Bratwurst Potato Skillet

Compared with yesterday's entry, this one is a breeze--super easy and fast, perfect for a weeknight!  And perfectly yummy, too--another 10 out of 10!  As the original recipe indicates, I think it could be made with other sausages such as kielbasa or Italian--hoping to try those soon in the future and will come back to post when I do (provided I remember/have time...)  Because this recipe came together so fast, I forgot to get pictures during the prep, so I'll add those next time as well.  This makes a perfect amount for 2 people, so be sure to increase for a family serving.

Link to original recipe: http://relish.com/recipes/bratwurst-potato-skillet-dinner-nc/

Ingredients:

2 fully cooked bratwurst links
2 tsp. canola oil (*I actually used likely closer to 1 tsp. oil and 1 tsp. of the drippings from cooking the sausages)
2 medium potatoes, sliced (I used yukon gold)
1 small onion, sliced half-rounds
1/2 of a bell pepper, sliced (I used orange, but could sub any color)
2 T. soy sauce
1 T. orange juice
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

Instructions:

*for the bratwurst links: I followed the directions on Johnsonville's website to cook on stovetop--spray skillet with nonstick spray, add brats and heat to medium-high.  Brown on all sides for around 5 min. total, then carefully add 1/2 c. water.  Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, turning brats occasionally.*

1. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and add potatoes (*as I mentioned in ingredients section, I used a combo of oil and pan drippings.  I cooked in the pan after draining but did not wipe clean, thus a bit remained from that as well.)  Cook for around 6 min, until crisp-tender and lightly browned.

2. Add the brats (I cut them up into smaller pieces for ease of cooking), onion, and bell pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, around 5-10 min.

3. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, basil, salt, and pepper.

4. Add sauce to pan and stir to combine, cooking for 1 additional minute.  Serve and enjoy!

Mixed Grill

Oh, grilled bliss!  I had made this recipe a few years ago and always wanted to make it again, yet I just never did get around to it for some odd reason.  The last time I did, I used short ribs and chicken thighs and finished it by broiling rather than grilling; this time, I went with pork ribs and chicken thighs and grilled to finish (as written in the original recipe).  I have a slight preference for the latter, but both are fabulous, I assure you :)  I liked only doing the pork and chicken in particular because the it's much less oven time that way. The original recipe calls for doing all 3 meats, but I've never had enough people around to consume that much.  I've included directions for whichever version you might feel like doing, and there will be plenty of sauce no matter what, don't worry!

Link to original recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mixed-grill-with-sweet-and-spicy-bourbon-sauce-362937

Ingredients:

1 1/4 c. dark brown sugar (packed)
18 garlic cloves, peeled and pressed
1 c. mild molasses
3/4 c. tamari soy sauce (do not use low-sodium)
6 T. unseasoned rice vinegar
3 T. chili powder
2 T. fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 T. sriracha
3/4 tsp. Kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning/to taste
1/2 T. coarse ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning/to taste
6 (or more) green onions, light green and white parts only, chopped
choose two meats of these three (or do all three if you have a very large group to feed): 2 racks of meaty baby back pork ribs (about 5 lbs.), 8 meaty beef short ribs (about 4 lbs., membranes trimmed), or 8 chicken thighs with skin and bones
if using short ribs: 1 c. beef broth
2 T. bourbon

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle all meats lightly with Kosher salt and black pepper.

2. If using pork ribs: arrange racks in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.  If using beef ribs: arrange in a single layer in a 13" x 9" x 2" metal baking pan.  If using chicken: arrange in a single layer in a 13" x 9" x 2" metal baking pan (use separate pans for each meat type).  Let stand for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add first 10 ingredients (through black pepper).  Whisk together until salt dissolves.  Mix in green onions.

4. When meats have stood for 30 minutes, pour 3/4 c. marinade over each meat (if using pork ribs, pour 3/4 c. over each rack).  Turn to coat all over and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

5. Reserve remaining marinade sauce covered in the refrigerator.

6. When hour is nearly up, position 1 rack in top third of oven and 1 in lower third. Heat oven to 350°F.

7. If using short ribs only: add beef broth to pan and turn ribs meat side down in broth.

8. Cover each pan tightly with foil and place in oven: pork goes on lower rack, chicken and beef go on upper rack.

9. For pork and chicken: bake for 45 minutes, remove from oven and open foil.

(*I forgot to take the picture until after I'd started removing them to transfer to dish to take to grill!)

