Category: Dinner

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Roasted Pork with Red Pepper Sauce & Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Pork with Red Pepper Sauce & Roasted Potatoes

I read cookbooks like novels. Is anyone else like me? But I tend NOT to follow recipes! Can anyone else relate?

I was flipping through an Emeril Lagasse cookbook Essential Emeril and saw a recipe for Roasted Pork and Roasted Potatoes. It reminded me of how my Mother In Law makes her Roasted Chicken with Potatoes. It has the same reddish color. Then I thought back to a family cookbook that I picked up from the Dollar Tree. I do not have it anymore, but I remembered a recipe for roasted chicken pieces with a red pepper sauce that was amazing.

So, thinking back to how I made the original chicken/red pepper sauce recipe (totally relying on memory…always a precarious situation!) and the new recipe which called for hot peppers, I constructed a new recipe or adapted recipe. My family does not like hot peppers, so that was totally out. And, being that I am a thrifty cook, I used what I had on hand. A leftover red pepper from testing another recipe and a Pork Roast that I had in the freezer when our local Price Rite had them on sale for $.99/lb. Yup, $.99/lb. So, this was going to be a “Use It Up and Use What You Have” recipe.

Throwing ingredients into my Manual Food Processor, I got to work making a marinade. The red pepper, fresh garlic cloves, white balsamic vinegar (just because I like it), olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper. I pureed it into a nice thick marinade. My 2 lb (more or less) pork loin was in a freezer bag and slightly still frozen (just a little). I added my peppery concoction to the freezer bag and marinated that (hopefully) delicious roast for about 4 hours while the roast finished defrosting.

When cooking time came before my hangry hungry family arrived home, I quartered some skin-on washed potatoes, nestled the pork loin into the center of my Rectangular Baker and tossed the potatoes with some of the dripping marinade. In the oven it went on 425 degrees for about 20 minutes then down to 350 for the remaining 30-40 minutes until the meat thermometer read 140 degrees. Rested for 15 minutes and then sliced up. So delicious!

I served it on my Wooded Cutting Board because I love to carve the meat on a carving board and I think it looks so beautiful. Plus, why put it on a platter and dirty another plate!

Yes, I will make this recipe again. So here is my new concocted recipe!

Roast Pork Loin with Red Pepper Sauce & Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients
2 lb pork loin roast
1 red pepper
3 garlic cloves
2 tbs white balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
6 medium potatoes

Cut diagonal lines into the fat of the pork loin roast.

In the food processor, puree the red pepper, garlic, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. If it is a little too dry, add a little more vinegar or oil to taste. Pour marinate over pork. Marinate the pork loin for 2-3 hours or overnight.

Quarter potatoes and put into a 9 x 13 Rectangular Baker. Place pork loin into the center of the pan. Pour remaining marinade over the potatoes and mix them up so the potatoes are also covered with the marinade. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Then, reduce temperature to 350 and bake for about 30-40 more minutes until the internal temperature of the pork reads 140 degrees. Take the pork out of the oven, cover and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. If the potatoes need longer to cook, while the pork is resting, continue to cook the potatoes until the pork has rested and sliced. Serve and enjoy!!!!

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California Wraps & Southwestern Salad

Let’s just say, I am a mess when I cook! And I wonder why no one tells me before I go on camera that my black top has cooking stains on it from cooking for 30 people before the camera starts rolling! Yes, that’s me for the world to see (well, maybe 2 people who actually watch)! Maybe, just maybe, I need to start wearing an apron. I have about 20 aprons from my 21+ years and counting with Pampered Chef. Well, I can’t do anything about it now…it’s on ORCTV, Vimeo and Youtube. Still an embarrassment to my daughters…you’re welcome, girls!

This month, I made something super easy at my cooking class for the Council on Aging because I had just come back from a week long family cruise to the Western Caribbean. We had a wonderful time but I got home and to bed around 2 am the morning of my class. So super easy and super fast menu this month was a must. Plus, I set the menu 2 weeks before. I normally have an idea of what I am making basing it on the sales and time of year. But, I had to set this menu somewhat blind because I needed to know what I was cooking further in advance.

