Chopped Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
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Chopped Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

My Dad used to call it Israeli Salad said he learned it from and Indian in the war but he said that about most everything. Anyway it was Wednesday which is salad night at our house so I open the fridge and went to town.

Pear, kale, lettuce, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, zucchini, green pepper, broccolini, celery, carrots, radishes, roasted chickpeas, bacon and I added some mayo to the balsamic vinegerete dressing we had.

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Butternut Squash, Navy Bean Tacos
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Butternut Squash, Navy Bean Tacos

Ok it was Taco Tuesday and I had planned to make Black Bean Butternut Squash Burritos but when I looked I had no black beans and only 1 tortilla wrap so what to do. I had frozen some blue corn taco shells and I had a can of navy beans, so I went with it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, cubed, & roasted
  • 1/2 cup uncooked short grain brown rice (yields: 1.5 cups cooked)
  • 1-2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped sweet onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • 2 tsp ground cumin, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • One 15-oz can white navy beans (about 1.5-2 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Blue and yellow Corn taco shells
  • Toppings of choice: (avocado, salsa, vegan sour cream, spinach/lettuce, cilantro, etc)

How

1. Preheat oven to 425F and line a large glass dish with tinfoil. Drizzle olive oil on squash and give a shake of salt and pepper. Coat with hands. Roast chopped butternut squash for 45 mins. or until tender.

2. Cook brown rice

3. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add oil, onion, and minced garlic. Sautee for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Now add in salt and seasonings and stir well.

4.  Add chopped red pepper, navy beans, and cooked rice and sauté for another 10 mins. on low.

5. When butternut squash is tender remove from oven and cool slightly. Add 1.5 cups of the cooked butternut squash to the skillet and stir well. You can mash the squash with a fork if some pieces are too large. Add cheddar cheese and heat another couple minutes.

6. Add bean filling to tortilla along with desired toppings. Wrap and serve. Leftover filling can be reheated the next day for lunch in a wrap or as a salad topper. now that they are rolled lightly spray the tortilla with cooking spray and crisp in pan over medium heat. Start with seam side down . I have also placed under a broiler watching carefully of course.

Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
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Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Juicy honey garlic pork chops with caramelized edges ready and on your table in less than 15 minutes! smothered in the best 4-ingredient sauce!

I had some center cut pork chops from ButcherBox and I was wondering what to do with it. Maria had given us some Mike Hot Honey so I though honey mustard but after checking out a few recipes on line I decide to modify this one from Café Delites. I only had two chops so I split them in half. I think next time I won’t cut in half. Anyway this was pretty darn good.  

This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is so easy you won’t believe it when it’s done! No marinating needed, this recipe is an incredibly quick and delicious way to serve bone in or boneless pork chops — seared until golden then simmered and broiled (or grilled) in the most amazing honey garlic sauce!

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 pork chops bone in or out
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey Steve Note: I used Mike’s Hot Honey
  • 1/4 cup water (or chicken broth)
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, or any white vinegar)

How

  1. Preheat oven broiler (or grill) on medium-high heat. Season chops with salt, pepper and garlic powder just before cooking.
  2. Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium high heat until hot. Sear chops on both sides until golden and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes each side). Transfer to a plate; set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the honey, water and vinegar. Increase heat to medium-high and continue to cook until the sauce reduces down and thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes), while stirring occasionally.
  4. Add pork back into the pan, baste generously with the sauce and broil/grill for 1-2 minutes, or until edges are slightly charred.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve over vegetables, rice, pasta or with a salad.

Optional

Baked Pork Chops:

  1. Preheat oven to 390°F | 200°C.
  2. Sear seasoned chops in a hot oven-proof pan or skillet over medium-high for 2 minutes per side — get them crisp.
  3. Remove chops and make your sauce following the recipe above (Step 3).
  4. Baste with sauce and bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until reaching your desired doneness.
  5. Broil/grill for 2 minutes to get those caramelized edges!

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Sweet Basil Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Horseradish Cranberry Sauce and Japanese Sweet Potato
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Sweet Basil Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Horseradish Cranberry Sauce and Japanese Sweet Potato

Lyn and I decided this will be added to our rotation so here it is again with slightly different twist .

Want to thank Martha for sharing this with us.

Extremely simple to prepare and cook, tender and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pork tenderloin (1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons spices or seasonings (See Recipe Note)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

How

  • Heat the oven and pan. 10 to 20 minutes before you plan to cook, place a large cast-iron or oven safe skillet on the middle rack in the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. The skillet will heat along with the oven.
  • Season the pork. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and trim off any large pieces of surface fat. Mix any spices being used with the salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix onto the pork on all sides.
  • Swirl the pan with oil. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • Roast the pork for 10 minutes. Place the pork in the pan. (It’s fine if your pork tenderloin is a little long for the pan; just bend it to fit as we did here.) Return the pan to the oven and roast for 10 minutes.
  • Flip the pork, reduce the heat, and roast another 10 to 15 minutes. Flip the pork. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and continue roasting 10 to 15 minutes more. The pork is done when its internal temperature registers 140°F to 145°F in the thickest part, 20 to 25 minutes total.
  • Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Transfer the pork to a clean cutting board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing crosswise. For extra-thin slices for sandwiches, cool the pork completely, then refrigerate before cutting.

