Sunday, December 31, 2017

Giraffes in the Kitchen with nhteach





Dinners at SDP

If you try any of these, or make changes, PLEASE leave a comment.  
I'd love to hear how you change things up or felt about a recipe!!


Welcome to my recipes that have been served (or are in the plans to be served) at Crazy Acres.   

I'm going to try to keep meals balanced, interesting, and under $25 for four servings as best I can.  My ultimate goal is to bring some variety into the cuisine at the farm - enough with take-out Chinese and pizzas!!

My ultimate goal is to have dinner ready and waiting as Carlene concludes mail call.

I have promised to NOT serve asparagus or cold sliced tomatoes and to avoid green leafy things floating in the sauce, at all costs.

Since there are always a plethora of evil sugary things laying about - to be served with whipped cream or not - I don't plan desserts.  (I've included a couple that I've made just to share because I've enjoyed them so much.)

I enjoy cooking and love complicated recipes when I'm up to the challenge, but I've tried to keep things here REALLY simple.  Cooking is just chemistry in the kitchen - I think it's fun to take a few simple ingredients and combine them to produce something that is visually and orally pleasing.  

Try some out - and please, let me know what you think!!!





Saturday, December 30, 2017

QUICK SEARCH for "Giraffe" Recipes


You asked for it - I finally got around to doing it.  Here's the listing of all the recipes on the blog (so far) and where you can find them.  Find the recipe you want, then go to the right side of the page and click on that month.  The drop down menu will open and then you can click on the actual recipe.

Someday, when I'm not paying all these medical bills, I'll buy a website and turn this into a searchable "cooking" book.  Until then - this should make your searching a bit easier.  Happy cooking!  Don't trip over the Giraffes in the Kitchen!!
                                                                                         

Appetizers
*Bacon Jam.....................................................September, 2016
*Buffalo Chicken Dip.....................................January, 2016
*Cauliflower PizzaBites..................................September, 2016
*Creamy Stuffed Mini-Peppers.......................November, 2016
*Friendship Crown........................................ August, 2016
*Goat Cheese Toasts.......................................November, 2016
*Maple Bacon Baked Brie..............................November, 2016
*Stuffed Pepper Appetizer..............................August, 2016
*Sweet and Savory Meatballs.........................September, 2015
*Tapas (all found under "Tapas Night")..........August 2015
-----Melon Pintxos
-----Shrimp in Garlic Sauce
-----Spanish Tortilla
-----Stuffed Dates
*Toast!!! Tapas (all under "Toast!!!").............February, 2016
-----Bleu Cheese and Apple
-----Braesola and Cheddar
-----Fig-Prosciutto Crostini
-----New Avocado
-----Olive and Artichoke
-----Peach and Ricotta
-----Pepper and Pear
-----Sweet and Salty Fig
*Tortilla Española.............................................March, 2016


Salads
*Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans........September, 2015
*Chinese Chicken Salad.................................August, 2016
*Healthy Chickpea Salad...............................March, 2016
*Tortellini Salad.............................................August, 2015
*Tuna and Bean Salad....................................June, 2016


Soups, Stews and Chowders
*Bacon Cheeseburger Soup............................March, 2016
*Chicken Gnocchi Soup.................................October, 2016
*Chili Night....................................................December, 2015
*Cincinnati Chili.............................................August, 2015
*Gazpacho......................................................August, 2015
*Greek Chicken Soup.....................................October, 2015
*Jambalaya.....................................................March, 2016
*Low Fat Chicken and Dumpling Soup.........January, 2017
*Mushroom Barley Soup................................October, 2015
*Pasta Fagiole (stovetop version)...................November, 2015
*Sausage and Tortellini Soup.........................September, 2015
*Summer Corn Chowder................................August, 2016


