100th Song of the Day

Long Way To Go - Railroad Earth

So here we are, 100 days, 100 recipes, and 100 songs later and my initial blogging experiment is over. I'm closing out this chapter with the song that started it all (hope you've started liking bluegrass by now)! Having a full time job, training for a marine corps 4.5 mile mud run, being out of town every weekend, and cooking often enough to have a recipe every day was a lot harder than I originally thought. So now that it's over, I'm rewarding myself with a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico! Well, the trip has been planned since before the blog, but it comes at just the right time. My 3 best friends and I will be spending 4 nights at an all inclusive resort, so I will be letting someone else do all the cooking!

So anyway, thanks so much to everyone that is reading! I promise to still blog recipes, but maybe just once a week instead of once a day.

Until next time, Cheers!

Chrissys Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Simply put, these are amazing. Chrissy sent me this recipe a while ago and I just got around to making it. I'll admit, anything that involves pounding and butterflying and stuffing just sounds too difficult for me. BUT it wasn't bad at all, and didn't take near as long as I thought. I hope you don't wait to try these like I did, bc they are so so so good!!!

What you need:
Chicken Breasts, trimmed (use your kitchen scissors)
All purpose flour (probably 2 heaping tablespoons)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Breadcrumbs (I used Panko - Japanese breadcrumbs, they are my favorite and I always have them in the pantry)
Thinly Sliced Prosciutto (1 slice per breast)
Goat Cheese Crumbles (1.5 tablespoons per breast)
Oil

What you need to do:
Butterfly chicken breasts and place in large ziplock (folded back together) and pound with a meat mallot . I actually don't own a meat mallot so I got creative and used the handle of my trusty MagLight Flashlight and it worked very well. Anyway, dredge each breast in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Open up the chicken breast and layer one slice of prosciutto and then 1.5 tablespoons of goat cheese and fold chicken back together. Meanwhile, heat oil (Just a thin layer of oil, probably 1/4 inch or so, definitely not enough to cover the chicken) in a large skillet on heat slightly higher than medium. Once pan gets hot, cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

Song of the Day

Feelin' Good Again - Robert Earl Keen

Roasted Fingerlings and Green Beans with Creamy Tarragon Dressing

I made this tonight with Chrissy's Goat Cheese and Prosciutto stuffed chicken breasts (coming tomorrow). This is a great meal to cook for company, and the whole meal only took me an hour. NOTE: I don't know if I messed up my salt measuring or what, but the potatoes were pretty salty, so go easy on the salt. Actually this is probably just because I used 1 pound of potatoes instead of 1.5, but just FYI.

What you need:
1.5 pounds fingerling potatoes** (I got these in the frigerated section at Trader Joes. Mine came in a one pound bag, so thats all I cooked.)
1.5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tsp salt, divided
3/4 tsp cracked pepper, divided
1/2 pound tiny green beans (haricots verts) (I got a bag of frozen ones and used them)
Creamy Tarragon Dressing

**1.5 pounds small red potatoes, halved, may be substituted with a bake time of 35 minutes. OR 1.5 pounds russet potatoes, quartered may be substituted with a bake time of 40 minutes.

What you need for Tarragon Dressing:
1/4 buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dijon style mustard
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp coarsely ground pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp finely chopped green onion
1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 425. Cut fingerlings in half, lengthwise, and place in a large bowl. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Place potato halves, cut sides up, in a jelly roll pan. Toss green beans with remaining 1/2 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper, and place in another jelly roll pan. Bake potatoes at 425 for 30-32 minutes or until tender and browned. Remove from oven and let potatoes stand in pan. Bake green beans at 425 for 12 minutes (I just put them in when the potatoes had 12 minutes left so they were done at the same time). Arrange green beans around roasted potatoes on a serving platter. Drizzle with Creamy Tarragon Dressing.

What you need to do for Dressing:
Whisk together first 6 ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Gradually whisk in oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Whisk in green onion and tarragon. Pour over potatoes and green beans. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let chilled dressing stand 30 mintues before using. Leftover dressing can be used on a salad.

Song of the Day

We are going to be friends - The White Stripes

Corn Cakes with Chives

I haven't made this in a while, but they sure are yummy! They are on the menu for this week so I hope to have a picture soon.

