So, a while back I was helping cook pasta for a church gathering and the ladies I was helping said that adding 1Tbsp of oil to boiling water before you add the uncooked pasta helps keep it from sticking to the pot. I've tried this several times and it never worked. Every single time I had to stir and re-stir.
Then, I was on Pinterest, I think, and saw that this woman tried a different technique and I'm going to share it with all of you lovely people.
Spray your pot with cooking spray, like you would to bake cookies and what-not, before you add water. Now, for me, while I'm adding water to my pot, I move the water around so that the spray isn't removed from one spot. (Once you do this you will understand what I am talking about.) This works every time. I stir maybe twice. The first, right after I add the pasta/noodles just to move them around and then maybe a second time about half-way through cooking.
Another thing that really bugs is when I'll be watching a cooking show and that episode the cook will be making pasta. After the pasta is cooked, they reserve some of the water because they say it thickens the sauce. I've tried this method several times as well. It NEVER works for me. So that's really your call if you want to try that or not. It could be operator error but I've really only ever seen that done on cooking shows.
Well, I hope you all are having a nice weekend!!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Pork Chops
So, along with the chicken I made the other night, I made pork chops for my mom. She doesn't like chicken. I know, right? How. Dare. You. So I picked up some pork chops and made them for her.
Ingredients:
Pork Chops
Chef Merito's Carne Asada Seasoning
Parsley Flakes (in the seasoning aisle at the grocery store)
Olive Oil
Cutting Board
A Bowl
Frying Pan
Cooking Spray
First- Lay out the chops on your cutting board.
Second- Sprinkle the asada seasoning over the chops as well as some parsley flakes. Rub the seasoning into the chops as best as you can. Flip over chops and repeat.
Third- Layering in a bowl, drizzle some oil over the chops and spread it around. Let them sit, covered with plastic (with the plastic touching the chops so there is no air between the two) for at least 30 minutes.
Fourth- Place the chops in a hot pan sprayed with cooking spray. Let it cook at least 5 minutes on each side, depending upon how thick the pork chops are.
Fifth- Serve with mashed potatoes or other vegies. YUM.
For the chicken recipe, click here
Any questions, just ask and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
ENJOY!!
Ingredients:
Pork Chops
Chef Merito's Carne Asada Seasoning
Parsley Flakes (in the seasoning aisle at the grocery store)
Olive Oil
Cutting Board
A Bowl
Frying Pan
Cooking Spray
First- Lay out the chops on your cutting board.
Second- Sprinkle the asada seasoning over the chops as well as some parsley flakes. Rub the seasoning into the chops as best as you can. Flip over chops and repeat.
Third- Layering in a bowl, drizzle some oil over the chops and spread it around. Let them sit, covered with plastic (with the plastic touching the chops so there is no air between the two) for at least 30 minutes.
Fourth- Place the chops in a hot pan sprayed with cooking spray. Let it cook at least 5 minutes on each side, depending upon how thick the pork chops are.
Fifth- Serve with mashed potatoes or other vegies. YUM.
For the chicken recipe, click here
Any questions, just ask and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
ENJOY!!
Chicken? Yes, Please!!
Chicken. I LOVE chicken. It's SO GOOD!! So, my sister wanted to make her mashed potatoes and I needed to make something to go with them. We had chicken. PERFECT! Except my mom doesn't care for chicken. Sinner. Haha. So, I picked up some pork chops, which she liked, but I'll save that recipe for another post.
Back to the chicken! I was going to grill them, but there was no propane in the tank and I'm too chicken (haha) to try and switch an empty one for a full one. So, I had to pan fry my chicken. Good news is: they turned out almost as good as they would have if I had grilled them.
I kind of did a lot of different stuff, so hopefully you all can keep up.
Ingredients
Chicken breast, preferably boneless, skinless for easier cutting
Chef Merito's Pollo Seasoning (or your preferred chicken seasoning)
Orange Soda (whichever brand you prefer)
Oranges, 2 or 3
Olive Oil (Canola will do just fine)
Pepper
Garlic Powder
2 Large Bowls
1 Small Bowl
1 Large Frying Pan
Cooking Spray
First, I cut up the boneless, skinless chicken breast in half and then cut the biggest part of the breast vertically. Before I cut the chicken into pieces, I cut off any extra fat.
Second, I put the chicken in a large bowl (the size bowl clearly depends on how much chicken you are making) and soaked the chicken in the soda for about 30 minutes.
Third, I mixed about 1/3cup of the pollo seasoning, 2tsp garlic powder and 1Tbsp pepper with the juice from half of an orange in a small bowl. Stir. (This also depends on how much chicken you are making.) I then added about 1-2 Tbsp oil to the mixture and stirred until the mixture was completely combined. I removed the chicken pieces from the soda soak and put them in another large bowl. I added the pollo seasoning mixture to the chicken and made sure it was wide spread over all the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge (covered with plastic wrap, the wrap touching the chicken so there was no air between the plastic and chicken) for at least 30 minutes, if not longer or as long as you want to marinate.
