Category Archives: Main Course

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Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad

An assortment of tomatoes are in abundance in the summer months.
This Heirloom tomato recipe mixes all types of tomatoes.
I bought these from the local farmers market picked at their peak of flavor.

Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad
Heirloom Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Fresh mozzarella is key also. It’s from my local market but the store brand BelGioioso is good too.

ingredients for Heirloom Tomato Mozzarella Salad

1 LB fresh mozzarella
1 LB Heirloom tomatoes, mixed types
2 TBLS extra virgin oil oil
4-6 fresh basil leaves, sliced
A bottle of Balsamic glaze, check the label to be sure it doesn’t have corn syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Slice the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Mix and assemble in a dish. Pour the olive oil over them and add the salt and pepper. Decorate with the Balsamic glaze and the basil. Serve just slightly chilled with a good crusty slice of Italian bread.
Add a glass of wine and opera music and you could drift off into Italy!!

Lobster and Shrimp Fra Diavolo

This spicy Lobster and shrimp Fra Diavolo dish is classic coastal southern Italian. Make it mild or spicy, your choice.
You can also use other shellfish if you like. Serve as is or over your favorite long style pasta, like linguine or over cooked rice.

Lobster and shrimp Fra Diavolo
Lobster and shrimp Fra Diavolo

Ingredients;
2 lobster tails cut in half length wise, any size from 3oz-6oz each
1LB raw shelled and deveined shrimp, I like 16-20 count size
2 cups plum tomatoes, roughly cut
4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 TSP red pepper flakes
1 TSP parsely, chopped

Directions;
In a large deep frying pan saute the garlic in the oil for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, parsley, red pepper and 1/2 the basil. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
Add the shell fish and simmer for about 5 minutes turning the shell fish until the shrimp flesh is pink and the lobster meat is white and firm, but not too long so that it gets rubbery.
Place in a serving dish as is or over pasta/rice.
Sprinkle with the remaining basil leaves.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara di Zucchini

Carbonara is a legendary Roman pasta dish. This version, Spaghetti alla Carbonara di Zucchini,  includes sauteed zucchini and is meatless, but every bit as delicious as the bacon version..

Spaghetti alla carbonara do zucchini
Spaghetti alla carbonara do zucchini

Ingredients;
6 TBLS extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
1LB small zucchini, cut into 1/4 ” slices
2 Xlarge eggs at room temperature
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 LB spaghetti cooked according to the box directions
6-8 fresh basil leaves, sliced
salt & pepper

Directions;
In a large skillet heat the oil and add the garlic and saute for about 1-2 minutes. Add the zucchini saute for about 15 minutes until soft but not mushy. Remove from the heat and discard the garlic. Set aside. Whisk the eggs with the Parmesan cheese until blended. Drain the pasta serving one cup of the water and combine with egg mixture tossing it to coat. Add the zucchini mixture and half of the basil and toss. Add the served pasta water if too dry. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with remaining basil and serve.

Maine Style Lobster Bake

Some of the best tasting lobster is from Maine and the northeastern states. The waters there are so cold even through the summer months that it has a profound effect on the taste of the lobster meat. SOOO sweet and succulent, even without dipping in butter.
Try my Maine Style lobster bake combo but don’t hesitate to put your own together; adding clams, mussels or shrimp into the mix.
In Maine its common to also serve this meal with a big square cut of blueberry cake. See my recipe for Blueberry Muffin/Cake.