What you need:
1 fresh ear of corn or 1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup milk
1 slightly beaten egg
1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon snipped fresh chives or cilantro (optional)
1/3 cup dairy sour cream

What you need to do:
Cut corn kernels from cob and measure 1/2 cup. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Set aside. In a medium bowl stir boiling water into cornmeal to make a stiff mush. Stir in milk until smooth; then stir in fresh or frozen corn, egg, and the 1 tablespoon chives. Add flour mixture and stir just until combined. In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons into hot oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Transfer to a serving platter; cover and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Meanwhile, if desired, stir the 1 teaspoon chives into the sour cream. Serve sour cream with the corn cakes. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

Song of the Day

Comes a Time - Grateful Dead

Rachael's Salsa

What you need:
3-4 tomatoes (depending on the size you want to make)
1 lime
1 garlic clove or a couple teaspoons of garlic powder
fresh cilantro several leaves which probably equivlate to 1-2 tablespoons
1-2 jalapeno
one small onion

What you need to do:
'Put everything in the blender and blend.

You can also add avacado to this. Its so easy and delicious!

Song of the Day

Kiss Me Again - Jessica Lea Mayfield

Sesame Salad Stack

I saw this in my mom's southern living magazine and was intrigued by it. I was scared I wasn't going to like this, but I loved it. I ended up eating two plates of it for dinner, and no main dish. Whoops! This makes 6 servings and takes 15 minutes (seriously, it does). I only had to buy a few ingredients too. I had most of them in my pantry already.

What you need:
1 (8 oz) package mixed salad greens
Sesame Won Ton Crisps (recipe below)
1 (8.25 oz) can mandarin orange segments, drained
2 green onions, sliced
6 Tbsp chopped cashews
Fresh Orange-Soy Vinaigrette (recipe below)
S&P to taste

What you need for Sesame Won Ton Crisps:
12 won ton wrappers (found in produce section, by bagged salad for me)
1 Tbsp melted butter (I actually just used spray butter instead)
1/2 tsp white sesame seeds
1/2 tsp black sesame seeds (I used all white)
1/4 tsp salt

What you need for Orange-Soy Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 tsp freshly grated ginger (I used dried)
1/8 tsp dry mustard
salt to taste

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 425. Place won ton wrappers on a foil lined cookie sheet. Brush one side of each wrapper with butter (or spray butter on like me). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and salt. Bake at 425 for 5-6 minutes. For dressing, combine dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse 3 - 4 times until smooth. For salad, layer 1/2 cup greens, 1 sesame won ton crisp, 3 tbsp greens, 1 sesame won ton crisp, and 1 tbsp greens on a salad plate. Carefully tuck orange segents into salad greens. Sprinkle with green onions and cashews. Drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with S&P. Repeat for remaining salds.

Song of the Day

Save it for a Rainy Day - The Jayhawks

T's London Broil

Yummy! This marinade can be used on any kind of steak or chicken. We sliced it thinly and served with Risotto.

What you need:
London Broil Steak
Olive Oil
Worchestershire sauce
Montreal Steak Seasoning (made by Mccormick, in the spices section)

What you need to do:
Put meat in a casserole dish. Coat both sides with steak seasoning. Gently press seasoning into meat with a spoon. Pour one tablespoon of Worchestershire Sauce onto each side. Lightly coat meat and bottom of dish with olive oil. Marinate for 1-2 hours. Preheat grill to highest heat setting. Grill for 5 minutes per side. Enjoy!

Song of the Day

Holiday in Spain - Counting Crows

This is one of my all time favorite songs, and I've been putting off posting it hoping a good version of it would come up. Well, the 100 days is almost up, and I have to post it, and this is the best I can do. Crappy version, but great song. :)

Risotto

This is an awesome recipe. And it tastes as good as it looks! The recipe suggests measuring out all the ingredients beforehand and putting them in small bowls so they are ready to add asap, since you have to stir almost constantly.

What you need:
3 cups chicken broth, warmed
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 cups Arborio Rice (short grain Italian rice)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup chopped spinach (You may want more chopped spinach if you want to serve the risotto OVER the spinach like we did in the picture)

What you need to do:
Heat the broth in a small saucepan and keep warm over low heat. Melt butter in a large saucepan and sautee the onion over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the rice and sautee a minute more. Reduce to medium heat and add the wine. Cook while stirring until the liquid is mostly absorbed (3-4 minutes). Add about 1.5 cups of the warm broth to the rice and cook, while stirring, until it is mostly absorbed (7-8 mins). Add spinach and continue cooking and stirring, adding broth in slowly, as the liquid is absorbed. After 7-8 minutes the rice should be al dente or tender but still firm to the bite. At this point, the rice should have a moist creamy consistency (if its too dry, add more broth). Finally stir in Parmesan Cheese and mix well and quickly.

