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My California Burger, I guess
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My California Burger, I guess

I already express my delight with the official start of Avocado season and in celebration I will try to use avocado in at least one meal a day until the 5 I bought are gone. Anyway last night I had a burger and Lyn took a look at it and said that’s a California burger. I don’t care what you call it, it sure was tasty.

avacado

Ingredients

  • 1 ground sirloin patty
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • 3 grape cherry tomatoes sliced
  • 1 piece of ROMAIN lettuce
  • Some cheese
  • 1 all natural organic bun

How:

Cook the burger to your doneness, melt cheese on top

Arrange the lettuce, tomatoes and avocado on top.

Important note: you can pile up the avocado

You can top with any condiments you want, I choose none.

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Shhhhh don’t tell anyone I also took a potato pancake out of the freezer it became my giant tater tot.

avacoda about

 

Are you up to speed on your avocado nutrition knowledge?

This creamy, delicious fruit packs a punch! Read on for the tastiest top five facts about avocado nutrition:

  • Avocado nutrition fact #1: Avocados are naturally cholesterol free!
  • Avocado nutrition fact #2: When used instead of other fats, avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-reduced diet.
  • Avocado nutrition fact #3: The avocado is virtually the only fruit that has heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
  • Avocado nutrition fact #4: Avocados are included in dietary programs from some of the world’s leading nutrition organizations.
  • Avocado nutrition fact #5: California Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit.

As you can see, avocados have more to offer than just great taste! Add California Avocados to your diet today.

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Glazed Blueberry Chicken
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Glazed Blueberry Chicken

You may have read that I am addicted to my 18 year old balsamic vinegar, well the last time I ordered online they accidentally sent me a bottle of blueberry balsamic vinegar along with that I ordered. Their mistake was quickly fixed and the blueberry was mine to play with for free!! I thought that it would be great on some fresh fruit, which it was, I tried over avocado but not quite my thing then my wife handed me the Silver Palate cook book and asked do you think you could make this. I have trouble refusing those eyes and a new recipe always excites me. After she said that she had been waiting for 25 years to try something like this what do I think about raspberry?

 

Yield: 2 to 4 servings

 

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken, 2 1/2 to 3 lbs., cut into quarters (or I just use boneless thighs)*
  • 1/2 c blueberry vinegar
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 c blueberry chutney
  • chopped Italian parsley and grated zest of an orange for garnish

 

*Note: I just used 2 bone in chicken breast there is only 2 of us but did make the same amount of marinade since it would become the sauce.

 

How:

Combine chicken quarters, blueberry vinegar, and thyme in a bowl and marinate 2 hours.

marinate

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Arrange chicken, skin side up, in a glass baking dish. Reserve marinade. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and coat with chutney.

Set baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake, uncovered, 40 minutes, or until done. Transfer chicken to a serving platter, cover, and keep warm.

roast

Skim the fat from the cooking juices and move to a saucepan over medium heat. Add the marinade and bring to a boil. Reduce by 1/3 or until sauce is lightly thickened.  Pour over chicken and garnish with fresh parsley and orange zest. (You can also stir in some fresh blueberries to the sauce in the saucepan when you are simmering that.)

sauce

Serve.

Bluebery glazed Chicken SERVE

Other posts

Balsamic Vinegar

Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Lemon Herb Pan Sauce

Related articles
Crispy Traditional Potato Pancakes
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Crispy Traditional Potato Pancakes

By Joan Nathan

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds russet (baking) or Yukon Gold potatoes

russett

  • 1 medium onion

onion

  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions, including the green part

scallions

  • 1 large egg, beaten

egg

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

How:
1. Peel the potatoes and put in cold water. Using a grater or a food processor coarsely grate the potatoes and onions. Place together in a fine-mesh strainer or tea towel and squeeze out all the water over a bowl. The potato starch will settle to the bottom; reserve that after you have carefully poured off the water.

