Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken

PENNE GORGONZOLA with CHICKEN

1 package (16oz) penne pasta
1 lb chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 Tblsp olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 cups (8oz) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
6 to 8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste
grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and minced fresh parsley

• Cook pasta according to package directions. 
• In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown chicken in oil on all sides. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan.
• Add cream and broth; cook until sauce is slightly thickened and chicken is no longer pink. 
• Still in Gorgonzola cheese, sage, salt and pepper; cook just until cheese is melted.
• Drain pasta; toss with sauce.
• Sprinkle with Parm-Reggiano cheese and parsley

Balsamic Steak with Fruit & Gorgonzola

BALSAMIC STEAK

with FRUIT & GORGONZOLA

(low calorie: about 222 per serving)

1-1/2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into six 4-oz filets [or use a pre-cut lean beef steak]
1 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
1 Tblsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tblso strawberry jam
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
6 Tblsp Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
2 Tblsp fresh basil, minced

• Season filets with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a saute pan over medium-high. Add filets; sear 2-3 minutes per side for medium. Transfer filets to plate; tent with foil.
• Add vinegar to the pan; cook until liquid is reduced by half, 5 minutes. Whisk in jam; stir to dissolve.
• Serve steaks with balsamic sauce, strawberries, and Gorgonzola; garnish with basil.

recipe directly from CuisineLite, Spring 2013 edition

The Perfect Salad

I've been on a really big "Salad Kick" lately, and have found the perfect way to create a delish salad that can be changed and has a huge variety of choices. Its much better than the bland old lettuce with bottled dressing with preserves and unwanted ingredients.

Start with the basics. From there, learn your favorite combinations. After the image, I've listed my favorite combinations that I make the most.

My favorite:

• Olive Oil + Apple Cider Vinegar + Dijon + Honey + Salt + Strawberries + Feta Cheese
• Clementine Olive Oil + White Wine Vinegar + Dijon + Honey + Salt + Oranges + Blue Cheese
• Olive Oil + Red Wine Vinegar + Dijon + Honey + Salt + Apples + Gorgonzola Cheese

Get creative! And remember, Feta cheese goes with everything! Its my favorite cheese, but don't forget to try Asiago Cheese, Gorgonzola, Blue Cheese, and even Goat Cheese (with honey).

You can also find many flavors of Olive Oil and Vinegars. "O Olive Oil Company" has some amazing choices, but many brands have infused Oils and such.

Always taste-test your dressing before tossing with the salad, and adjust ingredients to you liking!

Please Pin It on Pinterest to share this around! It would be greatly appreciated! =)
 

Apple, Gouda & Mozzarella Toast

APPLE, GOUDA & MOZZARELLA TOAST

(This are estimated measurements! Easy to adjust according to the # you make)
4 slices whole wheat with grains bread
3 Tblsp butter, melted
6oz fresh mozzarella, cut into slices
1 honey crisp (or Fuji) apple, cut into thin slices
2 (sandwich size) slices of Gouda cheese

• Turn on the broiler, normal heat.
• Baste one side of bread with butter. Place on a cookie sheet, butter side up. Broil bread until lightly toasted and brown (less than 1 min).
• Turn bread over, baste with more butter. Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on each piece. Broil until cheese is slightly melted (about 30 seconds).
• Lay slices of apple on top of mozzarella cheese, and top with 1/2 slice of Gouda cheese. Broil until Gouda cheese is melted (less than 1 min).
• Serve immediately. 

Elegant Holiday: Green-Grapes Salad and Olive Rolls

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

TOSSED GREENS-AND-GRAPES SALAD

(Salad on top right)

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1-1/2 Tblsp Dijon mustard
1-1/2 tsp honey
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

1 (15oz) pkg spring greens mix or sweet baby greens
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1 cup salted, roasted cashews
2oz Manchego cheese, shaved

• Stir together olive oil and next 5 ingredients in a large serving bowl. Add spring greens and next 3 ingredients, and toss. Serve immediately. 

EASY ASIAGO-OLIVE ROLLS

1 (13.8oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/4 cup refrigerated olive tapenade
1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tblsp butter, melted

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Unroll pizza crust dough. Spread olive tapenade over dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Sprinkle with cheese and rosemary. Gently roll up dough, starting a 1 long side. Cut into 10 (1-1/4 inch thick) slices. Place slices in a lightly greased 9-inch round cake pan. Brush top of dough with melted butter. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately.