Lasagna

This is another of Tommy's recipes. With all this cheese, you know its good. :)

What you need:
1.5 or 2 pounds ground beef (or ground chuck)
1 large onion, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz cans or 1 15 oz can)
oregano, basil, parsley, S&P
Lasagne Noodles (cooked using a dash of evoo in water)
Worchestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
mozzerella cheese
ricotta or cottage cheese
parmesan cheese

What you need to do:
Brown ground beef and onion. Drain fat. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, S&P, Worchestershire, basil, parsley, & oregano. Simmer on medium low for 30 minutes. Layer as follows: noodles to cover bottom of casserole dish, sauce, ricotta, mozzerella cheese, parmesan cheese, and repeat. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Song of the Day

I'm Not Alone - Widespread Panic

Song of the Day

I did another Avett song because they were so amazing at the House of Blues!! I just love them. :)

Salina - The Avett Brothers

Chicken Cacciatore

This is one of Sara's recipe. The attached picture is of when Rachael made it, and she just used the pasta she had on hand, not the one suggested in the recipe. Thanks girls!

What you need:
2 cups cooked and diced chicken
1 ¼ sticks butter or margarine
3 cloves garlic
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup stock (or chicken broth)
1 large can whole tomatoes
1 large can green peas, drained
½ box spaghetti noodles cooked and drained
1 ½ cups grated cheddar

What you need to do:
Melt margarine and sauté onion and garlic. Put in casserole dish. Add tomatoes with juice and mash. Add mushrooms and peas. Mix in chicken and spaghetti. Top with cheese. Cook in 350 degree oven until hot, 30 minutes to an hour.

Song of the Day

Swept Away - The Avett Brothers

Since I'm on my way to see them, I had to put one of their songs up for today. And simce I'm doing this from my blackberry, I'm not sure if the music portion will work. Sorry!

Tommy's Chili

What you need:
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 diced onion
1 can diced tomatoes w green chilies, undrained
1 can tomato sauce (14.5 oz)
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon each s and p
2 tablesppons Worchestershire
Dash of Chalula Hot Sauce

What you need to do:
Brown meat w diced onion and drain. In stockpot combine drained beef and onion with tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Add all other ingredients and stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook for 75 minutes.

Song of the Day

Moonshine Whiskey - Van Morrison

Layered Mexican Casserole

Yummy Yummy Yummy! And super easy.

What you need:
1 pound ground beef
1.5 cups salsa
1 can of corn, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 cup cottage cheese
8 oz sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese
Tortilla Chips

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 350. Brown ground beef, drain. Meanwhile, seperately, In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. When beef is browned, add corn and salsa and kindey beans to beef and mix together. Layer a 3ish quart round casserole dish with chips (just cover the bottom), then layer with half of beef mixture, then layer with half the cheese, then layer with half the sour cream mixture. Then do a layer of chips again, the other half of the meat, the other half of the sour cream mixture and bake for 35 minutes. Add on the remaining shredded cheese and then bake another ten minutes. Voila!

Song of the Day

When the Circus Comes to Town - Phish

Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes

Rach made these the other day and they look divine. She skipped out on the bacon, but I obviously fully recommend any bacon usage. :) She made these ahead of time and just baked them the next day.

What you need:
4 large baking potatoes
8 slices bacon
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 350. Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; save skins. To the potato flesh, add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 the green onions. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon. Bake for another 15 minutes.

Song of the Day

My Own Sinking Ship - Good Old War

Fried Chicken

This is Tommy's family's recipe for fried chicken and Tommy's all time favorite food. He made it Sunday and its delish!

What you need:
Chicken (Tommy likes drumsticks, I like tenderloins so we do both)
1 Quart Buttermilk (or however much is needed to cover chicken in bowl, depending on how many pieces you cook)
4ish cups of all purpose flour
Crisco
S&P

What you need to do:
Remove skin from chicken, put in large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Soak for at least 30 minutes. Add S&P to buttermilk (probably 1 tablespoon each). Melt Crisco on medium to medium high heat so that there is approximately 1/2 inch of melted oil in skillet. Put flour in large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons each of S&P. Place each individual piece of chicken in flour and coat well with flour. Place in hot Crisco and cook on each side until golden brown (approximately 10 - 12 minutes per side).