2. Mix the potato and onion with the potato starch. Add the scallions, egg, and salt and pepper.

3. Heat a griddle or non-stick pan and coat with a thin film of vegetable oil. Take about 2 tablespoons* of the potato mixture in the palm of your hand and flatten as best you can. Place the potato mixture on the griddle, flatten with a large spatula, and fry for a few minutes until golden. Flip the pancake over and brown the other side. Remove to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately. You can also freeze the potato pancakes and crisp them up in a 350-degree oven at a later time.

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*I like really big pancakes so my pick show much larger ones, maybe 4-6 tablespoons. remember I am a pinch of this or handful of that kind of cook.

Variation: If you want a more traditional and thicker pancake, you can add an extra egg plus 1/3 cup of matzah meal to the batter.

Pther Posts

Big Fat Cod Potato Pancakes

Crispy Oven Baked Russet Fries

 

 

It’s Avocado Season!!
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It’s Avocado Season!!

When I was younger so much younger than today I lived in Temecula California doing under the table asphalt work for Rich McDonnell’s uncle I think. We lived in their country house so to speak and whenever he had a job down our area we were readily available   workers. It was a tough life we had to take care of the 2 horses a dog, got   the old Willy jeep working and explored the area. It was what they called mud flat desert and it went on for miles and miles. We once found a small town somewhere out in the middle of nowhere with the sing Welcome to “sorry Can’t remember the   name” 12 happy and 3 grumpy residents. Temecula was not a huge town and in   fact if you remember the Clorox commercials away from…. well Temecula was one   of those towns. We made 104 people in the town and maybe 8 of them used   Clorox. It was in the height of the gas rationing odd even days and we never   knew it since the gas station was only open 1 day a week. Anyway when a crew came in to build hydroponic I struck up a friendship with the contractor a fellow Yankee but from NJ and was soon working there.  What has this got to do with avocados, my god when he said he was a flow of thought writer he was not kidding here it is….I love avocados whether in everybody’s favorite guacamole or sliced with a drizzle with 18 year old balsamic vinegar, mixed in a tuna melt, in salads and am always looking for new ideas. Temecula is next door in desert terms the Avocado capital of the world or at least California, Fallbrook CA. I used to joke playing with the old wives tale that a lobsterman could legally shot you for pulling up his trap that the same was true with avocado ranchers and picking from their trees.I got this notice from California Avocado Commission.

Ah, April! The month that brings us   spring also means the start of the other season we’ve been waiting for all   winter-California Avocado season has begun! Starting this month, you can find the premium, hand grown fruit at your local market. Look for California on the avocado label to make sure you’re selecting this fresh, California-grown fruit. If you are unable to find them, let your produce manager know of your preference!

avacoda season

No matter the meal, the occasion or the flavors you’re craving, California Avocados consistently deliver the fresh and creamy taste that makes any dish a delight. Refresh your palate with this chilled soup recipe from one of our growers: Abbott Family Gazpacho with   California Avocado. Try the simple, yet elegant Fresh California Avocado Crepe Wrap for lunch. Or, find a new love for springtime salads with this hearty and flavorful Fried Chicken Breast Salad with Avocado, Corn, Basil & Housemade Ranch Dressing from Chef Hugh Acheson. The season is ripe for the tasting-start now!By the way I met someone recently that tells me Temecula is now a booming retirement community.

 

avacoda about

Is avocado a fruit or a vegetable

I’ve always been fascinated by avocado. It is such a delicious, creamy and rich treat that’s pretty versatile. You can enjoy it savory as well as sweet dishes. It’s rather healthy but also incredibly rich and fatty. One of the questions that often comes up is this: Is avocado a fruit or a vegetable?

Since it grows on a tree (the avocado tree) and is part of the reproductive organ of the plan that also carries the seed, it is technically / biologically a fruit. We do tend to think of it more as a vegetable though because of the way we use it in the kitchen.

