Chef-Ability

Ten Healthy Salad Recipes For Dinner This Week

2010-02-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

Looking for some quick, easy and healthy salad recipes to accompany your meals this week? I searched high and low through the blogosphere and found the following ten healthy salad recipes most interesting. This recipes are packed with vital nutrients that we all need for healthy lifestyle. I hope you enjoy!

View these healthy salad recipes here.

Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

2009-12-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like a hot, soothing bowl of homemade chicken soup, especially when your sick or when the weather starts getting cold. I am sure many of us have fond memories of Mom or Grandma fixing up a hot bowl of chicken soup when we were younger. Remember how comforting it was and how good it made you feel? I sure do and I look forward to making chicken soup at least once a month during the cold days of winter. I am going to share with you one of the most delicious recipes for chicken soup, passed down to me from my Grandmother. It is quite easy to make and I promise you will enjoy this again and again…

I rarely follow exact measurements while cooking, so the ingredients below are approximated. Please forgive me in advance..

Please read the rest of this homemade chicken soup recipe here.

Thanksgiving Cornbread Stuffing with Apples, Chorizo & Goat Cheese

2009-11-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Nothing compliments a delicious Thanksgiving turkey better than a good homemade stuffing. No store bought stuffing allowed here, especially when it is very easy to make your own. There are so many different ways to make a good stuffing, but the following recipe is one of my favorites. It is much more exciting then your traditional stuffing.

I would like to clarify something first before we begin. This recipe is called a stuffing, but it is actually a dressing. A stuffing is something that is actually stuffed into the turkey during the cooking process, while a dressing is made separately. I prefer to make this recipe separately as I feel it is safer. If you cook anything inside a turkey you run the risk of getting sick. This is because anything cooked inside a turkey may not reach a hot enough cooking temperature to safely kill harmful bacteria. Why take the risk when you can make a delicious stuffing, or dressing, separately….. Let’s begin…

Read the rest of this thanksgiving cornbread stuffing recipe here

How to Grill the Perfect Filet Mignon

2009-11-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

Cooking filet mignon can be a nerve wracking experience for any home chef. People become so frightened when it comes to grilling filet mignon. It is after all a very expensive cut of meat and if you don’t know what you are doing, you could easily ruin it. But really folks, it isn’t rocket science. The trick to cooking the perfect filet mignon is to not overdo it. It really doesn’t need to grill that long at all. There is nothing worse than an overcooked steak....

Learn how to grill the perfect filet mignon in this post.

Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Sausage and Apples

2009-11-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Butternut squash is part of the winter squash family. It has a wonderful nutty and sweet flavor. Roasting butternut squash can really bring out this fantastic flavor even more. Butternut squash is very similar in flavor to pumpkin, which is why in Australia it is referred to as “Butternut Pumpkin”. It is no surprise how this squash is often substituted in recipes that call for pumpkin. Not only is this squash very tasty, but it also has a ton of health benefits. It is loaded with vitamin A and is a good source of fiber, magnesium and potassium. It is has no fat, cholesterol or sodium either.

The following recipe is one of my favorite ways to eat squash. This recipe will also make a wonderful Thanksgiving Day side dish that you can make ahead of time the day or night before....

Read the rest of this roasted butternut squash recipe here.

Easy and Healthy Salad Recipes

2009-11-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for some delicious and simple healthy salad recipes? I know how boring the same old ordinary salad can be. Sometimes the tossed garden salad just doesn’t cut it. Not to worry, I have collected some wonderful video recipes from YouTube on how to make a few excellent salads that are sure to please your palate....

View these healthy salad recipes here.

Healthy Low Calorie Dinner Recipes

2009-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for healthy low calorie dinner recipes? I know it can be difficult to find healthy and delicious meals to make when you are counting calories, so I did a bit of searching for you to hopefully make things a bit easier. Below are videos and other resources that will teach you how to make healthy low calorie dinner recipes. Enjoy!

View these healthy low calorie dinner recipes here.

Cooking Pot Roast in a Slow Cooker

2009-10-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

One of the most satisfying and delicious home cooked meals you will ever make is a pot roast cooked in a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. It is especially wonderful during cold winter months. This easy to make, tender and savory pot roast recipe is sure to be a huge hit with your friends and family. There are many variations to this dish and if you ask 5 different people how they prepare a pot roast, you will more than likely receive 5 different answers. While the ingredients for making pot roast may vary from cook to cook, the method is generally the same: Season then brown a piece of meat on all sides and then slowly cook the meat along with a mix of vegetables in some type of broth mixture until the meat is fork tender....