Fourth, I cooked the chicken. Here is where its more tricky. Duh, it's on the stove. Anyway. You want to have the pan hot. Spray the pan (with cooking spray) and place a few pieces of chicken in the pan. Ok, this is where you can either keep the chicken nice and moist or dry and dry. Don't turn the chicken until you can see that 'white edge' where the pan is cooking the chicken through but still pink on the top. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes depending on how thick the pieces are. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you will have to cut the middle open slightly to see if the chicken is cooked all the way through. If it's not, and the side its cooking on is blackening, just flip it over or put it in a part of the pan where the flame of the stove isn't hitting the bottom of the pan (usually the edge of the pan is safe).
Fifth, if you are cooking a lot of chicken, turn the oven on to 200dF. Spray cooking spray into a glass pan (i used a 13x9) and set it in the oven. When a piece of chicken is done cooking, just place it in the oven and you should be fine. The juices from the chicken will set up in the bottom of the pan, but it will keep (or should keep) the chicken moist. If you want, you can add a half orange, cut side facing up, in the pan.
==Andersen Girlie's Tips==
-If you are going to grill or bake this chicken, you don't have to cut it up. They just cook more quickly in smaller pieces. Times will be completely different. If you want the times, just ask and I'll comment the answers back to you.
-I used Shasta's Orange Cream Soda to soak my chicken. Again, just preference.
-If you think the chicken is drying out while you are cooking it in the pan, just sprinkle some of the juice of an orange on the top.
-If you don't have a glass pan, get one. No, seriously. Go get one right now. Still, if you can't get one right now, you can probably just use any 13x9 pan. Make sure you spray it though. If you don't, you might get the chicken stuck to the pan. You wouldn't want that.
For the pork chop recipe, click here
If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Eat this chicken and ENJOY!!!
Back to the chicken! I was going to grill them, but there was no propane in the tank and I'm too chicken (haha) to try and switch an empty one for a full one. So, I had to pan fry my chicken. Good news is: they turned out almost as good as they would have if I had grilled them.
I kind of did a lot of different stuff, so hopefully you all can keep up.
Ingredients
Chicken breast, preferably boneless, skinless for easier cutting
Chef Merito's Pollo Seasoning (or your preferred chicken seasoning)
Orange Soda (whichever brand you prefer)
Oranges, 2 or 3
Olive Oil (Canola will do just fine)
Pepper
Garlic Powder
2 Large Bowls
1 Small Bowl
1 Large Frying Pan
Cooking Spray
First, I cut up the boneless, skinless chicken breast in half and then cut the biggest part of the breast vertically. Before I cut the chicken into pieces, I cut off any extra fat.
Second, I put the chicken in a large bowl (the size bowl clearly depends on how much chicken you are making) and soaked the chicken in the soda for about 30 minutes.
Third, I mixed about 1/3cup of the pollo seasoning, 2tsp garlic powder and 1Tbsp pepper with the juice from half of an orange in a small bowl. Stir. (This also depends on how much chicken you are making.) I then added about 1-2 Tbsp oil to the mixture and stirred until the mixture was completely combined. I removed the chicken pieces from the soda soak and put them in another large bowl. I added the pollo seasoning mixture to the chicken and made sure it was wide spread over all the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge (covered with plastic wrap, the wrap touching the chicken so there was no air between the plastic and chicken) for at least 30 minutes, if not longer or as long as you want to marinate.
Fourth, I cooked the chicken. Here is where its more tricky. Duh, it's on the stove. Anyway. You want to have the pan hot. Spray the pan (with cooking spray) and place a few pieces of chicken in the pan. Ok, this is where you can either keep the chicken nice and moist or dry and dry. Don't turn the chicken until you can see that 'white edge' where the pan is cooking the chicken through but still pink on the top. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes depending on how thick the pieces are. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you will have to cut the middle open slightly to see if the chicken is cooked all the way through. If it's not, and the side its cooking on is blackening, just flip it over or put it in a part of the pan where the flame of the stove isn't hitting the bottom of the pan (usually the edge of the pan is safe).
Fifth, if you are cooking a lot of chicken, turn the oven on to 200dF. Spray cooking spray into a glass pan (i used a 13x9) and set it in the oven. When a piece of chicken is done cooking, just place it in the oven and you should be fine. The juices from the chicken will set up in the bottom of the pan, but it will keep (or should keep) the chicken moist. If you want, you can add a half orange, cut side facing up, in the pan.
==Andersen Girlie's Tips==
-If you are going to grill or bake this chicken, you don't have to cut it up. They just cook more quickly in smaller pieces. Times will be completely different. If you want the times, just ask and I'll comment the answers back to you.
-I used Shasta's Orange Cream Soda to soak my chicken. Again, just preference.
-If you think the chicken is drying out while you are cooking it in the pan, just sprinkle some of the juice of an orange on the top.
-If you don't have a glass pan, get one. No, seriously. Go get one right now. Still, if you can't get one right now, you can probably just use any 13x9 pan. Make sure you spray it though. If you don't, you might get the chicken stuck to the pan. You wouldn't want that.
