Pineapple Sauce

 Pineapple Sauce served warm is just the best thing on this planet.  Okay, so why pineapple sauce, you may ask.  Because it is easier than making apple sauce and because it just goes with ham.  Did I say that it was also delicious?  I used canned pineapple packed in juice, not syrup.  Yes, it makes a difference to me.  Just add a few simple ingredients, and before you know it, it's done.  I served this sauce with my Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham, Roasted Honey Butter Carrots, and Whipped Mashed Potatoes.  

Ingredients:

20 can crushed pineapple (with juice)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 TBS Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 TBS lemon juice

1 TBS cornstarch

1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

1.  Add all ingredients to a medium-size saucepan, stir well.  Heat on medium-high until pineapple starts to boil.  Reduce temperature to low and let simmer until desired thickness, approx. 5 mins.  

Note:  Serve warm

Cherry Slaw

 

Life is a bowl of cherries, then you add slaw!  Big score with this idea!  

Cole Slaw as a side with a hot dog, burger, or fish sandwich.  How about
on a fish sandwich or grilled Reuben sandwich?  Slaw is just one of those delicious
menu items you can't do without.  But have you ever added cherries?

Fresh cherries are not always easy to find.  We use them whenever we can get our
hands on them.  Dried cherries are always a good thing to have in stock.  Here is
a trick to moisten them up.  Soak the dried cherries in hot coffee.  Within minutes
you will have plump, moist cherries to add to any dish.

Door County Cherry Slaw

Ingredients:
1 cup cherry creme coffee, hot
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 cup mayo
2 TBS cider vinegar
2 TBS sugar, white
3 TBS red onion, chopped fine
3 TBS fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tsp celery seed
1/8 tsp each of salt and pepper
14 ozs slaw mix

Directions:
1. Add the hot coffee to the cherries in a small bowl.  Let them sit while you mix the slaw dressing.
2.  In a medium size mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients except for the slaw mix.  Mix together well.
3.  Drain the coffee liquid from the cherries.  Add the cherries and slaw to the dressing.  Toss and chill
until ready to eat.  

Grilled Watermelon Salad

 

Dressed to impress!

Summertime is here, and so are fresh watermelons and cherries.  
We couldn't resist making this beautiful salad using these seasonal ingredients.

This wonderful creation is paired with a cherry coffee vinaigrette that will inspire you to try it.
It is light, healthy, and refreshing.

What are you waiting for?  

Grilled Watermelon Salad
(Cherry Coffee Vinaigrette)

Ingredients:
10 -12 seedless watermelon pieces, cut into triangles
2 cups feta cheese, crumbles
8 ozs arugula lettuce
1 cup red onion, sliced
1/3 cup almonds, slivered 
2 cups cherries, fresh or 1 cup dried
10 mint leaves

Directions For Grilling Watermelon:
1.  Heat grill on high.  Make sure to grease the grill grates.  Place the watermelon slices on the grill towards the back, where the grill is hottest.  Leave on the grill approx. 7-10 mins untouched to achieve char marks.  To check for doneness, carefully lift a piece off the grill but replace it in the same spot.  

Cherry Coffee Vinaigrette

Dry Mix Ingredients:
1/2 cup cherry coffee, brewed
3 TBS dijon Mustard
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarse pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp celery salt
2 tsp onion powder
1 TBS dry basil
1 TBS dry parsley
1 TBS dry oregano
3 TBS sugar

Directions:
1.  Add all ingredients to a blender.  Blend until creamy (1-2 mins)

Lemon Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

 

Are you grilling steak this weekend?  These have always been a family favorite.  These mushrooms are great to make for gatherings or as a side dish to any meal.  We don't always have crab on hand but if you love tuna, go ahead and use it in this recipe.  

Ingredients:
12 large mushrooms, stems removed
4 ozs cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
4 TBS lemon juice, divided
1/4 cup black olives, chopped fine
2 TBS fresh parsley, chopped fine
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
4 ozs crabmeat, reserve juice
4 TBS butter, melted

Directions:
1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
2.  Remove any dirt from the mushrooms with a dry towel.  Remove stems.
3.  In a medium-size bowl add the cream cheese, garlic, 2 TBS lemon juice, olives, and parsley.  Mix well. I like using a fork to incorporate the flavors into the cream cheese.   Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Add in the bread crumbs, and work them into the cream cheese.  Combine the crabmeat, making a stuffing.    
4.  Divide the filling evenly amongst the mushrooms by adding the filling inside the center of each mushroom.  Press to pack.  Top off the mushrooms with any filling that might be leftover.  
5.  Melt the butter and stir in the remaining 2 TBS lemon juice.  Brush the butter on top of each mushroom.  Bake for approx. 30 mins or until the stuffing browns on top.  