Read the rest of this article on cooking pot roast in a slow cooker

Easy & Healthy Split Pea Soup Recipe

2009-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

The weather is starting to get colder as winter approaches and there is nothing more comforting and satisfying than a hot bowl of homemade soup. One of my favorite kinds of soups to make at home is split pea soup. It is easy, healthy and delicious. The best part about making split pea soup is that it won’t cost much to cook this for your family....

Read the rest of this easy split pea soup recipe here.

Healthy Baked Italian Style Tilapia Recipe

2009-09-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most delicious and easy tilapia recipes you will ever make. Not only is this recipe easy and tasty, but it is also quite healthy.

My Mother In Law made this dish for me when she came to visit not too long ago and ever since, I have been in love with it. It is quite often the simple dishes that have the most flavor in my opinion.

INGREDIENTS

The secret to this dish is using fresh quality ingredients.

4 Roma or Plum Tomatoes Diced

2 Tilapia Filets

1 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus a few drizzles.

Salt and Pepper to Taste

2 Cloves of Garlic Chopped

2 Tablespoons of Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley

2 Tablespoons of Fresh Basil

Read the rest of this Baked Tilapia Recipe here.

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

2009-09-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Chef Anne Burrell shares her secrets to cooking restaurant quality Italian Spaghetti Bolognese. This video is part of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef show hosted by Anne Burrell on Food Network . Enjoy this Homemade spaghetti bolognese recipe....

Follow this link to watch this spaghetti Bolognese recipe

Easy Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipes

2009-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Making your own homemade barbecue sauce is really quite easy and is definitely recommended if you like to barbecue on a regular basis. Let’s face it, not only is store bought bbq sauce expensive, but it is usually loaded with artificial preservatives and flavors and good old high fructose corn syrup. Stop wasting your money and jeopardizing your health and make your own homemade barbecue sauce from scratch. I spent some time on YouTube the other day and found five excellent videos that teach you about the art of making your own homemade bbq sauce. After you watch the following videos, you will never buy another store bought barbeque sauce again....

Read the rest of this post on homemade barbecue recipes here.

The Worlds Best Carrot Cake Recipe

2009-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Learn how to make the worlds best carrot cake with this free video recipe from YouTube. This recipe creates a moist and delicious carrot cake and also includes instructions for creating an awesome cream cheese frosting to top the cake....

Watch the best carrot cake recipe video here.

How to Grill the Perfect Hamburger

2009-08-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Want to make the most delicious and juicy grilled hamburgers for dinner tonight? Then read on…. It really isn’t difficult to grill the perfect burger. It’s all about the ingredients and technique. The problem that most people run into when grilling burgers is they tend to over think things and put far too much work into something that is actually quite easy. It is best to keep things pure and simple.

The following recipe and instructions will serve 4 people.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Canola oil
4 hamburger buns

Step 1 - Choose The Beef

The very first step is to choose the right kind of ground beef. As indicated in the ingredients above, I recommend ground chuck. I have tried a variety of different ground meats and the one that I find produces the tastiest burgers is good old ground chuck with a ratio of 80/20 (80 % lean, 20 % fat).

I know that isn’t the healthiest ratio you can use, but it sure is the tastiest. You are welcome to go for the 93 % lean, but I warn you….you will have a very dry and tasteless burger. The leaner burgers also tend to fall apart easier in my experience....

Follow this link to view the rest of this easy grilled burger recipe

Learn How to Season a Wok

2009-08-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of different Woks available today, but without a doubt, the best is the carbon steel wok. If you take care of your wok properly, it will last a life time. The first thing you must do after you purchase your new wok is to season it. Seasoning a wok will give it a nice, smooth non-stick surface and make Chinese cooking much more enjoyable.

The following videos will demonstrate how to properly season a carbon steel wok. Only iron and steel woks require seasoning. If you have purchased a different kind of wok, look into your owners manual for proper care instructions....

