Homemade Biscuits

1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
3/4 Cup Bread Flour
1/4 Cup Corn Meal
2 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tbsp Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 Stick butter - Cold - Diced
1 Strip Crispy Bacon - Diced
1 Green Onion - Diced
4 Black Olives - Chopped
1 tbsp Rosemary

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a bowl combine flour, corn meal, baking powder, sugar, salt, butter.  Divided the dough in 2.

In 1 half add the bacon and green onion and mix, roll out and cut out biscuits.

In the other half add the olives and rosemary and roll out and cut into biscuits.

Place on a baking sheet lined w/ cooking spray and cook for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

#enjoy #cheftainment #yummy #foodie #tasty #biscuits #foodnetwork

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

4 Ears Corn - Grilled - Cut Kernals off stalk (or 1 package 16 oz. frozen corn, thawed)
4 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp EVOO
1/4 Red Onion - Diced
1/4 Cup Cilantro - Chopped
1/4 Cup Mexican Crema
1 tsp Hot Chili Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1/4 Cup Cotija Cheese - Crumbled
4 tbsp Mayonaise
1 Lime - Zest + Juice
1 tsp Aleppo Pepper Flakes (optional)

In a large pan over med/high heat add the butter & evoo.  Melt together.  Add the corn and onion.  Sautee about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While that's on the stove in a large bowl, combine crema, chili powder, paprika, mayo & lime.

Add the corn mixture to the bowl.  Stir to combine.  Add in the cilantro, cotija cheese and pepper flakes.

Serve w/ tortilla chips.

#cheftainment #foodie  #tasty  #yummy

Creamy Vegetable Pasta

1 lb. Penne Pasta (you can use whatever pasta you like)
1 Red Pepper - Seeded & Diced
1 Bunch Broccoli - Chopped (you can peel the stalks and chop them up and use)
1/2 Onion - Sliced
2 Garlic Cloves - Smashed
1 Carrot - Thinly sliced
3 Handfulls Spinach
2 Chicken Breasts - Cooked - Diced (optional)

4 tbsp - Butter
4 tbsp Flour
1 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese - Grated
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded
1/2 Cup White Cheddar Cheese
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Salt

In a large pot of boiling water add a handful of salt and add the pasta.  Cook 7-10 minutes or until al dente. (about a minute shy of being fully cooked.  You're going to finish it in the sauce).

While the pasta is cooking, in a large pan over med/high heat, melt the butter.  Add the flour and whisk to combine.  Add in the milk and keep whisking.  Add in the cheeses, nutmeg, cayenne and salt.

In the pan w/ the cheese sauce add the onion, garlic and spinach.

In the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking in the water, add in the red pepper, broccoli, carrots.
Drain the pasta/veggies.  Add to the cheese sauce.  Add the chicken (optional).

Stir to combine and taste to adjust seasonings.  Enjoy.

#foodie #cheftainment #tasty #foodnetwork #yummy #FamilySuperFood #pasta #chicken

Chicken Tortilla Soup

3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) (or chicken schmaltz)
3 tbsp Butter
2 Carrots - Diced
2 Celery Stalks - Diced
1/2 Large Onion - Dice
2 Cloves Garlic - Diced
1/2 Red Pepper - Diced
1/2 Green Pepper - Diced
1 Large Jalapeno - Seeds Removed - Diced
1 Can Black Beans - Drained & Rinsed
1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
1 Can Hominy - Drained
2 Chicken Breasts - Boneless, Skinless - Grilled w/ salt, pepper, taco seasoning. Shredded.
2 tbsp -Kosher Salt
1 tbsp - Pepper
2 tbsp - Cumin
1 tbsp Taco Seasoning
1/2 Cup Tortilla Soup Seasoning (if you can't find, then just up the other spice levels)
4 Cups - Chicken Stock
4 Cups Vegetable Stock
2 Cups Water
6 Corn Tortillas - Finely shredded

Garnish:
Tortilla Chips
Cheddar Cheese - Shredded
Cilantro

In a large pot over med/high heat add EVOO & Butter.  Add in onions and cook about 2 minutes.  Add carrots and cook about 2 minutes.  Add in celery, garlic, peppers.  Stir to combine.

Add in salt, pepper, cumin, taco seasoning and tortilla soup seasoning.  You might have to add in about 1/2 cup of water.  Cook about 10 minutes.  Add in black beans, tomatoes, hominy.  Cook about 10 minutes.

Add in the chicken stock, vegetable stock and 2 cups of water.  Stir to combine.  Add in shredded tortillas.  Bring to a boil and add in the chicken.  Simmer about 30 minutes.

Adjust seasoning accordingly.  I garnished w/ cheddar cheese, tortilla chips and cilantro and served w/ corn muffins.  Maybe a squeeze of lime and some sour cream would be good too.

