Pork with Camembert Sauce

Pretty simple dish with a very good sauce.

Ingredients:
1 pound boneless pork loin
2 oz Camembert Cheese
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp dry white wine
1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
1/3 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Pepper - to taste

Directions:
1. Cut the pork loin into 3 portions about 3/4" thick.
2. Put the pork in a zip lock bag and pound to about 1/2 thick with tenderizing hammer.
3. Cut the rind off of the Camembert cheese and cut into 1/2" chunks.
4. Spray a big heavy skillet with nonstick spray and put over medium-high heat.
5. When the skillet is hot, melt the butter in the skillet and coat the insides.
6. Fry the pork a golden brown, being careful not to overcook them.
7. Set the pork loin aside and cover with tin-foil to keep warm.
8. Add wine to the skillet and stir around with a spatula to get up all the bits of pork.
9. As the wine reduces, add the sage and stir again.
10. Turn down the heat to medium-low and add in the Camembert, stiring as it melts.
11. After it is fully melted, add in the sour cream and dijon mustard and heat through w/out simmering again.
12. Pepper to taste and serve immediately spooned over the pork loin.

This recipe is from Dana Carpenders Every Calorie Counts Cookbook

Easy Beef and Green Beans

Very quick and easy all-in-one meal. Have made it a few times and we love it.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups celery, chopped
1 (16 oz) bag of frozen green beans (fresh could be used as well)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp seasoning salt (This home-made seasoned salt is great)
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
2 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp hot chili oil (or more if you like it spicy)

Directions.
1. Brown the ground beef and garlic over medium heat.
2. Add in the celery, beans, and mushrooms and cook until they are tender. Usually between 15 and 20 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients to the pan, mix together and serve while warm.

There are also lots of options you can do to finish it off if you want. I add Paremsan cheese on top of mine and my wife likes Ranch dressing on hers.

This recipe is from the Extreme LC Meals on the Go cookbook.

Sesame Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Sauce

It's been a long, busy Summer but I hope to be back cooking and sharing again this Winter.  Tonight was Sesame Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Sauce. It was my first time making this and it was very good. I will add this into my rotation. I had found this recipe online a long time ago and don't know who to credit it to.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons wasabi powder
1/3 cup Braggs Liquid Aminos
3 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
24 ounces tuna steaks (4-6 oz steaks)
5 tablespoons white and black sesame seeds

Directions:
1. Whisk 1/2 cup water and wasabi powder in medium bowl to form smooth paste. Whisk in soy sauce, 2 tablespoons peanut oil, sherry, and sesame oil and then set aside.
2. Coat each side of the tuna steaks with the sesame seeds.
3. Heat 1 Tablespoon of peanut oil in a heavy skillet over high heat.
4. Add the tuna and sear until opaque in center, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Remove the tuna from skillet and add the sauce to the skillet. Lower heat to simmer and reduce sauce until thick.
6. Pour the sauce over the tuna and enjoy.

Green Salsa Chicken Breasts

Here's an excellent meal that tastes a bit like a combination of chicken taco salad and a kind of soup. Very simple yet tasty.

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2-3 tbsp butter/oil

2 2/3 cups green salsa

1 cup chicken stock

3 garlic cloves, finely diced

3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 fresh green chili or other pepper

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 cup sour cream

romaine lettuce leaves, shredded

3-5 scallions, finely chopped

coarsely chopped cilantro

salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season the chicken w/salt and pepper.

2. Melt butter and/or oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken breasts. Cook until they are browned, but not cooked through as they will finish cooking later in the sauce.

3. Remove chicken from the pan and reserve.

4. Place salsa, stock, garlic, cilantro, chili (or hot peppers), and cumin in a pan and bring to a boil. Quickly reduce to a low simmer and add the chicken back in, spooning the sauce over the chicken.

5. Serve the chicken on a bed of lettuce and topped with sour cream, scallions, and cilantro if desired.

I changed it up a bit and put the scallions in the sauce and didn't top with any scallions or cilantro. Instead, I just topped with sour cream, some chipotle seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and some green Tabasco sauce. The sauce doesn't have much kick, so it could use a bit more.