Please click here to view this video on how to season a carbon steel wok

Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipe

2009-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for a delicious and healthy summer recipe? You are going to love this. My inspiration for making this salad came after eating a very similar dish at a popular restaurant that I frequently visit. Actually, this is something my Wife and I like to do every once in a while. After we eat a dish that we are particularly fond of, we like to go home and try and re-create the recipe without knowing the ingredients. Try it... It's a fun way to see just how sensitive those taste buds really are....

FARMERS MARKET

I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful farmers market not too far from my home. There is just something special about shopping for produce in a farmers market. The variety and quality of the produce found in my local farmers market is far superior to the boring old supermarket. I know I am getting as close to organic as possible when I shop there, so if you have one near you, I highly recommend you visit and see what they have to offer. Usually the folks there are very helpful and knowledgeable about their products so don't be afraid to ask questions.

INGREDIENTS

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this wonderful salad:

- 1 Pound of Chicken Cutlets Grilled and Cut Into Strips - I like to use the thin sliced chicken as it cooks really fast and is easy to cut into strips.

- Southwestern Spice Rub:

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 8 Ounces of Mixed Salad Greens - I like to use a mix of Baby Romaine, Radicchio and Tango. If you can't find fresh greens, I recommend buying a bag of Fresh Express brand mixed salad greens. I have sampled a handful of salad brands and Fresh Express is by far the best in my opinion. The vegetable are always fresh, crisp and delicious. Everything is pre-washed and there are no preservatives.

2 Ripe Avocados Cut Into Small Chunks - It is very important that you choose ripened avocados. When looking for ripe avocados, do not choose them based on color. The best way to determine if they are ripe is by the squeeze test. Ripe avocados will have a firm flesh but will give slightly when squeezed. Unripened avocados are hard and will not give. You should be able to tell the difference. It may take a bit of practice though. If you are unsure, ask for help. A ripe avocado should slice like butter.

1 Large Green Bell Pepper Cut Into Squares

2 Ears of Roasted Corn (Instructions Below)

Half of a Red Onion Sliced

A Healthy Bunch of Fresh Cilantro Chopped

1/2 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Ranch Dressing

Step 1 - Soak the Corn, husks and all, in cold water for 30 minutes.

Step 2 - While corn is soaking, prepare the chicken cutlets. Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle some southwestern spice rub on both sides. Rub the spices into the chicken. Refrigerate and allow the chicken to marinate while the corn is soaking.

Step 3 - After corn is done soaking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Place corn directly on oven rack and roast for approximately 30 minutes or until the corn is relatively soft. Remove from oven and let the corn cool.

Step 4 - Preheat indoor or outdoor grill. Get the grill nice and hot. Grill chicken cutlets for about 2 minutes on each side, or until done. Remove from grill and allow to cool.

Step 5 - While the chicken and corn is cooling, add the remaining ingredients into a large bowl.

Step 6 - Remove corn from cob. Hold corn upright over a cutting board. Using a knife, gently cut the corn from the cob in a downward motion. Be careful!

Step 7 - Slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 8 - Add the corn and chicken to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 9 - Add the ranch dressing and toss the salad. The amount of ranch dressing you add is really up to you. It depends on your personal preference. I like to add about 1/4 cup.

Your done! Serve and enjoy!

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Learn How to Cook Chicken Legs on the Grill

2009-06-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Cooking chicken legs on the grill is not only a delicious summer meal, but it is also quite economical as legs are one of the cheapest parts of the chicken. Just because they are cheap, does not mean they have to lack in flavor. Actually, the dark meat of poultry has more flavor as it contains more fat.

One of the biggest problems grilling enthusiasts face however is knowing how long they should cook chicken legs on the grill.

It really isn't possible to give an exact answer to this question as it really depends on the type of grill you are using, the grilling method and how big the chicken legs are.

It really is an excellent idea to invest in a good quality cooking thermometer. I personally own a voice alert electronic thermometer. It really is a fantastic little cooking gadget and I would be lost without it. It is extremely accurate and eliminates all guessing, and guessing is not an option when cooking meat, especially chicken.

CHICKEN GRILLING METHODS

Boil the Chicken Legs First

The goal with this method is to cook the meat all the way through before it goes on the grill. This greatly reduces the risk of any food born illnesses and also cuts down the grilling time significantly. The downside to this method is a serious lack of flavor. Since you will be cooking the meat on the grill for a much shorter period of time, the meat will not have a chance to pick up that delicious grilled flavor.

