Thursday, November 7, 2019

Some Favorites From Robert St. John


Dinner entrees that we served at LuVicis...his Y’all Comeback Pasta Salad that was a Customer favorite...and another side dish that I made of Green Bean Bundles...another favorite! 


Pasta Jambalaya

Original recipe was from Robert St. John...this is my finished version!

4 b/s chicken breasts, seasoned with Cavander's Konrico seasoning, grilled and cut in bite size pieces
1 lb. smoked sausage, chopped (sauteed & drained)
1 or 2 pkg. crawfish tails (11 oz. each) thawed (do not cook)
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup red onion, diced
1 tsp. minced garlic

Grill & saute meats...add pepper, onion & garlic to saute pan where sausage was cooked and saute for 5 minutes. Combine pepper/onion mixture with meats and crawfish.

Sauce:
1 qt. heavy cream
1/2 cup Culinary cream or Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
2 Tbsp. Smoked Paprika
1/4-1/2tsp. tabasco sauce
2 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. chopped chives
2 Tbsp. Parsley
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1 cup grated Romano

Heat all sauce ingredients except cheeses over medium heat. Stir in cheeses, reduce heat and stir until cheeses melt. Combine with meat vegetable mixture.

1 lb. Bow tie Pasta, cooked al dente.

To serve, heat sauce portions (1-1/2 cups) until bubbly. Add individual serving of pasta and heat through. Plate in large pasta bowl. Garnish with sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and minced parsley. Enjoy! 

Makes 4-6 generous servings. Can be reheated at the same time and divided when heated through.


Y'all Comeback Pasta Salad
Robert St. John

2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic -- minced
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 small onion -- grated
salt -- to taste
1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
few dashes Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Combine all ingredients , blend with immersion blender and refrigerate. 
2 lbs. tri color rotino pasta cooked and drained
6 green onions, diced (white & green part)
1 cup diced celery
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
Stir sauce into pasta and veggies. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Pork Tenderloin with Muscadine Glaze
Robert St. John 

2 Tbl Olive Oil

1 Tbl Unsalted Butter

3 Pork Tenderloins (about 1 1/2 pounds)

2 tsp Kosher Salt

1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground

2 Tbl Shallot, minced

1/2 tsp Garlic, minced

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 cup Riesling Wine, or Muscadine wine if you can find it

1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1 cup Chicken Broth

1 Bay Leaf

3/4 cup Muscadine Jelly

1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground

1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper, minced

2 Tbl Parsley, chopped



Season the pork with the salt and pepper.

In an ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the butter and the pork tenderloins. Sear each tenderloin on all sides and place the skillet and tenderloins in the oven.

Cook 8-10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven and place the tenderloins on a plate and hold them in a warm place. Drain the excess oil from the skillet.

Place the skillet over low heat. Cook the shallots, garlic and salt for 2-3 minutes. Add the brown sugar, cook until the sugar is melted. Turn the heat to medium and add the wine and balsamic vinegar. Cook until the mixture has reduced by half. Add in the chicken broth and bay leaf, simmer until the mixture has reduced by 70 percent. Stir in the jelly, black pepper and red pepper and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking and burning. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley

Slicing on a diagonal, cut each tenderloin into 6-8 pieces. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and pour the glaze over the pork, serve immediately.

Yield:

6-8 servings

Green Bean Bundles

1 pound green beans
8 slices bacon, partially cooked, cut in half
S&P to taste
SAUCE:

2 Tbsp. Butter
1/2 cup minced red onion
2 Tbsp. Flour
1/2 tsp. Dry mustard
1-1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup minced red bell pepper
2 Tbsp. Fresh minced parsley

Blanch green beans in salted water for 3 minutes. Place in ice water to shock. Drain & pat dry.
Place bacon on baking sheet, bake at 350 for 8 minutes, cut in half.

On parchment lined baking sheet, wrap 5 or 6 green beans in each 1/2 piece of bacon ; place seam side down on baking sheet. Season with salt & fresh ground pepper. Bake 7 minutes. Top each bundle with heaping spoonful of sauce, bake 3-5 minutes longer.