Maine style Lobster bake

Maine style Lobster bake

Ingredients;
4 x 1.25-1.5LB Maine style lobsters alive and kicking
1/2 LB unsalted butter
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 Kielbasa sausage ring, cut into 4 pieces
4 ears of fresh corn
4 baking potatoes
Sour cream & chives for topping the potatoes
4 lobster cracking utensils
4 picks if you have them. The nut cracking sets work well for this too.
4 seafood forks if you have them

Directions;
Wash the potatoes and either wrap them in foil or oil them and dust with kosher salt and bake until tender about 1 to 1.5 hours at 375.
Place the butter in a pot and heat gently then cool it a bit and spoon off the solids, making clarified butter. Don’t worry if you don’t spoon it all off, its still just as good. Keep the pot on warm until you are ready to use the butter.
Peel and clean the corn and place it in a covered microwaveable dish with about 1″ of water. Microwave for about 7-8 minutes when the lobsters are just about half done.
In a large covered pot big enough to fit the lobsters place about 3 ” of water. Bring to a boil and add the kielbasa and top with the lobsters. Cover them and watch the pot because it will foam up and spill over so you’ll have to remove the lid every so often. Boil/steam them for about 12 mins until the lobsters are completely red and the meat inside will turn from translucent to white and firm but not rubbery. DO NOT over cook the lobsters or the meat will be like trying to eat rubber bands. If in doubt better to under cook than over cook. You can test the lobsters by sticking a fork into the under belly at the top of the tail where it meets the body and slightly pull it apart. If the meat is white they are done.
Place a in a large plate or serving platter; a lobster, lemon wedge, ear of corn, baked potato topped with sour cream, chives or whatever you like, a piece of kielbasa and a cup of melted butter.

** make this more health friendly and omit the butter and use fat free sour cream.

Chicken or Veal Cutlets Milanese Style

This Milanese style recipe is classic Italian in that so much Italian food is just simple tastes. You can make this with chicken or veal. If you choose veal be sure it is top quality and very light pink in color. Veal Cutlets Milanese Style or Chicken Cutlets Milanese Style are served simply with lemon wedges.

Chicken cutlets Milanese
Chicken cutlets Milanese

Ingredients;
1 LB chicken or veal cutlets pounded thin
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 TSP dried basil
1 TSP dried thyme
Salt & pepper
1 cup vegetable oil
6 lemon wedges

Directions;
In a shallow dish, beat eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour flour into another shallow dish. Mix together the bread crumbs, basil and thyme in a third shallow dish. Have ready one large plate.
Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. Working with 1 piece of cutlet at a time, dip it first in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, place the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, coating completely. Place the cutlet into the bread crumb mixture and gently press crumbs into the cutlet. Set aside on large plate and continue with remaining cutlets.

Preheat your oven on 200. In a large skillet, heat the oil to 375 degrees F. Have ready a baking sheet fitted with a rack. Carefully place 2 pieces of breaded cutlet in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Chicken should be cooked through but the veal can be pink in the center.
Place cooked cutlets on the rack in the oven to keep warm.
Continue with remaining cutlets.

Serve with lemon wedges.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk fried chicken recipe is finger lickin good !!  The buttermilk makes all the chicken pieces moist and tender. Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk for at least 6 hours and up to 2 days refrigerated. There are many many recipes for fried chicken but this one is my favorite.

homemade Buttermilk Fried Chicken
homemade Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ingredients;

2 cups buttermilk
3 eggs, beaten
8-12 pieces of chicken with skin and bones; breasts (if they are lrg cut them in half), thighs, legs and wings
3 cups all purpose flour
2 x 1/2 TSP salt
1 and 1/2 TSP Cayenne pepper
1 TSP sweet Paprika
2 x 1/2 TSP poultry seasoning (Bell is one brand)
3 cups canola oil mixed with 1 cup peanut oil

Directions;
Marinate the chicken AT LEAST 6 HOURS TO TWO DAYS BEFORE. In a gallon size resealable plastic bag combine the buttermilk, 1/2 TSP salt,  1/2 TSP cayenne pepper and 1/2 TSP poultry seasoning.  Add the chicken. Use two bags if you need to, just split the milk mixture in two. Refrigerate.
Heat the oils in a large iron fry pan or in a deep fryer to 350. Use a deep-fry thermometer if you can or test the heated oil by putting a pinch of flour into it and if it sizzles its ready.
In a large bowl combine the flour, remaining 1 TSP cayenne pepper, 1/2 TBLS salt, 1/2 TSP poultry seasoning and the paprika.
Dredge the chicken pieces one at a time into the flour and then into the beaten eggs and then into the flour again. Shake off any excess. Carefully add the chicken pieces into the hot oil leaving some room around them to cook. Turning them about every 10 minutes until they are golden brown and the juices run clear, about 175 degrees. Place cooked chicken on a rack to drain. Repeat this 2-3 times more until all the chicken is cooked.