Most of the time we use it in savory dishes and salad. And since avocado aren’t naturally sweet, we don’t think of them as fruit. We add it to salads, make cold soups from it or use it as a sandwich spread. Of course then there’s the ever popular guacamole, a simple avocado dip. Here’s my favorite recipe.

 
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Quick Lemon Herb Pan Sauce

Shallot bulbs

Ingredients

  • 1-2 shallots, minced fine – in a pinch substitute ¼ cup sweet onion
  • ½  cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme (estimated – fresh would be better – a few sprigs)
  • 1 tsp. dried rosemary (estimated – fresh would be better – a few sprigs)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How:

Remember this is after searing and or roasting something usually chicken

Heat pan over medium heat. Add the shallots to the pan and sauté, stirring, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the onion is softened. Add the chicken stock and herbs, turn the heat to high. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all the browned bits of chicken, bring to boil until the stock until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. The plate holding the chicken breasts will have some chicken juice on the bottom; add it to the pan. Turn off the heat, and remove the herb sprigs if you used fresh. Whisk the butter into the sauce, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Quick and easy – wine instead of broth?

Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Lemon Herb Pan Sauce
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Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Lemon Herb Pan Sauce

We bought some bone in chicken breast at Wholefoods they were not on our list but on sale. I am not a big white meat fan but it is better for you and Lyn does not like the dark meat I love her and I cater to her like most of the time. Anyway we already used the boneless chicken breast in the Carrot Orange Juice Chicken Noodle Soup and I had planned on doing something with it last night. I was surfing the net on my lunch break and found a few but this one from DadCooksDinner.com caught my eye, I did not have everything he used but had substitutes, onion for shallot, dried instead of fresh herbs and I added lemon juice. I did not notice the title until today when I went back to post. He did call it lemon herb sauce after all, but listed no lemon I took liberties, besides it would not be the first time someone else other than me or my Mom left out one ingredient.  Anyway this came out with crispy skin, moist and tender so good when Lyn walked in the door I said forget your special diet you just got to try this. She asked if I marinated in buttermilk it was so moist and tender. Like he said in his post he has pan seared oven roasted steak, pork etc. – a man after my own heart – he thought why not with chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 1 chicken breasts split, bone in and skin on
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tsp. canola oil

You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, my wife is a pepper head so.

Pan Sauce

  • ¼  cup sweet onion, minced fine
  • ½  cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme (estimated – fresh would be better – a few sprigs)
  • 1 tsp. dried rosemary (estimated – fresh would be better – a few sprigs)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½  tbsp. butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How:

Prepare the Chicken: Heat your oven to 350F. If the chicken breasts came with the rib section still attached, remove them- they might get too dried out. Rinse and pat dry chicken. Combine salt and pepper together and sprinkle the chicken all sides. Let rest at room temperature until the pan is heated.

Sear the chicken: Put the teaspoon of oil in your fry pan, and heat over medium heat until the oil is shimmering. Swirl the oil around to coat the pan, then add the chicken, skin side down. Sear for 4 to 8 minutes, or until the skin is a dark golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the bone side for 4 minutes.

Sear the chicken

*Searing time will depend on how crowded your pan is.  If your pan isn’t very crowded searing will take less time – 4 to 6 minutes.

Roast the Chicken: Move the pan to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. You want to cook the chicken until it is just 160*F in the thickest part of the meat. (The best way to check this is with a remote probe thermometer.)  Remove the pan from the oven, and move the chicken to a serving plate. Keep the oven mitt on the handle this reminds you the handle and pan are still very hot. I have the scars to prove that I had brain fart moments.

Make the Sauce: Remember, the handle is still &*&^%!! Hot. Using an oven mitt or pot holder, put the pan over medium heat. Add the onions to the pan and sauté, stirring, for about 1 minute, until the onion is softened. Add the chicken stock and herbs, turn the heat to high. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all the browned bits of chicken, bring to boil until the stock until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. The plate holding the chicken breasts will have some chicken juice on the bottom; add it to the pan. Turn off the heat, and remove the herb sprigs if you used fresh. Whisk the butter into the sauce, and add salt and pepper to taste. I am on a self imposed very low salt diet so I used the salt sparingly.

