Some foods seem to fit better in certain seasons than others: stews and soups during the fall and winter, salads during the summer...
Many of us think of Burgers and Fries as kind-of a summer food - think grilling, picnics, etc. But there's no reason why they can't be eaten year 'round. (And yes, I know it's technically still summer, but since it's after Labor Day, it almost seems like the beginning of autumn.)
Today's yummy offerings include Juicy Grilled Burgers and BBQ Chicken Burgers with Slaw. Enjoy!
AVOCADO CLUB CHEESEBURGERS WITH SWEET POTATO FRIES
This is from Audrey Johns on The TODAY Show website. She wrote, “This whole meal, from burger to fries, is only 477 calories, and it's also protein packed with 39 grams of protein. Great for a healthy barbecue substitute.
“Technique tip: I use parchment paper when baking the fries so that they brown nicely and don't stick to the pan.
“Swap option: You can use ground turkey, as the recipe calls for, or swap out for bison or lean beef. If you don't like sweet potato fries, swap out for russet potatoes and follow the same directions for yummy baked French fries.”
Cook Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries
3 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cheeseburgers
4 slices turkey bacon, halved
Nonstick cooking spray
1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
4 whole-wheat burger buns
4 romaine leaves, halved
1 large tomato, cut into 4 thick slices
1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
Preparation
For the fries:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line three rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into steak fry-size wedges, tossing them into a large bowl as you work. Add the cooking spray, garlic salt, pepper and toss to coat the fries. Spread out the fries evenly on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For the sauce:
Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside to let the flavors blend.
For the burgers:
Line a plate with paper towels. Lightly coat a large sauté pan with cooking spray and set over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon, and brown to your liking. Transfer to the prepared plate, leaving the oil and drippings in the pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together with your clean hands the ground turkey, onion, garlic, kosher salt and pepper until just combined (don't over mix or the burgers will be tough). Form into 4 patties and make a little dimple in the center of each so that they keep their shape while cooking.
With the pan from the bacon over medium-low heat, add the patties and cook for 8 minutes, undisturbed. Flip and top each patty with cheese and cook for another 8 minutes, until cooked through.
Place the bottom buns on four plates and layer each of them as follows: romaine, tomato, avocado, burger and bacon. Smear the top buns with sauce, and then place on top of the burgers. Divide the fries among the plates alongside the burgers and serve.
BARBECUED HAMBURGERS
This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Remember these for your next cookout.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 45 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped or 1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 (4-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 10 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and paprika and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, heat the broiler or light the charcoal grill. Let the coals get medium hot.
Divide the meat into 4 patties. Brush with the sauce and broil or grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing frequently with the sauce. Serve immediately on the hamburger buns and pass the extra sauce on the side.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
JUICY GRILLED BURGERS
This perfect burger recipe comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These juicy grilled burgers are perfect for a summer cookout or holiday. Top them off with sliced tomatoes, pickles, and red onions, or add some bacon to your toppings.
“Tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce add to the flavor and juiciness of these hamburgers.
“If you like a flavorful burger, this recipe is an excellent choice. The burgers are made with a small amount of bread crumbs, grated onion, tomato juice (I use V-8), and some simple seasonings.
“See the tips and variations below the recipe for some extra flavor ideas and burger shaping and cooking tips.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 5 servings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chuck (ground, or ground round)
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain, fine, dry)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons onion (grated)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato juice
Salt to taste (seasoned)
Pepper to taste
Optional: tomatoes (sliced)
Optional: pickles (sliced)
Optional: onion (sliced)
Optional: lettuce
Optional: condiments (as desired)
Directions
Combine the ground beef with bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, garlic powder, and tomato juice; mix well. Shape the ground beef into 4 to 5 large burger patties. Sprinkle both sides of burgers lightly with seasoned salt and pepper.
Prepare your gas or charcoal grill for high heat and oil the grate with vegetable oil.
Place the burgers on a foil-lined pan. Cover and refrigerate until the grill is ready.
Put burgers on the prepared grill over direct heat. Grill the burgers for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done as desired.
Serve on split toasted buns with your choice of sliced vegetables and condiments.
Burger Shaping and Cooking Tips
Weigh your burgers as you shape them for uniform size and even cooking.
Using your thumb or a finger, make an indention in the center of each patty, especially if they're quite thick. This will help it stay flat and cook evenly.
Grind your own beef. Choose chuck steak or cubes or boneless short ribs, or another cut with good flavor and a decent amount of fat.
Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the burger temperature. An inexpensive instant-read thermometer is fine, but if you use a food thermometer frequently, consider the ThermoWorks Thermapen. It's super fast and reliable.
Burger Temperatures
Rare: 120 F to 125 F
Medium Rare: 130 F to 135 F
Medium: 140 F to 145 F
Medium Well: 150 F to 155 F
Well Done: 160 F to 165 F
Keep in mind that Foodsafety.gov recommends a minimum safe temperature of 160 F for ground beef, or 165 F for ground poultry.
BBQ CHICKEN BURGERS WITH SLAW
This is from Rachael Ray of The Food Network show 30 Minute Meals.
Total: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces
1 small red onion, 1/2 finely chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
1 tablespoon hot sauce, eyeball it
1 1/4 pounds ground chicken
1 tablespoons grill seasoning (recommended: McCormick brand) a palm full
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons honey, eyeball it
1 lemon, juiced
3 rounded tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 cups shredded cabbage mix
Salt and pepper
4 cornmeal Kaiser rolls, split
Directions
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onions, garlic and tomato paste and sweat them for 5 minutes to soften and sweeten. Sprinkle in sugar and remove from heat. Cool in a bowl, 5 minutes. Add tomato paste mixture, Worcestershire, hot sauce to bowl and combine. Add chicken to the bowl then grill seasoning and combine the burgers well to evenly distribute the flavors and form 4 patties. Wash up.
Heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan, in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 6 minutes on each side.
Combine the honey, lemon juice, and remaining extra-virgin olive oil in a bowl. Add relish, cabbage mix and sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Toss the slaw to coat and reserve.
Serve burgers on bun bottoms topped with slaw and bun tops.
MORGAN’S VEGGIE PATTIES
This comes from Guy Fieri of The Food Network show Guy’s Big Bite. It’s a little labor-intensive (you’re not going to have this on the table 20 minutes after getting home from work), but it’s well worth it.
Total: 1 hr 21 min; Prep: 45 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 6 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.
Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Showing posts with label Jalapeno Cheeseburgers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jalapeno Cheeseburgers. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Monday, September 10, 2018
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's six recipes include Piña Colada Chicken Salad and One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream. Enjoy!
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour
To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
PINA COLADA CHICKEN SALAD
This comes from Delish, and begins, “We're obsessed with the crunchy coconut chicken.”
Yields: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
1 c. all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 c. shredded coconut
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 head romaine
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 c. pineapple, chopped
1/2 c. coconut milk
Juice of 2 limes
Zest of 1 lime
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Dredge chicken in flour, egg and coconut and transfer to a baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Bake until cooked through and coconut is golden, 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, arrange salad: In a large bowl combine romaine, red pepper, pineapple and chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice and zest, and red pepper flakes and season with salt.
Drizzle with dressing and serve.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
The Rest:
Canola oil, for frying
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped black olives
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
For the sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat:
While the sauce is simmering, brown the ground beef with the onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
For the rest:
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat some canola oil. Lightly fry the tortillas just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Next, one at a time, dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortilla on a plate. Place on some of the meat mixture, chilies, green onions and black olives. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and pour the remaining sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese and any other bits of chiles, green onions or olives you have left over from the filling.
Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve.
GRILLED PINEAPPLE SUNDAES
This comes from Delish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 pineapple slices
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Dulce de leche, for drizzling
2 tbsp. sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Directions
Heat grill to high. Grill pineapple until charred, 1 minute per side.
Top each pineapple slice with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with dulce de leche or caramel. Top with shredded coconut and serve immediately.
ONE-INGREDIENT BANANA ICE CREAM
This comes from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This outrageously easy ‘ice cream’ is just the sort of dessert to please everyone at the table – the vegans, the lactose-intolerant, the paleo enthusiasts, the picky children. Just toss four frozen bananas into a blender and give it a good whirl. If you like soft-serve consistency, eat it right away (and adding a few tablespoons of milk to the blender wouldn't hurt, but it's not necessary). For more traditional scoops, freeze it in an airtight container, and dole out as you would the Ben & Jerry's. Consider adding a spoonful of peanut butter, Nutella or honey; a handful of chocolate chips or almonds; or a 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger, cardamom or cinnamon.”
Yield: Four servings; Time: 6 hours 10 minutes.
This was featured in “Food; Uncle Food” and can be viewed online here.