**use all wing pieces to make a great appetizer

Chicken Parmigiana

This Chicken Parmigiana is very easy to make and once the sauce is ready it only takes 30 minutes to prepare. Serve it alone, with pasta or on Italian bread as a sandwich. You can also change the cutlets to veal, it’s the same process for cooking. But be sure to buy a good quality veal otherwise they will be tough.

Chicken parmigiana
Chicken parmigiana

Make my Marinara sauce or use sauce left over from a Traditional Sunday sauce that had meat in it. The flavors work well with either.
If you really are pressed for time then use the best quality jarred sauce, like Barilla.

Ingredients;
6 Chicken breast cutlets or veal, pounded thin
2 eggs, beaten
1/1/2 cups Italian flavored bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 TSP of each; dried parsley, dried basil and garlic powder(not salt)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups Tomato sauce from the above selections
1/2 cup oil (half canola and half olive)

Directions;
Preheat the oven to 350.
Mix the parsley, basil, garlic powder and about 2 TBLS of the Parmesan cheese together and set aside. Heat half of the oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Dip the cutlets into the beaten egg and then into the bread crumb mixture coating them on both sides. Place the cutlets in the frying pan so they have some room between them and fry until lightly brown. Unless you have a very large frying pan (then use all the oil) you will probably need to do this twice. Add the left over oil to the pan and let it heat in between frying more cutlets. Place the cooked cutlets on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. In a large baking pan place a few TBLS of sauce and then top it with a cutlet. Repeat this until all cutlets are in the pan. Place a few more TBLS of sauce on top of each cutlet and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and spread the mozzarella cheese over that. Cover with a lid or foil. Bake for 15-20 mins or until the cheese is melted and sauce is just slightly bubbling.

 

**to make this health friendly use half the Parmesan cheese and use part skim mozzarella cheese.

Stuffed Ricotta Shells

This  recipe for Stuffed Ricotta Shells is rich and creamy.

stuffed Ricotta shells
stuffed Ricotta shells

The recipe originates from the Lazio (Rome)region of Italy. It’s easy to make with a little patience and freezes well for a quick work night meal. There are many ways to stuff these; ricotta, meat sauce, sausage with herbs and bread crumb w/ bechamel sauce, etc…

Make my recipe for Marinara sauce

Ingredients;
12oz box Jumbo Shells (I like Barilla)
2 LB container of whole milk ricotta
Two 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup grated Romano cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 TBLS minced fresh parsley
ground pepper to taste

Directions;
Cook the jumbo shells for 9 minutes or according to the box for boiling and then baking. Drain and rinse in a colander with cool water. Be sure all the water is out of the inside of the shell. In a mixing bowl combine all the other ingredients, leaving out half the mozzarella. Put a heavy layer of marinara sauce in a covered baking dish. Open the shell with two fingers and spoon the cheese mixture into the shell until nearly full, about two tablespoons. Fold it closed. Place the stuffed shells next to each other and fill the baking dish. Pour a generous layer of sauce over the top of the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake covered at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

**use low or non fat cheese to make this more health friendly

Creamy Shrimp and Grits

There are many varieties of shrimp and grits;
Charleston, Low Country, Georgia.
I like this creamy style the best.