I love sandwiches and hearty salads. No just lettuce and dressing for me. I want some goodies in my salad…like beans, avocado, corn, peas, croutons, cheese, carrots, eggs, olives… When I was on Weight Watchers with my friends, their lunch salads were always 0 or 2 points…mine were always 8+. This Southwestern Salad appeals to me because of the extra stuff (corn, olives, avocado and a very creamy doctored up ranch dressing.

I adapted the recipes a little because there were no ripe avocados in the stores where I shop. So, I just used prepared guacamole. It made it simpler and faster to make but I like the flavor of my own guac better.

If you want to see the video, here it is on Youtube Southwestern Salad & California Wraps.  You can also see it on Vimeo.

Links to the recipes are: Southwestern Salad and California Wraps. I hope you enjoy these recipes. Our guests at the Council on Aging loved them and went back for seconds. There was nothing left!

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Linguica Cacciatore-So yummy!!

I’m in love with linguica! And pasta, of course but let’s talk about linguica.  If you don’t know anything about linguica, where have you been?  And where do you live?  I’m fortunate to live in an area with a huge Portuguese population…my husband and kids are from Portuguese descent. So, yes, I cook some Portuguese meals and the cuisine has had a huge influence in my cooking.  I often substitute linguica for Italian sausage in many recipes.  Cacciatore is one of those recipes where linguica shines when substituted for Italian sausage or chicken.

Luckily when I present my cooking classes for the Council on Aging, the audience shares my appreciation for linguica (and most of what I cook, especially since they are eating it for lunch)! This recipe with a simple salad is easy and delicious!  I hope you make and enjoy this meal.  You can view my complete What’s Linda Cooking show for Linguica Cacciatore by clicking on the link.  Enjoy!

Linguica Cacciatore

1 lb linguica
2 tbs olive oil
1 onion sliced
1 red pepper sliced
1 green pepper sliced
8 ounces mushrooms sliced
4 garlic cloves minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato puree
1 cup beef stock
1 can tomato paste
Sweet basil to taste
Salt & pepper to taste
Sugar if needed
2 bay leaves
1 lb pasta – penne is best, I think
Parmesan cheese for serving
In large skillet saute onions, peppers and mushrooms and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes.  Slice linguine into 1 inch pieces and add to pan.  Add tomatoes, puree, stock, paste and seasonings.  Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Boil pasta in water until al dente.  Drain.. Add cacciatore mixture over pasta and serve with parmesan cheese.
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It’s All About the Sides

I don’t know about you but the side dishes for many holiday or everyday dinners are my favorites. There is nothing like homemade apples sauce, broccoli au gratin, mashed potato casserole (just one of my favorites), homemade cranberry sauce and so much more.  When eating my  holiday diner, I have very little of the “main” dish meat on my plate but a lot of the sides. Frequently, I put a little bit of every side on my plate and then go in for seconds of my favorites.  We have some tried and true sides that we always must have for our holidays.  It seems mashed potatoes (I think there would be a revolt if we did not serve some sort of potato), always make an appearance at holidays but also many times at our family dinner table.  But, why not have some of these special sides for your everyday dinners? Isn’t every night/day you sit down to a meal with your family special?  No matter how many times I serve roasted pork, homemade apples sauce is always a favorite accompaniment.  And don’t even think about jarred aka non-homemade apple sauce!!  It just does not compare.

This month at the Council on Aging, I concentrated on side dishes.  With the upcoming holidays, I thought it would be a welcomed segment.  So, I hope you enjoy these side dishes.  I know my family will this Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Here is the link to the What’s Linda Cooking episode.  I hope enjoy watching it as much as I did filming it and the seniors had enjoying this feast!!!  YUM!!!