Check out Melissa Clark’s guide, “How to Make Ice Cream”. Very informative, very yummy…After looking through this, I wanted to spend the next weekend making batch after batch of ice cream.
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas
Preparation
Peel the bananas, cut them in 2- to 3-inch chunks and place them in a freezer bag in the freezer for at least 6 hours. Remove and blend in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately, or freeze in an airtight container for at least 2 hours. Scoop and serve.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour
To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
PINA COLADA CHICKEN SALAD
This comes from Delish, and begins, “We're obsessed with the crunchy coconut chicken.”
Yields: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
1 c. all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 c. shredded coconut
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 head romaine
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 c. pineapple, chopped
1/2 c. coconut milk
Juice of 2 limes
Zest of 1 lime
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Dredge chicken in flour, egg and coconut and transfer to a baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Bake until cooked through and coconut is golden, 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, arrange salad: In a large bowl combine romaine, red pepper, pineapple and chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice and zest, and red pepper flakes and season with salt.
Drizzle with dressing and serve.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
The Rest:
Canola oil, for frying
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped black olives
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
For the sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat:
While the sauce is simmering, brown the ground beef with the onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
For the rest:
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat some canola oil. Lightly fry the tortillas just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Next, one at a time, dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortilla on a plate. Place on some of the meat mixture, chilies, green onions and black olives. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and pour the remaining sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese and any other bits of chiles, green onions or olives you have left over from the filling.
Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve.
GRILLED PINEAPPLE SUNDAES
This comes from Delish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 pineapple slices
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Dulce de leche, for drizzling
2 tbsp. sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Directions
Heat grill to high. Grill pineapple until charred, 1 minute per side.
Top each pineapple slice with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with dulce de leche or caramel. Top with shredded coconut and serve immediately.
ONE-INGREDIENT BANANA ICE CREAM
This comes from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This outrageously easy ‘ice cream’ is just the sort of dessert to please everyone at the table – the vegans, the lactose-intolerant, the paleo enthusiasts, the picky children. Just toss four frozen bananas into a blender and give it a good whirl. If you like soft-serve consistency, eat it right away (and adding a few tablespoons of milk to the blender wouldn't hurt, but it's not necessary). For more traditional scoops, freeze it in an airtight container, and dole out as you would the Ben & Jerry's. Consider adding a spoonful of peanut butter, Nutella or honey; a handful of chocolate chips or almonds; or a 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger, cardamom or cinnamon.”
Yield: Four servings; Time: 6 hours 10 minutes.
This was featured in “Food; Uncle Food” and can be viewed online here.
Check out Melissa Clark’s guide, “How to Make Ice Cream”. Very informative, very yummy…After looking through this, I wanted to spend the next weekend making batch after batch of ice cream.
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas
Preparation
Peel the bananas, cut them in 2- to 3-inch chunks and place them in a freezer bag in the freezer for at least 6 hours. Remove and blend in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately, or freeze in an airtight container for at least 2 hours. Scoop and serve.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday, time to get ready for the weekend. And while it isn't a three-day weekend (like last weekend), it is the end of a four-day work week (for some of us, anyway).
Today's six recipes include Fresh Vegetable Pita Pizza and Banana Split Lasagna to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!
LOW-CAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from The Food Network Kitchen.
Total: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat (2%) milk
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons Neufchtel or low-fat cream cheese
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 ounces fresh fettuccine
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook until the garlic is slightly soft, about 1 minute. Add in the flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook, whisking constantly, until just thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the Neufchatel and parmesan cheese; whisk until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta and gently toss to combine, adding more cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with parmesan and pepper.
BANANA SPLIT LASAGNA
This comes from Rian Handler on Delish. Rian wrote, “This no-bake dessert is hands down the most fun way to eat a banana split.”
Yields: 12; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours, 35 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 c. crushed graham crackers
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted
2 tbsp. sugar
kosher salt
For the Cream Filling
12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 c. sugar
8 oz. cool whip
For the Fruit Layer
3 bananas, thinly sliced
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped
Additional Toppings
8 oz. cool whip
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped
chocolate syrup, for serving
Rainbow sprinkles, for serving
Maraschino cherries, for serving
Directions
Grease a 9"-x-13” baking dish.
Make crust: In a medium bowl, add graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined, then press into baking dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 15 minutes.
Make cream filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy, 5 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread mixture evenly onto crust.
To cream layer, add even layers of banana, pineapple and strawberries. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
When ready to serve, garnish with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and maraschino cherries.
FRIED CHICKEN
This yummy recipe is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total Time: 10 hours; Active Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 fryer chickens, each cut into 8 pieces
4 1/4 cups buttermilk
5 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/4 cup milk
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment: a deep-fry thermometer
Thoroughly rinse the chicken pieces, then place them in a bowl and cover with 4 cups of the buttermilk. Soak in the fridge overnight or up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to fry the chicken, remove the bowl from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes, just to take the chill off.
In the meantime, preheat the oven to 360 degrees F and mix up the breading. Place the flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, thyme and cayenne (plus extra cayenne if you like heat) in a very large bowl. Stir together well.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk and the milk. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and gradually mix with a fork until there are little lumps throughout; these will adhere to the chicken and make for a crispier breading. If necessary, add a little more flour or milk to make the breading slightly lumpy.
Heat 1 1/2 to 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 365 degrees F. Lower the heat slightly, if necessary, to keep the oil from getting hotter.
Working in batches, thoroughly coat each chicken piece with breading, pressing extra breading onto the chicken if necessary. Place the breaded pieces on a plate.
Add the breaded chicken to the oil, 3 or 4 pieces at a time; make sure they don't stick together. Cover the pan and fry for 5 to 7 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the chicken isn't getting too brown. Turn the pieces over, cover again, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. All the while, monitor the temperature of the oil to make sure the chicken doesn't burn.
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking sheet and continue frying the rest of the chicken. When all the chicken has been fried, remove the wings and legs to a plate and keep covered. (These should be cooked all the way through by now, but always check if any pink juice or meat is visible. If so, return to the hot oil for another minute or so, until fully cooked.) Leave the thighs and breasts on the baking sheet.
Bake the thighs and breasts for 15 minutes to finish cooking. (Sometimes I'll cut into the thicker part of one of the larger pieces just to make sure the chicken is cooked through. If any pink juice or meat is visible, the chicken needs to continue cooking in the oven.)
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
CHEESE ENCHILADAS WITH CHILI GRAVY
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a recipe adapted from one that the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur Robb Walsh serves at his El Real Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston. You can find similar ones served all over South Texas, often served with rice and refried beans. I think it’s an excellent side dish for a cookout of grilled chicken or pork, but you could also slide a few fried eggs over the top and call it breakfast, or don't and use vegetable stock or water, and call it a vegetarian supper. Make sure to leave some bare tortilla peeking out on each side of the gravy and cheese so it grows crackly and awesome.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Chili Gravy:
1/4 cup neutral oil, like canola, or use lard or chicken or beef fat
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons chile powder
2 cups chicken broth, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought
For the Enchiladas:
1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola
12 yellow corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta
1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped
Preparation
Prepare the chili gravy: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil or fat until it begins to shimmer. Whisk in flour and stir continuously until it turns into a light brown roux, roughly the color of coffee ice cream, about 10 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano and chile powder and whisk to combine, then continue whisking for another minute or so, until roux becomes fragrant.
Add chicken broth, slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until sauce begins to thicken. Turn heat to low and let sauce simmer an additional 15 minutes or so. Add broth as needed to adjust the thickness of the gravy. Keep warm.
Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare the tortillas: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.
Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili gravy in the bottom of an 8-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle chili gravy over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over top and serve immediately.
FRESH VEGETABLE PITA PIZZA
This recipe is from Family Time, and begins, “Your kids will love this pizza-- and it's a good way for them to get their veggies.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. fresh tomatoes
4 (7-inch) pita breads
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings, divided
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 medium (2 cups) zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 large (1 cup) green bell pepper, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet red or white onion
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Core and slice the tomatoes and then cut each slice in half into half moons. Arrange the pitas on 2 baking sheets and brush each one with oil. Divide the tomato slices among the pitas and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and half the Italian seasonings. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are heated and the pitas begin to crisp. Sprinkle the pizzas with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with zucchini, green pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve with crushed red pepper flakes and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Today's six recipes include Fresh Vegetable Pita Pizza and Banana Split Lasagna to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!
LOW-CAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from The Food Network Kitchen.
Total: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat (2%) milk
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons Neufchtel or low-fat cream cheese
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 ounces fresh fettuccine
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook until the garlic is slightly soft, about 1 minute. Add in the flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook, whisking constantly, until just thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the Neufchatel and parmesan cheese; whisk until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta and gently toss to combine, adding more cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with parmesan and pepper.
