...Hummus, Couscous in the Jus of Octopus...

Trout Amandine

2008-03-03T08:42:00.002-05:00

2 pounds rainbow trout fillets
1 lemon cut into 8 wedges
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Preheat the oven's broiler.
Lightly coat the rack of a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Rinse the fish and pat it dry. Rub the trout fillets with lemon juice from 2 of the lemon wedges. Place the fish on the broiler pan and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the it is almost done, turning once during cooking time. Broil about 4 to 5 inches from the heating element.
Sprinkle fish with almonds and broil for 1 or 2 minutes more, until the fish flakes with a fork. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve with remaining lemon wedges.

Peas and Carrots Rice

2008-03-03T08:37:00.001-05:00

by Rachel Ray

1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup long-grain rice
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 cup frozen peas
3 scallions, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (a generous handful)
3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and 1 tablespoon butter to a boil. Stir in the rice and carrots, cover the pan and simmer for 12 minutes. S tir in the peas and scallions and cook for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the parsley and dill.

Greek Lemon Chicken

2008-03-03T08:31:00.003-05:00

4 chicken breast, bone-in
1 red onions cut in wedges
8oz fresh whole mushrooms
1 red pepper, sliced
2-3 potatoes cut in wedges
1/4 C lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tbsp olive oil
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dried oregano
lemon cut in wedges

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine juice, oil, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano. Place veggies and 1/2 juice mixture in 9x13 pan and toss. Place chicken on top and brush with remaining juice mixture. Bake one hour, brushing with pan juices after 30 minutes.

Cajun Fish

2007-03-19T07:02:00.000-05:00

This recipe was originally for salmon, but I have used it for whatever fish we have... sole, haddock. I have also used it on chicken! Very tasty!

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, pressed
3/4 cup vermouth (or use balsamic vinegar and apple juice mixed, half and half)
6 4-ounce fish fillets
Lemon wedges

In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt half the butter. Add the fish and brown on each side about, 2 minutes per side. Remove fish and keep warm. Add remaining butter to the pan and add Cajun seasoning and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the vermouth and cook for 3 minutes or so, again stirring constantly. Add fish back to the pan and cook until fish flakes when tested with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges.

Baked Tilapia

2007-02-18T17:26:00.000-05:00

6 tilapia fillets Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup butter, melted
Juice of one lemon
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons fresh parsley

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Salt and pepper fish and place in a greased 8 X 8 baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together butter, lemon juice, onion, Worcestershire sauce and parsley.

Pour this mixture over fish and bake for 30 minutes.

Veg-Beef Soup

2007-02-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

leftover roast beef, chopped
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed
2 cups of bagged shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix)
1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables
4 cups V8 juice (can use the no salt added version)
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

In a crock pot, layer the coleslaw mix, frozen mixed vegetables, chopped roast beef, V8 juice, un-drained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt
and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

Bean Salad Wraps

2007-02-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

6 large flavoured or plain flour tortillas
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 C chopped red sweet pepper
about half large English cucumber
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro
1/3 C mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (light works)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 - 2 tsp hot pepper flakes

Mix together all the filling ingredients. Can be made ahead. Then fill your tortillas whatever way works best for you. This is very yummy, and very filling.

Grandma's Kid Friendly Chili

2006-12-03T18:25:00.000-05:00

1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned
1 can kidney beans
1 can romano beans
3 cans tomato soup
1/2 cup hot salsa
2 tbsp chili powder (or less)

Mix everything together and heat thoroughly. Let simmer for best flavour. You can add chopped onion and peppers. But it is good without this stuff if you have picky eaters.

Chicken Parmigiana

2006-12-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

6 boneless chicken breast, pounded thin
2 eggs
bread crumbs
oil
1 or 2 jars spaghetti sauce
shredded mozzarella

Dip pounded chicken breasts in egg and then crumbs. Fry in hot oil until browned. Spread a little sauce in the bottom of baking dish. Place chicken breasts on top. Top with mozzarella and more spaghetti sauce. If serving over noodles, use lots of sauce. Or you can serve with less sauce with other side dishes. Bake at 350 F for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
YUM.

Shepherd's Pie

2006-12-03T18:17:00.000-05:00

No actual recipe.

about 1 1/2 ground beef, browned
I add some worcestershire sauce and onion flakes to meat as it cooks.
In a bowl, mix one can tomato soup, and one can peas and carrots. Add meat. Spread into baking dish. Top with hot mashed potatoes and spread evenly. Bake at about 350 F for 45 minutes.

