 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: Less than 2 Hours

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •2 1/2 Pound pork loin roast
    •about 1 quart of milk
    •1/2 teaspoon salt
    •1/2 teaspoon pepper
    •pinch of nutmeg
    •12 cloves garlic, peeled
    •3 slices white bread, crusts removed

    PROCEDURE:

    •Place the pork loin roast in a sturdy pot that allows just enough room to easily turn it.
    •Pour in milk to a level that covers 3/4 of the roast.
    •Sprinkle with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
    •Add peeled garlic cloves.
    •Turn the roast over in the pot. Place the pot on medium heat and bring to a boil.
    •Reduce heat so that milk is just barely boiling and place the lid on the pot leaving a small opening.
    •Simmer at this very low boil for 1 1/2 hours or until the roast is cooked through.
    •Turn the roast several times during the cooking.
    •When it is done cooking, remove the roast from the pan and cover the meat to keep it warm.
    •Fish out the cloves of garlic from the cooking liquid and strain the rest of the liquid into a blender.
    •Add the cloves of garlic and the bread to the blender and then blend until smooth.
    •Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    •You may want to return the sauce to the stove (in a clean pan) for a few minutes to thicken it further.
    •To serve, slice pork roast and pour sauce on top.

    Enjoy
    Chef Phil

     I’m thinking a dish of garlic mashed potatoes to carry on the garlic theme…


    Category Pork, Recipes | Tags: ,,,,, | No Comments

  4. HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL RECIPE

    November 5, 2010 by Daniel


    Time to start researching recipes for the upcoming holiday parties and get togethers…

     

    HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL

    Serves: 12-15 people Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 4 and a half hours

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •8 ounces cream cheese
    •4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
    •2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
    •2 tablespoons onions, grated
    •1 garlic clove, minced
    •4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
    •1 (2 1/4 ounce) can green olives (can be omitted)
    •1/2 cup pecans, chopped small

    PROCEDURE:

    •In a food processor, mix the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, blue cheese, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
    •Process until well blended.
    •Add olives, and pulse into small chunks.
    •Shape the mixture into a ball, and roll in the chopped pecans to coat.
    •Wrap in plastic, and chill at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.

    Party on,
    Chef Phil

     Serve with your favorite combination of crackers and/or pretzels .


    Category Appetizers & Party Food, Recipes | Tags: ,,,, | No Comments

  5. CROCKPOT CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE

    November 4, 2010 by Daniel


    Cooler evenings call for creamy hot soups and chowders.

     

    CROCKPOT CLAM CHOWDER

    Serves: 6-8 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 4 Hours

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •4 (6 1/2 oz.) cans minced clams with juice
    •1/2 lb. salt pork or bacon, diced
    •1 cup chopped onion
    •6 to 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
    •3 c. water
    •3 1/2 tsp. salt
    •1/4 tsp. pepper
    •4 c. half and half cream or milk
    •3 to 4 tbsp. cornstarch
    •chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

    PROCEDURE:

    •Cut clams into bite-sized pieces (if necessary).
    •Saute salt pork or bacon and onion until golden brown; drain.
    •Put into slow cooker with clams.
    •Add all remaining ingredients, except milk, cornstarch, and parsley.
    •Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours or until vegetables are tender.
    •During the last hour of cooking, combine 1 cup of milk with the cornstarch.
    •Add cornstarch mixture and the remaining milk and stir well; heat through.
    •Top each serving with a little chopped parsley.

    Enjoy
    Chef Phil

     Serve this with some crusty French bread to “sop” up all the good broth that it will make.


    Category Recipes, Seafood, Soups & Salads | Tags: ,,, | No Comments

  6. BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD RECIPE

    November 2, 2010 by Daniel


    Looking for that “perfect” cornbread recipe to go with those thick and creamy soups ?

     

    BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD

    Serves: 8 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: Less than an hour

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •1/2 cup butter
    •2/3 cup white sugar
    •2 eggs
    •1 cup buttermilk
    •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    •1 cup cornmeal
    •1 cup all-purpose flour
    •1/2 teaspoon salt

    PROCEDURE:

    •Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
    •Grease an 8 inch square pan.
    •Melt butter in large skillet.
    •Remove from heat and stir in sugar.
    •Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended.
    •Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan.
    •Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain.
    •Pour batter into the prepared pan.
    •Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Enjoy,
    Chef Phil

     For a slightly sweeter version while it is still hot, “dock” or poke holes in cornbread with a toothpick and drizzle a little honey over the top, as it cools the honey will sink into the cornbread.