BANANA SPLIT LASAGNA
This comes from Rian Handler on Delish. Rian wrote, “This no-bake dessert is hands down the most fun way to eat a banana split.”
Yields: 12; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours, 35 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 c. crushed graham crackers
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted
2 tbsp. sugar
kosher salt
For the Cream Filling
12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 c. sugar
8 oz. cool whip
For the Fruit Layer
3 bananas, thinly sliced
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped
Additional Toppings
8 oz. cool whip
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped
chocolate syrup, for serving
Rainbow sprinkles, for serving
Maraschino cherries, for serving
Directions
Grease a 9"-x-13” baking dish.
Make crust: In a medium bowl, add graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined, then press into baking dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 15 minutes.
Make cream filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy, 5 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread mixture evenly onto crust.
To cream layer, add even layers of banana, pineapple and strawberries. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
When ready to serve, garnish with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and maraschino cherries.
FRIED CHICKEN
This yummy recipe is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total Time: 10 hours; Active Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 fryer chickens, each cut into 8 pieces
4 1/4 cups buttermilk
5 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/4 cup milk
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment: a deep-fry thermometer
Thoroughly rinse the chicken pieces, then place them in a bowl and cover with 4 cups of the buttermilk. Soak in the fridge overnight or up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to fry the chicken, remove the bowl from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes, just to take the chill off.
In the meantime, preheat the oven to 360 degrees F and mix up the breading. Place the flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, thyme and cayenne (plus extra cayenne if you like heat) in a very large bowl. Stir together well.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk and the milk. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and gradually mix with a fork until there are little lumps throughout; these will adhere to the chicken and make for a crispier breading. If necessary, add a little more flour or milk to make the breading slightly lumpy.
Heat 1 1/2 to 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 365 degrees F. Lower the heat slightly, if necessary, to keep the oil from getting hotter.
Working in batches, thoroughly coat each chicken piece with breading, pressing extra breading onto the chicken if necessary. Place the breaded pieces on a plate.
Add the breaded chicken to the oil, 3 or 4 pieces at a time; make sure they don't stick together. Cover the pan and fry for 5 to 7 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the chicken isn't getting too brown. Turn the pieces over, cover again, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. All the while, monitor the temperature of the oil to make sure the chicken doesn't burn.
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking sheet and continue frying the rest of the chicken. When all the chicken has been fried, remove the wings and legs to a plate and keep covered. (These should be cooked all the way through by now, but always check if any pink juice or meat is visible. If so, return to the hot oil for another minute or so, until fully cooked.) Leave the thighs and breasts on the baking sheet.
Bake the thighs and breasts for 15 minutes to finish cooking. (Sometimes I'll cut into the thicker part of one of the larger pieces just to make sure the chicken is cooked through. If any pink juice or meat is visible, the chicken needs to continue cooking in the oven.)
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
CHEESE ENCHILADAS WITH CHILI GRAVY
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a recipe adapted from one that the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur Robb Walsh serves at his El Real Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston. You can find similar ones served all over South Texas, often served with rice and refried beans. I think it’s an excellent side dish for a cookout of grilled chicken or pork, but you could also slide a few fried eggs over the top and call it breakfast, or don't and use vegetable stock or water, and call it a vegetarian supper. Make sure to leave some bare tortilla peeking out on each side of the gravy and cheese so it grows crackly and awesome.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Chili Gravy:
1/4 cup neutral oil, like canola, or use lard or chicken or beef fat
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons chile powder
2 cups chicken broth, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought
For the Enchiladas:
1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola
12 yellow corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta
1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped
Preparation
Prepare the chili gravy: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil or fat until it begins to shimmer. Whisk in flour and stir continuously until it turns into a light brown roux, roughly the color of coffee ice cream, about 10 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano and chile powder and whisk to combine, then continue whisking for another minute or so, until roux becomes fragrant.
Add chicken broth, slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until sauce begins to thicken. Turn heat to low and let sauce simmer an additional 15 minutes or so. Add broth as needed to adjust the thickness of the gravy. Keep warm.
Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare the tortillas: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.
Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili gravy in the bottom of an 8-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle chili gravy over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over top and serve immediately.
FRESH VEGETABLE PITA PIZZA
This recipe is from Family Time, and begins, “Your kids will love this pizza-- and it's a good way for them to get their veggies.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. fresh tomatoes
4 (7-inch) pita breads
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings, divided
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 medium (2 cups) zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 large (1 cup) green bell pepper, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet red or white onion
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Core and slice the tomatoes and then cut each slice in half into half moons. Arrange the pitas on 2 baking sheets and brush each one with oil. Divide the tomato slices among the pitas and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and half the Italian seasonings. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are heated and the pitas begin to crisp. Sprinkle the pizzas with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with zucchini, green pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve with crushed red pepper flakes and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Where's the Beef?
Today's six recipes are centered around beef, and include Fancy Meatloaf and Mississippi Roast. Enjoy!
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
The Rest:
Canola oil, for frying
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped black olives
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
For the sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat:
While the sauce is simmering, brown the ground beef with the onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
For the rest:
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat some canola oil. Lightly fry the tortillas just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Next, one at a time, dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortilla on a plate. Place on some of the meat mixture, chilies, green onions and black olives. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and pour the remaining sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese and any other bits of chiles, green onions or olives you have left over from the filling.
Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve.
JUICY GRILLED BURGERS
This perfect burger recipe comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These juicy grilled burgers are perfect for a summer cookout or holiday. Top them off with sliced tomatoes, pickles, and red onions, or add some bacon to your toppings.
“Tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce add to the flavor and juiciness of these hamburgers.
“If you like a flavorful burger, this recipe is an excellent choice. The burgers are made with a small amount of bread crumbs, grated onion, tomato juice (I use V-8), and some simple seasonings.
“See the tips and variations below the recipe for some extra flavor ideas and burger shaping and cooking tips.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 5 servings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chuck (ground, or ground round)
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain, fine, dry)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons onion (grated)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato juice
Salt to taste (seasoned)
Pepper to taste
Optional: tomatoes (sliced)
Optional: pickles (sliced)
Optional: onion (sliced)
Optional: lettuce
Optional: condiments (as desired)
Directions
Combine the ground beef with bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, garlic powder, and tomato juice; mix well. Shape the ground beef into 4 to 5 large burger patties. Sprinkle both sides of burgers lightly with seasoned salt and pepper.
Prepare your gas or charcoal grill for high heat and oil the grate with vegetable oil.
Place the burgers on a foil-lined pan. Cover and refrigerate until the grill is ready.
Put burgers on the prepared grill over direct heat. Grill the burgers for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done as desired.
Serve on split toasted buns with your choice of sliced vegetables and condiments.
Burger Shaping and Cooking Tips
Weigh your burgers as you shape them for uniform size and even cooking.
Using your thumb or a finger, make an indention in the center of each patty, especially if they're quite thick. This will help it stay flat and cook evenly.
Grind your own beef. Choose chuck steak or cubes or boneless short ribs, or another cut with good flavor and a decent amount of fat.
Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the burger temperature. An inexpensive instant-read thermometer is fine, but if you use a food thermometer frequently, consider the ThermoWorks Thermapen. It's super fast and reliable.
Burger Temperatures
Rare: 120 F to 125 F
Medium Rare: 130 F to 135 F
Medium: 140 F to 145 F
Medium Well: 150 F to 155 F
Well Done: 160 F to 165 F
Keep in mind that Foodsafety.gov recommends a minimum safe temperature of 160 F for ground beef, or 165 F for ground poultry.
FANCY MEATLOAF
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “I was invited to cook dinner for Nora Ephron.’ As was wont to happen at one point in New York. Back in 2009, Sam Sifton was invited to a potluck in which “guests were meant to bring food inspired by Ephron’s career or by the woman herself.” He drew meatloaf, a dish she was known for. Here, in this recipe adapted from Gourmet, he pairs beef, veal, pancetta and Parmesan. The end result, he described, as ‘luxurious.’ And what did Ms. Ephron think? She called it ‘remarkable.’”
Yield: Serves 6 to 8; Time: 80 minutes.
This was featured in “Potlucky” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1/2 loaf Italian bread, crust removed, torn into small pieces (about 2 cups)
1 cup whole milk
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground veal
2 large eggs, scrambled
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 bunch parsley, cleaned and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1 cup dry white wine
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Soak bread in milk for 10 minutes.
Mix beef, veal, eggs, pancetta, Parmesan, parsley and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Squeeze the bread to remove excess milk, then chop and add it to the meat. Mix gently until well combined, but do not overmix. Transfer onto a board and shape into a fine meatloaf, shy of a foot in length and 4 inches across. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Heat oil and butter in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatloaf and sear without moving it until it is browned, about 5 minutes. Carefully slide a spatula under the meatloaf, then gently use another spatula to help turn it and brown the second side, again without moving it for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the fat, return skillet to the stove and raise heat to high. Add wine and deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits stuck to it with a wooden spoon. Return meatloaf to the skillet and then transfer to the oven, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 150 degrees, about 25 minutes.