"An Elegant Holiday Dinner"

from Southern Living's 

"Cooking for Christmas"
Cherry-Pecan Brie
Tossed Greens-and-Grapes Salad
Easy Asiago-Olive Rolls
Pancetta-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Whipped Horseradish Cream
Crispy Potatoes with Fennel
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

Fondue Fun: 2 Cheese & Honey Fondue

"Fondue Fun"

from Southern Living's 

"Cooking for Christmas"

Two-Cheese-and-Honey Fondue
Tomato-and-Herb Fondue
Mixed Salad Greens
Mississippi Mud Fondue

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

Two-Cheese-and-Honey Fondue

Fondue:
1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 Tblsp honey

2 cups freshly shredded Jarlsberg cheese

1/2 cup freshly shredded Swiss cheese

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper

Serve with:

Cubed ciabatta bread, sliced pears, sliced apples

• Bring heavy cream, chicken broth, and honey to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce head to medium-low and simmer. Meanwhile, combine cheeses, flour, mustard, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly whisk cheese mixture into simmering brother until melted and smooth. Transfer to fondue pot; keep warm. Serve fondue with desired accompaniments.

Wednesday: Tomato-and-Herb Fondue

Grilled Pineapple & Pancetta Pizza

GRILLED PINEAPPLE & PANCETTA PIZZA

4 oz pancetta, diced small
1 fresh and ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch thick rings
1 tblsp vegetable oil
2 tblsp sugar
6 scallions, root ends trimmed
3 tblsp olive oil, divided
Kosher salt to taste; more to taste
1/4 cup uncooked grits or polenta, for rolling the dough
1 ball prepared pizza dough, at room temperature [Pillsbury makes a great crust!]
1/2 cup Onion Marmalade [recipe below]
6 oz Camembert cheese, sliced [or Mozzerella cheese]
2 tblsp flaked sweetened coconut, toasted
Red pepper flakes, optional

• Cook the pancetta in a small skillet over med-high heat until crispy, drain on a paper towel. Reserve for topping.
• Brush pineapple rings with veg oil and sprinkle sugar over both sides. Let sit 5 minutes. Brush scallions with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Preheat the grill over medium-high heat.
• Place the pineapple and scallions on the cooking grate directly over the heat and grill until the pineapple is well marked and the scallions are limp and charred in spots (3-5 minutes). Remove from grill. Chop scallions, reserve for topping.
• Roll out pizza dough using grits to prevent sticking. Grill dough over INDIRECT low heat until bottom is lightly browned.
• Flip over dough and top with marmalade. Top with cheese. Artfully arrange the pineapple rings on top. Sprinkle with the pancetta and scallions. Finish grilling the pizza until the bottom is lightly browned and toppings are melted and heated through.
• Remove from grill, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and season with salt and pepper. Slice and serve immediately.

Onion Marmalade:

2 tblsp olive oil

1 tblsp unsalted butter

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced and roughly separated into rings

1 tsp kosher salt

• Heat the oil and butter together in a large, heavy saute pan (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add the onion rings and salt and cook, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are all a deep golden color, about 20 more minutes.
• This will keep, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days. I suggest making this ahead of time to save time when the rest of the pizza is made.

Toasted Coconut Flakes

• Place coconut flakes in a saute pan over med-high heat and stir until the flakes are lightly browned.

I highly suggest you not drop this on the ground...like I did on my first attempt. So. Not. Cool.

PW's Twice-Baked Potato

This is one of my favorite recipes from Pioneer Woman. I saw one of her episodes on TV and this was one of them she cooked on it, and it "reminded" me. Love it when that happens. =)

Pioneer Woman's

TWICE BAKED POTATOES

This image is my own!

Caprice Salad

A very easy and delicious way to add a "salad" to your dinner! Also perfect for a simple lunch or brunch!

CAPRICE SALAD

Large tomato
6 leaves of fresh basil for each tomato
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Olive oil for drizzling

• Slice the tomato up, not cutting all the way through.
• Place a thin slice of mozzarella cheese and basil leaf in each cut.
• Lightly drizzle with olive oil.

Enjoy!!

Tuscan Chicken

TUSCAN CHICKEN

1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 tblsp fresh lemon juice, divided
5 tblsp olive oil, divided
1/3 cup chopped white onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of dried crushed red pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 (14-1/2 oz) cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano
1/2 cup all purpose flour
Pinch of cayenne pepper
3 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tblsp thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
3 tblsp butter
4 large skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut horizontally in half
4 2-inch pieces baguette (french bread)
2 cups fresh spinach
EVOO (for drizzling)

Whisk mayo and 3 tablespoons lemon juice in small bowl.

