Olive oil

Reality check
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Reality check

I am trying to see how I am doing, so far just a few comments not that I expected hundreds this early on or ever, and I am just overwhelmed that I have 67 followers between Facebook and my blog I could not imagine when I began that anyone would be interested in what I cook or write about.

I am learning things everyday about writing recipes, taking pictures, cropping pictures the list goes on….

I need your help.

What I am looking for is how am I doing, any suggestions, what might you like to see, what improvements would you suggests, what should I stop doing? I have so many recipes that I don’t prepare any more but they were/are good, should I share those? I could go on but I won’t….

I am asking is that if possible, would you could you make the comments on the blog site not Facebook, I know it’s an extra click and wait but hey it’s for a friend right. Use the comment section at bottom of recipe and let me know what you think. Exchange ideas to try. Rate the dish if you tried it, there is the “Rate this” section below the Title then others might think to try.

But most importantly I encourage you to enjoy cooking and eating and watching for that smile on someone’s face when they take the first bite and shake their head.

Thanks so much!

Rose’s Meatballs
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Rose’s Meatballs

What was a Sunday dinner at Rose’s without meatballs? This is a dish that a pinch of and a handful of that really comes to play. A dish that my side of the family would kill for, a plate of pasta topped with some of Rose’s meatballs.  Lyn and I used to sneak these into Dad when he was in the hospital. Well this was my first try and Lyn says I did ok. You really have to make these every week so you get it down. But then I would be 900 lbs. Quick easy but soooooo good.

I must first say we will probably never be able to master what she did but practice is a lot of fun.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. of ground sirloin I used 93% lean
  • 4 eggs – 2 per lbs
  • About 3 handfuls of seasons bread crumbs, each handful was about 1/4 cup
  • About a tablespoon or dried parsley (about a table spoon)
  • About 1/3 cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
  • About a table spoon of dried basil (about a table spoon)
  • A couple of teaspoon of garlic powder
  • About a tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 tsp. Salt and fresh ground pepper

How:

Preheat oven to 350◦

Line a backing sheet with high sides with tin foil and drizzle with then and spread olive oil

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Using a medium ice cream scoop, scoop out and shape into 2” balls. (Approximately) and line the pan with meatballs leaving a little space between each. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. The will be firm but not too firm. You can place sauce until ready to serve.

Note: for Xmas I put in sauce and let them simmer with the sauce they came out very moist and as Lyn said melted in your mouth.

                        

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Almond-Crusted Salmon

In our search for a healthier lifestyle we came across the Sonoma Diet maybe six years ago. I loved the way it was set up and the huge selection of meals was great.  Felt like I was cooking gourmet almost every night and in fact lost a few inches around the waist, my wife hates me I was not trying to lose weight. We have bought 3 or 4 of their cook books since and they are one of the ones I go to more often than not for ideas of what to do with whatever struck our fancy at the meat or fish market. I like to look at two or three of the same type of recipes from different sources for ideas and then make it with my own flair. Anyway this one needs no changes but I have tried cashews, pistachio and walnuts shhh don’t tell Connie.

  From: Sonoma Diet wave 2 and 3 express

Makes 4 servings

Start to finish 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lbs. salmon fillet, skinned, cut in 4-ounce portions
  • 2 Tbsp. whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. almonds, lightly toasted, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tsp. parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp. thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil or canola oil

How:

Season salmon with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Combine the bread crumbs and extra virgin olive oil. Mix just to coat the crumbs. Add chopped almonds and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on a plate.

Gently press each portion of seasoned salmon into almond mixture to coat one side. Place crumb-side up on a plate.

Heat a non stick pan over medium heat. Add oil, then place the fish, crumb-side down, in the pan. Cook about 2 minutes or until the crumbs are golden brown. Carefully turn the fish and cook 2-4 more minutes until the fish is just cooked through. Remove from the pan.