Mashed Potato Casserole
6 large all purpose potatoes
1 small onion chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup or so of chicken stock
1/4 cup or so of butter
salt to taste
4 ounces of shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
Place peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot with water to cover.  Add salt.  Boil until tender.  Drain.
Meanwhile, sauté onion in butter or olive oil. When onion is almost done, add minced garlic.  Sauté for another minute.  Add to potatoes and mash.  Add chicken stock, butter and shredded cheese.
Put into a large baking dish.  If desired, add more cheese on top or buttered bread crumbs.  Bake at 400 for about 20 -30 minutes.
Broccoli & Cheese Casserole
20 ounces broccoli florets (can be frozen)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 butter
3/4 cups milk
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz type crackers
¼ cup butter, melted
Steam broccoli until just tender.  Put into a large baking dish.
In a sauce pan, add butter until melted.  Add  flour and cook for about 1 minute.  Slowly add about 1 cup of milk,  whisking to incorporate.  It will thicken.  If too thick, add a little more milk.  Take off the heat and add about half the shredded cheese.  Stir until melted.  Add cheese sauce to broccoli and mix until broccoli is coated.
Melt about 1/4 cup of butter.  Mix with a sleeve of crushed Ritz type crackers.  Top broccoli with the cracker mixer and remaining cheese.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Apple Sauce
About 4 lbs Tart apples
1/4 cup sugar or to taste
1 lemon juiced
Cinnamon, to taste (optional)
1/2 cup or so of Water
Peel, core and dice apples and add to a large sauce pan.  Add a little bit of water, lemon juice and sugar..  Cook for about 20 minutes until apples are soft.  Mash to desired consistency.  Add cinnamon to taste.
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One Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta

As many of you know, for the past 10 years (+/-) I have been volunteering at the Council on Aging presenting a cooking class once every month.  I try not to repeat recipes…especially now since for the past 5 years, ORCTV has been filming them.  I can’t have my fans (LOL) seeing the same recipes!!!

This month, I have been thinking about Buffalo Chicken Dip.  We’ve had a few pool parties and it seems like I have been making this dip a lot. I mean a lot!!!  I thought it would be great as a pasta dish but not so much with the buffalo sauce for the Council on Aging (Flashback to a sale on Hot Italian Sausage and eyes watering because it was too hot)!

Take out the buffalo sauce and add bacon.  Change the ranch dressing to ranch seasoning and we suddenly have Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta.  I tested it out on my weary wonderful family!  I received a definite thumbs up from my daughter.  My husband was not as impressed but he doesn’t like any type of dip, so I didn’t really take his opinion into account.  (he would say, I never listen to him, but that’s another story and another post and maybe some counseling???!!!). Anyway, I cooked it for the Council and it was a big hit.  Disclaimer…this is NOT a diet recipe!!!  Yes, it is rich and delicious.  It’s not something I would make every week.  But it’s sooooo good.  Try it and let me know what you think!  Here’s the link to the video: One Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta with Spinach

One Pot Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta with Spinach

2 cups chicken stock or water (chicken stock is better)
1/2 packet of ranch seasoning mix or about 2 tbs
1 lb boneless skinless chicken
2 cups uncooked penne pasta (6 oz)
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
8 ounces fresh spinach

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, brown cut up bacon.  Add cut up chicken sprinkled with ranch seasoning and sauté.
Once browned, add cream cheese cubed and melt.  Add 2 cups of water and pasta.  Bring to a boil.
Add spinach.  Cover; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 14 to 16 minutes or until pasta is tender. Remove from heat.
Add 1/2 of the cheddar cheese and mix.   Add the remaining cheddar on top.  Let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

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Pan Roasted Chicken with Zucchini

This is the no recipe, recipe!  Although this recipe can be adapted for different meats and veggies, I ended up with chicken and zucchini in this dish because zucchini is plentiful this time of year and it’s plain yummy. There is no secret, I love chicken.  It’s such a versatile ingredient and it’s inexpensive compared to other types of meat.