Recipe was from the Greatest Ever LC Recipe Book. (It's not actually the greatest ever, that's just the name.) :o)

Hamburgers and Veggies

Well, this is probably the least technical and defined recipe I've posted yet. I just wing it and it turns out pretty good.

Ingredients:
Green Peppers
Red Peppers
Onions
Zucchini
Butter
Ground Beef
Worcestershire Sauce
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Garlic Powder
Seasoned Salt (The stuff I made here)
Blackened Seasoning
Black Pepper

Directions:
1. Saute Onions, Peppers, and Zucchini in Butter until yummy.
2. Mix the Ground beef, W. Sauce, a hand full of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, seasoned salt, blackened seasoning, and black pepper together and make burgers.
3. Grill the Burgers. (I usually sear them over high heat, then finish over medium or indirect.)
4. Put on plate, top with whatever you want and enjoy.

Seriously Spicy Citrus Chicken

Wow, here's a nice simple dish that is very tasty and has a huge kick. Unless you like lots of heat, cut the red pepper flakes down to probably 1/3 of what they call for. It will still be spicy, but won't melt your mouth.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 tsp red pepper flakes
4 tsp garlic, minced
4 tsp grated gingerroot
1/4 cup Splenda (skipped this ingredient)
4 scallions, finely diced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Directions:
1. Cut chicken into 4 servings (or however many you are making) and saute in the olive oil over medium-high heat with a tilted lid.
2. While Sauteing, mix the lime juice, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, garlic, gingerroot, and Splenda (if using).
3. After the chicken has browned (about 4-5 minutes per side), add the mixture to the skillet, turning the chicken to coat both sides.
4. Saute for another 2-3 minutes per side or until chicken is done.
5. Place chicken on plates, pour mixture over top of chicken and scatter scallions and cilantro over each portion.

This recipe was from Dana Carpenders 15 Minute LC recipe book

Casual Chan's Special

This was an interesting take on sloppy joes, done Asian style. I was missing the bean sprouts, but it still tasted very good. Sorry for the fuzzy photo, but they didn't turn out very well.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tbsp oil
4 scallions, sliced
2 cups bean sprouts
4 eggs
1 tsp Braggs Liquid Aminos (Soy Sauce) * Note, I used 1 tbsp instead of 1 tsp and it was good.
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Garlic Powder - to taste

Directions:
1. Brown the beef in the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. As it is browning, slice up scallions, measure out sprouts, and whisk together eggs and Braggs.
3. When the beef is browned, add in the scallions and sprouts and stir for about a minute. Not too long though as the sprouts need to stay firm.
4. Add eggs and soy sauce and scramble until set.
5. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

This recipe was based off one from Dana Carpenders 15 Minute LC Recipe book.

Eye Round Steaks with Onion-Cream Gravy

We usually buy some eye of round steaks as they are fairly cheap and I have never found a great way to use them. Here's a new recipe I found in a Steak Cookbook. Very simple, yet very good.

Ingredients:
4 eye of round steaks (about 5 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, large diced
1 sprig fresh oregano or 1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp white pepper (I used Szechuan roasted pepper and salt blend)
pinch of cayenne, to taste
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
pinch of salt, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, minced (Optional)

Directions:
1. Pat steaks dry and coat with oil.
2. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
3. Cook onion until soft (about 4 minutes), then add oregano and wine, raise to medium heat and simmer until wine is nearly gone(4-5 minutes).
4. Add cream and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 minute, then stir in vinegar, pepper, cayenne, and mustard.
5. Transfer mixture to blender (or magic bullet) and process for 30 seconds, then pour into saucepan and season with more salt and cayenne if desired. Set Aside
6. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks after it is hot and cook until seared and crusted (about 2 minutes) Turn steaks and season wtih salt if desired. Cook 2 more minutes (for medium-rare).
7. Transfer steaks to cutting board to let them rest while re-heating the sauce.
8. Divide sauce among 4 plates and top with either the whole steaks or cut the steaks into 1/2 " thick slices.
9. Top with parsley if desired.

