Category Archives: Other

Turkey Chorizo Tacos

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Servings: 4 | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 ounces Spanish chorizo, chopped (I used 1 Chorizo sausage from Whole Foods)
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey (I used organic ground turkey)
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 8 corn tortillas, warmed
  • sour cream
  • sliced avocado
  • salsa
  • fresh cilantro sprigs
  • lime wedges

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the onion and chorizo until the chorizo is crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the turkey to the skillet, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Divide the turkey-chorizo mixture among the tortillas and top with sour cream, avocado, salsa, and cilantro; serve with lime wedges.

Notes: This was very good- and both kids and adults liked it!

Recipe Origin:

Ravioli with Pea Puree

Healthy, Other, Pasta, Quick Leave a comment

Servings: 4 | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cups frozen green peas
  • 1 cup chicken broth (I make my own)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  •  1 or 2 (8-ounce) packages Ravioli, prepared according to package instructions. If you only use 1 package, you may need to add some additional cooked pasta.
  • 4 packed cups baby arugula or baby arugula salad mix
  • 1/2 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat about 2 minutes.
  2. Add peas and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
  3. Add broth, cook for 2 minutes more and then carefully transfer to blender.
  4. Add heavy cream, salt and pepper and purée until very smooth.
  5. Toss in a bowl with hot ravioli and pasta (if you are adding pasta to the mix)
  6. Arrange arugula in four wide, shallow bowls. Top with a squeeze of lemon, the sauced ravioli and mint. Serve immediately.

Notes:

Recipe Origin: Whole Foods. I added pasta.

Pork Loin with Sweet Potato and Spinach

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Serves: 4-6 | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pork loin or pork tenderloin (1 1/4 lbs)
  • 1 TBSP plus 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 TBSP maple syrup
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated in food processor
  • 2 large shallots, chopped
  • 1 small package baby spinach, chopped
  • hot sauce or Heinz 57 sauce, optional

Directions:

  1. Heat broiler on high. Place pork on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Rub with 1 tsp of the olive oil, chili powder and 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.
  2. Broil, turning occasionally and basting with maple syrup twice, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. In a food processor with the grating disk, grate sweet potatoes.
  4. Heat 1 TBSP oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, until beginning to brown, about 2 -3 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and cook, tossing occasionally until tender, 7-9 minutes more.
  5. Add spinach and cook, tossing until wilted, about 1-2 minutes more.
  6. Serve pork and sweet potatoes with Heinz 57 sauce.

Notes: This was crazy good and a surprising hit with the whole family. Made great leftovers.

Recipe Origin:  Real Simple– I added some time to the potatoes because mine weren’t crispy with their timing.

Pasta with Broccoli and Turkey

Healthy, Other, Pasta, Quick Leave a comment

Servings: 4 | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 lb orecchiete
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • olive oil
  • 1 tsp fennel seed
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • slat
  • parmesan

Directions:

  1. Cook 3/4 lb pasta. Set your timer for 1 minute LESS than the recommended cooking time. 
  2. When timer goes off, add 2 cups broccoli florets to the pasta and water. Cook for 1 minute and drain this in a colander.
  3. In a separate skillet, brown turkey in olive oil with 2 cloves chopped garlic, 1 tsp fennel seed, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt to taste.
  4. Combine pasta, turkey, 2 TBSP olive oil, and freshly grated parmesan.

Notes:

Recipe Origin:

Pork Tenderloin with Herbs, Asparagus and Crispy Potatoes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Yield: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs new potatoes, quartered
  • 3 TBS olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/4 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
  • 2 TBSP fresh thyme leaves (only the leaves, not the stems)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends snapped off
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
  2. Trim tenderloins of any silver skin.  Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub all over with parsley, thyme, and 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.
  4. Put potatoes in oven and let cook for 10 minutes. Shake them and put them in another 10 minutes.
  5. Heat 1 TBSP oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Add asparagus and lemon and drizzle with another 1 TBSP oil.
  7. Move pan with potatoes one level down in oven. Transfer skillet to oven and cook until pork is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  8. Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve with potatoes, asparagus and lemon.

Notes: This was good and made good leftovers.

Recipe Origin:  Real Simple– I added some time to the potatoes because mine weren’t crispy with their timing.

Marinated Meat and Veggie Packs

Beef, Chicken, Grill, Healthy, Meat, Other Leave a comment

Notes: Prep work chopping veggies will take up most of your time. After that it’s super easy. Food for days!

Servings: 4-6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt + extra for sprinkling
  • 1½ pounds meat (chicken, beef, or combination), cut into 1½” to 2″ dice
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1″ dice
  • 1 yellow onion, cut into 1″ dice
  • 2 small zucchini, cut into 1″ dice
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cut into ¼” to ½” dice
  • 8 oz baby bella or white button mushrooms, left whole if they are small. Sliced in half if not.
  • pepper, to taste
  • note: requires aluminum foil
  • Seasoning: Sprouts seasoning, Breakfast Klub, Tony Cachere’s, or whatever you like.

