Category Archives: Main Dishes

Chicken Potpie Turnovers

Chicken Potpie Turnovers
Chicken Potpie Turnovers

You will need the following:
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
salt & pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock (or you can change it up by using 1/2 cup white wine & 1 cup stock)
1 Tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, salt and pepper to taste, and cook until carrot and celery are soften, about 10 minutes.
Add the garlic and thyme and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently. Add the flour the flour and cook for about one more minute. Turn up the heat to medium, add the stock or wine, whisk altogether. Add the Dijon mustard, peas and chicken and cook at low heat until it thickens up into gravy, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

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2. On a floured surface, unfold the puff pasty and cut into 4 squares. Gently roll out each square, increasing the size of the square by 20%.

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Spoon the chicken mixture in the center and fold the square in half to create triangles. One thing I would do different is place the flour pasty on the baking pan before spooning in the chicken mix. It’s a lot easy to handle.

Spoon in chicken mix!
Spoon in chicken mix!

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Pinch the edges together to create a decorative border. (I used a fork). Whisk together the egg and water and brush the turnovers with the egg wash. Cut a small slit in the tops to allow the stream to escape during baking. Bake the turnovers until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

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These are so tastes and really are not as hard as it looks and the reward is delishio!! Enjoy!!

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My chicken potpies!!

Beef Chili Noodle Skillet

Beef Chili Noodle Skillet
Beef Chili Noodle Skillet

This is a hearty mix of beef, noodles, tomatoes and lots of cheese!! It will keep you warm at night, that I am sure!

1 pkg. egg noodles (8oz.)
2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 minced garlic cloves
1 can diced tomatoes, un-drained
1 Tbsp. chili power
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1. Cook noodles according to package. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat until no longer pick and vegetables are tender; drain. Add tomatoes, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until heated through.
2. Drain noodles; sit into beef mixture and heat through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese; let stand covered for about 2 minutes. Enjoy!!

 

My Beef Chili Noodle Skillet
My Beef Chili Noodle Skillet

Pad Thai Chicken Burritos

 

Freezermeals 006Pad Thai Chicken Burritos

Prep: 30 mim, Bake: 350 for 20 minutes
Makes: 6
Freeze up to 4 months

3 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
1 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce
1 Tbsp. peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 sweet red pepper, chopped
3 5 to 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups cooked rice noodles, chilled
1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
12 8-inch flour tortillas, or flavored tortillas like spinach, cilantro or red pepper.
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts
Coconut Curry Sauce (recipe at the bottom of this one)

1. For sauce, in a small bowl combine brown sugar, fish sauce, 2 Tbsp. water and sriracha sauce; set aside.
2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Add bean sprouts and sweet pepper; cook and sir about 3 minutes. Add chicken; cook and sir about 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Push mixture from the center od skillet. Add garlic; cook and sir for 30 seconds. Add sauce; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add noodles, cabbage, and cilantro. Cook and sir 1 minute more or until noodles are heated through and coasted with sauce. Put this into a large bowl.
3. Spoon 1/3 cup of the noodle mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with peanuts. Fold bottom edge of each tortilla over filling. Fold in opposite sides; roll up tortilla. Wrap each burrito in foil; freezer up to 4 months.
4. To serve, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Place the foil-wrapped burritos on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
Coconut Curry Sauces
1.In a skillet combine one 14-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk, 3 Tbsp. red curry paste, and a dash of salt. Bring to a boiling over high heat; reduce heat . Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Makes about 1 1/2 cups. Enjoy!!

Cheeseburger Calzones

Cheeseburger Calzones
Cheeseburger Calzones

Prep. 1 hour Bake: 30 min. at 375.
Makes: 6 calzones
Freeze them up to 2 months

2 1-lb. prepared pizza dough ( you can buy this in any food store)
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup chopped red onion (large)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (3oz.)
3 oz. sliced American cheese, chopped (you can use any cheese you like)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 eggs
2 tsp. sesame seeds
1. Allow dough to stand at room temp. for about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 375*F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set that aside.
2. For filling, in a large skillet cook ground beef, onion over medium high until meat is browned, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. stir in the cheeses, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish.
3. Divide each dough portion into thirds. On a floured surface, roll each third to 7 to 8 inch round. Spoon 2/3 cup filling onto half of each round. Lightly beat one of the eggs, brush onto edge of dough. Fold dough over filling and crimp edges to seal. Cut a few slits in tops of calzones to allow steam to escape. Place on the baking sheets.
4. In a bowl combine the remaining egg and 1 Tbsp. water; brush over calzones. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on the baking sheets.
5. To freeze calzones let them cool completely. Layer them with waxed paper in a freeze bag or container. They with stay good for up to 2 months.
6. To serve them after freezing let them thaw in your refrigerator overnight. Preheat your over to 350 and put them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes. Enjoy!!

Black Bean Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Bean Enchilada
Beef Bean Enchilada

Some like it hot and this dish is!
What a great dish to make for very hungry people! This is a party favorite and pleaser for the family dinner!

