Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Grape Salad
from : Taste of home



Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Serves: 21-24

Kid Rating: 5 out of 5 thumbs up











Ingredients:

  • 1 package (8oz.) Cream cheese
  • 1 cup (8oz.) Sour cream
  • 1/3 Cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds seedless red grapes
  • 2 pounds seedless green grapes
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until blended. Add grapes and toss to coat.
  2. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans just before serving.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

This recipe was one my mom made for me and the kids loved it.

Chicken Lombardy
from Budget101.com

Prep Time: 20min

Cook Time: 30 min

Serves: 6

Kid Rating: 5 out of 5 thumbs up







Ingredients:

  • 8 oz package sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 6 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 3/4 cups marsala wine (can be substituted with chicken broth)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 greem onions chopped
Preparation
  • In a large non-stick skillet, cook the fungus mushrooms in 2 tbs butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, 3-5 minutes or just until tender. Remove from heat and set asside.
  • Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten to 1/8 inch thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  • Roll the chicken pieces in flour. Melt butter in a frying pan, brown the chicken on both sides & cook about halfway. Place chicken in a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, overlapping edges. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken and butter. Reserving pan drippings in skillet. Sprinkle mushrooms evenly over chicken.
  • Add wine and broth to skillet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt and pepper. Pour sauce over chicken. Combine cheeses and green onions; sprinkle over chicken.
  • Bake uncovered, at 450 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes until cheese melts.


Tuesday, June 23, 2015

I am back.

It has been a looooong time (2 1/2 years) since I have posted anything new. Hopefully this new recipe makes up for it.

Pork Chops Stuffed with
Smoked Gouda and Bacon

from Allrecipes.com
Prep Time: 15 Min

Cook Time: 20 Min

Serves: 4

Kid Rating: 3 out of 4 thumbs up 







Ingredients:

  • 4 (2 1/4 inch thick) center-cut, boneless pork chops or pork loin
  • 1/4 pound smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:


  1. Preheat your grill to a medium heat. 
  2. Cook the bacon and let it cool on a paper towel.
  3. In a small bowel mix the cheese, parsley, bacon and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  4. Using a boning or paring knife, cut into the side of the chop 3/4 of the way through. Then move the blade back and forth to create a pocket for the stuffing. You can also use your fingers to help open up the space.
    1. You might be tempted to just butterfly the chop and fold it back over the stuffing. DO NOT DO THIS! I have tried it, you are just asking to have your stuffing fall out when you turn it.
    2. Here is a video on how to create a pocket in a piece of meat. 
  5. Stuff cheese mixture into pocket, and close with a wooden toothpick. 
  6. Brush the meat with oil and season with Salt and Black Pepper
  7. Lightly oil your grill and cook the chops 5-8 minutes on each side or until pork is done.
  8. Let rest a couple of minutes before serving. Don't forget to take out the toothpicks.
I served it with some grilled asparagus that I tossed with sesame oil  and kosher salt. While it was grilling I sprinkled it with lemon juice.

Variations:
  1. Instead of smoked you can use Da Vinci Gouda. It is a Gouda cheese with a blend of tomatoes, olives, and garlic. Here in Utah you can find it a Harmons grocery stores.
  2. You can also add sun dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture.
  3. You can also add spinach to the cheese mixture.
  4. You can add an Italian blend of romano, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
  5. You can give it a Greek spin my using feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes ,and kalamata olives. 
I hope you enjoy this and please let me know how you liked it.