Salmon en Papillote 23 November 2009

Couldn’t find a recipe I liked, so I read several recipes to get the general idea of how to construct this, then went at it.

 

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. melted butter
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 large carrot, julienned (can be parboiled, but I like them a bit crunchy)
• 1 medium potato, thinly sliced and parboiled
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 sprigs fresh fennel
• salt & pepper

 

Directions

1. Take out two pieces of aluminum foil or parchment paper big enough to make a packet to cook the fish and veggies in.
2. Brush melted butter on the foil up to an inch from each edge.  (Don’t use all the butter)
3. Divide the potato evenly between the two packets, brush more melted butter over the potatoes.  Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place a salmon fillet on top of the potatoes in each packet. Brush with more butter.
5. Thinly slice garlic and place on top of fish.  Place fennel sprig (or whatever herb you choose to use) on top of fish.  Season with salt and pepper.
6. Divide carrot between the packets and place on top of fish.  Brush with the rest of the butter.
7. Cook at 400F for about 20 minutes, until cooked through.  (Less if you prefer your salmon medium rare-medium).
8. Let sit 5-10 minutes before eating.

 

You could substitute another fresh herb instead of fennel, but I love the flavor combination of fennel and carrots.  Basil or oregano would probably be delicious as well.

Honey Dijon Chicken 17 November 2009

Found this recipe that I haven’t made in a while.  Planning on making it for dinner tonight.  From Recipezaar.

 

Ingredients

• 2 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts  (can use thawed but frozen turn out better)
• 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika
• 4 thin lemon slices
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. dried onion flakes
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. curry powder

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and coat with cooking spray.
3. Rinse chicken breasts under lukewarm water, pat dry and place on baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle chicken with paprika and top with lemon slices.  Bake for 30 minutes. (15 minutes if you use thawed chicken breasts)
5. Prepare sauce mixture by mixing remaining ingredients in microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave for 1-2 minutes (until heated through).
6. Drain juices from chicken baking pan and remove lemon slices.
7. Spoon heated sauce mixture over chicken.
8. Return to oven and continue baking for 10-15 minutes, until done.

Chorizo Taquitos 6 November 2009

Adapted from a Recipezaar recipe.

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb. chorizo
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• large flour tortillas
• 1 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine

 

Directions

1. Remove chorizo from casings, crumble, and cook in a skillet.
2. Remove from heat and mix in salsa and cheese.
3. Preheat oven to 400F.
4. Roll chorizo mix into tortillas, cut in half and place in baking dish.
5. Brush tortillas with butter (skip this step if you don’t want them crispy).
6. Cook 15-20 minutes.  (Took 18 in my oven)

 

Top with or dip in cheese, sour cream, guacamole, whatever you like.  I just ate them as-is.

Chicken Bites and Creamy Pasta 3 November 2009

Chicken Ingredients:

• boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• olive oil
• pepper
• garlic powder
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

 

Chicken Directions:

1. Coat chicken in olive oil, season with pepper and garlic powder.  Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Mix breadcrumbs and cayenne pepper, coat chicken with mixture.
3. Cook at 475F for 10 minutes.

 

Pasta Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. chicken bullion
• 3 Tbsp. stick butter or margarine
• 1 tsp. italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 lb. chosen pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine is best)

 

Pasta Directions:

1. Cook pasta to desired consistency.
2. Mix remaining ingredients a small saucepan and boil for 10-15 minutes.
3. Pour over pasta and serve.

 

I made with garlic bread – butter, italian seasoning, garlic, & mozzarella cheese.

Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions 2 November 2009

B-day dinner for the boyfriend tonight.  Recipe is from his dad.

 

Ingredients

• olive oil (not extra virgin, has too low of a smoke point)
• 12 cloves garlic
• onion (sliced)
• 2 bell peppers (sliced)
• salt & pepper
• Italian seasonings
• Italian sausage
• 1 Tbsp. fennel seeds (optional)

 

Directions

1. Bring cast iron skillet to medium heat, add a Tbsp. of oil and 12 cloves garlic, brown garlic.
2. Add the onion and peppers and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add a Tbsp. of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and Italian seasonings.
4. When peppers are 80% cooked, remove to a bowl.
5. Add a little oil to the pan and add the Italian sausage.  When well browned, add the peppers and onions back in to reheat.  Add the fennel seed.

 

This recipe will also re-season the pan every time it is made.  Serving them on good kaiser rolls.