MARINATE THEN GRILL

Marinating your chicken legs first is always a good idea. Not only does it give your food a fantastic flavor, but it also keeps the meat moist during the cooking process. For the best results, marinate the chicken over night. Below is an excellent marinade that I use often and it is quite versatile. It works well with seafood like shrimp and scallops as well.

Citrus Herb Marinade

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Legs

1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 1/2 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice

1 1/2 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice

1/3 Cup of Freshly Chopped Parsley

1/3 Cup Freshly Chopped Cilantro

2 Cloves of Garlic Minced

1 Teaspoon of Salt

1/4 Teaspoon of Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except the chicken legs. Add chicken to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate for several hours, over night if possible.�...

Follow this link to view the rest of this post on cooking chicken legs on the grill

What is the Cooking Time for Meatloaf - How long do you cook meatloaf in the oven

2009-06-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

There is a question that I have received several times from ambitious home cooks:

What is the Cooking Time for Meatloaf? or How long do you cook meatloaf in the oven?

So I decided to dedicate an entire post that includes instructions along with delicious recipe that will answer the above question. I have also included a few videos that covers a few other methods for cooking meatloaf.

This is a very common question, but it really does depend on how many pounds your meatloaf is and the temperature at which you are cooking it.

Meatloaf, when prepared the right way, is a delicious dish. It should be firm, but juicy and should not break apart when you slice it.

In this post, I will provide you with a wonderful recipe and instructions for cooking the best meatloaf you will ever sink your teeth into.

Meatloaf is usually cooked two different ways: either in a bread pan or on a cookie sheet.

The bread will give you a juicer meatloaf and is much easier to prepare as the meat takes the shape of the bread pan.

The cookie sheet method will not be as juicy and you will have to put a little more effort into shaping the meatloaf and get your hands dirty.

I like to cook my meatloaf Italian Style. This is the way my Grandmother made it and she passed her recipe on to my Mother, and my Mother passed it on to me. It is by far the best meatloaf recipe in my opinion. It is much more flavorful then your basic meatloaf recipe.

SIMPLE ITALIAN STYLE MEATLOAF RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs
1 7 ounce jar roasted red peppers chopped
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
1 cup of bread crumbs
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 cups of prepared tomato sauce
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Heat a medium sized saute pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your onion and garlic and saute until soft. Remove and set it aside on a plate to cool.

3. Grab yourself a large mixing bowl.

4. Add the cooled onions and garlic along with the the rest of your ingredients, except the tomato sauce, and combine. Mix together well with your hands and form into a loaf and add it to an oiled oven safe tray. Top the loaf with 1 cup of the prepared tomato sauce. Make certain that you spread the tomato sauce evenly over the top of the loaf.

5. Bake for about 1 hour or when the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Slice it up and serve.

Heat the remaining tomato sauce if desired and use for dipping.

Follow this link to view the rest of this post on cooking meatloaf including a few excellent videos

What is the Best Way to Cook Frozen Shrimp?

2009-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Shrimp is without a doubt one of the most popular forms of seafood in the US and abroad. When compared to other types of shellfish, like lobster for instance, it is more affordable, and can be just as delicious if prepared correctly. It is an extremely versatile shellfish and with a bit of experience, is very easy to cook.

As the title of this post suggests, many people are asking: What is the best way to cook frozen shrimp? The reason why this is such a popular question is because this shellfish freezes very well. Many of us, after we buy some, store it in the freezer for future use. In fact, most of the shrimp we purchase is frozen before we buy it from the store. Even the shrimp that is supposedly fresh, has more than likely been recently thawed. There is nothing wrong with this, as I said earlier, this shellfish freezes quite well.

Hopefully the shrimp you already have on hand is still in the shell. You should avoid, if possible, purchasing any that has been peeled. A lot of the flavor is in the shells, so if it has been pre-peeled, it would have lost a good deal of essential flavor. Besides, if you peel it yourself, you can save the shells and use them to make a delicious stock that can be used in lots of other recipes.

Of all the various methods for cooking shrimp, grilling and broiling are by far my favorite methods as I believe they impart the best flavor and are rather simple to prepare. Below is a recipe and instructions for marinating and grilling shrimp....

