Saturday, December 20, 2014

Chicken with Brie and baby spinach salad

I found this recipe on Food Network after seeing it on Robin Miller's show a long time ago. I don't often follow the recipe exactly anymore, and just dump things in the pan. I usually forget the shallots, as it is a last minute decision to make it (like today as there was a brie sampling at the grocery store which reminded me if the recipe, but I forgot to get a shallot). But it is good anyway.

Here is my adaptation of the recipe for one:

1 chicken breast, cut horizontally into two cutlets (it will cook faster that way)
Salt, pepper, and garlic herb Mrs. Dash
1/4 lb double cream brie (approx), sliced
A bowl of baby spinach from the salad bar
1/2 c bacon crumbles from the salad bar
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar

Heat a couple tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash. Cook on medium heat until done. Remove and set aside.

In same skillet, add 1/4 cup vinegar and bacon crumbles. Reduce vinegar slightly, then add enough olive oil to make a salad dressing (about equal parts). Place reserved chicken on top of bacon, and top with cheese. Cover skillet and let cheese melt on low heat.

Place spinach in a shallow bowl or plate. Place chicken on top. Add a couple tablespoons vinegar to skillet and swirl to combine. Pour over chicken and spinach and serve.

The cheese and the vinegar compliment each other nicely. Try it!

Original recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-with-brie-and-baby-spinach-salad-recipe.html

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Farfalle Autunno

I was reading a Yahoo article about fall pasta recipes, and one of them (from myrecipes.com) caught my eye, partly do to the paradoxical name, Fall Pasta Primavera (primavera mean spring for those who don't know). So I modified the recipe a tad, and renamed it farfalle autunno (thank you Google translate). Here is my version (I didn't use an onion, but think it would only be better with one added, so it is in the recipe). 


Farfalle Autunno

2 T olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 parsnip, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 small turnip, chopped
1 small yellow beet, chopped
1 sweet potato, chopped
1 clove garlic
1 t dry thyme
Salt and pepper
1 can veg broth
8 oz farfalle
Parmesan cheese, to taste
mushrooms sautéed in butter

Chop all veggies into bite size pieces. Heat oil in large Dutch oven. Add all root veggies and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown. Add thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. Add broth, scraping brown bits off bottom of pot. Simmer until veggies are tender and broth reduced. 

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil. Add a handful of salt. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and add to the veggies. Stir well, adding pasta water if it is dry. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mushrooms. Serve. 

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Frogmore Potato Salad

I mentioned last time that I was thinking of making a shrimp boil potato salad. I found the original recipe online, then found it a couple other places as "original." I'm only going to link to the original that was posted first by a known magazine. 

I modified the original recipe. It called for halved potatoes and jumbo shrimp. Since I was making it for a large group, I made some needed changes. And I changed the name. 

Frogmore Potato Salad

5lb red potatoes, cut into chunks
1lb petite yellow and white corn
1 pkg little smokies, cut in quarters
1.5lb salad shrimp
6T creole mustard
1c lemon juice
2/3c olive oil
3t old bay, plus more for water

Put potatoes in large pot of water with old bay to taste (approx 2T). Bring to a boil and simmer just til tender. 

Meanwhile, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard and old bay in large bowl. Add drained potatoes and stir to cover all potatoes in dressing. 

Add frozen corn to hot potatoes and mix. Add sausages and shrimp and combine well. Sprinkle with Old Bay and serve warm or cold.



I served it cold and it was tasty enough. I didn't get the rave reviews I have gotten for other meals I've provided for my small group. I don't know if warm might have been better. I'm not sure if I will make it again. For the trouble and expense, I'll just make a shrimp boil for my girl and I, and find a different salad to share. 

Here is the link to the original recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/shrimp-boil-potato-salad-50400000122199/



Friday, July 4, 2014

Low country boil

A friend posted pics on Facebook of a giant low country boil she did for friends in Reno. I had seen it mentioned recently, and thought I should make one. Her pics were the motivation I needed!

My girl and I had decided to spend the day at home for Independence Day. So this regional American dish was our dinner. 

I read a couple recipes, and this is what I ended up with, for two people:

8 small red potatoes
2 smoked sausages, cut into 1" pieces
2 ears corn, broken in half
3/4 lb 16/20 shrimp, raw and in the shell
Water and Old Bay seasoning

Fill a large pot with water and add Old Bay to taste. One recipe I read said 2t per quart of water. I just eyeballed it. Bring water to a boil. When boiling, add potatoes and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 15 minutes. Add sausage and corn, and cook another 5 minutes. Add shrimp and remove from heat. Let sit until shrimp are done. Drain and eat!

We served it with butter and extra Old Bay. You could also serve with a crusty bread.



I was also looking for main dish salad recipes today for a potluck at church. I found a low country boil salad recipe that I think will do. I'll try to remember to post it later this weekend, once I make it. 

Friday, April 4, 2014

Long time no see

It has been quite a while since I was here. My recent excuse is my mom passes away, but that doesn't excuse an absence since August. I'll try to do better :)