Shrimp and grits
Shrimp and grits

1 cup yellow grits (not instant)
1/2 cup grated sharp white cheddar
1 TBLS unsalted butter
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper

Shrimp:
1/2 cup 1/3″ small cubes of tasso, andouille sausage, or bacon
1 TBLS vegetable oil (optional)
3 garlic cloves, sliced
2 TBLS butter
16 raw large shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled, deveined
1/2 cup low-salt chicken stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 TSP paprika
2 TBLS chopped fresh chives

Directions;
For grits:
Bring 3 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Turn heat to low; gently simmer until grits begin to thicken. Continue cooking, stirring often and adding water by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick, until tender, about 45 minute to 1 hour. Stir in cheese, butter, and bell pepper, then cream. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
For shrimp:
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add tasso or whatever sausage/bacon you choose. Saute until fat begins to render, about 5 minutes (if tasso is very lean, add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet). Add garlic and butter; stir until butter melts. Add shrimp and paprika. When garlic begins to brown, add the chicken stock and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Simmer until shrimp is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; set aside.
Put a portion of grits in the center of a bowl and pour the shrimp mixture around the grits.
Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve.

Roasted Turkey and Sage/Sausage Stuffing

This Roasted Turkey and Sage/Sausage Stuffing is a special edition post to the pantry.

roasted turkey
roasted turkey

Roasting a turkey is all about keeping it moist. Years ago you heard of people roasting in a paper bag. Now we have less flammable alternatives, like browning bags made for oven temps.
My recipe for both is basic and you can certainly add different spices as you please.

Ingredients:
Turkey, any size, fresh or frozen, defrosted
One pkg Reynolds turkey size browning bags
Bell’s Seasoning (it’s the little yellow box with the turkey on it)
Ground sage
1/2 stick of butter
2 carrots peeled and cut into 3 pcs.
2 celery stalks, cut into 3 pcs.
1 large onion, quartered

Directions
Wash the turkey and smooth the butter under the breast skin and all over the turkey skin too. Liberally sprinkle the sage and Bell’s seasoning all over the turkey. If you are going to stuff the turkey do it now. If you stuff the turkey then tie the legs together. You can add a meat thermometer to the breast area if you wish. Turkey needs to be 180 degrees when done. Prepare the oven bag according to the directions. Place the turkey in the bag.
Place the cut veggies all around the turkey. Close the bag as directed on the browning bag box. Roast according to the time and temperature indicated on the browning bag box and your size turkey. Once the turkey is done let it sit for about an hour before carving.

The Basic Stuffing;
2  12oz Bags bread cubes, unseasoned if possible
1 TBLS Bell’s Seasoning (little yellow box next to the Thanksgiving groceries)
1 TBLS ground sage
1 large onion, minced
4 stalks celery, cut fine
1 stick of butter, unsalted
4 cups unsalted or low sodium chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 LB Italian sausage, if you get links remove the casing

stuffing
stuffing

Options;
** you can add a few tablespoons of chopped cooked mushrooms etc..**

Directions;
In a pot big enough to hold all the stuffing, sauté the veggies and sausage in the butter until soft but not brown. Breaking up the sausage as it cooks.
Add the broth to the pot and heat to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the seasonings and the bread cubes to the pot. Mix together and then add the beaten egg. Mixing it thoroughly. Place stuffing in the turkey loosely or bake in a covered pan that has been greased. Bake in the covered pan for about 30 minutes at 350.

 

Ground Beef Chili

Ground beef chili is a simple easy work night meal and leftovers freeze well.  Feel free to change out the tomato sauce for diced tomatoes if that’s what you like. This is a mild recipe, just add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to heat it up to your liking.

Ground beef chili
Ground beef chili

Ingredients;
1 LB Lean ground beef
1/2 Large onion, chopped
1 TBLS olive oil
Two 8oz cans tomato sauce
One 16oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 TBLS chili powder
1 TBLS Worcestershire sauce
1 TSP ground cumin
1/2 TSP garlic powder
1/4 TSP salt
1/4 TSP black pepper
Garnish with cheddar cheese and avocado slices
Serve with tortillas if you like

Directions;
In a large frying pan saute the onion in the oil until soft. Add the ground beef and cook while chopping the meat up until the pink is gone and the beef is all crumbled in the pan. Add the balance of ingredients stir and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve.