Thai Summer Shrimp Rolls with Plum Peanut Sauce

                             

Thai Summer Rolls with Plum Peanut Sauce:

3 TBS peanut butter, creamy
2 tsp ginger, minced
1 tsp rice vinegar
2 TBS plum sauce
3 TBS honey
2 TBS sweet chili sauce
2 TBS tamari (soy sauce)
1/4 cup crushed peanuts, for garnish

Directions:
1.  Whisk all ingredients (except peanuts) together in a bowl.  Add peanuts to top, as a garnish
Note:  I like making a double batch for extra if needed.

Thai Summer Roll Ingredients:
10 Rice paper wraps, large

1- jumbo shrimp, cooked (tails off)

1/4 cup Thai basil leaves

8 ozs rice noodles, thin and cooked
20 cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 cup lettuce, chopped fine

Directions for Rolls:

1.  Add hot water to a heat-safe bowl.  (water temperature should be as hot as your hands can handle).

Have a cutting board or large dinner plate handy.  Place one rice wrap into hot water.  Make sure to emerge completely into the water.  Swish around for approx. 30 seconds to 1 min until rice paper becomes soft.  Remove from water and place on cutting board or plate.  Gently pat dry the top of rice paper with a dry paper towel.  (This step helps prevent ingredients from sliding around).

2.  Build the layers of your rolls by placing approx.  one shrimp on softened rice paper 3 inches from the edge closest to you.  Then add basil.  Add approx. 1/2 cup of noodles on top of the shrimp, then add cucumber slices and then lettuce.

3.  From the edge closest to you fold over rice paper over ingredients, tucking underneath to hold.  Fold in edges and secure.  Tightly roll up to the end of rice paper.  

Notes:  It will take a few times until you get the hang of it.  I find if I keep a small bowl of water handy it helps to wet my hands while rolling.  Also, a bit of water helps to separate noodles while dividing.

Beef Bulgogi and Noodles (Korean BBQ Beef)

 

Bulgogi bool-GOH-gee literally means "fire meat".  Marinated, thin cuts of good quality meat such as sirloin, ribeye or flank, seared over a hot fire.  You can also use chicken or fish, such as salmon.  The marinating only takes 30 minutes for this dish, which allows this time for prepping other ingredients at that time.  This meat can be served alone or with rice noodles or your favorite rice.  

Ingredients:
1 lb sirloin (cut in 4-1/4 inch pieces)
1/3 cup tamari sauce, (soy)
1/4 cup sweetener (sugar or honey)
2 TBS mirin or rice wine 
2 TBS sesame oil
1/4 cup Asian pear, shredded (or pear or pineapple juice)
1 TBS ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 carrot, shredded
4 ozs rice noodles, cooked
1 cup scallions
2 TBS sesame seeds

Directions:
1.  Season meat with salt and pepper.  In a dish with sides (to hold marinade without leaking out) lay meat flat on the bottom.  In a separate bowl mix the soy, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, pear, ginger, and garlic.  Pour over top of the meat, to cover.  Flip over meat a few times to get it nice and coated with the marinade.  Place in the refrigerator for 30 mins.  
2.  While meat is marinating, chop your peppers and onions.  Next, shred your carrot.  Heat a medium-size saute pan with 1 TBS cooking oil, on medium/high heat.  Stir in the peppers and onions and cook for 3-5 mins or until soft.  Stir in carrots and turn off the burner.  
3.  Grease your grill with oil.  Heat grill on high heat.  Remove meat from the marinade.  Add the marinade to your saute pan, with the peppers and onions.  Place meat on the grill and let sear 3-4 mins on each side or to desired redness.  Remove from the grill and cut into thin slices.  Add the meat to the marinade.
4.  Cook noodles according to your package.  Drain noodles, reserving approx. 1/4 cup of starch water and stir it into the marinade.  Toss noodles and meat together.  Top with scallions and sesame seeds.  

