recipe of the week.

fridays are such good days for recipes. especially when they involve the crock pot. its hard to believe it, but in our almost 5 years of marriage, I have never made ribs. gasp. i think it was kind of like the whole chicken thing for me, it was intimidating and it seemed like a kind of meat that had a great potential for total catastrophe if I did it wrong. happy to say the first time around, it rocked. and because it was so good, I just had to share. 


slow cooker honey barbeque ribs

3 lbs boneless pork ribs
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar (next time I am going to try and substitute molasses)
1/2 cup raw honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard
2 Tbl Worcestershire sauce
1/2 Tbl liquid smoke

place pork ribs in bottom of slow cooker. cover and cook on High for 3 hours. drain and discard liquid. reduce heat to low. in a bowl, combine garlic salt, pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, spicy brown mustard, worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke. mix well. pour over ribs in slow cooker. cover and cook on low for 3 hours. 

and also because its friday, I had to share something that has made me laugh...

found on one of my new favorite blogs, homemade crap. horrible blog title, but great ideas. 

recipe of the week.

trying new recipes hasn't been happening much, I went from doing a detox to wedding celebrations, to birthday celebrations to vacation. so needless to say, I haven't been cooking nearly as much as I usually do and I really have missed it. 

it was so nice to get back into following through with my meal plans last night and made these:

(image courtesy of whole foods market)

grilled apple and cheddar grass fed beef burgers

3/4 pound 90% lean ground grass-fed beef 
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion 
2 ounces sharp cheddar, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 
1 tablespoon dijon mustard 
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1/2 cup shredded peeled granny smith apple 

combine beef, onion, cheddar, mustard, salt, pepper and apple in a large bowl and form into four (4-inch) patties. grill over medium heat or broil, flipping once, until done to your taste, 6 to 8 minutes. 

quinoa with black beans and cilantro (from bon appetit)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups chopped white onion

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 cup quinoa

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 
1 1/2 cups water
1 15oz can of black beans (or used soaked if desired)

1/2 cup chopped cilantro, divided

crumbled cotija or feta cheese to top with (optional) 

Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and red pepper; sauté until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in next 4 ingredients. Add water; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until quinoa is almost tender, about 14 minutes. Add beans and 1/4 cup cilantro; cook uncovered until heated through and liquid is fully absorbed, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cilantro and cheese, if desired.

recipe of the week.

this is going to make for a great summer side, or lunch, or anything really because it was just that yummy and easy to make. great source of protein and great taste. double score. 

(image via epicurious)

black-bean and tomato quinoa from gourmet

2 teaspoons grated lime zest

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (to make this DF you can use earth balance spread)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I used olive oil)

1 teaspoon sugar (I used palm sugar)

1 cup quinoa

1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 medium tomatoes, diced

4 scallions, chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.

wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.

cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. let stand 5 minutes.

add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.

enjoy! 

recipe of the week.

I'm back. after long last I have something food-worthy to share. and since I feel like I can smell spring in the air today I hope to keep them coming. what is it about spring that brings inspiration to making yummy food? I would have to say that it could have something to do with dinners on the deck, grilling out, and not being sick anymore that would be at the top of my list.

chicken enchilada casserole adapted from cooking light

(image from cooking light)

here's what you need:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3  cup  chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 1  cup  frozen corn kernels, thawed (when in season fresh corn would be an amazing addition)
• 1/3  cup  (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground cumin
• 1/4  teaspoon  kosher salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper
• 2  cups  chopped onion, divided
• 6  garlic cloves, minced and divided
• 1  cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2/3  cup  salsa verde (you can make your own from this recipe...you wont be sad you did or if you want to save time buy a store brand, we like the TJ's salsa verde)
• 1/4  cup  water
• 2  tablespoons  chopped pickled jalapeño pepper (if you do not like spicy do not put these in, they def add a bit of heat)
• 9  (6-inch) corn tortillas
• shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 
  
• here's how to do it: 
• 1. Preheat oven to 425°.
• 2. Boil chicken on stovetop for 15 min, cool, and then shred. Place chicken in a medium bowl. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons cilantro, corn, and next 5 ingredients (through black pepper) to chicken; toss to combine.
• 3. Return pan to medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup onion; sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 3 garlic cloves; sauté 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add onion mixture to chicken mixture; stir to combine.
  4. Combine remaining 1 1/2 cups onion, remaining 3 garlic cloves, broth, salsa, 1/4 cup water, and jalapeño in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Carefully pour mixture into a blender; add 2 tablespoons cilantro. Process until smooth.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tortillas; cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Remove tortillas from pan; repeat procedure with remaining tortillas. Cut tortillas into quarters.
  6. Spread 1/2 cup salsa mixture in the bottom of an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 12 tortilla quarters over salsa mixture. Spoon half of chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat layers, ending with tortillas. Pour remaining salsa mixture over tortillas; sprinkle evenly with cheddar cheese. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned. Top with remaining cilantro.
  I served it with avocado and sour cream to cool off our spicier version. it was easy, delicious, and made for great leftovers. 