    Category Bread, Recipes | Tags: ,,, | No Comments

  7. ULTIMATE MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

    November 2, 2010 by Daniel


    For those of you that prefer a more traditional potato dish on your table…

     

    ULTIMATE MASHED POTATOES

    Serves: 6 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 40 Minutes

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •3 1/2 cups Chicken Broth (Regular, or low sodium)
    •5 large potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 7 1/2 cups)
    •1/2 cup light cream
    •1/2 cup sour cream
    •1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
    •2 tablespoons butter
    •3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
    •Generous dash ground black pepper

    PROCEDURE:

    •Heat the broth and potatoes in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil.
    •Reduce the heat to medium.
    •Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
    •Drain, reserving the broth.
    •Mash the potatoes with 1/4 cup broth, light cream, sour cream, chives, butter, bacon and black pepper.
    •Add the additional broth, if needed, until desired consistency. Garnish with the remaining bacon.

    Enjoy your holiday,
    Chef Phil


    Category Recipes, Vegetable Dishes | Tags: ,,,, | No Comments

  8. SCALLOPED SWEET POTATOES RECIPE

    November 1, 2010 by Daniel


    Here’s a combination of two traditional Thanksgiving potato dishes….but mashed potatoes are still a must for the gravy !!

     

    SCALLOPED SWEET POTATOES

    Serves: 6-8 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: Less than an hour

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •2-1/4 lbs. sweet potatoes or yams, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, sliced into paper-thin slices
    •1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
    •1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    •1-1/4 cups Half & Half *

    *low-fat milk can be substituted for dietary reasons

    PROCEDURE:

    •Preheat oven to temperature 425°F.
    •Spread half the sliced potatoes in bottom of a lightly buttered baking dish.
    •Sprinkle with half the butter and cheese.
    •Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    •Add remaining sweet potato slices.
    •Pour milk over potatoes.
    •Top with remaining butter and grated cheese.
    •Bake uncovered, 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
    •Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

    Enjoy
    Chef Phil

     Like I said before, the traditional mashed potatoes still ranks as #1 starch for Thanksgiving dinners. This is good as a side dish !


    Category Vegetable Dishes | Tags: ,,, | No Comments

  9. CHICKEN CACCIATORE

    November 1, 2010 by Daniel


    In the morning, put the ingredients in the slow cooker…and you’ll come home to this comforting and flavorful topper for cooked pasta and an aroma that will transport you to Italy.

     

    CHICKEN CACCIATORE

    Serves: 6 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: Less than 8 hours

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •1 tablespoon olive oil
    •3 pounds chicken parts, skin removed
    •4 cloves garlic, minced
    •2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, crushed
    •1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
    •1 pound mushrooms, cut in half (about 5 cups)
    •2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
    •1 medium green pepper, cut into 2-inch-long strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
    •1 1/2 cups Chicken Stock
    •1/4 cup cornstarch
    •1 package (16 ounces) pappardelle or fettuccine, cooked and drained

    PROCEDURE:

    •Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
    •Add the chicken and cook until well browned on all sides.
    •Stir the garlic, Italian seasoning, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, pepper and 1 cup stock in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken and turn to coat.
    •Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
    •Remove the chicken from the cooker and keep warm.
    •Stir the cornstarch and remaining stock in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
    •Stir the cornstarch mixture in the cooker.
    •Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.
    •Serve with the chicken and pappardelle.

    Mangia,
    Chef Phil

     The only thing better than coming home after a long day is having a delicious dinner waiting for you


    Category Chicken | Tags: ,,, | 1 Comment

  10. DATE WRAPS

    October 29, 2010 by Daniel


    Sweet dates and salty prosciutto make this a taste little appetizer…..

     

    DATE WRAPS

    Serves: 16 pieces Difficulty Level: 1 (of 5) Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 10 Minutes

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    •16 Thin slices of prosciutto ham
    •16 Whole, pitted dates
    •Freshly ground pepper

    PROCEDURE:

    •Wrap a slice of prosciutto around each date.
    •Grind pepper on top.
    •These are a “quick” make, but also are a quick eat.
    •For a “budget” recipe, or for a larger crowd I have had good sucess with using thin sliced country ham…..

    Enjoy
    Chef Phil


    Category Appetizers & Party Food, Recipes, Sandwiches, Vegetable Dishes | Tags: ,,,,,,,, | No Comments

Older Entries