This recipe is from the Steak Lover's Cookbook by William Rice. A very good book that talks through different cuts of meat and the best way to prepare them.

Beef Burgundy

A very simple meal to just throw in the oven and let it cook for a while on it's own.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 pounds boneless beef cut into 2" squares (I used 1 lb chuck and 1 lb eye of round)
1 cup dry red wine
3/4 tsp guar or xanthan
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 large onion, sliced
8 oz mushrooms, chunked if they are large
2 green peppers, sliced or chunked

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 250
2. Put oil in heavy skillet and brown the beef over medium-high heat.
3. Put beef in 2 1/2 quart casserole dish
4. Combine wine and guar/xanthan in a blender for about 10 seconds then pour over beef.
5. Add salt, paprika, oregano, onion, mushrooms, and peppers and stir together.
6. Cover and put in the oven for about 5 hours.

A few things I might change on it would be to cut back on the xanthan, add in some black pepper and garlic. Also, I cooked mine at 300 for 4 1/2 hours and it turned out fine.

This recipe was from Dana Carpenders 500 LC recipe book.

Parmesan Chicken Breasts

I'm going through a new cookbook (another of Dana Carpenders) which are all 15 minute recipes. Here's a nice quick idea with very few ingredients, yet it was very yummy.

Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (the cheap stuff in the green can)
4 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp pepper
2 eggs
2 oz heavy whipping cream
4 tbsp butter

Directions:
1. Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/4" thick and cut into about 6 portions.
2. Combine cheese with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper and put on a plate.
3. Combine the eggs and heavy whipping cream and mix well in a bowl.
4. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Dip the chicken in the egg wash, fully coat the chicken with the cheese mixture, then saute for 3-5 minutes per side in the butter.

If you like, you can also make a simple gravy to pour over the top. Making sure the burner is on low, pour some heavy whipping cream into the pan used for sauteing the chicken breasts and stir together with the butter, leftover cheese crumbles, and bits of chicken in the pan. Makes a very tasty gravy.

This recipe was from Dana Carpenders 15 Minute LC Recipe books.

Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters and Sauteed Zucchini and Onions

What do you do when you don't feel like prepping anything? Weber to the rescue. Here's a couple very simple ideas that combine for a very yummy meal.

Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Ingredients:
Chicken Leg Quarters
Olive Oil
Homemade Seasoned Salt (Recipe)

Directions:
1. Preheat the grill to about 350
2. Brush the chicken leg quarters with the olive oil.
3. Sprinkle on the seasoned salt.
4. Turn off 1/2 the burners (or move the charcoal to one side) and put the chicken on the side that is on/heating for about 3-5 minutes per side. Enough to crisp up the outside a bit.
5. Move the chicken to the side that is turned off/not heating for about 20 minutes per side.
6. Cook until the chicken is about 165-170 degrees and the juices are running clear.

Sauteed Zucchini and Onions

Ingredients:
Zucchini
Onions
Butter

Directions:
1. Slice up the Zucchini and Onions.
2. Put the Zucchini and Onions in a pan with the butter.
3. Saute until they are nice and golden brown.

It's easy to make up the Sauteed Zucchini and Onions while the chicken is grilling.

Skillet Stroganoff and Roasted Asparagus

Here's a nice simple recipe for making skillet stroganoff and a side of roasted asparagus. My family loved it.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pound ground beef (80)
1 medium onion
1 clove garlic
4 oz can of sliced mushrooms (I'm sure fresh would work)
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp concentrated beef broth (I used 1/16 tsp of bullion granules)

Directions:
1. In a large skillet, brown the meat and add in the diced onion and garlic.
2. Once everything is browned, add in the mushrooms, worcestershire sauce, paprika, sour cream, and beef broth. I didn't have any concentrated beef broth so I put in 1/16th of a tsp of the granules.
3. Season to taste as it is finishing and enjoy.