Serves 4

Note:  This recipe can easily be doubled

Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are a healthy and crispy way of eating potatoes.

I like using a thin red skin potato.  They are easy to work with and come in the perfect

size, for serving. Just pop them in the oven and within minutes they are done.

Top them with vinegar, lemon or lime juice at the end with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

You will want to make these for breakfast or serve as a nice side dish.

Ingredients:

8 red skin potatoes, medium

2 TBS butter, melted

3 TBS red wine vinegar, or lime

3 TBS cilantro leaves, chopped fine

Directions:

1.  Pierce potatoes with a sharp knife.  One pierce on top and one on the bottom.  (By doing this you are

allowing steam to escape.  Otherwise, they will explode).

2.  Place on a microwave-safe plate.  Cook on high for approx. 6-8 mins (depending on microwave)

Test by poking the knife through the potato.  The knife should go all the way through.  

3.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

4.  Remove from the microwave and slice potatoes in half.  Cover the potato with a sheet of wax paper or plastic baggie.  With a small plate or bowl press down on each potato to flatten (approx. 1/8-1/4 inch).  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Brush melted butter on each potato half.  Season with salt and pepper.  

Bake in the oven for approx. 15-20 mins, until they become crispy.  

5.  Remove potatoes from the oven.  Drizzle vinegar over the top of potatoes.  Serve with cilantro

 

Mojo Chili Shrimp

Mojo Chili Shrimp w/Cilantro Lime Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup La Lechonera Mojo Sauce
1-2 TBS Harissa Paste (see recipe below)
2 Tbs butter
1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges

Directions:
1.  Add Mojo to a large skillet.  Heat on med/high.  Reduce until liquid is almost cooked down.  Approx. 20.
2.  Add harissa paste (homemade or store-bought) and butter.  Stir until combined.
3.  Add shrimp, stir.  Saute until shrimp is done.
Serve with your favorite sauce



Harissa Paste Recipe:

Ingredients:
10 tsp chiles de Arbol powder
2 tsp guajillo chili powder
2 tsp ancho chile powder
1 TBS ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBS tomato paste
2 tsp smoked paprika powder
2/3 tsp salt
2 TBS lemon juice
2 TBS white wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil (Good quality)

Directions:
1.  Add all ingredients, except oil to a small non-stick skillet, mix well.
2.  Turn on burner to low.  Slowly add oil to the mixture in skillet about 2 TBS at a time, stirring and folding into a paste.  I use a rubber spatula.  Heat until all oil is used up.  This process should only take between 1-2 mins.  Do not walk away or your paste will burn.  Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Krabby Kasserole

Crab Stuffing Casserole 

Ingredients:

1 box Three Bakers Gluten Free Stuffing, prepared

16 ozs Imitation crabmeat, chopped 

8 ozs cream cheese, softened 

8 ozs cheddar cheese, shredded 

Fresh parsley or cilantro 

Directions: 

Toss all ingredients in mixing bowl.  Add to greased baking dish or individual personal baking dishes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 mins

Margherita Potato Frittata

Ingredients:
4 TBS olive oil
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed small
1/4 cup onion, chopped fine
1 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2 TBS butter
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp course black pepper
2 TBS grated cheese
8 eggs, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 dollops pizza sauce
8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
8 slices fresh tomato
3 large basil leaves

Directions:
1.  In large cast iron skillet heat oil on med/high heat.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Add potatoes and sauté until starts to brown. Approx. 10 mins.  Stir to prevent from sticking.
3.  Add onions and garlic, stir.  Saute for additional 5 mins.  Add butter, stir.  Season with salt and pepper then add grated cheese.  Stir.  Spread potatoes evenly across pan to make level.
4.  Add beaten eggs.  Top with cheddar cheese.  Shake skillet so eggs incorporate into potatoes.
5.  Drop dollops of pizza sauce on top of potatoes/eggs in skillet evenly around outside perimeter.  Now, add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each dollop of sauce, overlapping.  Add a slice of tomato on each slice of mozzarella, overlapping as well.
6.  Place skillet in oven and bake for 10 mins.
7.  Quickly switch oven to broil to top brown for 5 mins.  Remove.  Sprinkle top of frittata with fresh basil.  Slice into 8 pieces.
Makes 8 slices

Lemon Shrimp and Celery Cherry Pepper Risotto

Creamy, earthy, lemony shrimp risotto.  Enjoy the flavors as all these ingredients come to life.

Ingredients:

32 ozs chicken broth
4 TBS olive oil
1/2 cup shallots, chopped fine
1/2 cup leeks, sliced
1/2 cup fennel, chopped small
1 cups celery, chopped fine
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups arborio rice
1/4 cup white wine
2 bay leaves
2 cherry peppers, chopped
1 lb medium size shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 2 cups)
3 TBS butter
1 lemon, juiced and zested (plus extra for garnish)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
5-6 large basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 tsp salt, or to liking
1/4 tsp coarse pepper, or to liking

Garnish with lemon wedge, basil leaves and celery leaves

Directions:
1.  Add broth to large pot.   Bring to boil on high heat.  Reduce down to low to keep hot
2.  In large skillet on stove top heat oil on med/high heat.  Add shallots, leeks, fennel, celery and garlic. Stir. Saute for 10-12 mins.  Add rice, stir.  Saute for additional 5 mins.
3.  Pour in wine, scraping bottom to loosen any flavor.  Add bay leaves.  Stir.
4.  Add broth 1 cup at a time to rice.  Let it cook down until 1/2 liquid is cooked out.  Whisk fast to make creamy.  Repeat process by adding 1 cup at a time until rice becomes done.  Approx. 15-18 mins.  Remove bay leaves.
5.  Add shrimp and eggs, cook until shrimp turn pink.  Approx. 5 mins.  Add additional broth if needed.
6.  Add butter, lemon juice, zest, cheese and basil.  Stir.  Taste before adding salt and pepper.  Add additional broth, if needed.

Serves 4 - Serve in separate bowls

Cheddar Vegetable Bake

"Ragu Recipe Contest Entry"  Simple and delicious side dish.  This dish spells "comfort" with the cheesy filling and crunchy topping from the breadcrumbs and pine nuts.  It has also a nice subtle kick with the added jalapenos, making this dish a true family favorite.

Ingredients:
5 large baked potatoes, sliced into 1/3 inch rings
1 cup cauliflower florets, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup broccoli florets, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 TBS jalapenos, chopped
1 tsp course pepper
1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
16 ozs Ragu Double Cheese Sauce
1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 stick butter, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In large bowl add cooked potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic, onion, parmesan, jalapenos, pepper, cilantro, broth and cheese sauce.  Toss to coat.  Place into large baking dish.
Add bread crumbs, sprinkling evenly across top of vegetables.  Sprinkle with pine nuts.  Pour melted butter on top.  Cover and bake for approx. 45 mins.  Uncover and bake for additional 10-15 mins.
Serves 4

Crusted Broccoli Mac and Four Cheese

This is a one skillet dish.

4 TBS olive oil
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup onions, chopped fine
2 large cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 lb ground beef  (80/20)
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped, reserve some for topping
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
32 ozs chicken broth
8 ozs elbows
12 ozs broccoli florets
1 lb american cheese
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup blended Romano and Parmesan cheese
2 TBS butter
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp coarse black pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs, for topping

Directions:
1.  In a large oven safe skillet heat oil on med/high heat on stove top.  Add celery, onions and garlic.  Stir and saute for 2-3 mins.  Add beef, parsley and basil.  Stir and saute for approx. 10 mins or until beef is brown.
2.  Preheat broiler to 375 degrees.
3.  Add broth to skillet, bring to a boil.  Adjust temp to high heat.  Add elbows to skillet, stir.  Add broccoli to top, cover and let cook for approx. 10 mins or until elbows are al dente (med to slightly on hard side).  Turn off burner.
4.  Add american cheese, 4 ozs of cheddar (reserving the other 4 ozs), romano/parmesan cheese
and butter.  Stir and melt cheeses well.  Taste.  Add salt and pepper to liking.
5.  Add bread crumbs and remaining cheddar cheese on top.  Sprinkle some parsley, and course pepper on top for color.  Place in broiler for 1-2 mins (broilers may vary) until top is crusted.  (Be careful not to burn).
Serves 4-6

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower (about 3 lb.), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 3/4 cup)

Salt and pepper, optional

8 ounces cream cheese

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar

1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (I use gluten free) Or (gf ground granola)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mist a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place cauliflower in baking dish and toss with bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

In a blender, blend cream cheese, chicken broth, onion, garlic and 1/4 cup Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Pour over cauliflower mixture. In a large bowl, stir together Cheddar, bread crumbs, parsley and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Spread evenly atop cauliflower mixture. Drizzle with butter.

Bake until gratin is brown and bubbling and cauliflower is tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving

Coconut Lemony Eggplant Dip

SO DELICIOUS AND GO DAIRY FREE SNACKABLE RECIPE CONTEST

I created this recipe for the So Delicious Contest.  It is a dairy free and gluten free recipe.  You can eat it on flat bread, chips or serve it with a nice veggie platter.  Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 small eggplant
2-3 TBS Tahini paste  (sold in specialty section in grocer)
1 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 large clove garlic
3 TBS So Delicious Coconut Milk
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 Paprika

Directions:
1.  Poke eggplant with knife or fork into eggplant making holes.   Drizzled with olive oil, baked 350 on cookie sheet for approx. 1 hour.  Remove from oven, slice in half.  Scrape meat from skin adding to food processor.

2.  Add remaining ingredients to food processor.  Pulse until completely blended.  

Note:  I toasted my flatbread in the oven on the "already" greased cookie sheet from roasting the eggplant

Celery Panna Cotta

This recipe is so incredibly light and so tasty.  I was not sure how I would enjoy the taste of celery in this very popular dessert.  I was quite surprised on how delicious it was.  It reminds me of an old fashioned vegetable jello salad.  Perfect by itself or served on the side with any meat or seafood dish.

Ingredients:
2 TBS olive oil
2 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 lime, juiced and zested
1 envelope of unflavored gelatin (approx 2 1/2 tsp)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/8 tsp salt

Directions:
1.  Heat a large pot on med/high heat with oil.  Add celery, cover and steam celery until soft.  Approx. 10 mins.  Add to food processor or blender and puree.  Add back to pan
2.  Add milk, cream, juice and zest.  Bring to boil (approx. 5 mins).
3.  Sprinkle gelatin over top, stir.  Let dissolve (approx. 3 mins)
4.  Add sugar and salt.  Stir and let cook for 3 mins to dissolve sugar.  Remove from heat and let cool for 5 mins.
5.  Ladle into ramekins, small dishes or cups.  Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Serves 4-6

Note:  Recipe and also be poured into a lightly greased gelatin mold

Wilted Butter Lettuce with Pancetta

Ingredients:
2 TBS olive oil
2 TBS butter
1/4 lb pancetta, diced
1/2 cup leeks, sliced
1 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, unpacked
2 heads butter lettuce, chopped
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt

Directions:
1.  In large skillet add oil and butter.  Heat on med/high heat for approx 1 min or until butter melts.  Stir.
2.  Add diced pancetta and leeks.  Saute until pancetta becomes browned.  Add garlic, red crushed pepper and parsley.  Stir and saute for additional 1-2 mins.
3.  Add chopped butter lettuce.  Saute for just about 1 min or until it becomes wilted.  Stir.  Add lemon juice.  Season with salt.  Toss and serve

Toasted Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Manicotti

Toasted Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Manicotti

with Cilantro Ranch Sauce

 

 

Crepes:
1 cup flour (I use gluten free)
1 cup water
1 tsp sugar
2 eggs
1/8 tsp salt
Note: This recipe makes approxiately 10 crepes


Ingredients:
5 Jalapeno peppers, cut in half lenthwise
4 ozs cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 strips bacon
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I use gluten free)
2 TBS parmesan cheese


Cilantro Ranch Sauce:
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp roasted garlic
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp course black pepper

Directions:

1.  In large bowl whisk together all ingredients for crepes until all lumps are out.
2.  Heat a small round non stick skillet on med/high heat.
3.  Laddle about 1/4 cup batter in center of skillet.  Swirl pan around to thin out batter around bottom of skillet.  Place on burner and let cook until crepe starts to remove itself from edge of skillet. (approx 30 seconds)  You will know crepe is done when you can gently shake skillet and crepe loosens.  Flip onto a sheet of wax paper.  Repeat process. 
4.  Fill each half of jalapeno pepper with approx. 1/2 -3/4 tsp cream cheese.  Place sliced jalapeno in center of crepe.  Add approx 2 TBS shredded cheddar on top of pepper.  Fold one side of crepe over top of pepper (securing cheese).  Tuck in sides and roll to close.  Should resemble an eggroll shape.
5.  Wrap 1 strip of bacon around folded crepe on an angle, not overlapping bacon, to secure closure of crepe.  Repeat process for remaining manicotti.
6.  Add eggs to bowl, beat.  Add bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in separate bowl.  Mix
7.  Roll each manicotti into egg mixture covering completely.  Then roll each manicotti into seasoned bread crumbs.   Place on slightly greased sheet pan. 
8.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Bake for approx. 15-20 mins or until bacon starts to brown.  Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing. 
9.  To make sauce:  Add all ingredients to small food processor.  Pulse until smooth.

Note: If non stick skillet is a good one cooking spray between each cooked crepe will not be necessary. 
Recipe makes 10 manicotti (20 pieces, cut in half)

Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Potato Salad

This is my Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Potato Salad.  Seasoned with pickling spices and tangy Thousand Island Dressing, tossed with chucks of Swiss Cheese and Red Potatoes.  Smok'in in crispy bacon for a satisfying and comfort pleasure.

This recipe is too yummy to pass up. 

You can use leftover corned beef or deli corned beef.

Ingredients:

2 lbs red potatoes.  Cubed, cooked until soft then drained

12 ounces bacon.  Sautéed, removed from pan (reserve 1/4 cup bacon fat)

1/2 large sweet onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp pickling spice

3 TBS cider vinegar

1/2 cup white sugar (or according to taste)

14.5 ounce can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained

1 lb corned beef, cubed

1/4 cup Thousand Island Dressing

1 lb Swiss cheese, cubed

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp coarse black pepper, or to taste

Directions:

1.  Cook potatoes in large pot until soft, drain.

2.  In large non stick skillet over med/high heat sauté bacon until crispy on both sides.  Remove from skillet.  Cover until ready to use.  Remove all but 1/4 cup bacon fat from skillet.

3.  Add onion to skillet.  Stir.  Sautee until soft.  Approx. 5-7 mins.

4.  Add garlic and pickling spice.  Stir.  Sautee for 2-3 mins.

5.  Add vinegar and sugar.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  Approx. 2 mins

6.  Add sauerkraut, corned beef and dressing.  Stir to combine. 

7.  Toss in Swiss Cheese and parsley.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve  warm

Makes approx. 5-6 servings



Zydeco Coconut Potato Soup with Grilled Cajun Shrimp

 

12 ozs bacon, fried
2 cups celery, chopped
2 cups onion, chopped
1 cup bell peppers, chopped (assorted colors)
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
5 med red potatoes, cubed small
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 ears corn, kernels removed
1/4 cup white wine
1 stick butter
1 cup chicken broth
1 can coconut cream
5 sprigs thyme
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp course black pepper
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined



Directions:

1.  In large skillet on medium heat saute bacon.  When crispy, remove and cover to keep warm.
2.  In same skillet using bacon grease add celery, onions, peppers, parsnip and potatoes.  Saute until veggies become soft. (approx. 15 mins).  Add garlic and corn.  Saute for additional 5 mins.
3.  Deglaze pan with wine, stir and cook out for 5 mins.  Lower temperature if too high.
4.  Add butter, let melt.  Stir.  Add chicken broth and coconut cream, stir.  Add thyme, parsley, cayenne pepper and paprika.  Let simmer med/low bringing back up to temperature.
5.  Add cheddar cheese, stir.  Turn temperature down to low and simmer until cheese melts. Approx. for 5 mins.
6.   In large bowl add shrimp, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/8 tsp paprika and 2 TBS olive oil.  Toss.  Grill shrimp on non stick skillet or pan grill until done.  Approx. 3-4 mins per side.  Remove.
7.  Taste soup, season with salt and pepper to liking.  Make sure all veggies are soft.
8.  Serve soup with grilled shrimp.  Garnish with additional herbs and/or fresh peppers.

Serves 4-6