Slow Cooker Recipes
*Beef Burgandy..............................................September, 2015
*Beef Stroganoff.............................................January, 2016
*Best Ever Slow-Cooked Chicken................ October, 2015
*Buffalo Chicken Pasta...................................January, 2016
*Chicken Enchilada Quinoa...........................October, 2015
*Dump Meals (freeze ahead meals): 
       (all found under "Dump Chicken"),,,,,,,,,August, 2015
-----Balsami Glazed Drumsticks
-----Breakfast Risotto
-----Cafe Rio Chicken
-----Canton Chicken
-----Chicken Soft Tacos
-----Chinese Orange Chicken
-----Cilantro Lime chicken with Corn and Black Beans
-----Honey Garlic Chicken
-----Honey Sesame Chicken
-----Hurry Chicken
-----Lemon Garlic Chicken
-----"Loose" Cheeseburgers
-----Maple Mustard Chicken
-----Pulled Pork
-----Sweet Barbecue Chicken
-----Stickin' Chicken
*Garlic Ale Beef Sliders.................................October, 2016
*Jambalaya and Macque Choux.....................March, 2017
*Kid-Friendly Turkey Chili............................January, 2016
*Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans.......................November, 2016
*Lazy Slob Swedish Meatballs.......................September, 2016
*Loaded Potato Soup......................................September, 2015
*Pasta y Fagiole.............................................August, 2016
*Sirloin Tips and Gravy.................................April, 2016
*Texas Pot Roast............................................February, 2016
*TexMex Chicken..........................................September, 2015
*Tina Shonk's Chicken and Noodles.............October, 2016


Main Dishes Beef
*Beef and Rice Espagnole........................................September, 2015
*Beef Stroganoff (under slow cooker version).........January, 2016
*Cheesy Pull-Apart Sliders.......................................February, 2016
*Classic Beef Bourguignon......................................August, 2016
*Lazy Day Stuffed Pepper Casserole.......................January, 2016


Main Dishes Chicken
*Alfredo Chicken Bake (Four Easy Chicken Bakes).......................May, 2016
*Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake (Four Easy Chicken Bakes)..............May, 2016
*Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta...........................................................October, 2015
*Barbecue Chicken Bake (Four Easy Chicken Bakes)....................May, 2016
*Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells................................January, 2017
*Chicken Cacciatore........................................................................August, 2015
*Chicken in Creamy Green Onion Sauce........................................March, 2016
*Chicken Lombardy.........................................................................September, 2016
*Chicken Marbella...........................................................................August, 2015
*Chicken Paprikash..........................................................................November, 2015
*Chicken Penne Casserole................................................................February, 2016
*Chicken Scallopine with Lemon Sauce...........................................January, 2016
*Chicken, Sausage, Onions and Peppers  (CSOP)...........................August, 2015
*Chicken Teriyaki Casserole............................................................December, 2015
*Chicken Tikka Masala....................................................................August, 2015
*Cuban Chicken...............................................................................August, 2015
*Fig-Braised Chicken with Spiced Walnuts.....................................December, 2015
*Hawaiian Chicken...........................................................................November, 2015
*Honey Lime Grilled Chicken..........................................................August, 2015
*Monterrey Chicken..........................................................................September, 2015
*One Pan Balsamic Chicken.............................................................January, 2016
*One Pan Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato and Brussel Sprouts.........May, 2016
*One Pan Chicken Parmesan and Roasted Zucchini.........................May, 2016
*One Pan Cilantro-Lime chicken and Rice with Black Bean............May, 2016
*One Pan Fajita Chicken...................................................................May, 2016
*One Pan Rosemary Chicken Dinner................................................May, 2016
*One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet............................May, 2016
*One Pan Spanish Chicken...............................................................May, 2016
*Pesto Chicken Bake (Four Easy Chicken Bakes)...........................May, 2016
*Provencal Chicken..........................................................................August, 2016.
*Turkey Marsala...............................................................................August, 2015


Main Dishes Fish
*Four Easy Salmon Dinners......................................January, 2017
*Scallops in Curry Cream.........................................March, 2016
*Sweet and Smoky Salmon.......................................August, 2016


Main Dishes Ham and Pork
*20 minute One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach..........May, 2016
*Country Fair Sausage Grinders.................................................September 2015
*Croque Monsieur......................................................................August, 2015
*Orecchiette and Sausage...........................................................November, 2015