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Oven-fried Chicken Cutlets

This is a healthier version of my pan-fried chicken cutlets. I also like to use the tenders the same way to make chicken fingers.

Oven-fried Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast split and tenders removed. (depends on how many you are feeding or cooking to freeze)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 eggs to start
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Tabasco or hot sauce per 2 eggs (optional). Note: I add, it does not give the heat but adds to the flavor.
  • 2 cups whole wheat Italian bread crumbs to start. Note: You can actually use whatever type of breadcrumbs season yourself does not have to be Italian.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Olive oil 3 Tbsp. to start

To start you may have to add more of these items depending on the batch size.

How

Pound the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap to about ¼ inch and cut in half

Set up the assembly line in three shallow dishes (pie plates), flour in one, lightly beaten eggs with optional tabasco sauce in another, bread crumbs in the last.

Preheat oven to 350°

Dredge a chicken cutlet in flour shake off excess place in egg covering wiggle around to cover flip over and wiggle, move to bread crumbs cover completely all side and place on a plate. Repeat.

  • Note: I use one hand to do this it does cake up on the fingers.
  • Depending on the batch size. I believe if you have a bowl of water next to you can rinse then dry your hand after each piece but heck I just go for it washing my hands every once in a while.

Place in a single layer on baking sheet, lightly spray  the tops of cutlets and back until golden brown about 20-25 minutes (with or without parchment paper). The cutlet will feel firm when done and you can always cut one open to get an idea of time/doneness got to feed the chef right? No wonder I am not hungry when it hits the table.

There are so many ways to serve these, plain, with sauce, use to make quick chicken parmesan, in a sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes and roasted peppers…….

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Pan-fried Chicken Cutlets

I remember going to my in-laws and Sunday dinner where mounds of homemade lasagna, meatballs, pasta, brasciol, mineste soup little meatballs, greens OMG all those Italian delights covering every open inch of the table. Mom would be up at 4 AM pans clanging, blender whirling and soon that sauce was simmering it was not long before you woke to the smells and you snuck in dipped a piece of bread into the sauce for a quick breakfast appetizer.   I must have gained 5 lbs. every time we ventured to Maine for the weekend.

Although a small part of the meal it is something that stuck with me and became a staple of our diet only to be modified when we had to get healthier see Oven-baked Chicken fried cutlets.

Pan-fried Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast split and tenders removed. (depends on how many you are feeding or cooking to freeze)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs to start
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Tabasco or hot sauce per 2 eggs (optional). Note: I add, it does not give the heat but adds to the flavor.
  • 2 cups Italian bread crumbs to start. Note: You can actually use whatever type of breadcrumbs season yourself does not have to be Italian.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Olive oil 3 Tbsp. to start

How

Pound the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap to about ¼ inch and cut in half

Set up the assembly line in three shallow dishes (pie plates), flour in one, lightly beaten eggs with optional tabasco sauce in another, bread crumbs in the last.

Heat 3 Tbsp. olive oil in fry pan over medium heat then lower slightly we you add the chicken.

Dredge a chicken cutlet in flour shake off excess place in egg covering wiggle around to cover flip over and wiggle, move to bread crumbs cover completely all side and place on a plate. Repeat.

  • Note: I use one hand to do this it does cake up on the fingers.
  • Depending on the batch size. I believe if you have a bowl of water next to you can rinse then dry your hand after each piece but heck I just go for it washing my hands every once in a while.

Anyway when you get 4 ready add to the heated oil and fry about 2-3 minutes per side depending on the thickness until golden brown. The cutlet will feel firm when done and you can always cut one open to get an idea of time/doneness got to feed the chef right? You will mostly likely want to turn the heat lower after the 1st or 2nd batch. Depending on batch side you can clean the pan out from time to time with a wad of paper towels.

Place cook cutlets on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

There are so many ways to serve these, plain, with sauce, use to make quick chicken parmesan, in a sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes and roasted peppers…….