#Enjoy #foodie #cheftainment #mexicanfood #foodnetwork #healthyfood #soup

Caramelized Onions

1 Large Onion - Peeled & Sliced

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1 tsp Kosher Salt

Water

1 tbsp Sugar

2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

In a pan over med/high heat add the EVOO.  After about 10 minutes of occasionally stirring add salt & 1/4 cup hot water and continue stirring.  You will see the onions start to turn brown.

Start stirring more frequently.  Add a splash of water if necessary and cook another 5 minutes.  Add sugar and balsamic and cook another 5 minutes.

Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, eggs, etc.

#foodie #cheftainment #onions #burgers #foodnetwork

Roast Pork Loin

3 1/2 lb. Pork Loin - Trimmed of fat and patted dry & trussed - Room temperature
Spice Rub:
2 tbsp Kosher Salt
1 tbsp Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Taco Seasoning
1 tsp Dried Mustard
1 tsp Roasted Pepper Powder (Optional - I make my own)
1 tsp BBQ Seasoning
1 tbsp Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
3 tbsp Butter
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

1/2 Cup Vegetable Stock (or Chicken or whatever you have)
1/4 Large Onion - Chopped

In a bowl, mix together the spices to combine.  Generously rub the spices over the pork loin and press into the meat.

In a baking dish add vegetable stock and onion.  Set aside.

In a pan over med / high heat, add the EVOO, butter and vegetable oil.  Add the seasoned pork loin and brown on all sides (and ends) about 2-3 minutes per side.  Transfer to baking dish and cover with foil.

In a preheated to 375 degree oven, add the pork loin and cook for about 35 minutes.  Increase the oven to 400 degrees, remove the foil and cook the pork loin for about another 10 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Let pork loin rest for 10-15 minutes.

Take the juices and onion from the baking dish and blend for gravy.

Enjoy.

#foodie  #cheftainment #porkloin

Braised Vegetables (vegetarian)

12 New Potatoes - Peeled

2 Carrots - Peeled & carved into a ball (carving optional)

1/2 Onion

12 Brussels Sprouts - Bottom cut off and then cut an X in the bottom

12 Grape Tomatoes

6 Scallions - Roots cut off

3 Cloves Garlic - Peeled, Sliced thick

1 Beet

3 Cups Vegetable Stock

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/4 Pesto

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1 tbsp Celery or Parsley Leaves for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  

In a baking dish add potatoes, carrots, onion, sprouts, tomatoes, scallions & garlic.  Sprinkle w/ cumin, salt, pepper.  Add the vegetable stock.  Should cover about 3/4 of the vegetables.  Depending on your baking dish you might need to add more.

Cover w/ aluminum foil.  

Place beet on aluminum foil and drizzle w/ EVOO.  Wrap foil around beet and put on a cookie sheet or baking dish (to catch juice).

Put veggies and beet in oven for 45 minutes.  Take veggies out and raise oven temp to 400 and let the beets continue to cook for 15 minutes.

Let beet cool and peel the skin.  Cut into slices or chunks.

In a bowl or a plate, assemble the veggies and beet.  Pour a little of the veggie stock over them and garnish w/ the celery leaves and pesto.

Maybe serve w/ a chunk of crusty bread to sop up the juices. Should make about 4 portions.

Enjoy.

#Cheftainment #foodie #vegan #vegetarian 

Banana Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Egg Rolls

12 Egg Roll Wrappers

3 Bananas - Cut in half in the middle, then cut in half horizontal 

1/2 Cut Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter - Warmed

Water

Canola / Vegetable Oil - About 2 cups

Lay the egg roll wrapper on the counter.  Wet the edges w/ water using a pastry brush.  If you don't have a pastry brush, just use your fingers.  Place the 1/4 banana in the lower section of the egg roll.  Drizzle w/ the peanut butter and sprinkle w/ a few chocolate chips.

Fold the left and right side of the egg roll in over the banana.  Wet the new sides of the egg roll and tightly roll up like a burrito.  Place on a cookie sheet lined w/ wax paper and sprayed w/ cooking spray.

In a heavy bottomed pan or dutch oven or cast iron skillet, heat the oil to 350 degrees.  Place the egg rolls in the oil seam side down.  Do not crowd the pan.  I did 4-5 each batch.  

They fry fast, about 20 seconds each side.  Fry until golden brown then transfer to a wire rack or cookie sheet lined w/ paper towels.  They can keep warm in the oven on your low setting or serve right away.

Perfect to make with your children, for parties or even served cold.