Main Dishes Vegetarian
*Chil Cheese Hasselback Potatoes.........................................................March, 2016
*Chili Rellenos Casserole ......................................................................May, 2016
*"Downton Abbey" Leek Tartlett............................................................April, 2016
*Fresh Tomato and Ricotta Tart...............................................................August, 2016
*Insanely Easy Squash Ravioli and Salad Dinner...................................February, 2016
*Meatless Monday Zucchini Pie.............................................................March, 2016
*Mushroom, Onion, and Bacon Risotto (under "Three Risottos")..........September, 2015
*Parmesan Cheese Risotto (under "Three Risottos")..............................September, 2015
*Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches................................................................September, 2016
*Quiche in Sweet Potato Crust...............................................................March, 2016
*Sweet Potato, Browned Butter (and Bacon) Risotto.............................February, 2016
*Tomato, Arugala and Mozzarella Risoito (under "Three Risottos").... September, 2015


Pasta and Pasta Sauces
*Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta................................................October, 2015
*Baked Spaghetti...................................................................January, 2016
*Chicken Lasagna.................................................................December, 2015
*Fantasy Sauce......................................................................August, 2016
*FAST Pasta Bake (turkey sausage)......................................September, 2015
*Macaroni and Cheese - FORTY Different Ways!!...............January, 2016
*One Pan Chili Pasta.............................................................May, 2016
*One Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta...............................................May, 2016
*One Pan Taco Spaghetti.......................................................May, 2016
*Pasta al Norma.....................................................................August 2016
*Pasta Carbonara...................................................................August, 2015
*Pasta Puttanesca...................................................................August, 2015
*Pierogi Lasagna....................................................................February, 2017
*Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Carbonara....................October, 2016
*Spaghetti Pie.........................................................................December, 2015
*Taco Spaghetti Pie................................................................August, 2016
*Tomato Orecchiette with Brie and Basil...............................June, 2016
*White Pizza Lasagna............................................................March, 2016


Smoothies - all under "Green Smoothies"......................March, 2016
-----Avocado
-----Avocado, Pineapple, and Apricot
-----Beauty Bonanza
-----Cucumber-Honeydew
-----Garden
-----Green Machine
-----Green Pumpkin Pie
-----Key Lime
-----Kiwi Frappe
-----Kiwi-Pineapple
-----Matcha Green Tea
-----No-pulp Beginner Smoothie
-----Nutri-Bomb
-----Spinach-Banana
-----Spinach-Mint


Sides
*Crack Corn....................................................September, 2016

Desserts
*Atlantic Beach Pie........................................August, 2016
*Chocolate Guinness Cake.............................March, 2016
*Chocolate Lasagna........................................August, 2015
*Chocolate Pots de Creme..............................February, 2016
*Lava Cakes for Two......................................March, 2016
*Peanut Butter Pie...........................................June, 2016
*St. Patrick's Day Cake...................................March, 2016
*Thanksgiving Lasagna...................................November, 2016


Snacks
*Herb and Cheese Monkey Bread...................December, 2016
*Mexican Bubble Bread..................................December, 2016
*Pumpkin Pie energy Bites..............................October, 2016
*Pizza Monkey Bread......................................December, 2016



Breakfast Ideas
*Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Monkey Bread.........December, 2016
*French Lasagna................................................December, 2016
*Overnight French Toast..................................October, 2016
*Pumpkin Chia Overnight Oats........................October, 2016
*Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Monkey Bread.....December, 2016

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Wicked Easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya (and Corn Macque Choux)

Back to the farm for Mardi Gras!!

Wicked Easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya





Serves: Makes 8 servings.

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
1 package (12 to 16 ounces) frozen peppers and onions blend
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (8 ounces) ZATARAIN'S® Jambalaya Mix, Original
1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined


Procedure:
Place chicken, vegetables and tomatoes in slow cooker. Stir until well blended. Cover
Cook 3 1/2 hours on HIGH or 7 1/2 hours on LOW

Stir in Rice Mix and shrimp. Cover. Cook 30 minutes longer on HIGH or until shrimp turn pink and rice is tender

If I can find some reasonably priced sausage (andouille), I add that, too.



Macque Choux


Ingredients:
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from 3 medium ears of corn)
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon (or more) hot pepper sauce
1 green onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Coarse kosher salt


PREPARATION

Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper; sauté until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add corn; sauté 2 minutes. Add cream, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Mix in green onion, parsley, and basil. Season to taste with coarse salt, pepper, and more hot pepper sauce, if desired.