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and red pepper; saute until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Add wine, simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice. Simmer until thick, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Season with salt & pepper. Cool.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Set rack in rimmed baking sheet.

Whisk flour and pinch of cayenne in wide shallow bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup cheese, and basil in medium bowl. Sprinkle with pepper.

Melt butter with remaining 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt & pepper. Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour, then dip in egg mixture. Transfer chicken to skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Place on prepared rack and place in oven to keep warm while cooking remaining chicken.

Place baguette slices in any remaining butter-oil mixture in skillet and cook until toasted, about 1 min on each side. Transfer to plate and spread tomato confit on top.

Place spinach on plate, and chicken on top of the spinach. Spoon a little mayo mixture on top of chicken. Serve with tomato-baguettes.

Rainbow Farfalla

Last one of my "great things come in small packages" kick. Another product I found at World Market. These noodles looked fun and I thought my kids would get a kick out of them--and they did! They are imported from Italy, and I must say they were above and beyond any other noodle I've had...and they are colorful. The texture was so smooth and blended with the sauce beautifully! I used a recipe on the back of the package to cook it up with.

FARFALLE & SWEET SAUSAGE

  

2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tblsp oil
2 tblsp sweet onion, chopped
6 oz sweet sausage, removed from skin
8 oz white mushroom, diced
4 oz white wine
4 ox heavy whipping cream
Parmesan cheese to top

Heat oil on med-high heat and cook onion and garlic. Add the sausage, removed from casing and crumbled and cook until browned. Add mushrooms and cook for another minute. Add white and lower heat to medium. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until wine has greatly reduced, Add the cream and cook for 1 more minute, or until heated through.

Cook noodles according to package (9 minutes) and toss with sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

The rainbow farfalle can be substituted with regular farfalle if desired.

Isn't it so pretty? I think so!

Camembert with Lambic-Peach-Cherry Chutney

This is the perfect entertaining plate that goes great with any setting. The cheese can get expensive (it cost me about $11 for the round) so keep that in mind. But its totally worth it!

PLANK-SMOKED CAMEMBERT 

WITH LAMBIC-PEACH-CHERRY CHUTNEY

2/3 cup lambic beer or hard cider
1/2 cup sugar
1 large peach, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup dried (tart or sweet) cherries
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel
dash salt
1 piece cherrywood or cedar grill plank
8oz baguette-style french bread, cut diagonally into 1/2-in slices
1 8oz round Camembert cheese

For chutney, in a small saucepan, combine beer and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in peach, dried cherries, ginger, emon peel and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Transfer to a small bowl. cover and chill for at least 4 hours (it will thicken as it chills).

For at least 1 hour before grilling, soak grill plank in enough water to cover. Drain plank before using.

For charcoal grill, place the plank on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 3 to 5 minutes or until it starts to char and pop. while plank is heating, add bread slices to grill. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted, turning once halfway through grilling. Turn plank over. Place cheese on charred side of plank. Cover and grill for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese is softened and side is starting to droop.

Place cheese on plank; spoon some chutney on top. Serve with the bread and remaining chutney. Makes 6 to 8 appetizer serving.

recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens "grill it" special addition, July 2011

Still time to enter this giveaway!

Eggplant Parmesan

My in-laws also brought with them big, fresh, gorgeous eggplants! I didn't really know what to do with them, so they suggested making the traditional "eggplant Parmesan." I was pretty skeptical about it, but I tried it. And I was SO glad I did. Sorry the pictures aren't that great, it was a rainy day so I had no natural light for it..don't let that scare ya away =D

EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Click HERE for printable recipe

Ingredients:
2 large eggplants
kosher salt
28 oz whole peeled tomatoes (I used the ones we just canned--eggggggcellent!)
1 garlic clove, minced
olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs (*I made my own, and so glad I did! See note below)
4 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced to 1/4 inch rounds
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 packed cup fresh basil leaves (these were from  my garden as well)

Directions:
Prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/4 in slices.

In a wide shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl.

Place a large deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with 1/3 of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan and half the basil leaves.

Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan  and all the remaining basil. Add remaining egg plant and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.

Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temp for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 8.

**for fresh breadcrumbs, put a few slices of white bread in your food processor and pulse until its at the consistency you'd like. If you plan ahead enough, toast and let them cool first.

close-up picture of the cooked eggplant

recipe adapted from Simply Recipes http://simplyrecipes.com

Click HERE for printable recipe

Other Eggplant Parmesan recipes from blogs I like and follow
Skinny on a Dime Allrecipes.com Cooking with Libby Cooking light

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Romaine Salad with Avocado Dressing

First, THANK YOU! Cookin for my Captain has hit 200 Followers!! Ya'll are awesome!!