#foodie  #cheftainment

Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

4 cups Brussels Sprouts  - Cleaned and cut in 1/2(not sure of the exact amount, I just used about 2 giant handfuls.
2 tbsp Bacon Fat
1 tbsp EVOO
2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 cup Water
2 Bacon Strips - Cooked till crispy and chopped
1/4 Onion - Diced
1 Garlic Clove - Minced
1/2 Fresno Chili - Seeded, sliced into strips
1 tsp Aleppo Peppers - Dried
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbsp - Locatelli Cheese - Grated

In a pan over med/high heat, add the bacon fat and EVOO to melt.  Add in the brussels sprouts and mix to coat.  Position the sprouts cut side down.  Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes.  Add the balsamic vinegar and cook about 30 seconds.  Add the water, bacon, onion, garlic, chili & aleppo peppers.  Reduce heat to simmer.  Put lid on pan and simmer about 5 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.

You may need to add a little more water and cover again if the sprouts aren't fully cooked.

Sprinkle w/ black pepper and grate w/ locatelli cheese.

Enjoy.
#foodie  #cheftainment  #brusselssprouts

Herbed Crackers

1 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
3 tbsp Butter - Room temp
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 tbsp Dill - Finely Chopped
1 tbsp - Parsley - Finely Chopped
1 tbsp - Rosemary - Finely Chopped
1 tbsp - Thyme - Finely Chopped
1 tbsp - Garlice - Finely Chopped
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Egg - Whisked
1 tbsp Sea Salt
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
1 tbsp Poppy Seeds

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a large bowl mix flours, butter, salt, dill, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, milk.  Mix to combine and form into a ball and then flatten out.  Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour.

Place parchment paper on counter.  Flour paper and roll out dough to about 1/8" thin.  Cut into about 1x1" crackers.

Transfer the parchment paper w/ the crackers to a cookie sheet.  Brush with egg wash and sprinkle w/ a salt, sesame seeds & poppy seeds.

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy
#cheftainment #foodie

Jalapeno Cheddar Artisan Bread

Jalapeno Cheddar Artisan Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups White Flour (+ more for dusting)
1 1/2 Cups Bread Flour (Can be made w/ just white flour if necessary)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Instant Fast Rising Yeast
1 1/4 Cups Hot Water (Hot from the tap is fine)
1 tbsp Honey (or sugar)
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese - Shredded
1/4 Cup Pickled Jalapenos - Seeded & Chopped

In a large bowl, add the flours, salt, yeast.  Stir to combine.  Add the honey to the water and stir to combine.  Gradually add the water/honey to the flour mixture. Add the jalapeno & cheese.

Stir w/ a wooden spoon to combine. Kneed in bowl for about 2 minutes or until smooth and not sticky). Cover bowl w/ plastic and a tight lid and set aside for 8-24 hours. (I do about 24 hours for best results)

Lightly dust your counter w/ flour.  Turn the dough out and gently work it to form a ball (about 1 minute, work as little as possible).  Set aside for 30 minutes.

While the dough sits for 30 minutes, preheat oven to 450 degrees and put the baking vessel in the oven. I used a Dutch Oven.

After 30 minutes take the baking dish out, spray it with cooking spray and place the dough in the center.  Mark an X or other decoration on top of the dough, cover with a lid and place in the oven for 30 minutes. Take lid off and bake another 15 minutes to brown. Misting it w/ water 2x after the lid is off makes the crust more brown and crustier if you desire.

Cool at least 15 minutes and serve.

Enjoy. #Cheftainment

Spicy Chicken & Waffles

WAFFLES:
2 Eggs
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 3/4 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Tbsp Sugar
4 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
4 Slices of Bacon - Crisp / Chopped
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese - Shredded
1/2 Cup Parsley - Chopped
Cooking Spray

CHICKEN:
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Eggs - Beaten
2 Cups Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese - Grated
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Cup Parsley - Chopped

HOT SAUCE:
1/2 Cup Ketchup
1/4 Cup Hot Sauce
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Tsp Salt
4 Tbsp Butter

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the chicken breasts in 1/2.  In 3 separate stations have the flour in one tray, the eggs in another and the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese salt, cayenne pepper and parsley in the 3rd.

Coat the chicken in the flour, dust off excess, then ad to the egg batter and then to the bread crumb mixture.  Shake off excess.  Place on a baking dish and put into a pre-heated 350 degree oven for about 40 - 45 minutes.

In a large bowl beat the eggs until fluffy.  Beat in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla until smooth.  Fold in the bacon, cheese, parsley.

Spray your waffle iron w. cooking spray.  Ladle waffle mixture on to the waffle iron. Every waffle iron is different.  Mine took about 3 minutes per side.  Yours will differ.

In a sauce pan add the ketchup, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce, salt & butter and cook for about 2 minutes. Pour into a large bowl.

When the chicken is fully baked add to the bowl of hot sauce and mix to coat.