SAUCE:
In small saucepan, melt butter, add onion & sauté 2-3 minutes. Add flour & cook 1 minute. Add dry mustard & whisk in beef broth. Bring to boil, boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in red bell pepper & parsley.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

November 2019 Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:



Unaware You’d Leave So Soon
By Paula George
November 5, 1993
The years flew swiftly by, and we didn’t take the time to grasp them within…
Yet memories of days gone by, will always remain within my heart.
Unaware you’d leave so soon, we should have spent those days more wisely.
You held my hand, taking unsure steps; falling down, you’d pick me up again.
Rebellious days through childhood and youth, your love did not depart.
Unaware you’d leave so soon, I would have spent the days more wisely.
From Momma to Grandma, you knew the love in each one’s grin…
And cherished them, as Grandma’s should, you carried that love within your heart.
Unaware you’d leave so soon, we should spend the years ahead more wisely.
Addie Alberta Taylor George
June 3rd, 1920 - November 5th , 1988

RECIPES:

Pasta Jambalaya


Original recipe was from Robert St. John...this is my finished version!

4 b/s chicken breasts, seasoned with Cavander's Konrico seasoning, grilled and cut in bite size pieces
1 lb. smoked sausage, chopped (sauteed & drained)
1 pkg. crawfish tails (11 oz. each) thawed (do not cook)
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup red onion, diced
1 tsp. minced garlic

Grill & saute meats...add pepper, onion & garlic to saute pan where sausage was cooked and saute for 5 minutes. Combine pepper/onion mixture with meats and crawfish.

Sauce:
1 qt. heavy cream
1/2 cup Culinary cream or Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
2 Tbsp. Smoked Paprika
1/4-1/2tsp. tabasco sauce
2 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. chopped chives
2 Tbsp. Parsley
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1 cup grated Romano

Heat all sauce ingredients except cheeses over medium heat. Stir in cheeses, reduce heat and stir until cheeses melt. Combine with meat vegetable mixture.

1 lb. Bow tie Pasta, cooked al dente.

To serve, heat sauce portions (1-1/2 cups) until bubbly. Add individual serving of pasta and heat through. Plate in large pasta bowl. Garnish with sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and minced parsley. Enjoy! 

Makes 4-6 generous servings. Can be reheated at the same time and divided when heated through.


*************************************

Y'all Comeback Pasta Salad
Robert St. John

2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic -- minced
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 small onion -- grated
salt -- to taste
1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
few dashes Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Combine all ingredients , blend with immersion blender and refrigerate. 
2 lbs. tri color rotino pasta cooked and drained
6 green onions, diced (white & green part)
1 cup diced celery
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
Stir sauce into pasta and veggies. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

*****************************************

MISSISSIPPI CHICKEN
3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 pkg ranch mix
1 pkg dry au jus or brown gravy mix
1 stick butter, sliced
1/2 c chicken broth
7 whole pepperoncini or banana peppers
3 c cooked wild rice or couscous, for serving
Lightly spray insert of crockpot w/ cooking spray. Lay chicken along bottom of crockpot. Add onions then sprinkle with ranch mix and au jus (or gravy)mix. Arrange butter slices over the top of chicken and pour broth on top. Top with peppers. Cook over low heat 4 to 5 hrsor high heat 2 to 2 1/2hrs. Serve over cooked rice or couscous.

*************************************


Rustic Chicken Sausage & Pasta

2 links of Tomato Basil Chicken Sausage, sliced
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
3/4 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced fresh San Marzano tomatoes or Heirloom cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup white wine (I used Moscato)
2 cups baby spinach julienned
2 -3 Tbsp. fresh basil, julienned & divided
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
Fresh grated Asiago or reggiano 
Pasta of choice, I used bucatini tonight, linguine would be great also.

In medium skillet, sauté sausage in EVOO for 3 minutes, add onions & garlic, sauté a few more minutes to soften onion. Deglaze with wine & add red bell pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, S&P. Cook 5-7 minutes. Add spinach & basil, cook for 1 minute to wilt spinach. Spoon over desired pasta, garnish with grated cheese & fresh basil.

