Blog

  • Blackberry BBQ Sauce

    Ingredients

    1/2 cup blackberry preserves
    1 1/2 cups ketchup
    1/8 cup brown sugar
    1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
    2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

    Directions

    In a medium bowl, mix together blackberry preserves, ketchup, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and red wine vinegar. Use to baste pork or beef ribs while grilling.

  • Pad Thai Recipe

    Ingredients

    1 (12 ounce) package rice noodles
    2 tablespoons butter
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
    1/4 cup vegetable oil
    4 eggs
    1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
    2 tablespoons fish sauce
    3 tablespoons white sugar
    1/8 tablespoon crushed red pepper
    2 cups bean sprouts
    1/4 cup crushed peanuts
    3 green onions, chopped
    1 lemon, cut into wedges

    Directions

    Soak rice noodles in cold water 30 to 50 minutes, or until soft. Drain, and set aside.

    Heat butter in a wok or large heavy skillet. Saute chicken until browned. Remove, and set aside. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into hot oil, and cook until firm. Stir in chicken, and cook for 5 minutes. Add softened noodles, and vinegar, fish sauce, sugar and red pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste. Mix while cooking, until noodles are tender. Add bean sprouts, and mix for 3 minutes.

  • Italian Chicken Sausage Risotto Recipe

    Ingredients

    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 (16 ounce) package al fresco(r) All Natural Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
    1 cup chopped sweet onion
    1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
    1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
    1 cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
    3 1/2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
    1 cup frozen petite sweet peas

    Directions

    In a heavy, large Dutch oven or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Saute sausage and onion until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add rice and wine; stir 1-2 minutes or until wine is absorbed.

    Stir in 3 cups broth. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until broth is absorbed, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Continue adding stock, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring until liquid is adsorbed and rice is tender and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in peas and 1/4 cup Parmesan; cook 1 minute or until heated throughout. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper. Garnish with parsley and remaining cheese. Serve immediately.

  • Braised Chicken Breasts in Tasty Mirepoix Ragout

    Ingredients

    4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
    salt and pepper to taste
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    2 cups diced onion
    1 cup diced celery
    1 cup diced carrots
    2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
    3 bay leaves
    1 teaspoon dried thyme
    1 cup dry white wine
    2 (32 fluid ounce) containers chicken broth

    Directions

    Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour until completely coated. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven and fry breasts until lightly browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

    Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and saute the onions for 2 minutes. Stir in the celery and carrots and cook for about one more minute. Season with garlic, bay leaves, thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute.

    Deglaze the pot with white wine, stirring until nothing is stuck to the pan, then pour in the chicken broth. Simmer for 90 minutes.

    Return the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. The mixture should reduce considerably by this time so check frequently to see that the chicken is covered. Spoon baste if necessary. The ragout should have a stew like consistency when finished.