Spoon a teaspoon of sauce over each breast, then serve I also used over the asparagus.

Taken with cell phone

Taken with cell phone

Crispy Shallots
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Crispy Shallots

 

Ingredients

  • 1-2 shallots shaved into rings, used our new mandolin
  • I cup rice flour – gluten free which browns more quickly
  • Canal oil as needed.

Shallot bulbs

How

Heat canola oil in a small sauté pan. Toss shallots in rice flour, shaking off excess. Fry rings until crispy and lightly golden. Remove from oil and season with salt. Drain on paper towel. To be honest the first batch burnt, the second was not quite crispy enough, and the next batch was perfect. Sound like a familiar story to you? I used the 2nd and third batch tossed the first. Learned you got to watch them cause they turn real quick.

Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins and Pepper Biscuits
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Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins and Pepper Biscuits

Richard and I were talking about the good old days and Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins came up, that naturally got me onto the kitchen gadgets. I was a sucker for those things when a kid he used to do demonstrations at Jordan Marsh. My Mom literally had her top shelfs full of all these that I got her for mother’s day every year.

slice and dice

Now that I think about it She was never over 5 feet tall and the top shelf was a wasteland to her she was a good Mom she never used them but she did keep them on display so I thought. Anyway Richard found his Mom’s recipe for the muffins and these pepper biscuits I bet they are both up there smiling down at us right now. Notice his mom like more sugar and blueberries or was that for Richard’s sweet tooth.

Jordan marsh

Click to enlarge

Avocado Tuna Fish Melt
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Avocado Tuna Fish Melt

Ingredients:

  • ½ Avocado
  • 1 small can of tuna – I found this great multipack of what appear to be ½ size cans at BJ (perfect for one) so if a regular is 5 oz. this would be 2.5 oz.. If you don’t have a small can double other ingredients
  • A few chopped roasted Baby Roma Tomatoes – salsa is nice also
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A shake of Onion and garlic powder to taste (optional)
  • Bread – your choice
  • Sliced or shredded cheese your choice I happen to have some sliced provolone left over from my stuffed eggplant.

 ingredients

How:

  • Drain the tuna and flake in a small bowl. Add avocado and other ingredients and combine to mix well
  • Lightly toast the bread
  • Spread tuna mixture on the bread

spread the tuna

  • Cover with cheese

top with cheese

  • Place on cookie sheet and under a broiler on high until the cheese is melted I like slight browned.

server

Served with corn salad and what else a couple Baby Roma Tomatoes, the slice cucumber never made it to my plate. What one’s got to munch you know.

Roasted Baby Roma Tomatoes
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Roasted Baby Roma Tomatoes

 It was a Saturday morning 7:45 AM and I dropped Lyn off for her appointment and drove across the parking lot to Stop and Shop to grab most of what we needed for the week in groceries. The store was empty not being my typical store I was unfamiliar with the layout and so where many of the employees out of three asked none knew where the raisins were. I have taken to a full beard these days and one kid kept pushing me toward the razors.  Anyway I could not find a small box of cherry tomatoes so I grabbed a huge 2 labs box of Baby Roma figuring I would think of something. I did and during halftime yesterday I roasted most thinking I would make a small batch of tomato soup. Lyn made a corn salad it was soooo good but she can’t remember how and I threw a few in my Avocado Tuna Fish Melt and store the rest for a now very small batch of soup.

Baby Roma Tomote 

Ingredients:

  • About 2 pounds of Baby Roma Tomatoes
  • Olive Oil
  • Dried Basel a good couple of big pinches
  • Salt and pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

 Roasted Baby Roma Tomatoes

How:

Spread tomatoes on roasting pan or cookie sheet cover with parchment paper.

Drizzle with olive oil

Sprinkle salt and pepper and pepper flakes

Toss to coat

Place in 450 degree oven and roast 30-40 minutes until desired doneness