Song of the Day

Going Down the Road Feeling Bad - Allman Brothers

I can't get the picture uploader or song website to work right now. Hopefully I can get the actual song up soon.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mallow Bars

Welcome to Chocolatey, Peanut Buttery, Marshmellowey Bliss. These are a little rich but very good. If you don't like peanut butter, just skip that part and they are still good chocolate - marshmellow bars.

What you need:
1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2/3 cup Milk, divided
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (I got the new whipped kind and it was easier to work with)
1 jar (7 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme
1/2 cup PLANTERS Salted Peanuts
6 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, coarsely chopped (I only used 4)

What you need to do:
Heat oven to 350°F. Mix dry cake mix, butter and 1/3 cup milk until blended; press 2/3 onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Bake 12 to 14 min. or until center is almost set; cool 3 min. Meanwhile, mix peanut butter and remaining milk. Spread peanut butter mixture onto crust; top with small spoonfuls of the marshmallow creme and remaining cake mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate; press gently into cake mixture.
BAKE 18 min. or just until center is set. Cool completely before cutting into bars. (you can freeze this up to one month). Mine didn't cut very smoothly. It actually just all lumped together. But still tastes good!

Song of the Day

Angel - Jack Johnson

Crock Pot Pork Roast

This is a yummy, easy, pork roast recipe. The flavors of the citru
s and pears really come out and give it a suprising twist. It makes 6-8 servings.

What you need:
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon steak seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 pork roast, any type 4-5 pounds
2 pears, cored, peeled, and sliced thick
1/2 orange with peel, sliced thick

What you need to do:
Combine pomegranate juice and sguar in small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, about two minutes. Pour into crock pot. Blend salt, garlic salt, steak seasoning, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Rub mixture over roast. Place roast in crock pot. Turn roast to cover with juice mixture. Top roast with pear and orange slices. Cover; cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. Serve with juice and fruit slices.

Tip from cookbook: Unless you have a 5, 6, or 7 quart crock pot, cut any roast larger than 2.5 pounds in half so it cooks completely.

Song of the Day

When I Dream of Michaelangelo - Counting Crows

Squash Casserole

This is one of my mother in law's recipes. This is the smaller version that just serves 4.

What you need:
3 sliced and cooked squash
1/2 onion, grated (or diced)
1/2 cup mayo
1 egg, beaten
1/2 sleeve Ritz Crackers
Grated cheddar (probably a cupish)
2 tablespoons melted butter

What you need to do:
Mash squash, add onion, egg, & mayo. Place in small casserole dish (9x9 size). Crush in 1/2 pack Ritz. Add grated cheese & two tablespoons melted butter to Ritz and sprinkle on top of squash. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Song of the Day

While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George Harrison

Velveeta Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

I can't believe I haven't blogged this one yet. It is so good! And so easy. I premade the casserole last night and just got Tommy to bake it for me today.

What you need:
3 Chicken Breasts
12 oz Spaghetti Noodles
1 pound block of Velveeta cheese, chopped up into blocks
1 can of Rotel Tomatoes, UNDRAINED (get the medium or hot kind if you want it spicier)
1 small can of sliced mushrooms, drained (I skipped this)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I used cream of mushroom instead)
1/3 cup milk

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 350. Start boiling water for spaghetti and cook spaghetti according to package directions. Trim and cut your chicken into pieces (If you have kitchen scissors, use those, they make this part so much easier. If you don't have any, drop what you're doing and go buy some ASAP! You won't regret it.) Spray a skillet with Pam and cook chicken on stove until no longer pink (probably about ten minutes, stirring to make sure all sides are covered.) Combine all ingredients in your pan and then pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 35 - 40 minutes.

Song of the Day

The Golden Age - Beck

Pepper Steak

This is one of my mother in law's recipes that Tommy cooked for the first time tonight. It was really good! And didn't seem too hard.

What you need:
1 pound round steak
2 tablespoons margarine
1 tablespoon paprika
2 cloves of garlic crushed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1.5 cups beef broth
1 bell pepper (Tommy used red pepper, his mom uses green)
1 bunch green onions
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup soy sauce
Cooked Rice

What you need to do:
Cut steak in bite sized pieces. Sprinkle paprika over steak and toss until steak is coated. Melt margarine in dutch oven or large deep skillet. Cook steak in the melted margarine until no longer pink. Add broth and garlic. Cook for 30 minutes on low. Chop pepper and onions. Add to steak and bring to a boil. Reduce heat back to low and cook for 5 minutes. Combine corn starch and water and soy sauce. Add to steak mixture. Cook until it thickens slightly. Serve over rice.