Transfer the meatloaf to a platter and let stand, tented with foil, 10 minutes. Slice, pour the pan juices over the top and serve.
MISSISSIPPI ROAST
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “An Internet darling of a recipe, a favorite of mom bloggers and Pinterest, Mississippi Roast is traditionally made by placing a chuck roast in a slow cooker and simmering it beneath a stick of butter, a package of ranch dressing mix, another of “au jus” gravy mix and a handful of pepperoncini. And you can certainly cook it that way. The raves are justified. But replacing the packaged mixes is no real chore, and it results in a luscious tangle of deliciously tangy beef that goes beautifully with mashed or roasted potatoes or egg noodles, or as a hot-sandwich filling. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your roast and the effectiveness of your slow cooker. But six to eight hours generally does the trick. (If you're in the market for a slow-cooker, our colleagues at The Sweethome have spent a great deal of time testing them. Check out their guide to the best on the market.)”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours.
This was featured in “The Improbable Rise of Mississippi Roast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 boneless chuck roast or top or bottom round roast, 3 to 4 pounds
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 to 12 pepperoncini
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon buttermilk, optional
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Place roast on a cutting board and rub the salt and pepper all over it. Sprinkle the flour all over the seasoned meat and massage it into the flesh.
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan set over high heat until it is shimmering and about to smoke. Place the roast in the pan and brown on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes a side, to create a crust. Remove roast from pan and place it in the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the butter and the pepperoncini to the meat. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and set the machine to low.
As the roast heats, make a ranch dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, dill and paprika in a small bowl and whisk to emulsify. Add the buttermilk if using, then whisk again. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and add the dressing. Replace the top and allow to continue cooking, undisturbed, for 6 to 8 hours, or until you can shred the meat easily using 2 forks. Mix the meat with the gravy surrounding it. Garnish with parsley, and serve with egg noodles or roast potatoes, or pile on sandwich rolls, however you like.
CLASSIC LASAGNA
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “It's all about the layering when you make lasagna and is so easy when you start with a sauce already made and delicious.”
Serves: 12 servings (about 1 1/2 cups each); Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups ricotta cheese
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3 cups)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (45 ounces) Prego® Three Cheese Italian Sauce
12 lasagna noodle, cooked and drained
Directions
Stir the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and eggs in a medium bowl and set it aside.
In a 3-quart saucepan over medium- high heat, cook the beef until it's well browned, stirring often to break up the meat. Pour off any fat. Stir the sauce in the saucepan.
Spoon 1 cup meat mixture in each of two 2-quart shallow baking dishes. Top each with 2 lasagna noodles and about 1 1/4 cups cheese mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining 2 lasagna noodles, remaining meat mixture and the Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or it's until hot and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Tip: To freeze, prepare lasagna but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake frozen lasagna uncovered at 350°F. for 1 hour 15 minutes or until hot. Or, refrigerate 24 hours to thaw. Bake thawed lasagna uncovered at 350°F. for 50 minutes or until hot. Let stand for 10 minutes.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
The Rest:
Canola oil, for frying
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped black olives
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
For the sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat:
While the sauce is simmering, brown the ground beef with the onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
For the rest:
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat some canola oil. Lightly fry the tortillas just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Next, one at a time, dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortilla on a plate. Place on some of the meat mixture, chilies, green onions and black olives. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and pour the remaining sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese and any other bits of chiles, green onions or olives you have left over from the filling.
Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve.
JUICY GRILLED BURGERS
This perfect burger recipe comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These juicy grilled burgers are perfect for a summer cookout or holiday. Top them off with sliced tomatoes, pickles, and red onions, or add some bacon to your toppings.
“Tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce add to the flavor and juiciness of these hamburgers.
“If you like a flavorful burger, this recipe is an excellent choice. The burgers are made with a small amount of bread crumbs, grated onion, tomato juice (I use V-8), and some simple seasonings.
“See the tips and variations below the recipe for some extra flavor ideas and burger shaping and cooking tips.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 5 servings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chuck (ground, or ground round)
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain, fine, dry)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons onion (grated)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato juice
Salt to taste (seasoned)
Pepper to taste
Optional: tomatoes (sliced)
Optional: pickles (sliced)
Optional: onion (sliced)
Optional: lettuce
Optional: condiments (as desired)
Directions
Combine the ground beef with bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, garlic powder, and tomato juice; mix well. Shape the ground beef into 4 to 5 large burger patties. Sprinkle both sides of burgers lightly with seasoned salt and pepper.
Prepare your gas or charcoal grill for high heat and oil the grate with vegetable oil.
Place the burgers on a foil-lined pan. Cover and refrigerate until the grill is ready.
Put burgers on the prepared grill over direct heat. Grill the burgers for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done as desired.
Serve on split toasted buns with your choice of sliced vegetables and condiments.
Burger Shaping and Cooking Tips
Weigh your burgers as you shape them for uniform size and even cooking.
Using your thumb or a finger, make an indention in the center of each patty, especially if they're quite thick. This will help it stay flat and cook evenly.
Grind your own beef. Choose chuck steak or cubes or boneless short ribs, or another cut with good flavor and a decent amount of fat.
Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the burger temperature. An inexpensive instant-read thermometer is fine, but if you use a food thermometer frequently, consider the ThermoWorks Thermapen. It's super fast and reliable.
Burger Temperatures
Rare: 120 F to 125 F
Medium Rare: 130 F to 135 F
Medium: 140 F to 145 F
Medium Well: 150 F to 155 F
Well Done: 160 F to 165 F
Keep in mind that Foodsafety.gov recommends a minimum safe temperature of 160 F for ground beef, or 165 F for ground poultry.
FANCY MEATLOAF
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “I was invited to cook dinner for Nora Ephron.’ As was wont to happen at one point in New York. Back in 2009, Sam Sifton was invited to a potluck in which “guests were meant to bring food inspired by Ephron’s career or by the woman herself.” He drew meatloaf, a dish she was known for. Here, in this recipe adapted from Gourmet, he pairs beef, veal, pancetta and Parmesan. The end result, he described, as ‘luxurious.’ And what did Ms. Ephron think? She called it ‘remarkable.’”
Yield: Serves 6 to 8; Time: 80 minutes.
This was featured in “Potlucky” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1/2 loaf Italian bread, crust removed, torn into small pieces (about 2 cups)
1 cup whole milk
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground veal
2 large eggs, scrambled
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 bunch parsley, cleaned and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1 cup dry white wine
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Soak bread in milk for 10 minutes.
Mix beef, veal, eggs, pancetta, Parmesan, parsley and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Squeeze the bread to remove excess milk, then chop and add it to the meat. Mix gently until well combined, but do not overmix. Transfer onto a board and shape into a fine meatloaf, shy of a foot in length and 4 inches across. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Heat oil and butter in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatloaf and sear without moving it until it is browned, about 5 minutes. Carefully slide a spatula under the meatloaf, then gently use another spatula to help turn it and brown the second side, again without moving it for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the fat, return skillet to the stove and raise heat to high. Add wine and deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits stuck to it with a wooden spoon. Return meatloaf to the skillet and then transfer to the oven, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 150 degrees, about 25 minutes.
Transfer the meatloaf to a platter and let stand, tented with foil, 10 minutes. Slice, pour the pan juices over the top and serve.
MISSISSIPPI ROAST
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “An Internet darling of a recipe, a favorite of mom bloggers and Pinterest, Mississippi Roast is traditionally made by placing a chuck roast in a slow cooker and simmering it beneath a stick of butter, a package of ranch dressing mix, another of “au jus” gravy mix and a handful of pepperoncini. And you can certainly cook it that way. The raves are justified. But replacing the packaged mixes is no real chore, and it results in a luscious tangle of deliciously tangy beef that goes beautifully with mashed or roasted potatoes or egg noodles, or as a hot-sandwich filling. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your roast and the effectiveness of your slow cooker. But six to eight hours generally does the trick. (If you're in the market for a slow-cooker, our colleagues at The Sweethome have spent a great deal of time testing them. Check out their guide to the best on the market.)”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours.
This was featured in “The Improbable Rise of Mississippi Roast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 boneless chuck roast or top or bottom round roast, 3 to 4 pounds
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 to 12 pepperoncini
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon buttermilk, optional
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Place roast on a cutting board and rub the salt and pepper all over it. Sprinkle the flour all over the seasoned meat and massage it into the flesh.