Ingredients:
Bunch of Asparagus
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Other seasonings you like

Directions
1. Add asparagus to pan.
2. Pour on olive oil and sprinkle on garlic powder to taste.
3. Add on any additional seasonings (we've used different combinations of things like blackened seasoning, seasoned salt, Parmesan cheese, etc).
4. Broil until the asparagus is done, turning the asparagus once about 1o-20 minutes in (depending on thickness of asparagus).

Thai-ish Chicken Basil Stir-Fry

Here's a nice, spicy Thai-ish Stir-Fry that our family really loved. I changed it up a bit from the recipe in the book.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Thai fish sauce (I used Vietnamese Fish Sauce as that's what we had and it worked fine)
2 tbsp soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos (Braggs is my preference)
1 tsp Splenda (I skipped this)
1/4 tsp guar or xanthan
2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp hot chili oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 small onion, sliced
16 oz bag of frozen, crosscut green beans, thawed
2 tbsp non-sweetened coconut flakes

Directions:
1. Combine the fish sauce, liquid aminos (Soy Sauce), splenda (if used), and guar in a blender.
2. Blend for a few seconds and then add in the basil and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
3. Heat the peanut, coconut, and chili oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
4. Add in the Chicken, garlic, and onions and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
5. Add in the green beans and coconut flakes and cook until the chicken is finished.
6. Stir in the blended seasoning mixture, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

The coconut flakes and 3 oil types (I really like the blend of those 3) were my additions. The chili oil gives it some nice heat. Next time I will also add in some mushrooms and top with either toasted sesame seeds or toasted walnuts. They will give it a bit of crunch.

This recipe was from Dana Carpenders 500 LC Recipe book.

Pan Fried Tenderloin Steaks Puttanesca

Ingredients:
2 tbsp sun-dried tomato bits
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (can substitute 1 tsp of dried basil instead)
1/4 cup chopped ripe olives
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp hickory-smoked salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
4 (4-oz) beef tenderloin steaks (or whatever you want to use)

Directions:
1. Combine sun-dried tomato bits and 1/2 cup boiling water in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Drain the sun-dried tomato and add the chopped tomato, wine, basil, olives, and garlic. Mix well and set aside.
3. Brush Worcestershire sauce on the steaks and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. (I didn't have hickory smoked salt, so used regular).
4. Grease a large skillet and cook the steaks as desired. It works well to sear over high heat, then lower the heat to finish to the done-ness you prefer. (As I just used regular salt, I added some liquid smoke to the oil to fry the steaks in to give them a bit of smokey flavor).
5. Remove steaks when finished cooking and let rest while you complete the sauce.
6. Add tomato mixture into the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until heated through (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
7. Serve over the steaks. Garnish with basil sprigs if desired.

This was a very good topping and gave the meal a very Mediterranean flair. One thing I think would enhance the meal is some crumbled feta cheese on top of the sauce when serving it over the steak. I think that would give it a very nice touch.

This recipe is from the Gillespe 501 Recipes for a LC Life cookbook.

Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce

Here's another very simple recipe that gives your pork chops a little kick.

Ingredients:
1 pork chop (approx 1" thick)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dry white wine
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard

*Note - This recipe is for 1 pork chop. How ever many you are making, just increase the ingredients that amount.

Directions:
1. Salt and Pepper the pork chop on both sides.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
3. Fry the pork chop until they are done and keep warm in a serving dish.
4. Put the wine in the skillet (mix with the oil) and stir off the fried on bits in the bottom of the pan.
5. Stir in the cream and mustard and mix well.
6. Cook for a minute or two and then pour out of the pan.
7. Serve the chops with the sauce poured over the top.

Recipe is from Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook

Middle Eastern Skillet Chicken

Tonight was a very yummy middle eastern flavored chicken dish. There are quite a few ingredients, but it really is a very simple dish to make. It does taste wonderful though.

Ingredients:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Approx 2 pounds)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 small onions (or 1 medium/large one), chopped
1/2 tsp ground coriander (We used Mural of Flavor from Penzeys instead)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp ginger, fresh grated
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chicken broth

Directions:
1. Dice the chicken breasts.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add in the chicken and onions.
3. Saute for a few minutes then stir in the spices: coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and pepper.
4. Cook until the chicken is white all over.
5. Add ginger, tomatoes, garlic, and broth and stir.
6. Cover and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.