Song of the Day

Boat to Row - Band of Horses

Super Gooey Chocolate Drops

These were featured on Food Network's 12 Days of Cookies and Tommy loves these. I haven't made them since Christmas so I don't have a picture, so I just uploaded their stock picture.

What you need:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup natural cocoa powder, such as Hershey's or Scharffen Berger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 ounces (1 bag) semisweet chocolate chunks
1 cup dried cherries. optional (I don't use this)

What you need to do:
Position racks in the lower and upper third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. (If you don't have 3 pans, simply cool the pan between batches.) Put the butter and the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 75 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir and heat again until melted, up to 2 minutes more. (Alternatively, put the chocolates and butter in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching the water, and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.)

Stir the light brown and granulated sugars and vanilla into the chocolate mixture with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs and buttermilk and beat vigorously until thick and glossy. In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, cinnamon and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just mixed. Stir in chocolate chunks and dried cherries, if using.

Drop the batter in heaping tablespoons onto baking sheets--a small ice cream scoop is ideal for this. Space the cookies about 2-inches apart. Bake until the cookies set but are soft and fudgy on the inside, 12 to 15 minutes (I always go on the low end of the baking time, I'd check them at 10 minute). Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Serve. Store cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.

Song of the Day

In memory of Jerry (August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995).

Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead

Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches

What you need:
2 slices bread (we like the Arnold Italian)
Rotisserie chicken pulled off the bone
2 slices bacon
2 slices tomato
1 slice Provologne cheese
Thousand Island or Mayo or Pesto (all 3 of these are good)

What you need:
Preheat oven to 400. Spread Thousand Island, Mayo, or Pesto on top and bottom of bread slices. Layer with bacon, chicken, cheese, and tomato. Bake for a few minutes until cheese melts a little and bread is crispy. Very good!

Song of the Day

Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket

Chile Roasted Pork

This is another Rachael Recipe. The original recipe calls for kabobs, but she adapted it to just chops.

What you need:
6-8 boneless pork chops, each cut into four lengthwise strips about 1/2 inch thick (original recipe said to cut into pieces about 1-2" square)
Marinade:
1/2 cup yellow mustard (not Dijon)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil (original recipe used 1/4 cup Canola oil)
1 T garlic powder (or use minced fresh garlic)
about 6 drops Tobasco or 12 drops green Tobasco
1-2 tsp. Cajun Spice seasoning (I recommend Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning)
1 T Chile Garlic Sauce (optional, sold by Asian foods)
(The original recipe called for a small amount of Liquid Smoke, but I don't add that when I make it now)

What you need to do:
Whisk together mustard, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, Tobasco, Cajun Spice, and Chile Garlic Sauce in a glass measuring cup or bowl with a pour spout. Trim visible fat from edges of pork chops, then cut each into lengthwise strips about 1/2 inch wide. Put pork strips and marinade in a Ziploc bag or plastic container with a lid, seal and marinate in refrigerator 4-8 hours. (Original recipe said 6-12 hours or longer, but I never marinate it that long now.) When you're ready to cook, take the meat out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Spray gas or charcoal barbecue with olive oil or non-stick spray, and heat to medium-high. Thread the pork strips on skewers, weaving back and forth and pushing tightly together. (I like to use flat skewers which keep the meat from spinning on the skewer.) Grill kabobs 20-25 minutes, turning often, until meat is lightly browned and firm to the touch. Serve hot.

Song of the Day

One Rainy Wish - Jimi Hendrix
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Symphony Brownies

This is another recipe I got from my aunt Terry Ann. If toffee isn't your thing, you can switch out the candy bars for something else. Oh and I didn't have a picture of these so I used one I found online.

What you need:
1 box of Betty Crocker Toffee Brownie Mix (and all ingredients it calla for)
2 EXTRA eggs
3 Giant Symphony Candy Bars (can be found for $1 at wal mart).