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan set over high heat until it is shimmering and about to smoke. Place the roast in the pan and brown on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes a side, to create a crust. Remove roast from pan and place it in the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the butter and the pepperoncini to the meat. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and set the machine to low.
As the roast heats, make a ranch dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, dill and paprika in a small bowl and whisk to emulsify. Add the buttermilk if using, then whisk again. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and add the dressing. Replace the top and allow to continue cooking, undisturbed, for 6 to 8 hours, or until you can shred the meat easily using 2 forks. Mix the meat with the gravy surrounding it. Garnish with parsley, and serve with egg noodles or roast potatoes, or pile on sandwich rolls, however you like.
CLASSIC LASAGNA
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “It's all about the layering when you make lasagna and is so easy when you start with a sauce already made and delicious.”
Serves: 12 servings (about 1 1/2 cups each); Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups ricotta cheese
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3 cups)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (45 ounces) Prego® Three Cheese Italian Sauce
12 lasagna noodle, cooked and drained
Directions
Stir the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and eggs in a medium bowl and set it aside.
In a 3-quart saucepan over medium- high heat, cook the beef until it's well browned, stirring often to break up the meat. Pour off any fat. Stir the sauce in the saucepan.
Spoon 1 cup meat mixture in each of two 2-quart shallow baking dishes. Top each with 2 lasagna noodles and about 1 1/4 cups cheese mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining 2 lasagna noodles, remaining meat mixture and the Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or it's until hot and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Tip: To freeze, prepare lasagna but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake frozen lasagna uncovered at 350°F. for 1 hour 15 minutes or until hot. Or, refrigerate 24 hours to thaw. Bake thawed lasagna uncovered at 350°F. for 50 minutes or until hot. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's six yummy recipes include Jalapeno Cheeseburgers and Banana Split Lasagna. Enjoy!
TIE-DYE CHEESECAKE
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “This outrageous psychedelic cheesecake is an ode to all the tie-dye of the 1960s. Making the vibrant swirls is much easier to do than it looks; all you need is a wooden skewer – groovy!” Total: 10 hr 45 min; Active: 35 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 18 whole crackers)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt
Filling:
Three 11.5-ounce containers whipped cream cheese
1 1/4 cups sugar
One 16-ounce container sour cream, at room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Neon blue, pink and purple food coloring
Yellow food coloring
Whipped cream, for serving
Directions
Special equipment: a 10-inch springform pan and a wooden skewer
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
For the crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and salt and press into bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely. Wrap up the bottom and sides of pan with a large piece of foil and put in a large roasting pan.
For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar, in a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until just combined. Mix in the eggs, by hand, 1 at time. Then mix in the vanilla, lemon juice, by hand as well, until just combined. (Overmixing can turn your cheesecake into a souffle.)
Using a ladle, divide the cheesecake batter into 4 separate bowls. Dye each a separate color; blue, pink, purple and yellow. Add enough food coloring so that the colors are very vibrant and intense.
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the crust, alternating the colors, until all the batter has been scooped. Use a wooden skewer and drag it through the colors to marble them for tie-dye effect, making sure the skewer reaches down to the bottom of the pan. Transfer the pan to the roasting pan. Add enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan.
Bake until the outside of the cake is set and the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
Unmold the cheesecake and transfer to a serving plate or cake stand. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.
"BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD
Kathy Kingsley is one of About.com's American Food guides. Kathy wrote, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
I couldn't find the original link to this recipe. If/when I do find it, I'll post it.
Ingredients:
1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 finely grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Preparation:
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
BEEF AND BROCCOLI
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a streamlined, powerfully flavorful recipe for a delivery-food standby: velvety wok-fried beef in a oyster-soy sauce, served in a forest of green. ‘It’s diaspora food,’ the chef Jonathan Wu told me, describing the cooking of Chinese immigrants to the United States and a dish that is almost unknown in China but beloved in America. The recipe is a version of the one Wu’s mother made for dinner when he was growing up outside Hartford, Conn., with a little chile-garlic paste added for zip and, thanks to the Brooklyn chef Dale Talde, a pat of butter swirled into the sauce at the end. This provides a plush gloss that is far better than the traditional cornstarch slurry. It is midweek family cooking at its best.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in “The Best Beef and Broccoli, No Delivery Required” and can be viewed online here.
Note: This is me (Robin) writing. Cooking can be a fun, creative process. There have been many times over the years when I have not had an ingredient on hand; I’ve either run out, or, in the case of alcohol, just plain don’t have it around at all. If that sounds familiar, you can usually experiment. I personally would either use non-alcoholic wine or water for the wine, and either hoisin sauce or soy sauce in place of the oyster sauce. But that’s just me. Feel free to follow Sam’s recipe here to the letter. But either way, make sure you get some enjoyment out of your food and the company you eat with!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Shaoxing rice wine, dry sherry or sake
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 pound beef — chuck or rib steak — sliced thin against the grain
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/2 tablespoon chile-garlic sauce, or to taste
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon neutral oil, like canola, grapeseed or peanut
1 pound broccoli, the head cut into florets and the stems peeled and cut into planks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Preparation
In a large bowl, whisk together the wine, 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce and the cornstarch. Add the beef to the bowl, and toss to combine, then cover the bowl, and set aside for 20 minutes or so.
To make the sauce, combine in a small bowl the remaining soy sauce, the oyster sauce and the chile-garlic sauce, and mix to combine, then add a tablespoon of water and mixagain. Set aside.
Heat the 1/2 cup of oil in a wok set over high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add about half the beef to the wok, and stir-fry until it is browned and crisp and barely cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl or plate, and set aside. Then repeat with remaining beef.
Pour off the oil in the wok, wipe it out with a towel and return it to the stove over high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon oil, and swirl it around and heat it until it is smoking. Add the broccoli and cook, tossing and stirring frequently, until lightly charred in spots, about 2 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons water to the wok, and toss and stir the broccoli in the steam for an additional 2 minutes, then return beef to the wok, followed by the sauce. Cook, stirring and tossing frequently, for 30 seconds or so, then add the butter, and stir and toss again for 30 seconds more. Serve immediately, with rice.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour
To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
BANANA SPLIT LASAGNA
This comes from Rian Handler on Delish. Rian wrote, “This no-bake dessert is hands down the most fun way to eat a banana split.”
Yields: 12; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours, 35 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 c. crushed graham crackers
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted
2 tbsp. sugar
kosher salt
For the Cream Filling
12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 c. sugar
8 oz. cool whip
For the Fruit Layer
3 bananas, thinly sliced
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped
Additional Toppings
8 oz. cool whip
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped
chocolate syrup, for serving
Rainbow sprinkles, for serving
Maraschino cherries, for serving
Directions
Grease a 9"-x-13” baking dish.
Make crust: In a medium bowl, add graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined, then press into baking dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 15 minutes.
Make cream filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy, 5 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread mixture evenly onto crust.
To cream layer, add even layers of banana, pineapple and strawberries. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
When ready to serve, garnish with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and maraschino cherries.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
TIE-DYE CHEESECAKE
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “This outrageous psychedelic cheesecake is an ode to all the tie-dye of the 1960s. Making the vibrant swirls is much easier to do than it looks; all you need is a wooden skewer – groovy!” Total: 10 hr 45 min; Active: 35 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 18 whole crackers)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt
Filling:
Three 11.5-ounce containers whipped cream cheese
1 1/4 cups sugar
One 16-ounce container sour cream, at room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Neon blue, pink and purple food coloring
Yellow food coloring
Whipped cream, for serving
Directions
Special equipment: a 10-inch springform pan and a wooden skewer
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
For the crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and salt and press into bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely. Wrap up the bottom and sides of pan with a large piece of foil and put in a large roasting pan.
For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar, in a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until just combined. Mix in the eggs, by hand, 1 at time. Then mix in the vanilla, lemon juice, by hand as well, until just combined. (Overmixing can turn your cheesecake into a souffle.)
Using a ladle, divide the cheesecake batter into 4 separate bowls. Dye each a separate color; blue, pink, purple and yellow. Add enough food coloring so that the colors are very vibrant and intense.
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the crust, alternating the colors, until all the batter has been scooped. Use a wooden skewer and drag it through the colors to marble them for tie-dye effect, making sure the skewer reaches down to the bottom of the pan. Transfer the pan to the roasting pan. Add enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan.
Bake until the outside of the cake is set and the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
Unmold the cheesecake and transfer to a serving plate or cake stand. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.
"BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD
Kathy Kingsley is one of About.com's American Food guides. Kathy wrote, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
I couldn't find the original link to this recipe. If/when I do find it, I'll post it.