******************************************

Apple Pie Bread
1 can apple pie filling, mashed
1 yellow cake mix
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup self rising flour
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 medium chopped apple
Whisk all dry ingredients , add wet ingredients. Fold in apples. Pour in 2 loaf pans, greased. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top. Bake in 325 oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Cool and enjoy

Friday, October 25, 2019

Homemade Granola


Homemade Granola
From Paula’s kitchen

4 cups Old-Fashioned Oats
1 Package BARE toasted Coconut Chips, divided or 1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut
1 cup raw sliced almonds
1 cup walnut pieces
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/3 cup raw honey
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries

In large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients, reserving 1 cup of the coconut chips. (I hand crushed slightly)
Combine honey, coconut oil (melted) & vanilla extract. Drizzle over dry mixture & stir to combine. 
Spread on large sheet pan and push granola to sides, leave a 3x5 opening in the center. 
Stir 1/2 way through cooking time. 
Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. 
Place pan on cooling rack. When cooled, add remaining ingredients. Toss & store in airtight container. 






Thursday, October 24, 2019

Making Hubby Happy!

His all time favorite and most requested dessert...
Starts with a cake mix.

French Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting
From Paula’s Kitchen
For Cake:
Duncan Hines Signature French Vanilla Cake Mix
4 eggs
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
For Frosting:
3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 Tbsp. Pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup Half &Half
5-6 cups confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 340. Grease & lightly flour 3-9” cake pans.
Combine cake mix with softened butter, eggs & milk. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Divide into pans & bake for 20 minutes.
Invert onto cooling racks & cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:
Combine all ingredients & beat with paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes.

Frost between layers, top & sides. Enjoy!



Friday, October 11, 2019

September 2019 Newsletter

September 2019 Newsletter

Food For Thought:
Sunrise, Sunset

The Master...brush in Hand...stroking an array of colors;
Signifying the break of day...a Sunrise.
Only He can capture the true beauty of Nature...
The Master's Hand greets each day...a Sunrise. 

The Master's palette...brush in hand...strokes an array of colors;
Signifying His Majesty...capturing the true beauty of Nature...
Creating the true beauty of Nature from once a blank canvas.

The Master...brush in hand...stroking an array of colors;
Signifying the close of day...a Sunset.
Only He can capture the true beauty of Nature...
The Master's Hand closes each day...a Sunset.

The Master...only the Master Artist...
Brush in Hand...strokes an array of colors;
Blending from His Palette...revealing the true beauty of Nature. :

Paula 11-13-2009

RECIPES:
Tomato & Arugula Spinach Pasta
From Paula’s Kitchen 
2 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
1/2 red onion, cut in strips
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, quartered
1/2 tsp. Roasted garlic & Chipotle seasoning
1 Tbs. julienned basil or 1/2 tsp. Dried basil
8 Oz. Thin spaghetti cooked al dente in salted water
4 cups arugula & baby spinach
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan, more for garnish
Pasta water
S&P to taste
Prepare pot for cooking pasta, cook while making sauce. 
In large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion & cook 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook an additional minute. Add tomatoes, cook about 5 minutes. 
Add pasta & about 1/4 cup pasta water. Add the arugula/spinach, seasonings & toss & cook an additional minute or two. Garnish with parsley & shredded Parmesan. 

Serve & garnish with additional Parmesan.
******************
Puerto Rican Rice
My version...adapted from my friend Elsa’s Son’s Recipe

1 lb. Andouille Sausage, cut in half moons
1 onion, chopped
2 roasted poblanos, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet Sazon seasoning with coriander & annatto
2 cups chicken broth
1 box Zatarain’s yellow rice
1 can Gandules (pigeon peas), drained
30 grinds fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

In deep skillet, sauté sausage. Add onions & peppers; sauté additional 5 minutes. Add garlic & cook an additional minute. Add remaining ingredients except for cilantro. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 20 minutes. Add cilantro, toss & serve. 
*******************
Chicken & Angel Hair Pasta Salad

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped fine
1 (6 oz.) pkg. Angel Hair pasta, cooked and drained
3/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (I like to use red)
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
1/4 cup dill pickle juice
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Combine all ingredients.
Chill well.

My SIL gave me this recipe years ago! Love it!!!

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Thai Pasta Salad 
from "Global Feasting Tennessee Style" for y'all,
whether vegetarian, vegan or carnivorous, with a few variations that
I've added.

Thai Pasta Salad

8 oz. linguine, cooked and drained
Dressing:
1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. fresh grated ginger root
1/4-1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

8 oz. crab meat, shrimp, craw fish or chicken
(optional)

4 cups coarsely shredded Napa cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup sliced scallions or green onions
1/3 cup shredded radishes
1/3 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

Rinse pasta under running water, drain well. Whisk together dressing
ingredients. Combine pasta, dressing, seafood/chicken and veggies.
Toss lightly to coat and serve.
********************
I have had this recipe for 30+ years. I have the handwritten copy of the recipe taped in front of my Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese Cookbook. Mary gave me the recipe and I have made it numerous times as Lemon is a favorite with my crew! It is also known as Woolworth’s Lemon Cheesecake. 