Directions:

  1. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Set aside.
  2. Cut 8 large pieces (about 12-14″ long each) of foil and lay them out double stacked to start 4 grill packets.
  3. Evenly distribute the diced meat and veggies onto each stack of foil and somewhat “flatten” out the contents for even cooking.
  4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and then finish off each packet with equal amounts of marinade drizzled right on top.
  5. Carefully bring up the long sides of the foil so the edges meet at the center. Fold the two edges over together at least three times. Fold up the edges on the open sides at least two to three times and crimp those together with your fingers as well. 
  6. Let the food marinate for a minimum of 1 to 2 hours.
  7. Directions for Grill: Grill the packets flipping them once until the meat is cooked to desired doneness, about 20 to 25 minutes total.
  8. Directions for Oven: Cook on 375F for 25 minutes.
  9. Carefully open each foil packet to let steam release before eating. Serve with pasta or rice.

Recipe Origin:

Bucatini all’amatriciana

Other, Pasta, Quick Leave a comment

Prep Time: ? minutes | Total Time: ? minutes | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb bucatini pasta
  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • 6 oz. pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced, or 1 tsp minced garlic in jar
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 – 14oz can crushed tomatoes (I like the fire roasted kind)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, or Parm if you don’t have Pecorino

Directions:

  1. In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Add pancetta/bacon and cook, stirring until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside on paper towel.
  2. Add onion to skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and cooked pancetta/bacon.
  3. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook pasta. Drain and combine with sauce.

Notes:

Recipe Origin:  Back of the pasta box recipe. I was surprised at how good it is.

Baked Italian Penne

Casseroles, Other, Pasta Leave a comment

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 8 ox penne
  • 1 lb ground mild italian sausage
  • 2 cups onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced, or 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 – 14.5 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I like the fire-roasted kind)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425F. 
  2. Boil salted water. Cook penne and cook 11 minutes. Drain. 
  3. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic. Saute while breaking it up with the back of a spoon, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. 
  4. Add mushrooms, and sauté 3 minutes. Add pepper, Italian seasoning and tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. 
  5. Combine sausage mixture with pasta, spinach, mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. 
  6. Pour into 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese on top. 
  7. Bake 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling. 

Notes: 

Recipe Origin:  Back of the pasta box recipe. I was surprised at how good it is.

Bratwurst and Kraut in Slow Cooker

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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 1/2 – 8/12 hours | Yield: Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs red new potatoes (about 18), halved if large
  • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (I use my own, not store-bought, and I put it frozen into the slow cooker)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or whatever kind of white wine you have!)
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1 1/2 bratwurst links
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
  • Toasted dark bread (like pumpernickel)
  • Whole-grain mustard or German Senf for serving

Directions:

  1. In a slow cooker, mix together potatoes, kraut, onion, frozen broth (do not need to thaw), wine, caraway seeds, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Nestle the bratwursts in the vegetables. 
  2. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. (*Note: I like it on high for 4.5 hours)
  3. Sprinkle everything with parsley and serve with toast, butter and mustard.

Notes: I’m pretty sure all the Germans I know would be appalled by this, but that’s ok with me.

Recipe Origin:  Real Simple, modified.

Lamb Tagine in Slow Cooker

Other, Slow Cooker Leave a comment

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 1/2 – 8/12 hours | Yield: Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
  • 1/2 cup cup pitted green olives
  • 2 cloves garlic, or 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 TBSP all-purpose flour (I like White Lily)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup couscous
  • Chopped pistachios
  • lemon wedges
  • fresh cilantro if you have it

Directions:

  1. Mix together the lamb, carrots, onion, apricots, olives, garlic, flour, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/2 cup water together in your slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook until lamb and vegetables are tender, on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. (*Note: I like it on high for 4.5 hours)
  3. 10 minutes before you serve it, cook couscous according to package directions.
  4. Serve the lamb on the couscous with the pistachios, cilantro and lemon wedges

Notes:

Recipe Origin:  Real Simple, added more carrots, modified spices and changed timing around a little.

Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Apples

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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 (1 to 1 1/2 lb) pork tenderloins
  • 2 TBSP vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
  • 1 TBSP chopped fresh thyme leaves, or dried
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 apples, sliced (Granny Smith, Pink Lady or McIntosh)
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 TBSP butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
  2. Trim tenderloins of any silver skin.  Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub all over with 1 TBSP of the oil and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Rub until both are evenly coated.
  4. Heat 1 TBSP oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add pork tenderloins and cook until evenly browned. This should take about 12 minutes.  Transfer to large plate.
  5. Add 2 tsp oil to pan. Add apples and onions, stirring lightly until browned around edges, about 5 minutes.
  6. Rub pork all over with mustard, sprinkle it with 2 tsp of thyme and pepper and rub until evenly coated.
  7. Add remaining tsp of thyme to apples and onions and stir. Then place pork on top of apples and put into oven. Roast 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Transfer pork to large plate and tent with aluminum foil. Let rest about 10 minutes.
  9. While pork rests, put apples and onions back onto the stove and turn heat to medium. Add chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by about half. Add butter and stir until melted.

Notes: This is a great recipe. We ate it with pasta, which was a bit weird. Next time I might eat it with rice. Leftovers were amazing!

Recipe Origin:  Inspired Taste