Monday, March 18, 2024

QUICK FIX CHICKEN PARMESAN

 

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

2 cans (14.5 oz ea) Italian-style stewed tomatoes
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce, optional
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place chicken in an oblong baking dish. Bake, covered, for 15 minutes or until juices run clear at 425 degrees; drain. In a 2-qt saucepan, combine the tomatoes, cornstarch, basil, oregano and the pepper sauce, if using. Cook the tomato mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour the hot sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Return chicken to oven the bake, uncovered, for 5 more minutes. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired.

file photo for reference only

Sunday, March 17, 2024

BBQ CUPS

1 lb lean ground beef

1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 tbsp minced onion
1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
1 can refrigerated biscuits
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

In a 10-inch skillet, brown the ground beef; drain off any excess fat. Stir the barbecue sauce into the ground beef. Add the onion and brown sugar to the beef mixture and mix well. Press the biscuits into greased muffin cups, one biscuit per cup. Press onto the bottom and up the sides to form a cup. Spoon the ground beef mixture into the biscuit cups. Evenly divide the cheese over the tops of the beef mixture in the cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. These little cups make good appetizers or party food. They are also a good dinner or lunch item. With a salad and corn on the cob, this makes a meal the kiddos love to eat.

Note: Instead of the barbecue sauce, you can make these as taco cups by using a mild salsa.

Note: File Photo (from Pillsbury, I think)

Saturday, March 16, 2024

APPLE & TURKEY POTPIE


1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 tbsp butter
1 can (10 3/4-oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 3/4-oz) condensed cream of celery soup
3 cups cubed cooked turkey*
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled & cubed
1/3 cup raisins, optional
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pastry for a single-crust pie

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add the onion and saute until tender. Add the soups, turkey, apple, raisins - if using, lemon juice, and nutmeg; mix together well. Spoon the mixture into an 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.

On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to fit the baking dish. Cut slits or a design in the pastry. Place the pastry over the turkey mixture and flute the edges using the tines of a fork.

Bake the potpie at 425 degrees for about half an hour or until the crust is a golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Yield: 6 servings
*May substitute chicken.
file photo


Friday, March 15, 2024

BACON-CHEDDAR SLAB QUICHE

This is a Pillsbury Recipe and picture. It takes a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, most of that time is spent baking.

  • 1box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
  • 8eggs
  • 1 1/2cups half-and-half
  • 1/4teaspoon salt
  • 1/4teaspoon pepper
  • 1cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 1/3cup sliced green onions
  • 3/4cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 oz)
  • 3/4cup shredded Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
  • Heat oven to 450°F. Spray bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. Remove pie crusts from pouches. On lightly floured surface, unroll and stack crusts one on top of the other. Roll to 17x12-inch rectangle.
  • Fit crust into pan, pressing firmly into corners and sides. Fold extra crust up and over edges of pan. Seal any tears in crust. Bake 6 minutes; remove from oven, and cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
  • In large bowl, beat eggs, half-and-half, salt and pepper with whisk. Sprinkle bacon, green onions and cheeses on top of pie crust. Carefully pour egg mixture over top.
  • Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean and crust is light golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  • Note: Sheet pan will be very full of egg mixture, so take care when transferring to oven.






CASHEW CHICKEN-PEA SALAD IN 15 MINUTES

1 cup leftover (or deli) chicken, diced

1 pkg (16-oz) frozen peas, thawed
1 can (8-oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
3/4 to 1 cup unsalted whole cashews
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Dash of garlic powder

In a large salad bowl, place all of the ingredients and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.

Note: If you are an oddball like me and don't eat chicken, this is a great salad without any meat.
dlipart


Thursday, March 14, 2024

ORZO - BEAN SALAD

2/3 cup uncooked orzo

3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame
3/4 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
18 tsp pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Cook orzo according to the package directions but leave out any salt or butter, etc called for. Approximately 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the edamame and carrots; continue cooking until the orzo is tender. Drain. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the black beans and bell pepper.

In a small bowl whisk the lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper together. Pour the dressing over the salad; sprinkle the cilantro and Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently. Do not chill before serving.
file photo




Wednesday, March 13, 2024

MICROWAVE LAYERED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

You can make this fudge in 10 minutes. However, it will need to chill for a couple of hours.

1 cup peanut butter bits
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, divided
1/2 stick butter (4 tbsps)
1 cup semisweet chocolate bits
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Lightly butter or spray an 8-inch square pan. In a small microwave-safe bowl, place the peanut butter bits, half the sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Cover with plastic wrap. In another small micro-wave safe bowl, place chocolate bits, remaining sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter.

Microwave the peanut butter bit mixture on high for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir until creamy smooth. Pour into the prepared square pan and spread evenly. Microwave the chocolate mixture on high for 3 minutes. Remove from the microwave, stir until creamy and pour over the peanut butter mixture in the pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top and press in lightly. Chill at least 2 hours to firm. Cut into 16 squares.

Option: If you prefer, stir peanuts into the chocolate before spreading over the peanut butter layer.

file photo


Tuesday, March 12, 2024

RANCH BEEF SKILLET SUPPER


1 lb lean ground beef
1 box (8-oz) seasoned rice & black beans
1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 box (10-oz) frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup packed cilantro
1 cup (4-oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up clumps with a spoon. Cook about 4 minutes or until beef in no longer pink in the center. Stir in the rice and beans, tomatoes, corn, and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Meanwhile, chop the cilantro. When serving, sprinkle the cilantro and cheese over the top.

Monday, March 11, 2024

NO BAKE CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER DROPS

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup peanut butter, chunky or creamy--your choice
2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal

In a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, milk, and peanut butter. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar and peanut butter have melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Cool until firm.

 File Photo

Sunday, March 10, 2024

LENTILS AND CAULIFLOWER WITH CURRY


1 tbsp canola oil
4 cups small cauliflower florets
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1 cup dried lentils
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp curry powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
Fresh cilantro

Heat 2/3 of the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower; cover and cook, tossing occasionally, for 5 minutes or until lightly charred. Don't let cauliflower brown too fast so lower heat if necessary. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Place the skillet over medium heat and add the remaining oil. Add the carrot and onion; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until they start to soften. Stir in the lentils, curry powder and garlic. Cook, stirring to coat, for 3 minutes. Add the broth and bring almost to a boil. Partially cover the pan and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are almost tender.

Add the cauliflower back into the skillet. Partially cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and the lentils are cooked. Stir in the salt.

To serve, place on 4 small plates and add a dollop of the yogurt to each plate. Sprinkle with the cilantro.
File Photo