10. For short ribs: bake for 2 hours total, remove from oven and open foil.

11. For pork ribs: cut between bones to separate into ribs.  For all meats: transfer to dish to take to grill.

12. Pour pan juices from meats into medium saucepan and spoon off the fat (as best you can--I couldn't get it all by any means).

13. Bring sauce to boil and keep boiling until reduced to around 2 cups (25 to 30 minutes).

14. Add bourbon and return sauce to boil, then remove from heat.

15. Prepare grill at medium-high heat.

16. Coat meat with half of remaining refrigerated marinade.  Grill meat for around 12 minutes total, turning once halfway through and re-coating with other half of remaining marinade.

17. Serve with bourbon sauce and enjoy (a lot)!

Oatmeal Cinnamon Nutmeg Cookies

I actually made these a few weeks ago but was too busy to blog about them at the time.  They are wonderful--yes, 10 out 10 for these, too.  They are slightly crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more and more (they did not last long at my house!)

Link to original recipe: http://sweetasacookie.com/oatmeal-cinnamon-nutmeg-cookies/

Ingredients:

1 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. brown sugar (packed)
1/2 c. sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. quick oats

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until thoroughly combined.

4. Mix in baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until incorporated.

5. Mix in the flour and quick oats until just combined.

6. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake for 10-12 min or until beginning to lightly brown.

8. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack and let cool a few minutes on baking sheet.

9. Transfer off of baking sheet and cool on wire rack.  Store in an airtight container.  Enjoy!

(forgot to get a pic after they had been taken off of sheet, oops!)

Chicken and Artichoke Fricassée with Morel Mushrooms

Mmmmm.  This was quite a bit of work, but very, very yummy and worth it.  That is, if you love morels, which I do. A lot.  Yep, this is another 10 out of 10--hoping I can keep this trend going!  Baby artichokes are not easy to come by, it seems, though.  I found them at Mariano's (grocery store), in case anyone reading is near one of those.

Link to original recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/chicken-and-artichoke-fricassee-with-morel-mushrooms-237905

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lemons
9 baby artichokes
6 c. water
2 T. all-purpose flour, plus additional for dredging
2 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf
2 T. butter
1 T. olive oil
4 chicken thighs (bone-in/skin-on)
4 chicken drumsticks
4 oz. fresh (or 1 oz. dried and reconstituted) morel mushrooms
2 medium carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
2 large shallots, thinly sliced
2 T. fresh thyme, chopped, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. low-salt chicken broth
1/4 c. crème fraîche

Instructions:

1. Fill a large bowl with water and squeeze the juice from 1 lemon into water, then add the lemon halves.

2. Tear the outer leaves from each artichoke until only pale green leaves remain (this will be quite a few leaves).  Cut off the top part so that no spiky leaf points remain (around 3/4" from top) and cut off bottom stem.

3. Cut the artichokes in half lengthwise.  Rub cut edges with the half lemon and then place in the lemon water.

4. Add the 6 c. water to a large saucepan, along with the flour, salt, and bay leaf.  Bring to a boil--and make sure you watch the pan or it will boil over (yes, this happened to me!).  Add the artichoke halves and cook for 5 minutes (I reduced the heat just slightly so that it would not boil over again).  Drain.

5. Melt butter with oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.  Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour before placing in skillet.

6. Cook chicken until golden brown, around 4 minutes per side (I am sure I went longer than this, not sure how much longer, though).  Transfer chicken to plate.

7. Add mushrooms, carrots, and shallots to the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften--about 4 minutes.

8. Add 1 T. of the thyme along with the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

9. Add wine and bring to boil, then add broth and artichokes and bring back to boil.

10. Return chicken to skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  (*note: about halfway through this, I added a splash of the water I used to reconstitute the morels.)

11. Uncover, turn chicken, re-cover, and simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes longer.

12. Transfer chicken and vegetables to a platter, leaving sauce in skillet.  Whisk in crème fraîche and remaining thyme, bring to boil.  Season with salt and pepper.

13. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.  Enjoy!

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!)