Monday, February 6, 2017

"Pierogi" Lasagna

I think I need to try this.  Love pierogis.  Love lasagna.  A little salad plus this might be just the thing!!



"Pierogi" Lasagna



Ingredients:
9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
4 cups hot mashed potatoes
1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 c bacon bits (cook 6-8 slices)
2 cups KRAFT Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided


Procedure:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook noodles as directed on package, omitting salt. Combine potatoes, cream cheese spread, onions, 1/2 cup bacon and 1 cup cheddar.

Place 3 noodles in the baking dish; cover with 1/3 of the potato mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining bacon and cheddar; cover.

Bake 33-35 minutes or until heated through, uncovering for the last 5 min. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Four Easy Salmon Dinners

Saw this on my news feed and HAD to save it. These ALL look so good!!!! Will let you know!



Four Easy Salmon Dinners








1) Avocado Lime
Ingredients:
6 ounces skinless salmon
1 garlic clove, minced
Olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
½ teaspoon paprika

For the avocado topping:
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lime juice

Procedure:
1. Preheat oven to 400˚F/200˚C.
2. On a baking sheet, season salmon with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix avocado topping ingredients until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix or you’ll break down your avocado.
5. Spoon avocado topping over the salmon.
6. Enjoy!




2) Tomato Pesto
Ingredients:
6 ounces skinless salmon
2 zucchinis, sliced
Olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons pesto

Procedure
1. Preheat oven to 400˚F/200˚C.
2. On a baking sheet, lay down zucchini. Drizzle on olive oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper.
3. Lay the salmon on the zucchini, and spread the pesto on top of the salmon. Top with tomatoes.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
5. Enjoy!




3) Honey Soy
Ingredients:
6 ounces skinless salmon
2 cups broccoli florets
Olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon green onions, sliced

For the honey soy marinade:
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey

Procedure
1. Preheat oven to 400˚F/200˚C.
2. In a small bowl, mix honey soy marinade ingredients.
3. Lay the salmon on a baking sheet. Pour the marinade over the salmon.
4. Lay the broccoli beside the salmon, but not touching. Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Top with sliced green onions.
7. Enjoy!




4) Parmesan Crusted
Ingredients:
6 ounces skinless salmon
7 ounces asparagus
Olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 egg

For the parmesan crust:
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup grated parmesan
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Salt to taste

Procedure:
1. Preheat oven to 400˚F/200˚C.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the parmesan crust ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg. Dredge the salmon in the egg, then parmesan.
4. Lay the salmon on a baking sheet. Lay asparagus beside the salmon. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

Friday, January 6, 2017

Low Fat Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Low Fat Chicken and Dumpling Soup


Ingredients:
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 cup water
2 cups frozen french-cut green beans
1-1/2 cups sliced onions
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
2/3 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/3 cup fat-free milk


Procedure:
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 

In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, cook chicken until no longer pink. Remove from heat.
In a large saucepan, whisk flour and 1/2 cup broth until smooth. Stir in water and remaining broth. 

Add beans, onions, carrots and marjoram. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. 

Add chicken; return to a simmer.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix biscuit mix, cornmeal and cheese. Stir in milk just until moistened. 

Drop batter in 12 portions on top of the simmering soup. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of dumpling comes out clean. Yield: 4 servings.


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

from Barn Manager Shannon!




Ingredients:1 (12 oz) box Jumbo Shells
2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (I use rotisserie)
1 1/2 cups chopped steamed broccoli
Alfredo:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 cups whole milk
2/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
3/4 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 large egg yolks, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Procedure:
Cook pasta according to package instructions, just until al dente. Drain from water and lay out on a large dish to cool, so that they don't stick together.

Make alfredo sauce:
Combine butter, garlic, heavy cream and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Beat egg yolks in a small bowl. Add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, stirring to temper the eggs. Repeat with several more spoonfuls. Then slowly add the egg mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
To a large mixing bowl add chicken, broccoli and 1/2 cup alfredo sauce and toss to combine. Add a spoonful of alfredo sauce to the bottom of a 9x13'' pan. Fill shells with a large spoonful of chicken and broccoli mixture and place in prepared pan.
Pour remaining alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 25 minutes or until warm and bubbly.