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Roasted Vegetables

I love veggies and roasting them is just another way to appreciate them. They make a great side dish and then for leftovers in a frittata or as a salad topper. I usually use spices that I am using in the main dish to bring the two together.

I can’t say what to sue there are so many and most will roast up nicely so experiment away. If you find something that just is great roasted let me know.

 

Roasted Vegetables

Love that carmalization!

Ingredients you’re eyeballing here and you will put more of what you like and according to how many people.

  • 1- Small to medium eggplant pealed on not cut into slightly large than bite size.
  • 3-6 – Green, red, yellow or orange bell pepper quartered or more depending on the size. Also seeded and white web removed.
  • 2-3 – Red or sweet onion quartered
  • ½ head of broccoli flowerets or 1 pound of asparagus cut up slightly larger than bite size pieces
  • 3-5 Carrots
  • 6-15 Whole mushrooms stems removed
  • 10-15 fingerlings potatoes or small red potatoes (If too large just cut in half.)
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 2-3 Tbsp. each Dried oregano, basil and rosemary. (Remember use what you used in main meal to bring the flavor together).
  • 1 lemon (optional)

Again the choices are many it’s up to you.

How

Preheat oven to 350 to 400°

Place the vegetables in a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on the herbs, mixed well making sure the herbs get distributed evenly. Now roast for 40-55 minutes. I know it is large span in cooking times but it all depends on what you’re roasting. For my wife the pepper head a few twist of the pepper mill before serving.

 

 

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CRUNCHY OVEN-FRIED FISH

We used to pan fry our fish all the time placing an halved onion in the oil to absorb what we were told would be the fish odors. Then we slowly got healthier and were delighted when surfing the channels came upon Americas Test Kitchen and they were making this tried it and now it is a staple. We had baked fish before but it never really came out crispy or stuck to the fish. Who would have thought a skinny nerdy looking guy, Chris Kimball, would become one of my heroes although he does not seem to cook much, so I guess my real heroes are Julia, Bridget, Rebecca and the rest of the crew. He does pull it all together and I am sure he is a fine cook and not how he depicts himself on the show. Please keep inspiring and educating me.

CRUNCHY OVEN-FRIED FISH

Published September 1, 2008. From Cook’s Illustrated. 

With my minor tweaks and cheats

This is very similar to how I do my chicken cutlets either pan-fried or baked minus a few ingredients.

Serves 4

To prevent overcooking, buy fish fillets at least 1 inch thick. The bread crumbs can be made up to 3 days in advance, cooled, and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Serve with Sweet and Tangy Tartar Sauce (see related recipe) or lemon wedges. Steve tweak: If you have a skinny end of the fish you can always fold under to make it about the same thickness as the other so it cooks evenly.

Ingredients

  • 4 large slices white sandwich bread , torn into 1-inch pieces Steve tweak: Whole wheat bread
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
  • Salt and ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 small shallot , minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup plus 5 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour Steve tweak: Whole wheat bread
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (optional) Steve tweak: optional? Not in my opinion
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/4 pounds skinless cod fillet , or haddock fillet, or other thick white fish fillet (1 to 1 1/2 inches thick), cut into 4 pieces (see note)
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Pulse bread, melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in food processor until bread is coarsely ground, eight 1-second pulses (you should have about 3 1/2 cups crumbs). Steve tweak: Use already prepared whole wheat or panko bread crumbs added salt and pepper and then melted butter. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet and bake until deep golden brown and dry, about 15 minutes, stirring twice during baking time (0-8 minutes using bread crumbs). Cool crumbs to room temperature, about 10 minutes. Transfer crumbs to pie plate; toss with parsley and shallot. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees.
  2. Place 1/4 cup flour in second pie plate. In third pie plate, whisk eggs, horseradish (if using), mayonnaise, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until combined; whisk in remaining 5 tablespoons flour until smooth.
  3. Spray wire rack with nonstick cooking spray and place in rimmed baking sheet. Dry fish thoroughly with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Dredge 1 fillet in flour; shake off excess. Using hands, coat with egg mixture. Coat all sides of fillet with bread crumb mixture, pressing gently so that thick layer of crumbs adheres to fish. Transfer breaded fish to wire rack. Repeat with remaining 3 fillets.
  4. 4. Bake fish until instant-read thermometer inserted into centers of fillets registers 140 degrees, 18 to 25 minutes. Using thin spatula, transfer fillets to individual plates and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step