**use 93%+ lean beef or change to ground turkey and low fat cheese to make this health friendly

Apple Butter Roasted Pork Loin

It’s apple season in the USA. This tasty Apple butter roasted pork loin  is moist and has a great crispy crust when done. The smell of it roasting says Fall all on it’s own.

Apple butter roasted pork loin
Apple butter roasted pork loin

Ingredients;
2LBS pork roast
2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup apple butter
1/4 cup brown sugar, light or dark
2 TBLS water
1/4 TSP cinnamon
1/4 TSP ground ginger
Dash of ground cloves

Directions;
Preheat oven to 350. Place pork loin in a baking dish, pour the apple juice over it and cover. Bake for 1 hour. Mix together the rest of the ingredients. Remove the roast from the oven and spread the apple butter mixture over the roast and cover. Bake for an additional 1.5-2 hours or until tender.

Stuffed Veal Rolls (Scaloppini)

This veal scaloppini dish is classic northern Italian. Made with good light pink colored veal cutlets is best. It’s made in one pan and 30 minutes to cook, so tender. If you are making this for a crowd place the browned rolls in a baking dish and pour the juices/wine mixture over the rolls.  Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

veal roll
veal roll

Ingredients;
1 LB Veal cutlets, pounded very thin
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
3 oz Prosciutto ham, thin slices
1 egg
2 TBLS milk
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dash of pepper
Dash of nutmeg
3 TBLS butter
1 TBLS olive oil
1/2 flour, spread on a plate
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup beef or veal stock/broth
Toothpicks

veal roll preparation
veal roll preparation

Directions;
In a mixing bowl place the bread crumbs, milk, cheese, egg, pepper and nutmeg, mashing together to form a creamy consistency. Lay the cutlets out flat and divide and spread the bread crumb mixture evenly among them. Place on top of it a 1/2 slice or full slice, depending on the size of the cutlet, of the Prosciutto. Roll the cutlets up and secure with a toothpick or two lengthwise. Put the butter and oil in a pan large enough to accommodate the veal rolls in a single layer. Dredge the veal rolls in the flour. Heat on med high and brown the meat on all sides. Add the wine and stock/broth bringing it to a brief boil then turn the heat down to very low and simmer covered for about 25-30 minutes. If the juices are too thin/watery, remove the veal and turn the heat up for a few minutes to reduce the juices.

Pork Chops Braised with Marsala and Red Wine

This Pork Chops Braised with Marsala and Red Wine dish is flavorful and made in one pan. It’s a classic regional Italian dish. The pork melts in your mouth when done.

pork braised with marsala
pork braised with marsala

Ingredients;
1/4 cup olive oil
1 TBLS butter
4 pork loin chops, about 3/4″ thick or boneless pork chops with a little fat on them works too
1/2 cup flour, spread on a plate
1 TSP chopped garlic
1 TBLS tomato paste, dissolved in the wine
1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup dry red wine
Dash of salt and pepper
1 TBLS chopped parsley
1/2 cup of water

Directions;
In a frying pan that can accommodate the pork in a single layer put the oil and butter in and turn to med high heat. Pat the chops dry with a paper towel and dredge in the flour. When the butter/oil foam begins to subside place the chops in the pan and brown on both sides. Add the garlic to the fat in the pan and saute for 2 mins. Add the wines with the tomato paste, salt and pepper. Heat for a few minutes and then cover tightly turning the heat down to very low. Cook for about 1 hour, turning the chops once. Remove the chops to a warm platter. Tilt the pan to spoon off some of the fat, be sure to leave the juices. Add the water and turn up to high boiling off the water while scraping the residue leaving a dark sauce. Add the parsley. Pour the sauce over the chops in the platter and serve.