Place the waffle on the plate, the chicken on top and enjoy.  I added gravy on the side of mine to pour over the waffles and chicken and to dip. #cheftainment

Spicy Asian Soup w/ Spinach, Tofu, Radishes & Sprouts.

Broth:

1/2 Onion - Chopped

3 Cloves Garlic - Smashed

Handfull of Parsley

1" Ginger - Small dice

1 Fresno Chili - Sliced in 1/2

1 Cup Sliced Crimini Mushrooms

2 Tbsp Miso Paste

2 Tbsp Gochujang paste

2 Cups Chicken Stock

2 Cups Water

In a pot over med/high heat bring to a boil and let simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Strain the broth and put back on the heat.  Add in:

2 Tbsp Soy Sauce

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tsp Rice Wine Vinegar

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 Handful of Spinach

1/4 Cup Sprouts

1 Radish - Thinly Sliced

Tofu - Browned & seasoned

In a bowl, add in the broth, spinach, sprouts, radish & tofu. Enjoy  #cheftainment 

Cream of Asparagus Soup

EVOO
1 Bunch Asparagus - Chopped, Tips set to the side
1/2 Onion - Chopped
2 Garlic Cloves - Chopped
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 Cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Flour
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sour Cream

In a medium size pot over med/high heat, add EVOO, enough to cover the bottom.  Add the onions and cook until translucent and slightly brown.  Add in the asparagus and garlic and cook another 5 minutes.

Add the cayenne, salt, pepper. Make sure the asparagus is soft.  Then add in the butter, melt, then flour.  Stir to combine.  Add in milk and sour cream.  Stir to combine.

Simmer about 10 minutes.  Using a blender or immersion blender, blend the soup to a creamy consistency.

Simmer about 5 minutes.  Adjust seasonings.

In a pan over high heat, add about 1 tbsp EVOO, a pinch of salt and pepper. Add in the tips of the asparagus.  Sautee about 1 minute, then add in about 3 tbsp water, cover and cook about 1 minute.

Spoon soup into bowl and garnish w/ asparagus tips, chicken, croutons, red peppers, etc,.

#Cheftainment

Artisan Bread

 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups White Flour (+ more for dusting)
1 1/2 Cups Bread Flour (Can be made w/ just white flour if necessary)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Instant Fast Rising Yeast
1 Cup Hot Water (Hot from the tap is fine, may need to add a few teaspoons more)
1 tbsp Honey (or sugar)

In a large bowl, add the flours, salt, yeast.  Stir to combine.  Add the honey to the water and stir to combine.  Gradually add the water/honey to the flour mixture.

Stir w/ a wooden spoon to combine. Kneed in bowl for about 2 minutes or until smooth and not sticky). Cover bowl w/ plastic and a tight lid and set aside for 6-12 hours. (I do about 10 hours for best results)

Lightly dust w/ flour your counter.  Turn the dough out and gently work it to form a ball (about 1 minute, work as little as possible).  Set aside for 30 minutes.

While the dough sits for 30 minutes, preheat oven to 450 degrees and put the baking vessel in the oven. I used a Dutch Oven.

After 30 minutes take the baking dish out, spray it with cooking spray and place the dough in the center.  Mark an X or other decoration on top of the dough, cover with a lid and place in the oven for 30 minutes. Take lid off and bake another 15 minutes to brown. Misting it w/ water 2x after the lid is off makes the crust more brown and crustier if you desire.

Cool at least 15 minutes and serve.

Enjoy. #Cheftainment

Vegetable Puff Pastry Tart

Ingredients:
2 Sheets Puff Pastry - Thawed + flour for dusting & rolling out
1 Shallot - Sliced thinly
2 Cloves Garlic - Smashed & finely diced
2 Leeks - Sliced 1/2" coins - rinsed and dried
2 Cups Mushrooms - Sliced
3/4 Red Onion - 1/4" slice
1/2 Green Pepper - 1/4" slice
3 tbsp EVOO
3 Roma Tomatoes - 1/2" slice
4 oz. Goat Cheese - Thawed
4 oz. Fontina Cheese - Sliced thin
4 oz. Havarti Cheese - Sliced thin
1 Tbsp Salt
1 Tbsp Pepper
2 tbsp Italian Seasoning

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to about 1/4" thick.  Place on a baking sheet lined with lightly buttered parchment paper.

In a large pan on med/high heat add the EVOO.  Add the shallot, garlic, leeks, mushroom, onion and pepper.  Sautee about 5 minutes.

Schmear the puff pastry w/ the goat cheese.  Lay the cheese slices on top.  Add on the mushroom, etc. mixture.  Spread evenly.  Sprinkle the Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper over everything.  Evenly place the tomatoes on top.

Roll up the sides of the puff pastry to create a "wall".  Place in oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Let rest about 10 minutes before cutting into.  Served w/ an arugula salad is nice.

#Cheftainment