Luscious Lemon Cheesecake
from Mary Miller

1 Large package lemon jello
1 cup hot water
1 large package cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 cup sugar
1 large can Pet milk (evaporated milk)CHILLED
1 to 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Mix jello & hot water. Cream the cream cheese & sugar together.Then mix jello mixture with cream cheese mixture.Be sure can milk is chilled. Whip the milk real good & fast. (wink) I whip it until soft peaks form. Then mix milk with other mixture. ( I lightly fold the whipped milk into the lemon/cream cheese mixture.) Put 1 cup of the graham cracker crumbs in a 13x9 dish for crust.Pour lemon mixture over. Sprinkle lightly with remaining crumbs. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

AUGUST 2019 NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2019 NEWSLETTER
Check out the recipes that follow...




FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Quiet Times...

Grateful for the Quiet Times, the silence of the morning.
The hustle and bustle of life awaits us each morning,
Thankfully, there is the quiet time before the day begins. 
Coffee...quietness...relaxing before greeting the world.
Time spent in the quietness of the morning...
Ever Grateful for the Quiet Times! 

Grateful for the Quiet Times, the silence of the morning.
Time to gather my thoughts and plans for the day...
Contemplate what lies ahead this day...prepare for obstacles.
A prayer, a thought of Inspiration from His Word...
The birds chirping & singing to greet the day. 
Ever Grateful for the Quiet Times. 

Grateful for the Quiet Times, the silence of the morning...
Preparing myself for the day as it unfolds.
Time alone, savoring my coffee, enjoying the quietness...
Relaxing, before I greet the world... x
Anticipating what lies ahead as the day unfolds...
Ever Grateful for the Quiet Times! 

Grateful for the Quiet Times, the silence of the morning.
The Lord whispers, “Be Still, & know that I am God.”
A prayer for Guidance to lead me through the day...
To be an Instrument of His Love to others that fill my day. 
Savoring the morning, listening to His Word as He speaks. 
Ever Grateful for the Quiet Times! 


Paula/2009

FOOD FOR NOURISHMENT:

Let’s start with dessert! 

 Blueberry Mascarpone Pie 
I used Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts the first time I tried it. 

Filling: 8 oz, mascarpone, 
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, 
1/2 cup sugar, 
whisk together, fold in 
1 pint fresh blueberries. 
Pour into crust. 
Top with2nd crust, flute edges. 
Mix 1 tsp. water with remaining egg white. Brush over crust & sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar. 
Bake at 375 for 35 minutes until golden. 
Recipe was originally for mini baked tarts using the mascarpone & jam so I just played it by ear for a pie. Delicious! 

Serve with a dollop of Sweetened Whipped Cream or vanilla Ice Cream. 

Cream Cheese Pastry
From Wicked Good Kitchen 

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups (312 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) chilled unsalted butter, such as Land O Lakes®
  • 1 (8-ounce/226-gram) package chilled cream cheese, such as Philadelphia®
  • 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) granulated cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract, 
  • ½ teaspoon (2.4 grams) fine-grain sea salt

Directions

  1. Prepare the Pastry: Measure flour and set aside. Using an electric stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, lightly cream together butter and cream cheese. Beat in sugar, vanilla and salt; mix until well combined. Add flour in two batches beating just until incorporated. Scrape dough onto sheet of plastic wrap using rubber spatula and pat into large disk.
  2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight. Thaw a few minutes to become pliable before rolling and using in recipes. Roll out dough on lightly floured work surface with a lightly floured rolling pin.
***************************
Momma’s Gumbo
Alberta George Richardson

Here is a  favorite from my Momma. My children and grandchildren enjoy having various seafoods at Christmas, a tradition we started years ago.

Here's a basic recipe that my momma used for years, you can tweak a bit, adding or deleting various seafoods to suit your family's tastes.

Momma's Gumbo...let me tell ya', my kids used to say. "Ooooh, that stinks!!! when gumbo was cooking, but they love it now!