Chicken Marbella

This Chicken Marbella dish is so tasty and is better when prepared the night before you want to cook it. Overnight marinating is the best. The flavors intermingle and burst in your mouth.  People who do not like prunes/olives eat this with vigor. I originally discovered this from a country store in Rye, NY. I’ve come to find out that its origin is Spanish-Moorish and the Silver Palate cookbook made it famous.

Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella

Ingredients:
1 whole fresh chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces***
4 cloves of garlic, mashed and pureed into the oil
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 TBLS dried oregano
1 TBLS dried thyme, if you use fresh use about 6-8 sprigs
1/4 TSP ground pepper
Dash of salt
1/2 cup pitted prunes
1/4 cup pitted green Spanish olives
2 TBLS capers, and a splash of their juice
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
2 TBLS fresh parsely, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup dry white wine

Directions:
In zip lock bag combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the white wine and brown sugar. Marinate overnight for best results or at a minimum 4 hours in the refrigerator. In a glass or stainless steel baking dish arrange the chicken in one layer. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Pour the white wine around the chicken. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken.
Bake at 350 uncovered basting the chicken with the juices a few times.
Bake for about 50-70 minutes, until the juice of the thighs are clear when cut.

***if you want to make this as an appetizer use wingettes and reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp

This Baked Stuffed Shrimp recipe is easy and impressive.
Start off by making my crab cake recipe for the stuffing.
You can freeze these too.

baked stuffed shrimp
baked stuffed shrimp

Ingredients;
Eighteen 16-20 count or larger raw peeled and deveined shrimp
Make my crab cake recipe
Paprika
2 TBLS of each, Olive oil and butter
Lemon wedges

Directions;
Preheat oven 375.
You can stuff the shrimp laying on their side or stand them up flatting them and pile the stuffing on the opposite side of where they were cut and cleaned. Place them into an open baking dish.
Drizzle with the oil and place pieces of butter around the shrimp. Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake at 375 for 10-12 mins until the shrimp are pink and firm up. Serve with lemon wedges.

Chicken with Vinegar and Peppers

This Chicken with vinegar peppers is an alternative with  a little variation to a previously posted recipe using pork chops and just as tasty !

Chicken with vinegar peppers
Chicken with vinegar peppers

Ingredients:
1 LB boneless chicken breast, cubed
4 TBLS flour for coating chicken with a dash of salt and pepper added
3 TBLS olive oil
1 Med onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup sliced hot cherry peppers ( you can also use sweet)
1 spring fresh rosemary
4-5 springs fresh thyme
3-4 fresh sage leaves

Directions:
Dust the chicken with the flour/salt/pepper mixture.
In a large frying pan heat the oil and brown the chicken over a med-high heat with onions on top.
Add the garlic and saute a few minutes. Add the vinegar and peppers and simmer for a few more minutes. Reduce the heat and add the  balance of ingredients and cover. Simmer 15-20 minutes more.

Seafood Rice

This seafood rice dish is a meal on it’s own. Very easy to make and you can change the seafood to what ever you like or add minced cajun style sausage for a kicked up flavor.

seafood rice
seafood rice

Ingredients;
1LB mussels, cleaned OR you can buy them frozen
1/2 LB raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 cup rice
2 TBLS oil
1 med onion, diced
1/3 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups water or seafood broth/stock, low sodium
2 TBLS tomato paste
1 TSP dried parsley
Dash of dried basil
Dash of red pepper flakes
Salt to taste (I would not add salt if you use seafood broth or stock)

Directions;
In a 4 qt pot saute the onion and bell pepper in the oil just until soft. Add the rice, parsley and basil and stir. Add the water/broth, tomato paste, salt and pepper flakes. Bring to a low simmer for about 10 minutes covered. Add the shrimp and mussels, stir and simmer for about 10 more minutes, covered until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Stuffed Chicken Cutlets