Ingredients:
1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 finely grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Preparation:
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
BEEF AND BROCCOLI
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a streamlined, powerfully flavorful recipe for a delivery-food standby: velvety wok-fried beef in a oyster-soy sauce, served in a forest of green. ‘It’s diaspora food,’ the chef Jonathan Wu told me, describing the cooking of Chinese immigrants to the United States and a dish that is almost unknown in China but beloved in America. The recipe is a version of the one Wu’s mother made for dinner when he was growing up outside Hartford, Conn., with a little chile-garlic paste added for zip and, thanks to the Brooklyn chef Dale Talde, a pat of butter swirled into the sauce at the end. This provides a plush gloss that is far better than the traditional cornstarch slurry. It is midweek family cooking at its best.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in “The Best Beef and Broccoli, No Delivery Required” and can be viewed online here.
Note: This is me (Robin) writing. Cooking can be a fun, creative process. There have been many times over the years when I have not had an ingredient on hand; I’ve either run out, or, in the case of alcohol, just plain don’t have it around at all. If that sounds familiar, you can usually experiment. I personally would either use non-alcoholic wine or water for the wine, and either hoisin sauce or soy sauce in place of the oyster sauce. But that’s just me. Feel free to follow Sam’s recipe here to the letter. But either way, make sure you get some enjoyment out of your food and the company you eat with!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Shaoxing rice wine, dry sherry or sake
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 pound beef — chuck or rib steak — sliced thin against the grain
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/2 tablespoon chile-garlic sauce, or to taste
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon neutral oil, like canola, grapeseed or peanut
1 pound broccoli, the head cut into florets and the stems peeled and cut into planks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Preparation
In a large bowl, whisk together the wine, 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce and the cornstarch. Add the beef to the bowl, and toss to combine, then cover the bowl, and set aside for 20 minutes or so.
To make the sauce, combine in a small bowl the remaining soy sauce, the oyster sauce and the chile-garlic sauce, and mix to combine, then add a tablespoon of water and mixagain. Set aside.
Heat the 1/2 cup of oil in a wok set over high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add about half the beef to the wok, and stir-fry until it is browned and crisp and barely cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl or plate, and set aside. Then repeat with remaining beef.
Pour off the oil in the wok, wipe it out with a towel and return it to the stove over high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon oil, and swirl it around and heat it until it is smoking. Add the broccoli and cook, tossing and stirring frequently, until lightly charred in spots, about 2 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons water to the wok, and toss and stir the broccoli in the steam for an additional 2 minutes, then return beef to the wok, followed by the sauce. Cook, stirring and tossing frequently, for 30 seconds or so, then add the butter, and stir and toss again for 30 seconds more. Serve immediately, with rice.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour
To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
BANANA SPLIT LASAGNA
This comes from Rian Handler on Delish. Rian wrote, “This no-bake dessert is hands down the most fun way to eat a banana split.”
Yields: 12; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours, 35 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 c. crushed graham crackers
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted
2 tbsp. sugar
kosher salt
For the Cream Filling
12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 c. sugar
8 oz. cool whip
For the Fruit Layer
3 bananas, thinly sliced
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped
Additional Toppings
8 oz. cool whip
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped
chocolate syrup, for serving
Rainbow sprinkles, for serving
Maraschino cherries, for serving
Directions
Grease a 9"-x-13” baking dish.
Make crust: In a medium bowl, add graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined, then press into baking dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 15 minutes.
Make cream filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy, 5 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread mixture evenly onto crust.
To cream layer, add even layers of banana, pineapple and strawberries. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
When ready to serve, garnish with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and maraschino cherries.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
Monday, July 2, 2018
Burgers - Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post is dedicated to burgers, including Jalapeno Cheeseburgers and Bistro Onion Burgers. Enjoy!
BARBECUED HAMBURGERS
This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Remember these for your next cookout.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 45 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped or 1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 (4-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 10 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and paprika and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, heat the broiler or light the charcoal grill. Let the coals get medium hot.
Divide the meat into 4 patties. Brush with the sauce and broil or grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing frequently with the sauce. Serve immediately on the hamburger buns and pass the extra sauce on the side.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
JUICY GRILLED BURGERS
This perfect burger recipe comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These juicy grilled burgers are perfect for a summer cookout or holiday. Top them off with sliced tomatoes, pickles, and red onions, or add some bacon to your toppings.
“Tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce add to the flavor and juiciness of these hamburgers.
“If you like a flavorful burger, this recipe is an excellent choice. The burgers are made with a small amount of bread crumbs, grated onion, tomato juice (I use V-8), and some simple seasonings.
“See the tips and variations below the recipe for some extra flavor ideas and burger shaping and cooking tips.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 5 servings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chuck (ground, or ground round)
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain, fine, dry)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons onion (grated)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato juice
Salt to taste (seasoned)
Pepper to taste
Optional: tomatoes (sliced)
Optional: pickles (sliced)
Optional: onion (sliced)
Optional: lettuce
Optional: condiments (as desired)
Directions
Combine the ground beef with bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, garlic powder, and tomato juice; mix well. Shape the ground beef into 4 to 5 large burger patties. Sprinkle both sides of burgers lightly with seasoned salt and pepper.
Prepare your gas or charcoal grill for high heat and oil the grate with vegetable oil.
Place the burgers on a foil-lined pan. Cover and refrigerate until the grill is ready.
Put burgers on the prepared grill over direct heat. Grill the burgers for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done as desired.
Serve on split toasted buns with your choice of sliced vegetables and condiments.
Burger Shaping and Cooking Tips
Weigh your burgers as you shape them for uniform size and even cooking.
Using your thumb or a finger, make an indention in the center of each patty, especially if they're quite thick. This will help it stay flat and cook evenly.
Grind your own beef. Choose chuck steak or cubes or boneless short ribs, or another cut with good flavor and a decent amount of fat.
Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the burger temperature. An inexpensive instant-read thermometer is fine, but if you use a food thermometer frequently, consider the ThermoWorks Thermapen. It's super fast and reliable.
Burger Temperatures
Rare: 120 F to 125 F
Medium Rare: 130 F to 135 F
Medium: 140 F to 145 F
Medium Well: 150 F to 155 F
Well Done: 160 F to 165 F
Keep in mind that Foodsafety.gov recommends a minimum safe temperature of 160 F for ground beef, or 165 F for ground poultry.
TERIYAKI TURKEY BURGERS
Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/750.shtml
Ingredients
Burger Mixture:
1-1/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1-1/4 pounds 95% lean ground turkey
3 tablespoons light (reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Rest of recipe:
6 canned pineapple rings (optional)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons nonfat or light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Chinese or honey mustard
6 light wheat or multigrain burger buns
6 slices red onion
6 lettuce leaves
Directions
Place the mushrooms, scallions, and red bell pepper in the bowl of a food processor and process until the vegetables are finely chopped.
Place the vegetables, ground turkey, teriyaki sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Shape the mixture into six 4-inch patties.
Grill the burgers over medium coals or cook under a broiler for about 6 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165 degrees and the meat is no longer pink inside. (To retain moisture, avoid pressing down on the patties as they cook.)
Alternatively, coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with nonstick cooking spray and cook the burgers over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
If desired, brush the pineapple slices with a little teriyaki sauce and grill or broil for a minute or two on each side, until lightly browned.
To assemble the burgers, place the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl and stir to mix well. Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on each bun.
Place each burger in a bun and top with some of the onion, lettuce, and if desired, a pineapple slice. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 243; Protein: 24 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 594 mg; Cholesterol: 50 mg; Dietary Fiber: 6.6 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 2-1/2 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable
BISTRO ONION BURGERS
This comes from FamilyTime, and starts off, “Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love? Try these burgers that use dry onion soup mix to add a savory touch.” Serves: 6; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 envelope (about 1 oz.) dry onion soup & recipe mix
3 Tbsp. water
6 Pepperidge Farm® Farmhouse™ Premium White Rolls with Sesame Seeds, split and toasted
lettuce leaves
tomato slices
Directions
Thoroughly mix the beef, soup mix and water. Shape the beef mixture into 6 (1/2-inch thick) burgers.
Cook the burgers in batches in a 10-inch skillett over medium-high heat until well browned on both sides, 10 minutes for medium or to desired doneness.
Serve the burgers on the rolls. Top with the lettuce and tomato.
HONOLULU BOB'S BURGERS
This comes from Country Bob's. Yield: 4 servings.
2 pounds ground beef
Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
4 slices Cheddar Cheese
4 well-drained canned pineapple slices
Divide ground beef into 4 portions & shape each into a patty. Grill over hot coals until cooked on one side. Turn patties over. Spread with Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & top with pineapple slices. Grill for several minutes or until cooked through. Add cheese slices. Grill until cheese melts. Top with additional Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & serve as desired.
BARBECUED HAMBURGERS
This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Remember these for your next cookout.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 45 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped or 1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 (4-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 10 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and paprika and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, heat the broiler or light the charcoal grill. Let the coals get medium hot.