1 dozen crabs, cleaned broken in half plus cracked crab legs
1-2 lb. shrimp, heads removed, deveined and prepared for easy shell
1 lb. crawfish tails or 1 lb. shucked oysters if preferred

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil/butter combination
2 large onions, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups water, fish stock, or chicken stock
2 Tbsp. Cajun/Creole seasoning
bit of cayenne
salt and pepper to taste
1 or 2 bay leaves
2 cups fresh sliced okra

1 Tbsp. Gumbo file'
1/4 cup fresh snipped parsley
Hot Cooked Rice
Chopped green onions 

In large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat oil and flour until smooth. Cook over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until deep golden brown color but not burnt. Add the trinity (onions, bell pepper and celery) and garlic. Cook for about 15 minutes. Stir in water or broth of choice. Add Cajun seasoning, okra and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Add crab and cook 10 minutes; add shrimp and crawfish. Cook until shrimp are pink and firm to the touch. Remove bay leaves, add 1 Tbsp. Gumbo file' and parsley, serve over rice, sprinkled with chopped green onions & with plenty of napkins and bottle of Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce!
Wondamous! I GARRONTEE!!!!
*****************************
Corn Chowder - From the Tulsa World
Toni Beam 
Makes 4 to 6 servings

4 cups milk (I used half and half as Toni suggested) 
7 ears corn,I used 8 
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 whole cloves
1 1/2 cups finely diced potatoes (about 1 large potato or 2 small)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Crumbled Bacon & chopped chives for garnish. 

1. In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a low simmer.

2. Meanwhile, cut the corn kernels from the cobs. To do this, stand each ear on its wide end. Use a serrated knife and saw down the length of the ear. Set kernels aside.

3. When the milk is warm, add the corn cobs and simmer 10 minutes.

4. While the cobs simmer, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the onion & 3 whole cloves, potatoes and thyme and saute about 8 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Add the garlic and saute another minute.

5. Remove the cobs from the milk ( I scraped all the milk & pulp from the cobs & added back to the pot) and discard appropriately, Bird Dogs will dig them up from the garden spot and chaw on em like a mistreated cur under a porch. Transfer the potato and onion mixture into the milk. Try to fish the cloves out. Add the corn kernels and simmer 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.    . Garnish with crumbled bacon. (I also added chopped chives to garnish) 

I usually use a quart of 1/2 & 1/2 and then bump it up a little more with milk (I added maybe 1/2 cup) if needed.

**************************
Margarita Shrimp with Pecan “Dirty” Rice
Publix Aprons 

 Pecan “Dirty” Rice

Ingredients

1 (8.8-oz) packet precooked red beans and rice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup french-fried onions
1 tablespoon green pepper sauce

Steps

  1. Microwave rice following package instructions. Meanwhile, chop cilantro.
  2. Place rice in serving bowl; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover until ready to serve.

 Margarita Shrimp

Ingredients

32 peeled/deveined shrimp (about 1 lb)
1 (10-oz) can frozen margarita mix
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
8 (6-inch) wooden skewers
1 tablespoon green pepper sauce
1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons canned cream of coconut
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Prep

  • Thaw shrimp, if needed. Preheat grill (or grill pan). 
  • Set margarita mix out to thaw. Chop cilantro (1/2 cup).

Steps

  1. Place 4 shrimp on work surface; lay hand flat on shrimp and push pointed end of skewer through tails, then heads, so shrimp will lie flat (repeat with remaining shrimp and skewers). Arrange skewers in single layer in shallow dish (wash hands). Whisk margarita mix and cilantro until blended; reserve 1/2 cup for later use. Pour remaining marinade over shrimp, turning to coat both sides; let stand 10 minutes to marinate.
  2. Stir pepper sauce into reserved marinade mixture; set aside. Whisk yogurt, cream of coconut, and red pepper until blended; set aside. 
  3. Remove shrimp from marinade (discard marinade) and coat with spray. Place shrimp on grill; grill 1–2 minutes on each side and just until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Brush shrimp with reserved marinade mixture during last minute of cook time. 
  4. Place yogurt sauce on plate; top with shrimp and sprinkle with salt. Serve.