This Stuffed chicken cutlets recipe is easy and very impressive without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients;
4 chicken cutlets, pounded thin
15oz container ricotta cheese
small bag of fresh baby spinach
garlic powder, not salt
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Salt & pepper to taste

Stuffed chicken cutlets
Stuffed chicken cutlets

Directions;
Preheat oven 375. Mix the ricotta cheese with salt & pepper to taste. Set aside. Lay the cutlets flat and sprinkle a little garlic powder on each one. Place about 2-3 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta down the middle of each cutlet. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over each cutlet. Cover each cutlet with the spinach leaves, packing them down slightly. Roll the sides of the cutlets to the center leaving the only the ends with some of the stuffing exposed. Secure with a tooth pick. Dip the stuffed chicken into the beaten egg and then roll in the bread crumbs. Cut pieces of foil big enough to wrap around each cutlet. Spray the middle of each piece of foil wrap with cooking spray. Lay the cutlet in the middle and loosely wrap the foil closed. Place the wrapped cutlets on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Open the foil to expose the cutlets and bake another 15 minutes.

**use low fat cheese to make this health friendly

New England Style Lobster Roll

There are many variations of lobster roll recipes. I make it the classic New England way.

Lobster rolls
Lobster rolls

Ingredients;
8oz cooked lobster meat, chilled, (if you want to use live lobsters you’ll need about 3LBS of whole lobsters steam cooked, shelled and cooled)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 TBLS minced celery
1 TBLS minced onion
Salt and pepper to taste
1 TBLS melted butter
2 NE style hot dog rolls, lightly toasted, they are sliced on the top instead of the side but either will do

Directions;
Brush the rolls with melted butter and toast lightly in the broiler. Cut the chilled lobster meat into chunks. Mix in all other ingredients.
Fill the toasted rolls with the lobster mixture and serve.

**omit the butter and use lite or non fat mayo to make this health friendly

Jambalaya – Cajun Style

Jambalaya
a serving of Jambalaya

While visiting New Orleans we had Jambalaya, a classic dish and enjoyed it so much.
I played with the flavors and here is my version.

Jambalaya
Jambalaya

Ingredients:
1 cup white long grain rice
2 cups chicken or seafood stock
1/2 cup minced onion
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
2 TBLS olive oil
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 TBLS Chef Paul Prudhomme’s salt free Magic Seasoning (found in the spice aisle)
1/2 TSP cayenne pepper or more if you like heat
2 TBLS tomato paste
1 LB of chopped; raw shrimp and Cajun sausage or cooked white meat chicken or combine all 3 to equal a pound.

Directions:
In a large frying pan heat the oil and saute the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the garlic for another minute. Add the seasoning, rice and cayenne pepper and stir. Transfer to a sauce pot and add the stock and tomato paste and stir. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Add the pound of seafood/meats and stir. Lower to a low simmer covered for about 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked.

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala

This Marsala recipe can be made with chicken or veal cutlets. Be sure if you make it with veal you buy a good quality veal, such as milk fed. It’s expensive but worth it. I use a California Marsala, please do not use the cooking wine type, it’s just watered down.

Ingredients;
6 chicken cutlets, tossed in 4 TBLS flour
4 TBLS unsalted butter
3 TBLS olive oil
2 TBLS shallot, minced
1 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup beef stock
1 box 8oz-12oz fresh mushrooms, cleaned and thick sliced, button or any kind you like
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions;
In a large frying pan heat the butter and oil. Add the shallot for 2-3 minutes then add the cutlets. Saute the cutlets a few minutes on each side. Remove the cutlets. Turn the heat up to med-high and add the mushrooms. Saute until they shrink a little. Then add the wine for a few minutes, scrapping the pan drippings, until the wine reduces. Add the stock and bring it up to a good simmer, until it also reduces. Add the cutlets back in. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve now if you make it with veal,  if chicken, simmer covered on low for 20 minutes.