For the pork chop recipe, click here
If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Eat this chicken and ENJOY!!!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Sorry Readers!!
So, I've been a little lazy...ok, a lot lazy. Hopefully I will gain some inspiration and start back up again!
Maybe I will start again Monday and find something good to show you guys.
Until then, Happy Mother's Day!!
Maybe I will start again Monday and find something good to show you guys.
Until then, Happy Mother's Day!!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Thanksgiving Leftover's Casserole
So, I haven't been around lately. But I have just made a pretty darn good dish made of Turkey Day leftovers. I would have taken pictures, but I didn't. Maybe next year. Anyway. You'll see that I didn't use cranberry sauce but that's because I don't really like it. Here is my version:
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped turkey pieces
1 1/2 cups stuffing
1/2 to 1 cup cheese (I used mozzarella, it's not over powering like a cheddar. Muenster might work as well)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients in a bowl large enough to hold all of it. Place mixture in a 8"x8", 9"x9", or 13"x9" pan. Cover with foil. Bake at 350dF for 20 mins.
==AndersenGirlie's Tips==
-I actually added cooked, crispy bacon to the top of my casserole.
-If you want to add Cranberry sauce, cut back on the sour cream and/or mayo. However much sauce you add, take away the same amount of the cream/mayo.
-Don't add any extra seasonings until after the Casserole has baked. It may already be packed with flavor and that last seasoning may make it gross.
If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped turkey pieces
1 1/2 cups stuffing
1/2 to 1 cup cheese (I used mozzarella, it's not over powering like a cheddar. Muenster might work as well)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients in a bowl large enough to hold all of it. Place mixture in a 8"x8", 9"x9", or 13"x9" pan. Cover with foil. Bake at 350dF for 20 mins.
==AndersenGirlie's Tips==
-I actually added cooked, crispy bacon to the top of my casserole.
-If you want to add Cranberry sauce, cut back on the sour cream and/or mayo. However much sauce you add, take away the same amount of the cream/mayo.
-Don't add any extra seasonings until after the Casserole has baked. It may already be packed with flavor and that last seasoning may make it gross.
If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Word for the -Bland Wednesday-
Ok! So I was going to make some toast and I wanted chocolate. So, I decided to make my own version of Nutella. And it turned out freaking AWESOME!!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (I used Skippy because thats the only kind we get :) )
1 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup (I used Nesquik because it's my favorite)
2 or more slices of bread
1. Warm the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl for 15-20 seconds.
2. Stir the peanut butter. Add in the chocolate syrup and stir until mixed to your liking.
3. Add about 1 Tbsp or more to each slice and spread around until fully or mostly covered, to your liking.
Next: Word for the -Bland Wednesday-
Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (I used Skippy because thats the only kind we get :) )
1 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup (I used Nesquik because it's my favorite)
2 or more slices of bread
1. Warm the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl for 15-20 seconds.
2. Stir the peanut butter. Add in the chocolate syrup and stir until mixed to your liking.
3. Add about 1 Tbsp or more to each slice and spread around until fully or mostly covered, to your liking.
Enjoy!
Next: Word for the -Bland Wednesday-
Cheater Pizza Dippers
Ok, so I was looking on this one website and it had a bunch of different ideas on it. This is originally called Crack Bread but when I tried it, I didn't really care for the recipe. But while I tried it, I added a different ingredient and took one out. But that process is a bit much to explain so I'll just give you a recipe that I know will work for pretty much any pizza lover.
1 French Loaf Bread
Pepperoni Slices (cut into 1/4's)
Various Pizza Toppings of your choice (optional)
Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced or Shredded (I think sliced will work better, but whichever is easier for you)
1/2 cup butter, melted.
Marinara (Spaghetti Sauce)
First, cut the bread diagonally in both directions without cutting all the way through the bread's bottom.
Second, add the cheese between the cuts.
Third, add Pepperoni and other toppings above the cheese, in between the cuts.
Fourth, drizzle the melted butter all over the bread. I used a spoon to scoop and drizzle.
Fifth, cover the bread entirely in foil and bake for 15 mins at 350dF. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes more.
Lastly, heat the marinara. You can either dip the pieces into the marinara or spread the sauce over the bread.
Enjoy!!!!
1 French Loaf Bread
Pepperoni Slices (cut into 1/4's)
Various Pizza Toppings of your choice (optional)
Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced or Shredded (I think sliced will work better, but whichever is easier for you)
1/2 cup butter, melted.
Marinara (Spaghetti Sauce)
First, cut the bread diagonally in both directions without cutting all the way through the bread's bottom.
Second, add the cheese between the cuts.
Third, add Pepperoni and other toppings above the cheese, in between the cuts.
Fourth, drizzle the melted butter all over the bread. I used a spoon to scoop and drizzle.
Fifth, cover the bread entirely in foil and bake for 15 mins at 350dF. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes more.
Lastly, heat the marinara. You can either dip the pieces into the marinara or spread the sauce over the bread.
Enjoy!!!!
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