******************************
Braised Country Style Ribs with White Beans & Herbs

Emeril Lagasse 


INGREDIENTS

  • 3 pounds country-style pork ribs, I used 2 lbs.
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 pound dried Navy Beans, I used 3/4 lb. Great Northern 
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Emeril's Original Essence
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • Steamed white rice, for serving
  • Garnish with chopped scallions. 
  • I adjusted S&P as I used less amount of ribs. Also no Essence, so I added 2 tsp. Zatarain’s Creole seasoning & 1 tsp. Smoked paprika. 

DIRECTIONS

  • Lay the ribs on a full sheet pan and season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Set a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, about 1 minute, add the ribs, in batches, to the pan and sear until golden brown in color, about 5 minutes. Turn the ribs over and sear the second side as well. When the ribs are caramelized on both sides, set on a sheet pan and repeat the process with the remaining ribs. 
  • Add the onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the celery and peppers are lightly caramelized, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir with a wooden spoon to combine with the vegetables and oil to make a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the beans and stock to the pan and stir to combine with the roux. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the diced tomatoes, the seared ribs, sage, thyme and bay leaves to the pan. Simmer the ribs for 2 hours, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. 
  • After 1 1/2 hours, check the ribs to see if they and the beans are both tender. Season with the Essence and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes. When the ribs are done, add the chopped parsley to the pan and serve hot over steamed rice.


Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Braised Country Style Ribs with White Beans & Herbs

Braised Country Style Ribs with White Beans & Herbs

Emeril Lagasse 

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 pounds country-style pork ribs, I used 2 lbs.
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 pound dried Navy Beans, I used 3/4 lb. Great Northern 
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Emeril's Original Essence
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • Steamed white rice, for serving
  • Garnish with chopped scallions. 
  • I adjusted S&P as I used less amount of ribs. Also no Essence, so I added 2 tsp. Zatarain’s Creole seasoning & 1 tsp. Smoked paprika. 

DIRECTIONS


  • Lay the ribs on a full sheet pan and season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Set a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, about 1 minute, add the ribs, in batches, to the pan and sear until golden brown in color, about 5 minutes. Turn the ribs over and sear the second side as well. When the ribs are caramelized on both sides, set on a sheet pan and repeat the process with the remaining ribs. 
  • Add the onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the celery and peppers are lightly caramelized, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir with a wooden spoon to combine with the vegetables and oil to make a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the beans and stock to the pan and stir to combine with the roux. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the diced tomatoes, the seared ribs, sage, thyme and bay leaves to the pan. Simmer the ribs for 2 hours, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. 
  • After 1 1/2 hours, check the ribs to see if they and the beans are both tender. Season with the Essence and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes. When the ribs are done, add the chopped parsley to the pan and serve hot over steamed rice.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Margarita Shrimp with Pecan “Dirty” Rice



Margarita Shrimp with Pecan “Dirty” Rice

 Pecan “Dirty” Rice

Ingredients

1 (8.8-oz) packet precooked red beans and rice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup french-fried onions
1 tablespoon green pepper sauce

Steps

  1. Microwave rice following package instructions. Meanwhile, chop cilantro.
  2. Place rice in serving bowl; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover until ready to serve.

 Margarita Shrimp

Ingredients

32 peeled/deveined shrimp (about 1 lb)
1 (10-oz) can frozen margarita mix
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
8 (6-inch) wooden skewers
1 tablespoon green pepper sauce
1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons canned cream of coconut
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Prep

  • Thaw shrimp, if needed. Preheat grill (or grill pan). 
  • Set margarita mix out to thaw. Chop cilantro (1/2 cup).

Steps

  1. Place 4 shrimp on work surface; lay hand flat on shrimp and push pointed end of skewer through tails, then heads, so shrimp will lie flat (repeat with remaining shrimp and skewers). Arrange skewers in single layer in shallow dish (wash hands). Whisk margarita mix and cilantro until blended; reserve 1/2 cup for later use. Pour remaining marinade over shrimp, turning to coat both sides; let stand 10 minutes to marinate.
  2. Stir pepper sauce into reserved marinade mixture; set aside. Whisk yogurt, cream of coconut, and red pepper until blended; set aside. 
  3. Remove shrimp from marinade (discard marinade) and coat with spray. Place shrimp on grill; grill 1–2 minutes on each side and just until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Brush shrimp with reserved marinade mixture during last minute of cook time. 
  4. Place yogurt sauce on plate; top with shrimp and sprinkle with salt. Serve.
Recipe Source...Publix Aprons Recipes