What you need to do:
Mix brownie mix according to package directions and add in the 2 extra eggs. Line your 9 x 13 pan with foil and spray w pam. Pour in half the brownie mix and then layer that with the 3 candy bars. Then pour the rest of the brownie mix over symphony bars. Bake according to brownie box directions. Let cool completely and then lift brownies out of brownie pan by lifting the ends of the foil for easy cutting. Yummm!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Song of the Day

Sweet Virginia - Rolling Stones

The music player application isn't working tonight, but hopefully by tomorrow this song will play bc its a great song.

Easy Tortellini Pesto Soup

T made dinner tonight and it was ready for me when I got home from the gym. Love that! Anyway, as you can see by the minimal ingredients and steps, this one is really easy. Enjoy!

What you need:
46 oz chicken broth (original recipe calls for 28 oz, but we think it needs more)
1.5 pkg. (9 oz.) refrigerated three cheese tortellini (original recipe calls for just one package but we think it needs more)
2 Plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup Pesto
1/3 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

What you need to do:
Bring broth to boil in large saucepan. Add pasta; cook 5 min., adding tomatoes to the boiling water for the last minute of the cooking time. Remove from heat. Stir in pesto; sprinkle with cheese.

Song of the Day

Pretty Girl at the Airport - The Avett Brothers

Juicy Loosey Burger

What you need:
1/2 pound hamburger meat
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Shredded Mozzerella Cheese (or cheese of your choice)
Hamburger Bun
Tomato Slice
Jalapenos (or whatever toppings you like)

What you need to do:
Patty 2 (1/4 pound) meat patties. Season patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place small lump of cheese in the middle of one patty. Place second patty on top of first one and gently press together making sure the edges mesh, to form one patty. Grill on medium high heat 6-8 minutes per side.

Song of the Day

Fix You - Coldplay

Mexican Chicken Salad

This one was so pretty I almost didn't want to eat it. :) Delicious and refreshing too. This recipe serves 2.

What you need:
1.5 teaspoons ancho chili powder
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
.5 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tomato, halved (we actually just used fresh pico de gallo instead)
1 onion, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rings (again, we used pico de gallo instead of this too)
1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced
3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup canned corn, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips, optional
Lite Ranch Dressing, Naturally Fresh is the best. Its good to mix this with salsa for an extra kick.

What you need to do:
Preheat grill to medium high heat (350 - 400). In a shallow dish, combine chili powder, cumin, salt & pepper. Coat chicken evenly with chili powder, cumin, S&P. Coat chicken evenly with chili powder mixture. Grill chicken, covered with grill lid for 5-6 minutes per side. Cut into 1/2 inch slices. Place tomato, cut sides down, on grill. Grill 1-2 minutes per side, or until softened. Coarsely chop tomato. Place onion rings in a single layer on grill. Grill 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly browned and softened. On a serving platter, arrange lettuce, chicken, tomato, onion, avocado, black beans, corn, and cheese, as desired. Serve with dressing and tortilla chips, as desired.

Song of the Day

May This Be Love - Jimi Hendrix

Chicken Dijon Pasta

This is a recipe Bayne gave me from emealz. It makes 6 servings and is 6 Weight Watchers points per serving if anyone is counting.

What you need:
3 c uncooked bow-tie pasta
2 c broccoli florets
10 oz can FF cream of chicken soup
1/3 c chicken broth
3 T Dijon mustard
2 c chopped rotisserie chicken (Bayne used regular chicken breasts, cooked and chopped)
1/3 c roasted red bell peppers
1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese

What you need to do:
Cook pasta as directed, adding broccoli the last 3 min of cooking. Drain; set aside. In a sprayed 9 x 13 baking dish, combine soup, broth, & mustard. Fold in chicken, peppers, pasta & broccoli. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake 30 min @ 375. Divide into 6 portions.

Song of the Day

It's Coming Down - Cake

Mexican Dip

This is one of the best things ever. We also call this one "brief dip," don't ask. :) I've been eating and making this since I was in elementary school and it never gets old. 3 ingredients is all you need. And you probably already have them. Enjoy!

What you need:
1 can of chili with beans
1 block of cream cheese, softened
2 cups cheese (I used the mexican blend, but cheddar is good too)

What you need to do:
Heat oven to 350. Spray a smaller square casserole dish or pie dish with Pam. Layer cream cheese, chili, and then shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with Tortilla chips or corn chips.

I acutally used leftover taco soup instead of chili and a few tablespoons of cream cheese from a tub we had in the fridge and a few sprinkles of cheese and voila! A little personal appetizer for my Friday night dinner. :)