Divide the meat into 4 patties. Brush with the sauce and broil or grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing frequently with the sauce. Serve immediately on the hamburger buns and pass the extra sauce on the side.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
JUICY GRILLED BURGERS
This perfect burger recipe comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These juicy grilled burgers are perfect for a summer cookout or holiday. Top them off with sliced tomatoes, pickles, and red onions, or add some bacon to your toppings.
“Tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce add to the flavor and juiciness of these hamburgers.
“If you like a flavorful burger, this recipe is an excellent choice. The burgers are made with a small amount of bread crumbs, grated onion, tomato juice (I use V-8), and some simple seasonings.
“See the tips and variations below the recipe for some extra flavor ideas and burger shaping and cooking tips.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 5 servings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chuck (ground, or ground round)
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain, fine, dry)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons onion (grated)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato juice
Salt to taste (seasoned)
Pepper to taste
Optional: tomatoes (sliced)
Optional: pickles (sliced)
Optional: onion (sliced)
Optional: lettuce
Optional: condiments (as desired)
Directions
Combine the ground beef with bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, garlic powder, and tomato juice; mix well. Shape the ground beef into 4 to 5 large burger patties. Sprinkle both sides of burgers lightly with seasoned salt and pepper.
Prepare your gas or charcoal grill for high heat and oil the grate with vegetable oil.
Place the burgers on a foil-lined pan. Cover and refrigerate until the grill is ready.
Put burgers on the prepared grill over direct heat. Grill the burgers for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done as desired.
Serve on split toasted buns with your choice of sliced vegetables and condiments.
Burger Shaping and Cooking Tips
Weigh your burgers as you shape them for uniform size and even cooking.
Using your thumb or a finger, make an indention in the center of each patty, especially if they're quite thick. This will help it stay flat and cook evenly.
Grind your own beef. Choose chuck steak or cubes or boneless short ribs, or another cut with good flavor and a decent amount of fat.
Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the burger temperature. An inexpensive instant-read thermometer is fine, but if you use a food thermometer frequently, consider the ThermoWorks Thermapen. It's super fast and reliable.
Burger Temperatures
Rare: 120 F to 125 F
Medium Rare: 130 F to 135 F
Medium: 140 F to 145 F
Medium Well: 150 F to 155 F
Well Done: 160 F to 165 F
Keep in mind that Foodsafety.gov recommends a minimum safe temperature of 160 F for ground beef, or 165 F for ground poultry.
TERIYAKI TURKEY BURGERS
Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/750.shtml
Ingredients
Burger Mixture:
1-1/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1-1/4 pounds 95% lean ground turkey
3 tablespoons light (reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Rest of recipe:
6 canned pineapple rings (optional)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons nonfat or light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Chinese or honey mustard
6 light wheat or multigrain burger buns
6 slices red onion
6 lettuce leaves
Directions
Place the mushrooms, scallions, and red bell pepper in the bowl of a food processor and process until the vegetables are finely chopped.
Place the vegetables, ground turkey, teriyaki sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Shape the mixture into six 4-inch patties.
Grill the burgers over medium coals or cook under a broiler for about 6 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165 degrees and the meat is no longer pink inside. (To retain moisture, avoid pressing down on the patties as they cook.)
Alternatively, coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with nonstick cooking spray and cook the burgers over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
If desired, brush the pineapple slices with a little teriyaki sauce and grill or broil for a minute or two on each side, until lightly browned.
To assemble the burgers, place the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl and stir to mix well. Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on each bun.
Place each burger in a bun and top with some of the onion, lettuce, and if desired, a pineapple slice. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 243; Protein: 24 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 594 mg; Cholesterol: 50 mg; Dietary Fiber: 6.6 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 2-1/2 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable
BISTRO ONION BURGERS
This comes from FamilyTime, and starts off, “Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love? Try these burgers that use dry onion soup mix to add a savory touch.” Serves: 6; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 envelope (about 1 oz.) dry onion soup & recipe mix
3 Tbsp. water
6 Pepperidge Farm® Farmhouse™ Premium White Rolls with Sesame Seeds, split and toasted
lettuce leaves
tomato slices
Directions
Thoroughly mix the beef, soup mix and water. Shape the beef mixture into 6 (1/2-inch thick) burgers.
Cook the burgers in batches in a 10-inch skillett over medium-high heat until well browned on both sides, 10 minutes for medium or to desired doneness.
Serve the burgers on the rolls. Top with the lettuce and tomato.
HONOLULU BOB'S BURGERS
This comes from Country Bob's. Yield: 4 servings.
2 pounds ground beef
Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
4 slices Cheddar Cheese
4 well-drained canned pineapple slices
Divide ground beef into 4 portions & shape each into a patty. Grill over hot coals until cooked on one side. Turn patties over. Spread with Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & top with pineapple slices. Grill for several minutes or until cooked through. Add cheese slices. Grill until cheese melts. Top with additional Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & serve as desired.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Mexican Food
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, today's post should really get your attention. Here are six yummy Mexican recipes to try out, including Cheesy Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas and Simple Perfect Enchiladas. Enjoy!
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
CHEESY CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO ENCHILADAS
This comes from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “Get cheesy with Cheesy Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas! For hotter sweet potato enchiladas, add a minced fresh jalapeño pepper to the chicken mixture.” Prep Time: 30 min; Total Time: 50 min; Servings: 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 sweet potato (1/2 lb.), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2 cans (10 oz. each) mild green enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
1 cup rinsed canned black beans
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
12 corn tortillas (6 inch), warmed
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Cook potatoes in boiling water 5 min. or just until tender; drain. Place in large bowl. Mix sour cream and enchilada sauce until blended.
Add 1 cup of the sour cream mixture to potatoes along with the chicken, beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 2 Tbsp. cilantro; mix lightly.
Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up.
Place, seam sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining sour cream mixture and cheese. Cover.
Bake 15 to 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.
MEXICAN LASAGNA
This comes from Rachael Ray, star of The Food Network show 30 Minute Meals.
Total: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds ground chicken breast, available in the packaged meats case
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 cup medium heat taco sauce or 1 (14-oz) can stewed or fire roasted tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn kernels
Salt
8 (8 inch) spinach flour tortillas, available on dairy aisle of market
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or shredded pepper jack
2 scallions, finely chopped
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - twice around the pan. Add chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, and red onion. Brown the meat, 5 minutes. Add taco sauce or stewed or fire roasted tomatoes. Add black beans and corn. Heat the mixture through, 2 to 3 minutes then season with salt, to your taste.
Coat a shallow baking dish with remaining extra-virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon oil. Cut the tortillas in half or quarters to make them easy to layer with. Build lasagna in layers of meat and beans, then tortillas, then cheese. Repeat: meat, tortilla, cheese again. Bake lasagna 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly. Top with the scallions and serve.
ENCHILADAS CON CARNE
This is from Sam Sifton, founding editor of New York Times Cooking. Sam wrote, “There are a few cool tricks to this recipe, one of which I picked up from an old issue of Bon Appétit, one I learned from Robb Walsh, the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur who runs El Real Tex-Mex in Houston, and a final one I learned by happenstance. First, for the thickening agent in the chile sauce, toast raw all-purpose flour in a pan until it is nutty and golden brown, then reserve it to stir in with the browned beef later in the recipe. Second, if you like truly melty cheese in the classic Tex-Mex tradition, use a mixture of American cheese, like Velveeta, with the Cheddar you use inside and on top of the finished enchiladas. Finally, if you’re fearful that a casserole of cheese, chili and fried tortillas may be a little rich for dinner, serve it with a bowl of tomatillo pineapple salsa on the side. The acidity provides a nice balance. (Note also that as with all recipes, but particularly this one, some planning and practice can get the preparation down to 60 minutes.)” (Note: You may have to sign up to see the above-mentioned salsa.)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time 1 1/2 hours
This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table,” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Chili Con Carne:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola
1 pound ground chuck beef, ideally 20 percent fat
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium white onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 jalapeño pepper or more to taste, seeds removed if you want it less spicy, stemmed and chopped
1 cup chopped or canned crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons chile powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican
2 cups chicken stock, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought
For the Enchiladas:
1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola
12 yellow corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta
1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the chili con carne: Put flour in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden brown and smell nutty, then pour it onto a plate to cool.
Wipe out sauté pan and return it to high heat with 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot and shimmery, add ground beef to pan, and cook, breaking it up with a fork and stirring, until it is well browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then use a slotted spoon to remove meat to a bowl, leaving drippings behind.
Add onion, garlic and jalapeño to pan and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits of meat, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Stir in tomatoes and cook until their liquid has evaporated, then add chile powder, cumin and oregano and stir to combine. After a minute or so, when mixture begins to turn fragrant, return browned meat to pan, along with toasted flour, and stir well to combine.