Please follow this link to view the rest of this post on the best way to cook frozen shrimp

The Many Ways to Cook Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

2009-05-21T13:44:00.001-07:00

Boneless skinless chicken breast is the most popular cut of poultry in the United States and with good reason: they are low in fat, quick and easy to prepare and extremely versatile. This wonderful cut of poultry can be grilled, sauteed, broiled, poached, fried and baked. There is a downside however to this cut of meat: they are rather low in fat. You may be asking: “What is wrong with that? That makes them healthy right?” Yes, they are a healthier way to eat, but because they are low in fat, they are also low in moisture and that makes them very susceptible to over cooking. Nothing is less appetizing than a dry and overcooked piece of meat.

There are two ways to make certain your chicken is not overcooked. The first way, and the most accurate in my opinion, is to use an instant read thermometer. I own a handy little electronic thermometer with a voice alert feature. It is extremely accurate and has never let me down. The other method for checking doneness is by pricking the meat with a fork. If the juices run clear, then it is done. I think the first option is much safer, but you can be the judge.

There are literally hundreds of combined recipes and methods for cooking chicken breast, far too many to cover in this article, so I will talk about two very popular methods.

One of the easiest and tastiest ways is to marinate and grill them.

Below is a great marinade recipe.:

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CITRUS HERB MARINADE

INGREDIENTS:

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons of Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

1/3 Cup of Freshly Chopped Parsley

1/3 Cup of Freshly Chopped Basil

1 Clove of Garlic Minced

1 Teaspoon of Salt

1/4 Teaspoon of Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Mix together everything, accept the chicken breasts, in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add boneless skinless chicken breasts to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours.

Step 3: Get you grill nice and hot and oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 4: Grill chicken breasts about 4 minutes per side or until done.

Another fantastic way to cook chicken breasts is by baking them in foil in the oven. The foil helps keep the meat nice and moist while cooking. What you put inside the foil is only limited by your imagination, but to make things easier, I have included a great recipe below.

Please follow this link to view the rest of this post about ways to cook boneless skinless chicken breasts

Recipe for Roasted Asparagus with Garlic

2009-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a very simple and delicious recipe for cooking fresh asparagus:

Recipe for Roasted Asparagus with Garlic

Ingredients

- 2 Pounds of Fresh Asparagus (washed and tough ends trimmed)

- 2 – 3 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

- 1 Tablespoon of Freshly Minced Garlic

- Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste

- 1/2 Lemon Freshly Squeezed

Directions

- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

- Get yourself a large baking dish then coat and toss the asparagus with the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper.

- Bake the asparagus until it is slightly browned and tender. Should take about 8 – 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the spears.

- Remove from the oven and squeeze on some fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessarry.

Enjoy!

Follow this link to view more easy and delicious cooking recipes from our main blog.

How Long do you Cook Hamburgers on a Grill?

2009-05-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Cooking hamburgers on the grill is probably the tastiest method for making these yummy summer treats. Of course many of us find ourselves asking the same question, time and time again: How Long do you Cook Hamburgers on a Grill?

This is a fantastic question. After all, an undercooked hamburger can make one very sick, so it pays to be safe and educate yourself. The time it takes for your hamburgers to fully cook really depends on the thickness of your burger and how hot your grill is. So the most accurate method for testing when your hamburgers are fully cooked, is by using an instant read thermometer....

Please click here to view the rest of this post on cooking hamburgers on the grill...

How Long do you Cook Asparagus For?

2009-04-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

There is no right answer to this question. This really is a matter of personal preference. I personally like my asparagus with a little snap to it, so I do not cook my asparagus that long. I really like to taste the freshness of the vegetables.

I see many people cooking their asparagus until its soft and wilting. Personally, I think this is a crime, but if you prefer your veggies this way, then by all means, cook it to death. Remember though…. The longer you cook your vegetables, the less nutrients they will have.

The length of time you cook your asparugus also depends on the type of cooking method.

There are three ways that I personally like to cook fresh asparagus and by far the best in my opinion: parboiling, roasting and grilling.

First things First - Prepare the Asparagus

Before you cook your asparagus, there needs to be some simple preparation. You need to first wash your asparagus to remove any dirt or other particles. Then you need to cut your asparagus if it has not already been cut for you. Cutting your asparagus is a must. There is a very tough part that is not edible and needs to be removed.

How to Grill the Perfect Steak

2009-03-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Steak grilling enthusiasts all over the world have searched long and hard for the answer to the question: “How do you grill the perfect steak?”