recipe of the week. last minute shopping & merry christmas.

the week before christmas is like being hit by a wave day after day. projects to do, presents to shop for, gifts to wrap. leaving little time for blogging, facebook, twitter, or even email (if you emailed this week, I love you, and I cant wait to respond). and did I forget to mention getting sick? double awesome.

last night I found myself subjected to the insanity of last minute shoppers and item grabbers in not just one, but three stores. the shelves were picked bare and even walmart had entirely run out of basic cooking essentials like chocolate chips (dont even ask why I was in there) and you couldn't find a single box of candy canes in target. sigh.

for one who did most of my christmas shopping online this year, this was a shock to the system and one that I don't think I will ever repeat. I learned my lesson. not doing that again.

thankfully prior to the insanity we were able to enjoy a wonderful recipe from real simple that I just had to share.

coconut chicken and rice
serves 8 (I halved it)

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• zest from 2 limes
• 3 cups uncooked basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• juice from 2 limes
• 1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut

heat oven to 325° F. lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with vegetable cooking spray. sprinkle the chicken breasts with the garlic, cayenne, and lime zest; set aside. place the rice in the baking dish. combine the chicken stock, coconut milk, cilantro, salt, and lime juice and pour onto the rice. arrange the chicken on top of the rice. cover with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. remove the foil, sprinkle the coconut on top, and cook 5 minutes more or until the coconut is browned.

while that is set and going, make this stuff too...

spicy peanut sauce

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (2)
• Chopped peanuts (optional)

in a bowl stir together peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, coconut milk, garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper. stir in green onion.

be happy. eat good food. forget in store shopping. and reconsider spending the money for amazon next day shipping. you wont be sad. i promise.

and last but not least. merry christmas from us to you!
we celebrate God sending his perfect Son, Jesus.
who saved us from our sin.
and gives us new life in Him.

and that is why we have peace, love, and joy this holiday season.

isaiah 9:6 for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

recipe of the week.

smoky beef tacos by martha stewart

serves 8

• 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 8 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds), excess fat trimmed
• 16 corn tortillas (6-inch), lightly toasted (we used hard tacos)

preheat oven to 350 degrees. in a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, stir together chiles, ketchup, 1 cup water, garlic, oregano, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. cut beef into 4 equal pieces. add to pot, and turn to coat. cover, and bring to a boil; transfer pot to oven. bake, covered, until beef is fork-tender, about 2 1/2 hours. transfer beef to a bowl. with a large spoon, skim off and discard fat from cooking liquid. shred beef with two forks; moisten with cooking liquid as needed. season with salt and pepper. serve beef with tortillas and desired toppings.

I don't currently have a cast iron pot so I used my stoneware piece instead and covered it with foil. and it worked like a dream.

perfect for yet another cold snowy day.

recipe of the week.

wow, its been awhile with the recipe posts.

but the drought is over.

I'm a pretty picky soup eater. but this one's a winner.

red pepper soup with basil cream from country living
serves 6

• 3 clove(s) (small) garlic, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 1 can(s) (15-ounce) crushed tomatoes
• 1 jar(s) (12-ounce) marinated roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 2 cup(s) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup(s) packed fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon(s) balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoon(s) sugar

basil cream

• 1/4 cup(s) sour cream
• 1/4 cup(s) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup(s) chopped fresh basil, for basil cream
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper

1. Sauté garlic and onion with olive oil in large pot over medium heat for 6 minutes. Add tomatoes, red peppers, and chicken broth. Cook for 15 minutes.
2. Add fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar and puree in a blender or food processor.
3. For basil cream, stir sour cream and heavy cream together with chopped basil and salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve soup with dollop of basil cream and chopped basil.

perfect for cold, first day of snow kind of days. :)

meatless wonder

I'm sure many of you out there know people or have husbands who dont believe in meals without meat. To them, its just not a meal. But I finally found one!

I had a spaghetti squash to use from our veggie delivery last week and I was able to find a fantastic recipe and just had to share. This recipe is sure to be added to our regular rotation.

Enjoy! You won't be sad you made it either. I promise. So try it out.

Southwestern Spaghetti Squash (serves 4)

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash (3 pounds)
• 1 (14 ounce) can Mexican-style tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut squash in half lengthwise. (Anyone out there have any good tips on doing this so you dont lose any fingers or cut your arm off?)
   