Lower heat to medium-high and slowly stir in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture has thickened and started to simmer. Lower heat again and allow chili to cook slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until meat is tender. Add more stock or water if needed. Use immediately, or let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a few days.
When you are ready to cook the enchiladas, heat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup neutral oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.
Assemble the enchiladas: Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, along with a tablespoon or so of chili, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle remaining chili over top of rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over the top, if using, and serve immediately.
CHEESE ENCHILADAS WITH CHILI GRAVY
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a recipe adapted from one that the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur Robb Walsh serves at his El Real Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston. You can find similar ones served all over South Texas, often served with rice and refried beans. I think it’s an excellent side dish for a cookout of grilled chicken or pork, but you could also slide a few fried eggs over the top and call it breakfast, or don't and use vegetable stock or water, and call it a vegetarian supper. Make sure to leave some bare tortilla peeking out on each side of the gravy and cheese so it grows crackly and awesome.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Chili Gravy:
1/4 cup neutral oil, like canola, or use lard or chicken or beef fat
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons chile powder
2 cups chicken broth, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought
For the Enchiladas:
1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola
12 yellow corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta
1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped
Preparation
Prepare the chili gravy: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil or fat until it begins to shimmer. Whisk in flour and stir continuously until it turns into a light brown roux, roughly the color of coffee ice cream, about 10 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano and chile powder and whisk to combine, then continue whisking for another minute or so, until roux becomes fragrant.
Add chicken broth, slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until sauce begins to thicken. Turn heat to low and let sauce simmer an additional 15 minutes or so. Add broth as needed to adjust the thickness of the gravy. Keep warm.
Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare the tortillas: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.
Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili gravy in the bottom of an 8-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle chili gravy over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over top and serve immediately.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
The Rest:
Canola oil, for frying
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped black olives
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
For the sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat:
While the sauce is simmering, brown the ground beef with the onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
For the rest:
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat some canola oil. Lightly fry the tortillas just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Next, one at a time, dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortilla on a plate. Place on some of the meat mixture, chilies, green onions and black olives. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and pour the remaining sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese and any other bits of chiles, green onions or olives you have left over from the filling.
Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve.
JALAPENO CHEESEBURGERS
This yummy burger recipe comes from Familytime, and begins, “A spicy cheeseburger variation custom-made for the hamburger lovers in the family. Serve these with salsa instead of ketchup, if you prefer.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 14 to 16 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or another mild cheese
4 thin slices tomato
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Directions
In medium bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno pepper, and Mexican seasoning and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill so that the coals are medium-hot or preheat the broiler.
Grill or broil the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Approximately 1 minute before the burgers are done, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheeese.
Place 1 slice tomato on bottom half of each bun and top with a burger. Close and serve immediately with ketchup, salsa, pickles and all the usual trimmings.
CHEESY CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO ENCHILADAS
This comes from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “Get cheesy with Cheesy Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas! For hotter sweet potato enchiladas, add a minced fresh jalapeño pepper to the chicken mixture.” Prep Time: 30 min; Total Time: 50 min; Servings: 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 sweet potato (1/2 lb.), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2 cans (10 oz. each) mild green enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
1 cup rinsed canned black beans
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
12 corn tortillas (6 inch), warmed
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Cook potatoes in boiling water 5 min. or just until tender; drain. Place in large bowl. Mix sour cream and enchilada sauce until blended.
Add 1 cup of the sour cream mixture to potatoes along with the chicken, beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 2 Tbsp. cilantro; mix lightly.
Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up.
Place, seam sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining sour cream mixture and cheese. Cover.
Bake 15 to 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.
MEXICAN LASAGNA
This comes from Rachael Ray, star of The Food Network show 30 Minute Meals.
Total: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds ground chicken breast, available in the packaged meats case
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 cup medium heat taco sauce or 1 (14-oz) can stewed or fire roasted tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn kernels
Salt
8 (8 inch) spinach flour tortillas, available on dairy aisle of market
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or shredded pepper jack
2 scallions, finely chopped
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - twice around the pan. Add chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, and red onion. Brown the meat, 5 minutes. Add taco sauce or stewed or fire roasted tomatoes. Add black beans and corn. Heat the mixture through, 2 to 3 minutes then season with salt, to your taste.
Coat a shallow baking dish with remaining extra-virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon oil. Cut the tortillas in half or quarters to make them easy to layer with. Build lasagna in layers of meat and beans, then tortillas, then cheese. Repeat: meat, tortilla, cheese again. Bake lasagna 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly. Top with the scallions and serve.
ENCHILADAS CON CARNE
This is from Sam Sifton, founding editor of New York Times Cooking. Sam wrote, “There are a few cool tricks to this recipe, one of which I picked up from an old issue of Bon Appétit, one I learned from Robb Walsh, the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur who runs El Real Tex-Mex in Houston, and a final one I learned by happenstance. First, for the thickening agent in the chile sauce, toast raw all-purpose flour in a pan until it is nutty and golden brown, then reserve it to stir in with the browned beef later in the recipe. Second, if you like truly melty cheese in the classic Tex-Mex tradition, use a mixture of American cheese, like Velveeta, with the Cheddar you use inside and on top of the finished enchiladas. Finally, if you’re fearful that a casserole of cheese, chili and fried tortillas may be a little rich for dinner, serve it with a bowl of tomatillo pineapple salsa on the side. The acidity provides a nice balance. (Note also that as with all recipes, but particularly this one, some planning and practice can get the preparation down to 60 minutes.)” (Note: You may have to sign up to see the above-mentioned salsa.)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time 1 1/2 hours
This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table,” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Chili Con Carne:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola
1 pound ground chuck beef, ideally 20 percent fat
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium white onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 jalapeño pepper or more to taste, seeds removed if you want it less spicy, stemmed and chopped
1 cup chopped or canned crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons chile powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican
2 cups chicken stock, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought
For the Enchiladas:
1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola
12 yellow corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta
1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the chili con carne: Put flour in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden brown and smell nutty, then pour it onto a plate to cool.
Wipe out sauté pan and return it to high heat with 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot and shimmery, add ground beef to pan, and cook, breaking it up with a fork and stirring, until it is well browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then use a slotted spoon to remove meat to a bowl, leaving drippings behind.
Add onion, garlic and jalapeño to pan and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits of meat, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Stir in tomatoes and cook until their liquid has evaporated, then add chile powder, cumin and oregano and stir to combine. After a minute or so, when mixture begins to turn fragrant, return browned meat to pan, along with toasted flour, and stir well to combine.
Lower heat to medium-high and slowly stir in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture has thickened and started to simmer. Lower heat again and allow chili to cook slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until meat is tender. Add more stock or water if needed. Use immediately, or let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a few days.
When you are ready to cook the enchiladas, heat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup neutral oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.
Assemble the enchiladas: Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, along with a tablespoon or so of chili, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle remaining chili over top of rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over the top, if using, and serve immediately.
CHEESE ENCHILADAS WITH CHILI GRAVY
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a recipe adapted from one that the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur Robb Walsh serves at his El Real Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston. You can find similar ones served all over South Texas, often served with rice and refried beans. I think it’s an excellent side dish for a cookout of grilled chicken or pork, but you could also slide a few fried eggs over the top and call it breakfast, or don't and use vegetable stock or water, and call it a vegetarian supper. Make sure to leave some bare tortilla peeking out on each side of the gravy and cheese so it grows crackly and awesome.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Chili Gravy:
1/4 cup neutral oil, like canola, or use lard or chicken or beef fat
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons chile powder
2 cups chicken broth, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought
For the Enchiladas:
1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola
12 yellow corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta
1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped
Preparation
Prepare the chili gravy: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil or fat until it begins to shimmer. Whisk in flour and stir continuously until it turns into a light brown roux, roughly the color of coffee ice cream, about 10 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano and chile powder and whisk to combine, then continue whisking for another minute or so, until roux becomes fragrant.
Add chicken broth, slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until sauce begins to thicken. Turn heat to low and let sauce simmer an additional 15 minutes or so. Add broth as needed to adjust the thickness of the gravy. Keep warm.
Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare the tortillas: In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.
Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili gravy in the bottom of an 8-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle chili gravy over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over top and serve immediately.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
The Rest:
Canola oil, for frying
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped black olives
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Directions
For the sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat:
While the sauce is simmering, brown the ground beef with the onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
For the rest:
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat some canola oil. Lightly fry the tortillas just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Next, one at a time, dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortilla on a plate. Place on some of the meat mixture, chilies, green onions and black olives. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and pour the remaining sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese and any other bits of chiles, green onions or olives you have left over from the filling.
Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve.
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