Serve in bowls and top with some mozzarella cheese.

Recipe is from Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook

Beef Fajitas

A simple beef fajita meal that doesn't take much to prepare, but is very tasty.

Ingredients:

For Marinade:
1/2 cup chicken broth or lite beer
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 small onion, sliced thinly
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic

Rest of Ingredients:
2 lbs of skirt steak or any other steak you want to use.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced thick
1 green pepper, sliced

Toppings:
Guacamole (We love Wholly Guacamole)
Salsa (Mrs. Renfro's is wonderful and most varieties have no sugar added)
Sour Cream
Cheddar Cheese

Directions:
1. Mix together marinade ingredients.
2. Put steak in a big zip lock bag and marinade in the fridge for a few hours. The tougher the steak, the longer you should let it marinade.
3. When ready to cook, remove steak from bag, saving a few tbsp of the marinade.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil.
5. Add in steak, peppers, and onion when the oil is hot.
6. When the meat is done and the veggies are tender, add in the reserved marinade.
7. Serve on tortilla or plate and top with the guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese

This recipe was based on one from Dana Carpenders 501 LC Recipes

Note that the tougher the steak, the longer to let it marinade.

Ultra Meat Sauce and Spaghetti Squash

Dinner tonight was a very simple Spaghetti Squash with meat sauce. I'll break it down into 2 sections as that will make it a bit easier.

Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:
1 Spaghetti Squash

Directions:
1. Cut Spaghetti Squash in half length-wise and scoop out the seeds and stuff
2. Put face down on a baking sheet covered in tin foil.
3. Bake for 375 for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the squash.
4. To test for when it is done, take the back of a spoon or fork and it should puncture the skin very easily.
5. Flip over and use a fork to shred out the spaghetti part and put in a bowl.

Ultra Meat Sauce

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 green pepper, diced
4 oz mushrooms, sliced (A can of mushrooms works fine)
15 oz can of tomato sauce (We use Hunts 100% natural)
1 tsp Italian Seasoning

Directions:
1. Brown and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet/pan.
2. When the grease starts to collect, add the onion, garlic, green pepper, and mushrooms.
3. Cook until onions and peppers are soft.
4. While the meat and veggies are cooking, put the tomato sauce in a pan and heat through, adding the seasoning and letting it simmer to mix the flavors. Some garlic would be good in the sauce too
5. Pour off the grease from the meat and add in the tomato sauce.
6. Serve the sauce over the Spaghetti squash and top with some Parmesian cheese if desired.

The Ultra Meat Sauce recipe was from Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook

Sausage Skillet Mix-Up

Fairly simple dish with some nice flavor.

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh pork sausage
1 small onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2 tsp chicken bullion powder
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 cups Cauliflower

Directions:
1. Brown the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat
2. Drain grease (if desired) and add in the remaining ingredients
3. Cover and turn burner to low and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until cauliflower is tender
4. Enjoy!!

From Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook

Stickless Satay Chicken with Not-Very-Authentic Peanut Sauce

Chicken Ingredients:
1 tbsp oil (I used a mix of Olive Oil and Coconut Oil)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp curry powder
1 boneless chicken breast
*Note - Expand this as needed for however many people you have

Directions:
1. In heavy skillet over medium heat, add oil, garlic, and curry and stir for a few seconds.
2. Add chicken breasts and saute until done.
3. Serve with the Peanut Sauce (warming the sauce if desired)

Peanut Sauce Ingredients:
1 piece ginger, about the size of a walnut, peeled and sliced cross grain
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (We love Smuckers Natural)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1/4 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce
1 or 2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 tsp Splenda (if desired)

Directions:
1. Put everything in a blender and blend.
2. Heat (if you desire) and serve over the chicken.

Overall, this was a very good dish for me. I warmed up the peanut sauce and if you don't watch it, it will begin to reduce quickly. Mine is a bit thicker than planned, but it was still very good. If you don't like peanuts with your chicken, you probably won't like it, but it was a very good combination.

From Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook