Sesame Teriyaki Shrimp

Mmm...I think this may be the first recipe I've blogged with shrimp in it.  I am not big on seafood, as is likely obvious by now, but this was quite delicious indeed.  I give it 9 out of 10, as the sauce is superb, yet I think it would go even better with chicken.  If I can remember to do so, I'll add to this entry when I get around to making it that way :)

Link to original recipe: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a52047/sesame-teriyaki-shrimp-recipe/

Ingredients:

1. c water
1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 c. honey
1 tsp. bottled minced garlic
1 T. sesame oil
2 tsp. sesame seeds
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 T. cornstarch dissolved in 3 T cold water
2 lb. medium white shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, add water, soy sauce, honey, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and ginger.  Over medium-high heat, whisk together and stir occasionally until comes to a boil.

2. Add the cornstarch-water mixture and whisk into boiling sauce.  Reduce heat to medium-low and stir until thickened.

3. Add shrimp and cook until pink/cooked through.  Serve over rice (or other desired side) and enjoy!

Orange Madeleines

Mmm mmm mmm :) Happy to report and share another success: found a great and easy recipe for a French classic: les madeleines. These cute little cakes can be flavored in different ways--most typical are lemon, orange, and rose water.  I prefer the citrus ones, personally, thus this recipe was just what I'd been after.  I give this a 10 of 10--I even forgot to dust them with powdered sugar before serving and they've been disappearing rapidly from my kitchen :)

Link to original recipe: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/orange-madeleines/7e438a94-05c0-4c88-a999-c4725e1c0b43

Ingredients:

1 egg, separated
1/2 c. sugar, separated
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. milk (I used skim, but I think you could use any variety)
2 T. canola oil
1 T. Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur (or you could sub OJ if desired))
1/2 T. baking powder
1/2 T. grated orange peel
1/4 tsp. salt
powdered sugar for dusting, if desired

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F.  Grease and flour 3-inch madeleine molds (mine were just shy of this measurement and worked fine; if you don't have these, you would use mini-muffin tins or cupcake pans--just be sure to adjust the baking time).

2. In  small mixing bowl, beat egg white until foamy with mixer on high speed.

3. Beat in 4 T. of the sugar, 1 T. at a time.  Continue beating until stiff and glossy, then set aside.

4. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg yolk, remaining sugar, and all other remaining ingredients (except powdered sugar for dusting) with mixer on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl as needed.

5. Fold egg white meringue into egg yolk batter.

6. Fill molds 3/4 full (original recipe said 2/3, but I think mine were closer to 3/4).  Tap pan firmly on counter to remove air bubbles.

7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are light brown (mine were about 10 1/2 min. per batch).

8. Cool slightly before removing from pan to cool on wire rack.  *note: you may want to line rack with parchment or wax paper, as these tend to get a little stuck to the rack as they cool.

9. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.  Enjoy!

Porcini Crusted Lamb Chops

I wanted to celebrate my return to having time for all things kitchen with a fabulous recipe and, boy, did I ever hit the nail on the head!  This is another 10 out of 10 all the way!!  Mind you, it is pricey--but this can be controlled for if you are a Costco member (where I got my lamb chops, already Frenched!) and you order porcini mushrooms in bulk on Amazon (it is worth it if you like them :))  Aside from the price tag, these are super easy and not terribly time-consuming.  I only modified the recipe slightly--primary difference is that I omitted the mint.  I know a lot of people like mint with lamb, but it's very not my thing (nor my husband's).  I found the sauce amazing and perfect without the mint, honestly.  One more note: I was making this for just me and my husband, which meant I used less chops than the original indicated (1.5 lbs. versus 2.5).  The amounts listed below are for half of the original recipe.

Link to original recipe: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/porcini-crusted-lamb-chops.html

Ingredients:

Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper, to taste
1 rack of lamb, Frenched (mine was 1.5 lbs, was smallest I could find there)
1 1/2 T. ground dried porcini mushrooms (I used my spice grinder for this, but you can also purchase powdered porcini/same thing)
3/4 c. fresh bread crumbs
1/6 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 T. chopped fresh Italian parsley
7 T. olive oil, divided
1/4 tsp. bottled minced garlic
1/2 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 c. fresh Italian parsley leaves, loosely packed
1/6 c. fresh rosemary leaves

Instructions:

1. Season rack of lamb with salt and pepper.  Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine ground porcini, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and chopped parsley.  Set aside until lamb has reached 1 hour at room temperature.

3. Heat oven to 375°F.

4. Drizzle 1 T. of the olive oil over the rack of lamb, rubbing it evenly to coat all of the meat.

5. Coat the oiled rack of lamb with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

6. Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat.  When the pan is nice and hot, lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray, then add the rack of lamb.

7. Sear the lamb on each side for 2 minutes, then transfer to oven.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, registering at 130°F (I went 25 and it was exactly medium-rare).

9. Transfer to a carving board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes.

10. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the remaining 6 T. olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper (to taste; I actually forgot to add these and didn't even notice!), parsley leaves, and rosemary leaves.  Blend until well combined and smooth.

11. Carve rack into individual chops and drizzle with sauce.  Serve with desired side(s) and enjoy!  (I made Near East Parmesan couscous--went perfectly with it!)

Mushroom & Coppa Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Yay, finally the craziness of last month of school is nearly over (I have been teaching a class this school year) and I can get back to cooking and blogging!  And this recipe, oh, it is so worthy of being my first one of this month--it's a 10 out of 10 for sure.  The problem with finding such amazing recipes is that I want to repeat them, yet I also want to keep cooking new stuff to blog...glad summer will bring more chances to be able to do both!

Updated on 7 Feb 2022.

Link to my YouTube of preparation for this recipe: https://youtu.be/yYsbsaFkJs0

I didn't modify this recipe much--just a couple of method changes (not entirely intentional, I might add lol) and slight ingredient changes.  Link to original recipe:
http://www.finecooking.com/recipe/mushroom-and-coppa-stuffed-pork-tenderloin

Ingredients:

10 oz. mushrooms, such as cremini, trimmed (I used regular white button)
2 T. unsalted butter
1 T. finely chopped fresh garlic
Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper
2 T. fresh basil, chopped
1 pork tenderloin, trimmed (1 to 1 1/4 lb.)
3 oz. thinly sliced coppa (I used regular/not 'hot' variety)
3/4 c. finely shredded/grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 c. fresh breadcrumbs
2 T. olive oil, plus additional as needed

for the sauce--

1 tsp. minced shallot
1 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1/2 c. dry white wine (I used Chardonnay)
1 1/2 c. homemade chicken stock
1 1/2 T. unsalted butter
Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper
1 T. fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Chop the mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped and set aside (you could by hand, just would take a while).

2. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook, stirring, about 30 sec.

3. Add mushrooms and season lightly with salt and pepper.  Increase heat to medium-high and cook until the mushrooms are no longer giving off any liquid, stirring frequently (around 5-10 min.--think it took mine around 7).

4. Stir in the basil, transfer to a heat proof plate or bowl, and refrigerate for at least 15 min.

5. Meanwhile, butterfly the tenderloin lengthwise (be sure not to cut all the way through to opposite side!)  Open the tenderloin like a book, cover with a sheet of plastic wrap, and pound to an even thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 in.

6. With the tenderloin cut side up, cover it using the coppa, overlapping pieces slightly as needed so that the whole surface is covered.

7. Spread the mushroom mixture over the coppa, leaving a 1/2 in. border all around.

8. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese.

9. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs.

10. As best you can, starting from a long side, roll the tenderloin and tie with butcher string/kitchen twine around every 2 in.  Lightly season outside with salt and pepper.

11. In a heavy-duty skillet (I used cast iron) large enough to hold the tenderloin, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add tenderloin and brown well on all sides, around 7-10 min.

12. Lower heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally so that all sides cook evenly, until pork registers at least 130°F on an instant-read thermometer (around 15-17 min).

12. Transfer to a cutting board and leave juices in pan.  Tent tenderloin loosely with foil and let rest while preparing the sauce.

13. For the sauce: pour off any excess fat from skillet, leaving just a little behind (around 1 T.).  Return skillet to stove over medium heat and add shallot.  Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 sec.

14. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 sec.

15. Deglaze pan with wine, scraping to remove browned bits from pan, until wine has nearly all evaporated (around 6-7 min.)

16. Add chicken stock and increase heat to medium-high.  Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce has reduced by around 2/3 (around 8 to 10 min.)

17. Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter and basil, cooking and stirring until just combined.

18. Add tenderloin back to pan and turn to coat in sauce.  Remove from heat and serve with sauce and desired side (I chose Rice-A-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice).  Enjoy!

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Potatoes au gratin 3 cheeses

Mmmmm mmmm mmm!  This is a 10 for sure--hubby and I both raved about these potatoes the whole time we were having them with our steak meal.  I halved the original recipe, as it was only the two of us; amounts and time below are the 'halved' version.  I also modified a couple of items slightly.  Recipe for the steak sauce shown in picture will be next post :)

Link to original recipe: http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/three-cheese-potato-gratin.aspx

Ingredients:

unsalted butter, at room temp (to butter dish)
3/4 c. whole milk
1/2 c. heavy cream
1 large clove garlic, peeled and smashed
2 springs rosemary, around 3" long each
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 oz. grated Jarlsburg cheese (or Swiss, as original recipe calls for)
1 oz. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 lb. russet potatoes
kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper (or white, as recipe calls for and I didn't see until writing this lol)
2 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled/in small bits

Instructions:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 350°F.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and butter an 8"x 8" glass baking dish.

2. Pour the milk and cream into a small saucepan.  Add garlic, rosemary, and nutmeg.  Using medium heat, bring to just a simmer.  Cover, then remove from heat and set aside to let infuse for 20 minutes.

3. Shred the Jarlsburg and Parmigiano cheeses into a bowl and toss to combine.

4. Peel potatoes and use a food processor or mandoline to cut in thin slices, around 1/8" thick.  Using 1/3 of the potatoes, arrange them in an overlapping layer in the baking dish.  Season with kosher salt and pepper, then top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese blend and 1/2 of goat cheese.

5. Repeat layering one more time (potatoes, salt & pepper, cheese blend, goat cheese).

6. Use last 1/3 of potatoes to create top layer and press down lightly to compact the layer.  Season with salt and pepper.

7. Strain the infused cream mixture over the potatoes.  Discard the garlic and rosemary.

8. Sprinkle remaining 1/3 of shredded cheese blend over top.

9. Set the baking dish on the foil-lined baking sheet and bake until top is deeply browned and potatoes are tender when pierced with fork, around 1 hour 10 minutes (or more, depending on your oven).

10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving and enjoy (a lot)!

Skillet Paprika Chicken with Veggies

Mmmm this was just what I was looking for the day I ended up with unexpected time to cook.  For some reason, I've amassed quite the collection of bone-in chicken thighs in my freezer, so it's time to cook them up and make more room.  I also had some mushrooms and potatoes that needed used up--this is the perfect recipe to do so.  I would rate this a 9--it is just as good leftover, too!  I made it with slight modifications from the original and think it likely lends well to adjustments.  For example, for the paprika, I used half regular, half Spanish hot variety.  This made it spicy but not overwhelmingly so--just enough heat to have a good kick.  Very likely it is lovely with just all regular paprika, too--will report back if/when I try it that way!

Link to original recipe: http://reluctantentertainer.com/one-pot-paprika-chicken-thighs/

Ingredients:

2 lb. bone-in chicken thighs
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
1 T. regular paprika
1 T. Spanish/hot paprika
~2 T. olive oil (not sure, as I didn't measure)
2 cloves garlic, pressed (or minced)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
~1 lb. baby yellow potatoes, cut in small chunks (I think this is about what I had left in bag of 'baby Dutch yellow potatoes' from Aldi)
2 large carrots, cut in small chunks
2 T. flour
1 1/3 c. chicken stock (I used my homemade version)
3/4 c. dry white wine (used Cupcake Chardonnay)
~1 1/2 T. fresh thyme, finely chopped (also did not measure)

Instructions:

1. In a plastic baggie with a zip top, combine the Kosher salt, pepper, and the two paprikas (I shook it until it looked combined).  Add the chicken pieces and shake to coat (I had to do mine in two batches and was a bit concerned that the first ones got more heavily coated than the ones after--this ended up being just fine).

2. Heat olive oil in large, tall-sided skillet over medium-high heat (used '7' on my stove).  Add the chicken pieces and cook for around 3 minutes on each side.  Transfer chicken to plate.

3. Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for around 2 minutes.

4. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for around 3 minutes.

5. Add potatoes and carrots, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Meanwhile, gradually whisk the flour into the white wine.  Pour slowly over the vegetable mixture, stirring as you do so.  Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

7. Add the chicken stock and stir until boiling.

8. Return chicken to pan and stir all to combine.  Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low (used '3' on my stove).  Simmer for 20 minutes.

9. Add thyme to skillet and stir to combine.  Return lid to pan and simmer for additional 10 minutes.

10. Serve alone (like I did) or with desired side, such as noodles or rice, and enjoy!

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Casserole

I wanted to make something different for Sunday breakfast one week and decided to give this recipe a try.  I love cinnamon swirl bread, so the idea of making it into a French toast casserole sounded very tasty.  Turns out it is indeed tasty--and filling.  I would rate this an 8.5 and will make it again when I have more people to share it with in the house!

Link to original recipe:
http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a48348/cinnamon-swirl-french-toast-bake-recipe/

Ingredients:

6 eggs
2 c. milk
1 c. heavy cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 T. sugar
dash of kosher salt
1 loaf (16 oz.) cinnamon swirl bread
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 stick cold butter, cut into cubes

maple syrup, for serving (recipe suggests powdered sugar as well; I didn't think it needed it/didn't miss it)

Instructions:

1. Butter a 9" x 13" glass baking dish and arrange bread slices in an overlapping layer.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt until combined.  Pour the mixture over the bread in the baking dish.  If you do not wish to bake right away, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until desired (up to overnight). *Note to self: I baked right away.*

3. When ready to bake, heat oven to 350°F.

4. Use a pastry blender or your hands to combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to make a streusel. (If you use your hands, be sure to not "combine" for too long; I think I did because it was more like a paste than a streusel when I stopped.)

5. Sprinkle (or drop in big dabs, as I had to) the streusel over the bread.

6. Transfer dish to oven and bake, until cooked through, about 45 minutes.  (Original recipe said "covered" for this part, but I missed that; not sure what difference it would make, but mine turned out fine!)

7. Serve with maple syrup (and powdered sugar, if desired) and enjoy!

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