3. Remove and discard seeds.
4. Place squash, cut side down, in greased baking pan.
5. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until just tender.
6. Using fork, remove spaghetti-like strands from hot squash and place strands in large bowl.
7. Add tomatoes with juice, beans, 1/2 cup cheese, cilantro, cumin, garlic salt and pepper; toss well. (I mixed all this together while the squash was baking to save time)
   
8. Spray 1 1/2 quart casserole with nonstick cooking spray.
9. Spoon mixture into casserole.
10. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
11. Bake uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through.
12. Serve immediately.

I served it with corn chips, avocado, and sour cream on top. Perfect fall meal.

recipe of the week. goodbye summer. maybe?

I usually wait til I have eaten a meal to post a recipe, but I just made the salsa and I am pretty confident that the taste of that alone pretty much seals a dinner victory tonight. its amazing. and fresh. and my favorite thing...its easy.

Soft Fried Tortillas with Tomatillo Salsa and Chicken from Gourmet

For tomatillo salsa

• 1/2 lb fresh tomatillos, husks discarded and tomatillos rinsed and quartered
• 3 fresh green serrano chiles, coarsely chopped (including seeds) I used 2 jalapenos, and opted out of the seeds.
  
• 1/4 cup chopped white onion
• 3 garlic cloves, quartered
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

For chalupas

• 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 12 (4-inch) corn tortillas (see cooks' note, below)
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (from 1 chicken breast half)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons crema or crème fraîche
• 1/3 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1/3 cup finely crumbled queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese)

Make salsa:
Purée tomatillos, chiles, onion, garlic, salt, and water in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then carefully add tomatillo purée (oil will splatter) and simmer, stirring, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro and simmer 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl.

Make chalupas:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 200°F.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in cleaned dried skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then briefly cook tortillas, 3 at a time, until softened and hot but still pale, about 10 seconds per side, adding more oil if necessary. Transfer tortillas with tongs to paper towels to drain briefly, then to a large shallow baking pan in oven to keep warm, arranging tortillas in one layer (overlapping slightly if necessary) and covering pan with foil.

Spread each warm tortilla with about 1 teaspoon salsa, then top sparingly with a few shreds of chicken. Thin crema with a little water and drizzle over chicken, then sprinkle with onion and cheese. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

recipe(s) of the week.

These are two that I have been meaning to post for awhile, they have been a repeat on our summer menu and have been a good use of all the veggies we have been enjoying from our weekly veggie delivery.

Blackened Steak Salad from Bon Appetit

For spice mixture

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For salad

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 6 cups (packed) mixed baby greens
• 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

• 2 5- to 6-ounce beef tenderloin steaks, each about 1/2 inch thick
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 6 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 1 tomato, quartered
  

For spice mixture:
Mix all ingredients in small bowl. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)

For salad:
Whisk oil, vinegar and mustard in large bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Add greens, bell pepper and onion and toss to coat. Divide salad between 2 plates.

Spread spice mixture on plate. Coat both sides of steaks with spice mixture. Dip both sides of steaks into melted butter. Heat heavy large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add steaks and cook to desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to cutting board; let stand 2 minutes. Thinly slice steaks crosswise. Arrange slices atop salads. Sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with tomato and serve.

Some tweaks I made to this recipe: I used whatever steak I happen to have on hand. It all tastes good. Instead of using the balsamic dressing I opt for the everyday salad dressing from the Nourishing Gourmet because that is what I usually have on hand. For the men in your life who claim "salad isn't a meal" the steak tastes great as an entree without the greens.

To make DF, use oil to brown the steaks or grill and leave off the cheese.

Green Bean and Lemon Casserole from Nigella Lawson

• 2 lbs slender green beans
• 3/4 stick unsalted butter (to make DF use Earth Balance Spread)
  
• few drops olive oil
• 1 lemon
• sea salt and fresh pepper
  

Bring a big pot of water to the boil, while you top and tail (trim) the beans. Once the water has come to the boil, salt it and cook the beans until they have lost their rawness (about 6 minutes after the water comes back to the boil), but retain a bit of crunch.

Strain them, and put the pot back on the stove over a low heat with the butter and olive oil. While the butter melts, chop up the lemon. Put it on a chopping board, cut a slice off each end, just enough to remove skin and pith, and then cut downwards, turning the lemon as you go, to peel the fruit fully. Don't worry if in order to remove all the pith you cut into the fruit a bit: just take the pieces of fruity peel over to the pan and squeeze in any juice you can. Then cut the lemon up on the board: I just slice and let each slice tumble into bits on its own. Add the lemon pieces and all the juice that collects to the melted butter and stir well with a wooden spoon, adding the drained beans.

Swirl the pan vigorously and turn the beans in the lemony butter. Add salt to taste and lots of freshly ground pepper. I love white pepper (out of deference to my mother's taste and practice) or the much-abominated 1980s restaurant-style mixed pepper, but neither is crucial.

Remove to a warmed casserole making sure you don't leave any lemony, buttery juices behind.

Simple, easy, delicious.