I make this ahead, first thing in the morning, and keep refrigerated until time to bake.

Garlic Beef Enchiladas

2006-12-03T18:04:00.000-05:00

1 lb ground beef
1 onion chopped
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp sage
1 can (14.5oz) stewed tomatoes

4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 C margarine
1/2 C flour
1 can (14.5oz) beef broth
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sage
1/2 tsp salt

10 7 inch flour tortillas
2 C shredded colby-jack cheese

In saucepan, over medium heat, cook beef and onion; drain. Add flour and seasonings; mix well. Stir in tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, saute garlic in margarine until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth, bring to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes or until bubbly. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings; heat thoroughly. Pour about 1 1/2 cups sauce into ungreased 9x13 baking dish. Spread about 1/4 cup beef mixture down the centre of each tortillas; top with 1 to 2 tbsp cheese. Roll up tightly; place seam side down over sauce. Top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350 F for 30 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 10 minutes longer. 4 to 6 servings.

Make Ahead Spinach Manicotti

2006-12-03T17:55:00.000-05:00

1 carton (15oz) ricotta cheese
1 package (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
1 1/2 C shredded mozzarella, divided
3/4 C parmesan cheese, divided
1 egg
2 tsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
2 jars (28oz each) spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 C water
1 package (8oz) manicotti shells

In large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan, egg, parsley, onion powder, pepper, and garlic powder. Combine the spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup sauce in an ungreased 9x13 baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti with spinach mixture, arrange over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over manicotti. Sprinkle with remaining mozza and parmesan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered, at 350 F for 40 to 50 minutes. 6 to 8 servings

Sausage Rice Casserole

2006-12-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

1 C long grain rice
1 C chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
2 C boiling water
5 or 6 hot Italian sausages, sliced and browned
10 oz can tomato soup
10 oz milk
1 C grated cheddar cheese

Cook rice and onion in salt and boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Slice sausage into rounds and fry until browned. Whisk soup and milk together until smooth. Layer rice and sausage into casserole dish. Pour soup mixture over top. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in 350 F oven for 35 to 45 minutes until bubbly hot. Serves 4 to 6.

I have been adding a can of corn to the rice to make the casserole go a bit further.

Crock Beef Stew

2006-12-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

No official recipe for this either.

I use a package of stewing beef. I am guessing it might be a pound and a half. I cut the pieces smaller than they come.
Peeled potatoes, carrots, celery, onion... just whatever feels right. Maybe 5 or 6 potatoes, two celery stalks, one onion, as many carrots as you like. Chop them all up and throw them in the crock with the beef.
I sometimes add some frozen peas or corn or leftover veggies that are lurking in the fridge.
Add a couple packets of beef bouillion, and just a bit of water... maybe 1/4 cup. Set on low or high until all is tender and smells so good.
Depending on the potatoes you use, you may not need to add any cornstarch to thicken the gravy. If it is not to your liking... mix maybe two heaping tablespoons of cornstarch in a little cold water and add to stew. Let simmer a little until thickened.
I serve this with bread or biscuits

Sesame Salmon

2006-12-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

1/4 cup sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1-2 limes, juiced (2-3 tablespoons)
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed
3 green onions, chopped
6 salmon fillets

Preheat oven to broil.
In a plastic zip lock bag, mix together the sesame oil and soy sauce.
Squeeze the limes till you get 2-3 tablespoons of lime juice. Add the
lime juice, garlic and onions to the plastic bag.

Place the fish in the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30
minutes or up to 3 hours. If you choose to do this the night before,
remove fish from the marinade into a fresh bag and refrigerate overnight.
Discard marinade.

Place salmon fillets skin side down on broiler pan.
Set broiler pan about 4 or 5 inches from heating element and cook salmon
till done, about 10 minutes per inch, so figure your time accordingly and
watch it... your broiler could operate hotter and faster. Salmon
is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is light pink in color.

No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

2006-11-20T11:29:00.000-05:00

1 pkg cream cheese (250gr), softened
1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
9 inch graham pie crust
19 0z can cherry pie filling

In large bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Add Eagle Brand and blend. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into crust and chill 3 hours or until set. You can use a ready-made crust or make or your own. Instructions would be on the box of graham crumbs. I cut the slices and then top with the cherries, rather than topping the whole pie. Delicious and easy!