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.
Servings: 8 or more

2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/8 tsp. red pepper
2 15-oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz. can of Fire Roasted Corn, drained
1 14-oz. can chopped green chilies, drained
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
9 6-inch corn or flour tortillas ( I have tried both)
2 1/2 cups of Mexican cheese blend
1 10oz. can enchilada sauce or you can make your own.
Sour Cream to put the fire out.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef. onions and garlic; cook until no longer pink. Add the cumin, salt, coriander, and red pepper. Cook another 5 minutes; then add the beans, corn, chilies, and 2 tbsp. of cilantro.
3. Place 3 tortillas in the bottom of the pan. Top with half of the beef bean mixture, 3/4 cup of cheese, and half of the enchilada sauces. Repeat layers once; top with remaining 3 tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese.
4. Bake in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
5. Garnish with sour cream and the rest of the cilantro.

If your family is still hungry, make a fresh salad or add guacamole with a lime wedge. Enjoy!!

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp Tacos

Serves 4  Prep 15 minutes.
Cooking 15 minutes

1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped green onions
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 diced peeled avocado
Cooking spray
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tsp honey
1/4 cup light sour cream
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas

1. Preheat broiler to high
2 Combine corn and oil in small bowl; toss gently to coat. Arrange corn in an even layer on jelly-roll pan; broil 6 minutes or until lightly browned. Combine corn, onions, cilantro, 1 tablespoon juice, salt, pepper and avocado in medium bowl; toss gently.
3. Heat a large grill pan over medium high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Combine shrimp, 1 tablespoon juice, and honey in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Add shrimp to pan, cook 2 minutes on each side or until done.
4. Combine sour cream and remaining 1 tablespoon juice in s small bowl.
5. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Place 2 tortilla on each of plates. Top each torilla with about 1/4 cup corn mixture, about 4 shrimp, and 1 1/2 teaspoon sour cream mixture. Enjoy!!
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Chicken w/Corn and Swiss Chard

Chicken w/Corn & Swiss Chard
Chicken w/Corn & Swiss Chard

Prep: 40 Min. Serves: 4
Total: 40 Min.

2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for grill
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. Ketchup
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts ( about 1 1/2 lbs.)
2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 ears od corn, kernels cut off ( about 2 cups)
1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped ( stems and leaves separated)
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3 scallions, sliced
salt and pepper to tasted

1. Preheat a grill to medium and lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, ketchup and mustard in a small bowl. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brush all over with the vinegar mixture. Grill until marked and cooked through, 5 to 9 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium -high on the stove or place directly on the grill. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until browner and crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels and Swiss chard stems to the skillet. Cook stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and lightly brown, about 5 minutes, Add the butter , scallions and chard leaves. Cook until chard is just wilted about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Slice the chicken and serve with the corn mixture. Enjoy!!

Grilled Pineapple w/Red Pepper Chicken

Red Pepperw/Pineapple Chicken
Red Pepperw/Pineapple Chicken

Prep: 25 min. Serves:4
Total: 25 min.

2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil, plus more for grill
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
4 scallions, quartered crosswise
2 red bell peppers, sliced
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced crosswise
1 Tbsp. jerk seasoning
1 green squash and 1 yellow squash

1. Preheat a grill to medium heat and brush the grates with vegetable oil.
2. Toss the chicken, scallions, bell peppers and pineapple in a large bowl with the vegetable and jerk seasoning.
3. Arrange the chicken on the grill; cook until marked, 7 to 9 minutes. Flip the chicken and add scallions, bell peppers and pineapple to the grill. Also add the squash. Cook until the vegetables and pineapple are marked and tender and the chicken is cooked through, 7 to 9 more minutes. ENJOY!!

Carolina Barbecue Chicken

Carolina Barbecue Chicken
Carolina Barbecue Chicken

Carolina Barbecue Chicken is great on the grill and for those hot nights when you do not want to turn on the oven.
Prep: 30 min. Serves:4
Total: 40 Min.
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. mustard powder
2 tsp. hot sauce
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
8 skin-on, bone in chicken thighs
Oil for grill
1 large tomato, sliced

1. Preheat a grill to medium. Whisk the yellow mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard powder, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl. Whisk in the melted butter.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with about one-third of the mustard sauce in a large bowl until coated. Let sit at room temperature, 10 minutes.
3. Brush the grill grates generously with vegetable oil. Put about 1/4 cup of the remaining mustard sauce in a small bowl for basting and serving. Grill the chicken covered, basting occasionally with sauce, until well marked and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part, 170 degrees, 10 to 20 minutes per side.
4 Serve the chicken with the reserved mustard sauce, sliced tomato, add macaroni or suddenly salad. Enjoy!!

Grilled Chile Rubbed Chicken

Grilled Chile Rubbed Chicken
Grilled Chile Rubbed Chicken

4 skinless boneless chicken breast
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
1 1/2 tsp. Chile powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. chipotle Chile powder
4 tsp. fresh lime juice
kosher salt
2 tomatoes, diced
3 tomatillos, husked rinsed and diced
1/4 cup finely diced red onion

1. Butterfly the chicken: Slice each breast almost in half horizontally. Open it like a book.
2. Combine the olive oil, garlic, chile powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, chipotle chile powder, 1 tsp. lime juice and 1 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat a grill to medium. Meanwhile make some salsa. Toss the tomatoes, tomatillos, red onion and the remaining 3 tsp. lime juice in a bowl; season with salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Brush the grill grates with olive oil. Grill chicken, turning once until marked and just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Top with salsa and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!!