Believe it or not, the day I cooked this recipe, I had a hard time finding boneless/skinless chicken thighs at a good price.  I ended up going to 3 different stores…1 did not have any chicken thighs, 1 had bone-in thighs at a ridiculously high price and the 3rd had them with bone-in at $.89/lb.  I went with the 3rd option and deboned the thighs. All the skin and bones went into my Quick Cooker for a chicken stock.  I could have made this recipe with the bone in but at the Council on Aging, I need to be able to make the main meal in about 30 minutes, so boneless was the way to go.  At home, I would have just gone with the bone in.

As I mentioned in the video, I normally serve this with mashed potatoes which are my favorite (yum!!!) but I was feeling a little lazy and did not want to peel potatoes for 30 people (I know, I know…stop being so lazy!!!). So opted for rice.  It did come out great with the rice but really would have been better with the potatoes.

Well, here’s the recipe I adapted.  By the way, if you do want one of my cool…amazing Non Stick Stainless Skillets which helps make an amazing pan sauce with easy cleanup, just click the link.

Pan Roasted Chicken with Zucchini

1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1   small onion
  • 1 pkg-8 ounces mushrooms
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup white wine or chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F . Heat the oil in a Stainless Steel Skillet or Stainless Non Stick Stainless Skillet over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt & pepper. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 4 minutes. Turn the chicken over and sear for 1 additional minute. Remove the chicken from the pan.
  3. Meanwhile, slice onion & mushrooms. Cut the tomatoes in half. Cut the zucchini into 1″.
  4. Add the onions, mushrooms, minced or pressed garlic and salt to the pan. Saute for 2–3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the fond or little brown bits.
  5. Add the wine or chicken stock and dijon mustard. Simmer, uncovered, for 3–5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half.
  6. Add the tomatoes and zucchini to the pan and stir to combine. Place the chicken on top of the mixture and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken in cooked. If you use bone in chicken, increase the baking time to about 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

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Menu Plan week of July 9th

Another week of menu plans! I like making my menu plans based on what I have on hand and what’s on sale. It keeps my grocery budget in check. This week I ran into a great sale at Aldi on ground beef (93% 7% fat!!!!) and pork cutlets.  Although they are not on my menu plan this week, they will be making an appearance in the next few weeks.

You may wonder why I make a 4 night menu…because I like the structure of knowing what I am going to be cooking but I also like the flexibility to add other menu items.  Plus, I like to leave some room for leftovers.  Most of our leftovers do get packed into my husband and daughter’s lunch boxes but sometimes I make so much food that I have some extra for a night’s meal.

So here is the plan!

Day 1:  Fried Chicken Cutlets & Zucchini

Day 2: Grilled Fajita Pizza

Day 3:  Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Salad

Day 4: Citrus Basil Salmon with Salad & Rice Pilaf

Enjoy!!!

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Menu Plan Week of June 17th!!!

I am trying to stay away from a lot of processed carbs…very tough for me since I have not met a carb that I didn’t love!!  But, I need to lose some weight and eat a little healthier.  So, my menu plan reflect my new eating style.  Yes, you will see there are some potatoes on the menu but my family loves them and I will try to not eat them!!!  Wish me luck!!

I make my menu plans based on what I have on hand and what’s on sale…mostly at Market Basket…and what I may find at Friendly Fruit.  So here it is.  There are links to the recipes from the websites where I found the recipes.

Day 1

From I Breath I’m Hungry and All Recipes:  Salsbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy and Mashed Cauliflower

Day 2

From All Recipes:   Roasted Chicken with Roasted Potatoes, Carrots & Onions

Day 3

From Kasey Trenum:   Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pork Chops with Roasted Broccoli

Day 4 From Cooking With Mamma C:  Lemon Parmesan Cod with Garlic Butter and Salad

And here is the Grocery List:

Dairy
8 tbs butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1 small wedge Parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Pantry (Items you probably have but may need to replenish)
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
dried onion flakes
kosher salt
black pepper
olive oil
onion powder
Italian seasoning
paprika
Dry Goods
3/4 cup almond flour
1 can beef broth
1 can chicken broth
Produce
1 small bunch parsley
2 cups sliced button mushrooms
4 yellow onions
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 head garlic
1 stalk celery
4 medium potatoes
1 lb carrots
1 lemon
Meats
2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed
1.5 lb center cut boneless pork chops
1 1/2 pounds fresh cod

 

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Oven Fried Chicken Thighs

Oven Fried Chicken with Chopped Salad

Every month for the past 10 years or so, I have been teaching a cooking class at the Council on Aging in Rochester.  I look forward to this class every month. It’s so much fun!  And I cook for about 20-30 hungry people.