This is a wonderful question and deserves a wonderful answer. After all, a good, quality steak does not come cheap these days. My hopes with this article are to give you all the necessary steak grilling instructions and techniques possible so that your investment in a good steak is not wasted. This guide will work equally well for both gas and charcoal grills and is in my opinion, the best way to grill a steak.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

2008-09-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Winter is approaching and the weather is starting to get colder. What can be more inviting than a delicious bowl of hot creamy potato soup?

Creamy potato soup is one of my favorite soups to enjoy during the cold weather. Below is a fantastic recipe that I know you and your family are just going to love.

The key to making the best potato soup is using the right potatoes. I have tried several different kinds of potatoes for this recipe and I found that Yukon Gold potatoes give this soup the best flavor and texture. The Yukon Gold potatoes give this soup a subtle sweetness that I simply love.

Follow this link to view this creamy potato soup recipe..

How to Make Shepherds Pie - Recipe & Instructions...

2008-08-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

Shepherds Pie or sometimes spelled Shepards Pie, is a dish that is served at pubs throughout England and Ireland. It is traditionally made with finely chopped or ground lamb topped with mashed potatoes. Ground or chopped beef is often substituted for the lamb. When beef is used, the dish is referred to as "Cottage Pie".

Click here to learn how to make the best shepherds pie...

Grilled Salmon Steaks on Cedar Plank....

2008-07-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

The following video is a recipe and instructions for Grilled Blackened Salmon using a Cedar Plank.

The cedar plank imparts a subtle but wonderful smoky flavor to the salmon while grilling. After using the cedar plank I will never grill salmon any other way.

Click here to to learn how to prepare Grilled Salmon Steaks on a Cedar Plank...

Grilling Corn on the Cob...

2008-07-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more satisfying than sweet summer corn cooked on the grill. This delicious summer side dish is easily prepared and ready in under 30 minutes.

Click here for instruction on cooking corn on the grill...

How to Cook Beef Brisket

2008-06-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Cooking brisket in the oven is a time consuming process, but also a very rewarding one. When your family and friends take their first bite of your delicious brisket, they will most definitely be asking you for the recipe. This article will make you a brisket cooking pro!

Click here to learn how to cook beef brisket in the oven....

How to Cook Corned Beef

2008-06-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Before the wonderful invention we so easily take for granted today called refrigeration, people had to rely on other methods to preserve meats. In the past, they used a method called “Corning” which had absolutely nothing to do with corn. Corning got its name because of the corn-sized crystals of salt that were used for dry curing the meat. Today, brines are used to replace the dry corning method. The brine used for corned beef is typically a liquid mixture made up of water, salt, sugar and spices. The ingredients are brought to a boil and then allowed to cool....

Click here to learn how to cook corned beef...

Seared Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe

2008-05-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Seared Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna with a Cilantro, Garlic and Lime sauce..

I should mention one thing before we begin this recipe. I do not follow exact measurements in recipes. I measure everything by eye, so the following measurements are only to be used as a guide. So don't get too mad at me!

This is optional, but I like to toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan first before I put them on the tuna. The seeds become nutty and aromatic when you toast them. This is highly recommended if you have the time and is quite easy to do. Simply heat a dry pan over medium heat, then add the seeds shaking the pan occasionally. You may have to do this in batches, depending on how many seeds you are toasting. You do not want to overcrowd the pan. Keep an eye on the seeds and make sure they do not burn. Toast them until they darken a bit and start to become fragrant. Remove and let them cool before adding them to the tuna.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 Cup Black Sesame Seeds
1/4 Cup White Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon of Sesame Oil
2 - 6 ounce Ahi (Also known as Yellow Fin) Tuna Steaks
Salt and Pepper to Taste

MARINADE/ DIPPING SAUCE

1/ 2 Cup of Low Sodium Soy Sauce (Who needs the extra sodium, right?)
1 Lime (Juice and Zest - If you want more lime flavor, add another)
1- 2 Cloves of Garlic Minced
2 Tablespoons of Honey
1 Tablespoon of Sesame Oil
2 Tablespoons of Freshly Chopped Cilantro Leaves

1) Prepare the marinade. Add all marinade ingredients to a small bowl and mix well. Reserve half of this marinade in a separate container to use as a dipping sauce.