Tuna Noodle Casserole

2006-11-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

I have some very picky day care kids. If it isn't a grilled cheese sandwich or a hot dog, they do not want to eat it. Today I tried the following recipe for tuna noodle casserole, told everyone that it was a special macaroni and cheese treat and left the room. They devoured it! They asked for seconds! The pickiest eater said he couldn't get enough of it! Victory!

1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 cup miracle whip
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Mix the above ingredients together. Add...

1 tbsp minced onion (I used dried onion)
1 can tuna drained
1 cup frozen peas (I used canned)
8oz wide egg noodles cooked (I used macaroni noodles)

Pour it into baking dish and bake at 350F for 25 minutes.
I added grated cheese and buttered fine bread crumbs to the top.

Spicy Orange Pork Chops

2006-11-20T11:24:00.000-05:00

6 pork chops
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper -- to taste
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 orange juiced
1/2 cup brown sugar not packed
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

In a skillet, heat oil and brown chops on both sides, salt and pepper to taste. In a bowl, mix chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Drain fat from chops and pour sauce over them. Cover and simmer on the stove top for 30 minutes or until done, depending on the thickness of your chops.

Notes - I sometimes use frozen concentrate instead of the juice... I just guess at the amount.
I sometimes make just the sauce by itself, and cook the chops on the bbq, and spoon the sauce over them at the table.

Chicken Santa Fe

2006-11-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

This recipe is very adaptable. These are some things I do... I use hot salsa... the other kinds just seem to get lost in the mix. I cut the recipe in half for my family. I use more salsa than called for... I cover the chicken with it. That way it doesn't dry out. I usually cook it on low for about 5 hours.

Ingredients
1 15 oz can black beans -- rinsed and drained
2 15.25 oz cans whole kernel corn -- drained
1 cup bottled thick and chunky salsa
5 or6 skinless boneless chicken breasts -- (can use frozen)
1 8 oz brick cream cheese -- low fat is fine
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Procedure

Directions
In a 3.5 or 4 quart electric slow cooker, mix together the beans, corn, and 1/2 cup salsa. Top with the chicken breasts, then pour the remainingsalsa over the chicken. Cover and cook on the high heat setting 2.5-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and white throughout; do not overcook or the chicken will toughen. Remove the chicken and cut into bite sized pieces. Add back to the slow cooker. Add the cream cheese (cut into cubes to melt faster), and turn slow cooker to high heat. Heat until cream cheese melts and blends into sauce. Serve over rice. Top with shredded cheese.
Serves 6

Play Dough

2006-11-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

2 cups water
1/2 cups salt
1 tsp food colouring

Boil together until salt dissolves and then add

2 tbsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp oil
2 cups flour

Mix together immediately. Knead of 5 minutes as soon as you can keep your hands in the dough.

Store in an airtight container or freezer bag once the dough is cooled.

Garlic Cheese Bicuits

2006-11-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

2 C bisquick
2/3 C grated cheese
1/2 C water, approximately

5 tsp melted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix first three ingredients, and drop onto baking shee. Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes.
Brush melted butter mixed with garlic powder on top, after biscuits are baked.

Banana Muffins

2006-11-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

3 large ripe bananas
3/4 C white sugar
1 egg slightly beaten
1/3 C melted butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C flour

Mash bananas. Add suggar and egg; mix well. Add melted butter; mix well. Add dry ingredients; mix only to moisten. Fill muffin cups and bake at 375 F for 20 minutes.

Breaded Pork Chops

2006-11-20T08:11:00.000-05:00

I don't have a recipe for this.

Dip your chops in a couple of beaten eggs. Then dip into Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Fry in medium hot skillet. Yum.

Chicken Puttanesca

2006-11-20T08:02:00.000-05:00

1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 C black sliced pitted olives
1/4 C chicken broth
1 tbsp capers
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 C chopped cooked chicken
8 ounces spaghetti uncooked

In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil; add garlic. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Stir in pasta sauce, olives, broth, capers and red pepper flakes. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, then stir in the chicken.
Meanwhile, cook pasta and drain. Toss the hot pasta with the sauce; sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

This is so good. The first time we made this, hubby cooked it and, by mistake, put in a whole can of broth rather than the 1/4 cup, and it was great! Thin sauce but delicious. Don't be afraid of the capers.

Caulifower Soup

2006-11-20T07:46:00.000-05:00

2 10oz cans chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 8-ounce packages frozen cauliflower
1 medium stalk celery cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium carrot cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small onion cut into eighths
1/2 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups low fat cheddar cheese shredded

Place all ingredients, except milk and cheese, in a crock-pot
and cook on low until vegetables are very tender, about 4-6 hours.