Keys to a Crisp Crust I love that they review

Soft, moist fish needs an extra-thick coating of bread crumbs to add flavor and crunch. Here’s how we lay it on thick:

Picture from America Test Kitchen

1. Pulse: Processing fresh crumbs very coarsely maximizes crunch.

Steve tweak: Use already prepared whole wheat or panko bread crumbs added salt and pepper and then melted butter.

Picture from America Test Kitchen

2. Toast: Prebaking buttered crumbs ensures that they are brown and crisp when fish is done. 0-8 minutes using bread crumbs

Picture from America Test Kitchen

3. Dip: Thickening batter with flour and mayonnaise prevents toasted crumbs from turning soggy and glues them firmly to fish.

Picture from America Test Kitchen

4. Coat: Pressing down gently on crumbs helps to pack thick layer on fish.

Picture from America Test Kitchen

5. Elevate: Baking fish on a wire rack set inside baking sheet allows air to circulate underneath.

Herb Rub Flank Steak
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Herb Rub Flank Steak

I love flank steak you can do so much with it tonight we are trying a stir fry, recipe to come. Anyway this is one of my favorite especially around late spring early summer when my rosemary is growing and calling me to run my hands along a sprig. I just love the smell it leaves on them. We tried many different combinations and came up with this but as I said we like to experiment so send me ideas you think might work.

Herb Rubbed Flank Steak with Sweet Potato Pancake and Broccoli

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ to 2 lbs. beef flank steak.
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh rosemary or 1 Tbsp. dried crushed if your house is too dry and it just never last the winter.
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh marjoram or 1 tsp. dried, crushed.
  • 3 table Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried, crushed.
  • Yes you should see my deck in the height of the summer.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced about 1 ½ tsp. minced.
  • 1 ½ tsp. paprika (try with the different kinds each adds a slightly different kick).
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt.
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper.
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. extra virgin Olive Oil.

ingredients

How

Trim fat from the meat. Score both sides of the steak in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts at 1 inch intervals, set aside. In a small bowl mix the rosemary, marjoram, oregano, garlic, paprika, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir in the oil until combined. This makes your rub.

rub

Divide the mixture roughly by half, spoon mixture over one side of steak and rub in with your fingers. Repeat on the other side. Come on give it a good massage it is a rub.

give it a roob rubbing all sides

I like to wrap it with plastic wrap then put on plate but you can put in a shallow dish unwrapped as long as you can cover it tightly. Place in refrigerator for 1 to 24 hours, got better results the longer I waited.

wrap in plastice wrap

Grilling: Ok I have done both but I mostly use a gas grill but since I am a nice guy you can grill directly over medium coals. Grill 17 to 21 minutes uncovered or until medium doneness about 160° turning once halfway. For gas grill I found preheating grill to high, reduce heat to medium. Place on grill over heat.  And grill as above Ha fooled you, both about the same.

Transfer to a cutting board cover loosely with tinfoil let stand for 10 minutes. To serve, slice very thinly across the grain. Some say across and at an angle you try it an let me know which way you prefer just remember across the grain.

slice and serve (2) slice and serve (1)

Grill Tip:

  • I keep tin foil shinny side down on the grill while preheating this really cooks anything that was left on last time and turns it into easy to remove ashes.
  • Wipe down with veggie oil on a wad of paper towels held by tongs.