2) Get a glass baking dish or other non-reactive container to marinade the tuna in. You want the tuna steaks to fit snuggly in the dish so that they are surrounded nicely with the marinade. Pour the marinade into the dish and put the tuna steaks in and kind of swirl the marinade around so that you coat the fish well. Cover with some plastic wrap and refrigerate. Another option is to pour the marinade in a large zip lock bag, add the tuna, and then squeeze out the air. Marinade for 30 minutes to an hour, turning the tuna about half way through.

3) Remove tuna from fridge and let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes or so.

4) Remove tuna from marinade, shaking off any excess marinade and dry on paper towels.

5) Heat a saute pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

6) While the pan is heating, arrange your sesame seeds on a flat dish. Roll the tuna around in the seeds pressing down as you roll ensuring the seeds are packed into the tuna nicely.

7) Add the tuna to the hot saute pan and shake it a bit to make sure the tuna does not stick. Sear for 30 to 40 seconds on both sides.

8) Remove and serve with the reserved dipping sauce.

For side dishes with this recipe I usually keep things pretty bland as I don't want anything to compete with the flavors in the tuna. So I usually prepare a side of steamed green beans with a bit of butter, salt and pepper or other vegetable along with some lightly seasoned jasmine or basmati rice.

There you have it. I do hope you enjoy this Seared Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna recipe. I am not a big wine drinker, but for those of you who like a glass or two with dinner, I heard a nice Pinot Grigio goes quite well with Tuna. Buon Appetito!

EASY SALISBURY STEAK RECIPE

2008-04-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a little tip to keep in mind as you are making this delicious ground beef recipe. There is a chance that your ground beef steaks can fall apart while cooking. To prevent this from happening, form your steak patties and put them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so before you start cooking. This will help hold your steaks stay together.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion finely chopped
1 garlic clove chopped
1 tablespoon montreal steak seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 small package of freshly sliced portobello mushrooms or by them whole and slice yourself
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock

Directions:

1. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, egg, garlic, onion, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands. From the mixture, make steak shaped patties that are about 2 inches thick.

2 Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef patties and cook about 4 minutes per side until the outside of the steaks are nicely browned and the juices run clear. Remove the steaks and cover with foil to keep them warm.

3 Add the rest of the olive oil along with the butter to the same pan. Add your mushrooms and then cook over medium heat until they are tender. Approximately 5 minutes. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the flour to the mushrooms, mix and cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly add in your beef stock. Stir and cook until your sauce has thickened.

5. Pour gravy over steaks and serve. �

EASY ITALIAN MARINARA SAUCE RECIPE

2008-04-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a great recipe for marinara sauce using canned tomatoes. This marinara sauce is delicious over your favorite pasta, on top of pizza and over mussels and shrimp. The beauty of this sauce is that it can be used with a number of other recipes, so it's a great starting point in Italian Cooking and it is very easy to make.

You can use either fresh or canned plum tomatoes for this recipe, however using fresh tomatoes requires more time and preparation, so I prefer to use canned. If you do plan on using fresh tomatoes, make certain the tomatoes are ripe and in season.

For the canned tomatoes, I prefer Rienzi brand tomatoes. I have tried a number of different brands of canned tomatoes and Rienzi has the best flavor amongst the supermarket brands, in my opinion.

Marinara Sauce Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped (More or less depending on how much you like garlic)

1 35 ounce can of whole plum tomatoes with liquid

Salt to taste

Crushed red pepper to taste (You can use black pepper if you wish)

10 - 12 fresh basil leaves , torn

1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano

Directions:

1) Open your can of tomatoes and crush them by hand into a bowl and set aside.

2) Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your garlic to the oil and cook until soft and lightly browned. Be sure to watch the garlic to make sure it doesn't burn.

4) Carefully add the tomatoes along with their liquid into the pan with the garlic and oil. Use caution when adding the tomatoes to the hot oil. The oil can splatter. Add the oregano.

5) Stir the mixture and bring to a boil. Season with a bit of salt and red or black pepper. Lower the heat so that the sauce is reduced to a simmer. Break up the tomatoes as it cooks with a spoon until your sauce is chunky. You want the sauce to simmer until thickened, about 20 - 25 minutes.

6) Add your fresh basil a few minutes before the sauce is done. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.

7) Serve over your favorite pasta. �

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