RECIPE NOTES

  • Seasoning the pork: You can keep this pork simple and season with just salt and pepper, or you can rub it with any favorite spices or salt-free blend of spices.
  • I used a basil blend rub.
Brisket in Sweet-and-Sour Sauce
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Brisket in Sweet-and-Sour Sauce

By Joan Nathan

Time: About 6½ hours, plus overnight chilling

Brisket is the Zelig of the kitchen. It takes on the character of whoever cooks it. In the early part of the 20th century, when ”The Settlement Cook Book” reigned supreme in American Jewish households, recipes for savory briskets of beef with sauerkraut, cabbage or lima beans were the norm. As tastes became more exotic, cranberry or barbecue sauce, root beer, lemonade and even sake worked their way into recipes. Here, Coca-Cola is the secret ingredient, along with ginger. 

The result is sublime and the dish only improves if it’s cooked a day in advance of serving it. However, you can prepare and serve it the same day, if you’d like, though you may want to use a fat separator to strain the fat from the finished sauce. Several readers commented that the original cooking time and temperature on the recipe (3 hours, including 1 hour uncovered, at 350 degrees) was inaccurate. We’ve retested and adjusted the recipe, so the brisket now cooks for 5 to 6 hours, covered, at 325 degrees. Please also note that this recipe is not kosher for Passover. #Cooking

As you can see it was well received.

INGREDIENTS

Yield: 12 servings

  • 1first-cut brisket, 6 to 7 pounds, rinsed and patted thoroughly dry2
  • 1medium onion, peeled and quartered
  • 1x 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled, cut into chunks
  • 6 large cloves garlic
  • 1cup ketchup
  • ½cup dry red wine
  • ¼cup cider vinegar
  • ¼cup soy sauce
  • ¼cup honey
  • ¼cup Dijon mustard
  • 1tablespoon coarsely ground pepper, or to taste
  • ¼teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1½cups Coca-Cola or ginger ale Steve Note: I used Ginger Ale maybe will use Root Beer next time
  • ½cup olive oil

PREPARATION

Step 1 Let meat stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Step 2 Place everything but the soda, olive oil and brisket into a food processor, and process with steel blade until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and whisk in soda and olive oil.

Step 3 Place brisket, fat side up, into a heavy baking pan just large enough to hold it, and pour sauce over it. Cover tightly and bake for 3 hours. Turn brisket over, cover pan, and bake 2 to 3 hours more or until fork-tender. Cool, cover brisket and refrigerate overnight in cooking pan.

Step 4 The next day, transfer brisket to a cutting board, cut off fat and slice with a sharp knife against grain, to desired thickness. Set meat aside. Remove any congealed fat from sauce and bring to a boil on top of stove.

Step 5 Heat oven to 350 degrees. Taste sauce to see if it needs reducing. If so, boil it down for a few minutes or as needed. Return meat to sauce and warm in oven for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Pasta Salad Dressing
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Pasta Salad Dressing

I’ll work with these and tweak to my tastes

Creamy Dressing:

¼ cup mayo

¼ cup greek yogurt

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

 tablespoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

salt + pepper

Balsamic Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon)

salt + pepper

Italian Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ lemon (juiced)

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Instructions

For each of the dressings, simply combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.

https://abeautifulmess.com/3-easy-pasta-salad-dressings/#wprm-recipe-container-68012

Instant Pot Chicken Pho
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Instant Pot Chicken Pho

Lyn and Maria (Niece that is living with us) are on an anti-inflammatory kick so being their chief cook and bottle washer I made them this chicken Pho soup from woman’s Day which Ly used to gently hint what she wanted for dinner. It was Thursday which is chicken dinner day after all. Personally I can’t stand the smell of fish sauce, but it does add great flavor. Don’t tell them I held my nose and only used half of what it called for while putting it in.

Ingredients

  • 4 whole star anise
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick smashed  Steve Note: they were all the same size how the heck do I in know if it was small 😊
  • 1 tsp coriander seed crushed
  • ½ tsp black peppercorns
  • A 2” piece of ginger quartered then smashed
  • ½ red onion, coarsely chopped
  • ½ Fuji apple Steve Note: I only had honey crisp
  • 1 ½ lbs bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed and discarded
  • 2 TBS fish sauce divided into 1TBS
  • 3 oz instant rice noodles
  • 5 cups of water
  • Bean sprouts, sliced red chili and red onion, mint or cilantro and lime wedges for serving.