I'm looking to do a great giveaway after hitting this mark, so stay tuned!
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This was a great lunch for us--and it would serve 4 adults, easily, with these measurements. And it is very filling! Perfect for a weekend lunch in the Spring!

ROMAINE SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING

1 medium ripe avocado
1/2 cup mayonnaise (the real stuff)
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bunches romaine, torn
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (2 1/4 ounce) sliced ripe olives, drained
corn chips

In a [large] food processor, blend the first 6 ingredients until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, tomatoes, cheese and olives. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat.

Sprinkle with corn chips.

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The dressing is really thick--so don't add all at once! And don't put chips in until ready to serve--they go soggy fast!

Spinach and Turkey Pie

So I had this fabulous dish planned to share. The day I made it, terrible storms were passing through, so I had no natural light, so the picture really sucks. I was hopping that this post would be soooooo awesome that everyone would bypass the picture...until I sat down to write it out and I can't find the recipe. And its one I found in a magazine ages ago so no "internet look up" possible. And I did try. Its from a magazine called "Anyone can cook."

So what now? Just post the picture and say "haha look what I made and you can't!"? Ya, your right, I should.

SPINACH & TURKEY PIE

What it has in it: 1 box of angel hair noodles, 2 cups of turkey (chopped) 2 boxes of frozen (thawed and drained) spinach, 3 eggs, so milk, salt, and mozzarella cheese....bake for 50 minutes....

So If you are determined to make this, I'm pretty sure that was all that I used in it. I tripled it and gave some to my neighbor who moving. But the ingredients I listed are for 1 pan. So its easy to multiply.

I'm sorry my friends, that was the best I could do. Hopefully it won't happen again.

Baked Cheesy Mac

This is NOT your normal macaroni and cheese! That's right, its Paula Deen's! Its also baked. I know, it keeps getting better and better! Just wait until you try it ;)

BAKED CHEESY MAC

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in large bowl and while still hot add the cheddar.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour mac mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese (optional).

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~ I like to sprinkle bread crumbs over top (Italian seasoned). It adds a little crunch!

~This is perfect for doubling up on!

~I like to use the block cheddar cheese, it seems to melt better and blend better with the other flavors.

Paula Deen's Baked Potato Soup

I have tried many baked potato soups, and this one is by far the best.  I'm not really a "soup"  person, but I'll eat the entire pot of this. Absolutely YUMMY. And the best part? It is sooooo easy!

PAULA DEEN'S BAKED POTATO SOUP

8 slices hickory smoked bacon
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup flour
3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
5 potatoes, baked, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 cups half & half
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup sour cream
salt & pepper to taste (optional)

In a duth oven, cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble, reserve drippings.

Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender; stir in flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add chicken broth; cook, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly. Put in the diced potatoes, parsley, bacon and half & half; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in cheese and sour cream.

Garnish with cheese, bacon and sour cream.

BREADED CHICKEN AND AVOCADO

BREADED CHICKEN AND AVOCADO

One of my really old, and classic recipes. Everyone in my family loves this, and I've giving out the recipe many time. So its defiantly a keeper! This is wonderful especially when avocados are in season. It has taken many times to really perfect this dish. I'll try to explain as much as possible, so you can perfect it too!

Mix together in a large zip-lock bag, or large bowl:
       6 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
       2 tablespoons cornstarch
       1 teaspoon garlic salt
       1 teaspoon ground cumin
In a small dipping dish, whisk together:
       1 egg
       ¼ cup water
In a large heavy duty skillet, heat on medium to medium high: [stay close to medium heat so it won't burn the crust while cooking the chicken]
       2-4 tablespoons vegetable oil (depending on size of skillet)
Dip in egg mixture then add to zip-lock bag or bowl, one at a time until completely coated:
       4 boneless chicken breasts
Then add to skillet. When all four breasts are in skillet, cover and cook for 6 minutes each side, lower heat if it starts to burn before done cooking.
When done, sprinkle over top of each breast:
        1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
Cover and continue cooking for 1 more minutes or until cheese melts. Remove from skillet to serving tray. Slice and add on top of each chicken breast:
       1 large avocado
Then top with a scoop for each breast:
       Sour cream
Option: Top the sour cream with chopped green onion.

Keep the sides very simple, you don't want to overload all the flavor. Rice is my favorite side with this, but simple mashed potatoes would be wonderful as well. 

Have extra slices of avocado and a bowl with more sour cream. Its wonderful when you have enough of each with every bite!