Carefully pour mixture into work bowl of food processor fitting
with steel blade or into blender container. Cover and process
until smooth. Or, use a potato masher directly in the crock-pot.

Pour cauliflower mixture into a saucepan; stir in milk and
cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until cheese
is melted and mixture is hot (do not boil, or it will break).

Notes - You can do this on the stove as well as in the crock. This is so good!

Baja Beef and Beans

2006-11-20T07:42:00.000-05:00

1 1/2 pound boneless beef round steak
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1 cup fresh or bottled salsa
16 ounces canned red or kidney beans, drained

Trim fat from meatand place in slow cooker. Combine garlic, pepper, salt, chili powder and mustard and mix with meat. Stir in onion, bouillon granules and salsa. Cover and cook on LOW 7 1/2 to 8 hrs. Turn to HIGH. Add beans. Cover and cook on HIGH 30 min.

Notes - You can use stewing beef. Serve over rice. This is very adaptable. Black beans, chicken... anything works.

Chicken Cacciatore

2006-11-20T06:27:00.001-05:00

Family consesus is that this is definitely a "make again" dish. It was good!

1/2 C flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
10 chicken thighs skinned
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 large onion sliced
1/2 green pepper chopped
28oz can Italian style tomatoes
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground thyme
2 C sliced mushrooms (or 1 284mL can)
salt and pepper to taste

In a plastic bag, combine flour, salt and pepper. Shake chicken in bag to coat.
In a large skillet, heat butter and oil. Add garlic and saute briefly.
Add chicken to pan; brown on all sides.
Add onion, pepper, tomatoes, parsley, oregano and thyme. Cover tightly, reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add mushrooms, salt and pepper. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until chicken is tender. Serve over rice, noodles, or polenta.

Island Beef Jerk

2006-11-20T06:15:00.000-05:00

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 onion chopped
1 sweet potato peeled & chopped in 1/2 inch pieces
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes
1 C beef stock
1/2 C orange juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp cold water
2 tsp cornstarch
1/4 chopped fresh parsley

In large skillet over medium-high heat, combine beef, onion and sweet potato. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often and breaking up the beef, until beef is no longer pink. Stir in garlic, pumpkin pie spice and hot pepper flakes.
Stir in beef stock, orange juice and soy sauce. Bring to a boil of high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer covered for 10 minutes, until potato is tender.
Uncover skillet;increase heat to medium. I a small bowl, stir together water and cornstarch until smooth. Add to skillet;simmer, stirring often, for 3 minutes until thickened. Stir in parsley.
Serve over rice or pita bread.
Makes 4 servings.

Meatloaf

2006-11-20T06:08:00.000-05:00

1 box stuffing
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C milk
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1/4 C ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp prepared mustard

Combine contents of crumb pouch and milk. Add egg, Worcestershire sauce and seasoning pouch from stuffing. Mix well. Add ground beef and mix until combined.
Press into a 9 inch pie plate. Blend ketchup, sugar and mustard. Brush sauce over meatloaf. Bake at 350 F for 35 minutes. Serves 6.

Notes - Make sure you use the pie plate. I add sauce about halfway through cooking, and I find I need to cook for about an hour.

Chicken Pot Pie

2006-11-20T05:57:00.000-05:00

This is so good!

3 tbsp butter or margarine
3 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried thyme (1 tsp fresh)
1/8 tsp pepper
3/4 C chicken broth
3/4 C whipping cream
2 C cooked chicken or turkey
1 10oz package frozen peas & carrots or 160z can drained
1 C frozen or canned small onions
pastry for 9 inch 2 crust pie

Heat butter in 3 quart saucepan over low heat until melted. Stir in flour, salt, thyme and pepper. Cook stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly: remove from heat. Stir in broth and whipping cream. Heat to boiling stirring constantly. Boil and stir one minute. Stir in chicken, peas and carrots, and onions.
Heat oven to 425 F. Prepare pastry. Roll 2/3 of pastry into 12 inch square, to fit 8x8 dish. Pour chicken mixture in pastry lined dish. Roll remaining pastry into 10x6 rectangle. Cut into 12 strips each 1/2 inch wide.
Place 7 strips across filling, arrange remaining strips to make lattice top. Trim, turn edge of bottom crust over strips. Seal and flute. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until light brown.
Makes 6 servings.