This month, I made one of my favorites, Oven Fried Chicken Cutlets!  YUM!!!  And it did come out yummy!  I normally choose my menus like I choose my family’s menu plans…based on what’s on sale or what I have in my freezer.  In the case of the cooking class…based on what the Council on Aging may have received in donations or what may have been left over from another function.  One month, they called and said they had pork loin roasts, so I made the roast with potatoes and veggies or a Hot Brown with Pork instead of Turkey.  Easy!  It’s the same way many people plan their menus.  Except, I need to be able to do most of the cooking in about 30 minutes AND feed about 20-30 people.  No problem!  Of course, I do some of the prep ahead of time.  Who wants to see me dredge and coat 30 chicken cutlets?  NOBODY!!!  So I leave about 3-4 for on camera and the cooking class.  Easy!  Then I hope that I have enough to say to fill up the 25-30 minute time slot.  Most of the time it works our perfectly but sometimes, not so much.  I’ll let you be the judge of this time.

Here’s the video:

What’s Linda Cooking-Oven Fried Chicken & Salad

And here’s the recipe:

Oven Fried Chicken Thighs
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup flour
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tbs Italian Seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 eggs and dash of milk
Olive Oil
Mix crumbs with seasoning.  Put in a shallow bowl.  Put flour in another shallow bowl and eggs in a third shallow bowl.  Dredge chicken in flour, then egg and finally in breadcrumbs.  Place on a greased sheet pan.  Bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
Chopped Salad
1 cup cooked ditalini pasta or other type of small pasta
1 package of torn romaine lettuce (8 cups)
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
1 firm ripe avocado
3 sliced green onions
6 sliced of cooked bacon crumbled
1 cup blue or feta cheese
1/2 cup wine wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1 shallot
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and Pepper to Taste along with Italian Seasoning
Cook pasta according to directions.  Drain and rinse under cook water.  Drain well.  Set in large salad bowl.
Chop lettuce, avocado, tomato and slice green onions and set in salad bowl.
Cook bacon to crisp and crumble.  Add to the bowl with the cheese.
Make dressing by combining vinegar, olive oil, chopped shallot, minced garlic and heavy cream.  Add salt, pepper and Italian Seasoning.  Whisk until thickened.  Add to salad and toss.
To serve, add salad to plates and top with sliced oven fried chicken.  Enjoy!
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Menu Plan for April 1st

Roasted Chicken

Here’s my weekly installment of my menu plan.  Yes, I am a little late but better late than never.  So, Ham Croquettes are on the menu this week.  You’re probably saying..”Ham Croquettes?  What are those?”  Well, they were popular probably in the 50’s to use up leftovers.  They use mashed potatoes, leftover meat and cheese to make a nice fried pancake or cylinder type dumpling.  Really good, when you make them right.  I have been trying to perfect these for a while.  I went to a great restaurant near me where they were on the  menu.  Of course, I ordered them and they were fantastic.

Since we had ham on the menu for Easter AND mashed potatoes, I figured I would try out this recipe for Ham and Oaxaca Cheese Croquettes.  We will see!!!

I hope you enjoy the menu plan.  If you have any questions, just let me know.  All recipes and the grocery list can be found on my website in the new section.  Menu Plan 

Day 1:  Ham & Oaxaca Cheese Croquettes & Salad

Day 2:  Stuffed Boneless Turkey Breast with Roasted Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

Day 3:  Cod with Italian Crumb Topping with Steamed Broccoli and Rice Pilaf

Day 4: Pan-Roasted Chicken & Vegetables

Enjoy and let me know what you think!  Again, for all the recipes, just go to Menu Plan  under New Section for the recipes, links and grocery list.