How

  • Press Sauté on instant Pot and add spices and cook stirring occasionally, until fragrant 3-4 minutes
  • Add ginger and chopped onions and cook stirring occasionally 4 minutes
  • Add apple, chicken, 5 cups of water. And 1 TBS of fish sauce cover and cook on high pressure for 22 minutes.
  • Let release naturally, then release any remaining pressure and open lid
  • Transfer chicken to plate. Strain broth discarding and remaining solids.
  • Return the broth to the pot and add noodles and let sit until tender 3-4 minutes.
  • Meanwhile shred chicken discarding bones return to pot and stir in remaining Tbsp of fish sauce.
  • Serve with desired toppings.
Maria Makes 30 Minute Pork Piccata
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Maria Makes 30 Minute Pork Piccata

Maria had to leave Texas and came to live with us, she had very little experience cooking so I took on the challenge. She is a bit queasy when it comes to raw food so a pair of gloves and a few breath we were on our way. The other night we made Pork Piccata and she really enjoy the flattening of the meat, works out some pent up energy.

Anyway, this was quick, easy,  delicious and a good choice. You could do veal and chicken the same way.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/4 pound Pork Tenderloin
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour or I used cornstarch to make gluten free
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive corn oil
  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup dry vermouth or white wine or rice cooking wine
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 Tablespoons capers drained
  • 2 Tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • If you like a thicker sauce add a little cornstarch dissolved in water at end and cook to thickened.
  • Want to get fancy garnish with fresh Lemon slice

How

Slice pork into 2-inch thick slices. Place each slice between two pieces of plastic wrap and use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to flatten to ¼-inch thickness. (Season with salt and pepper)

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and dredge the pork in it. Shake off the excess.

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 2 Tbsp. of the olive oil.

Place 4 pieces of pork in the pan and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and keep warm under a tent of foil. Warm the remaining 1 Tbs. oil in the pan and repeat to brown the remaining pork. Place that pork under your foil tent as well.

Reduce the heat to medium and melt 1 Tbsp. of the butter in the pan. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add the vermouth, lemon juice and broth, increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the liquid is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter, the capers and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle the sauce over pork and serve immediately. I like to put in pan and toss to coat.

Pizza Night
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Pizza Night

I love the Portland Pie Company dough especially the Beer dough, always, well most always, have a few bags in freezer so when the urge hits me I can satisfy it. Around me Big Y carries. I have found that I get better results if I let it sit on counter for a short while before spinning it out. I don’t let it rise much more than it does in the refrigerator. The thing I love about Pizza is you can make it with any toppings you want.

Todays was shredded asparagus, cherry tomatoes, sweet Italian sausage, honey nut squash Lyn’s pasta sauce and of course two kinds of cheese. Yup another clean out the frig meal.

I preheat the oven with Pizza stone in it to 475 (lower middle rack) in the meantime I spin out the dough. when the oven is at temp I take the stone out and slide the dough on to it than add sauce and the rest of the toppings. this gives the bottom a quick start before sliding it into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. I like to give it a 180 turn half way through. I like mine on the well done side so when the cheese starts to brown slightly my mouth starts to water.

Pork Sirloin Roast with Roasted Asparagus and Delicata Squash
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Pork Sirloin Roast with Roasted Asparagus and Delicata Squash

I don’t have much experience with this cut but ButcherBox had it as a choice so I thought I’d give it another try. Found this and it looked good.

It doesn’t get much easier than this flavorful and delicious Pork Sirloin Roast with just 5 minutes of prep!

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 Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 lb.) boneless pork sirloin roast
  • 3-4 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning (a blend of equal parts kosher salt, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, minced onion and dried basil) Steve Note: I used combo of 3/4 Italian Seasoning and 1/4 sweet basil seasoning because it was there in front of me and I was to lazy to make my own.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup sweet orange marmalade (or more, as needed)
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

  • Pat pork dry with paper towels. Liberally season pork on all sides with all-purpose seasoning. Wrap pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 300° F. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Unwrap pork and place in skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes.
  • Spread orange marmalade on top of the pork. Transfer to the oven and roast until pork registers 140-145° F on an instant-read thermometer, about 50 minutes – 1 hour.
  • Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for at least 10-15 minutes. Thinly-slice the pork and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

  • If your pork roast is tied with butcher’s string, leave the strings on the pork throughout the cooking process. Snip the strings when you’re ready to slice the meat.
  • If you don’t have a cast iron skillet (or other oven-proof skillet), sear the pork in a skillet and then transfer the meat to a roasting pan or other oven-safe dish to finish in the oven.
  • The total cooking time will vary depending on the size, thickness, and temperature of your pork when it goes into the oven. As a result, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to know exactly when your pork reaches the desired temperature.
  • Allow the meat to rest before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, rather than just running onto the cutting board.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a bright, colorful touch at the end.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the roast | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 905mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 2mg