Serve with you favorite starch & veggie.

Italian Ragu Meat Sauce, Bolognese Style

Bolognese serving
Bolognese serving

This Bolognese meat sauce is a classic from the city of Bologna, Italy. I’m sharing this with you but the true author is Marcella Hazen. She brings to you so many classic Italian dishes in her cookbooks.  This meat sauce takes time to simmer but it literally melts in your mouth and is so creamy tasting. Start this in a heavy stock pot and once it’s put together transfer it to a crock pot, it will cook gently as it is suppose to. It freezes well so double the recipe for a quick work night dinner.

Ingredients;
2 TBLS chopped onion
3 TBLS unsalted butter
3 TBLS olive oil
2 TBLS chopped celery
2 TBLS chopped carrot
3/4 LB ground beef, chuck or meat from the neck
1/2 TSP salt
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup whole milk
1/8 TSP nutmeg
2 cups canned whole Italian tomatoes in their juice, roughly chopped
12oz-16oz cooked pasta, see recommendations below

Directions;

In a heavy stock pot on med heat add the butter, oil and onion, saute a few minutes until just becoming translucent. Add the celery and carrot. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the beef and salt breaking it apart with a fork. Saute just until the pink is faded but DO NOT brown it. Add the wine and turn the heat up stirring until the wine has nearly evaporated. Turn the heat down to med and add the milk and nutmeg stirring until the milk has evaporated.  Add the tomatoes and stir. Once the tomatoes come to a simmer pour the mixture into a crock pot and cook UNCOVERED for about 3-5 hours OR you can keep it in the original pot and lower the heat to barely a bubble for about 3-4 hours.

Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese Sauce

Best served over cooked Tagliatelle or fresh if you can get it, Tortellini pasta. Sprinkled with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.

Osso Buco in Bianco (Braised Veal Shanks in White Wine)

Osso buco is an old classic northern Italian veal dish. So tender and the whine sauce is finger licking good. You can finish it in a crock pot but it must be big enough so the fluid surrounds all the meat, not just one layer.

Braised veal shank
Braised veal shank aka Osso Buco
Osso buco
Osso buco

Ingredients:
4-6 veal shanks, cut 1-1/2 inches thick
4 TBLS butter
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup flour
1-1/2 cups dry white wine
1 TBLS lemon zest, no white just the outer yellow skin
4 TBLS fresh minced parsely
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Put the butter and oil in a pan big enough to fit the veal in one layer, all of it touching the bottom of the pan. Heat to med-high until the butter is bubbling. Dredge the veal in the flour and place in the hot pan. Brown on each side turning once, add the salt and pepper. Add the wine and lower to a very low simmer, covered. After about 15 minutes see if the fluid is too low and add 1/2 cup water if needed. Simmer on very low for 2 – 2.5 hours, periodically checking the fluid level. The veal will pull away from the bone and cut with a fork when done. Remove the shanks to a warm platter. Add the lemon peel and parsley to the pan and turn the heat up to med-high stirring and scrapping the pan residue loose. Return the veal to the pan for just a few minutes. Serve with the sauce poured over the veal shanks.

Lentil Soup

This is a nutritious easy soup and freezes well. Also, Lentil Soup can be made in a crock pot for a ready to serve work night dinner. You can stir in cooked rice or small pasta when serving to make it a main course. Make it vegetarian , just change the stock to vegetable.

lentil soup
lentil soup

Ingredients;
1 LB dry lentils
32 oz chicken or beef stock
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 LRG onion, chopped fine
3 stalks of celery, chopped fine
3 carrots, chopped fine or leave chunky if you like
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions;
Rinse and drain the lentils a few times. Add all other ingredients and simmer covered for two hours or until lentils are soft. If you use a crock pot, leave it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.