Chicken and Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS

2    tablespoons butter

4    cups sliced Crimini mushrooms (6-8 ounces)

¼   cup Madeira wine, full rich

2    tablespoons olive oil

1    cup chopped white onion

1    cup finely chopped celery

2    chicken breast halves, skinless, boneless

2    teaspoons garlic powder

1    teaspoon yellow mustard seeds

½   cup chicken broth

1    tablespoon dried marjoram

½    cup sour cream

METHOD

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium to large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms, stirring, until they begin to give up their liquid, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove to a large bowl and set aside. Pour the Madeira wine over the mushrooms.

Add the olive oil to the same skillet and warm over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and, stirring, cook them until they are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add them to the mushrooms in the large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and, stirring, brown them on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the mushrooms and vegetables to the chicken in the skillet and stir to combine. Add the garlic powder, mustard seeds, broth and marjoram, mixing them in. Bring to a bnoil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Serve immediately over rice or pasta or by itself.

Dried Fruit Soup

INGREDIENTS

¼    cup dried apricots

¼    cup dried pears

¼    cup dried mango

¼    cup dried papaya

¼    cup dried pineapple

1     bottle (375 ml) Chaucers Raspberry wine

½    cup water

1     tablespoon sugar

½    cup whipping cream

METHOD

Cut all the fruit into small (less than ½ inch) pieces. In a medium sauce pan, add the fruit to the Raspberry wine and water, bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.  

Add the sugar and remove from the heat. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature and add ½ cup whipping cream, stirring it in to a consistent color. Refrigerate until well chilled and serve as a dessert in ½ cup servings.

Fish and Beans

INGREDIENTS

2    strips bacon

1    tablespoon olive oil

1    cup leeks, cleaned, chopped finely

1    can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes*

1    can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans*

1    cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen, thawed

½   cup water

2    teaspoons dried marjoram

8    ounces fish fillet, cod, flounder, swordfish, etc.

METHOD

Heat a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook the bacon, turning once or twice, until crisp. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.Cut into small bits and set aside.

Add the olive oil to the skillet. Add the leeks and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, corn, wate, bacon bits and marjoram, stirring to combine. Place ther fish on top of the vegetables and press it down into them.

Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked to your satisfaction. You may want to turn it once during the cooking time.  Remove from the heat and transfer to individual serving dishes.

*NOTES: Substitute a small can of tomato sauce for the diced tomatoes. Substitute Cannellini or navy beans for the garbanzo beans.

Quinoa Mushroom Soup

INGREDIENTS

2    tablespoons butter

2    cups fresh Crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced *

2    tablespoons olive oil

1    medium white onion, chopped (1 cup)

1    stalk celery, leaves included, chopped (1 cup)

1    medium potato, diced small (1 cup)

½   small red bell pepper, chopped

3    cups low sodium chicken broth

2    cups dry white table wine or water

1    tablespoon dried marjoram

¼   cup quinoa

1    tablespoon dry sherry wine

1    teaspoon salt

METHOD

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until they are browned. Transfer to a small bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside.

In a large sauce pan over medium high heat, add the oil, the onion, celery, potato and bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the broth, wine and marjoram to the sauce pan, cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until all the vegetables are soft.

Working in batches if necessary, add to a food processor or blender and process to a puree. Return to a clean large sauce pan, add the quinoa, cover and cook for 15  minutes, until the quinoa is soft. Add the mushrooms, sherry and salt, reheat for 3 to 4 minutes and serve.

*NOTE: Or substitute ½ ounce dry mushrooms steeped in 1 cup of heated dry white wine for 10 minutes.

Red Pepper Omelette

This dish may resemble a scramble more than the type of omelet you get at Denny’s, but that is perfectly OK – it tastes great anyway. Produces 2 servings.

INGREDIENTS

3    large eggs

3    tablespoons butter or butter substitute

½   medium white onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

2    cloves garlic, minced

½   cup chopped roasted red bell peppers

¼   cup ground Molinari salami

2    green onions, chopped, white and green parts

¼   cup shredded fontina cheese (about 1 ounce)

METHOD

In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork or whisk, add a pinch of salt and set aside.

In a medium skillet, add the butter and warm over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent. Add the red peppers, salami and green onions and cook for 1 minute.

Pour in the eggs and stir with a spatula until just cooked, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, add half the cheese and smooth the surface of the omelet. Let it rest for 30 seconds until it has set. Using a pancake turner, fold one half of the omelet over the other half, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, remove to a serving dish and serve.

Thai Chicken Stir Fry

INGREDIENTS

2    tablespoons fish sauce

2    tablespoons lime juice

2    teaspoons molasses

1    teaspoon corn starch

2    tablespoons olive oil

1    pound skinless, boneless chicken, cut to ½ inch cubes

½   cup chopped red bell pepper

2    medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise, thinly sliced

3    green onions, cut to 1 inch

2    small red (Fresno) chilies, cleaned, diced small

4    cloves garlic, chopped

½   cup toasted cashews

METHOD

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, molasses and corn starch. Set aside Into a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and chicken pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 2-3 minutes to soften. Add the onions, Fresno chilies and garlic to the skillet and cook, still stirring, for about 3 minutes or until the zucchini is tender. Whisk the small bowl again to stir the sauce and add it to the skillet along with the cashews, reserved chicken and any juices.

Stir the skillet until the sauce is thickened and bubbling, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat and serve immediately. Will serve three to four.

 Adapted from a recipe in Eating Well  magazine

COOKS NOTES: I do not know how "Thai" this really is except for the Fish Sauce, but it is really good and not very spicy. Thr photo shows the original recipe which only had 1 zucchini. It could hardly be found in the final product, do I changed it to 2 zucchini. Keep stirring and enjoy.

Quinoa Peanut Soup

(Sopa de Mani)

INGREDIENTS

2    tablespoons olive oil

½   cup chopped white onion

4    cloves garlic, minced

½   cup thinly sliced carrots

½   cup potatoes, diced ¼ inch

½   cup chopped red bell pepper

2    cups reduced sodium chicken broth

2    cups dry white table wine

¼    cup quinoa

2    tablespoon peanut butter

2    teaspoons dried parsley

1    tablespoons Sriracha sauce, or to taste

METHOD

Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat and add the onions. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute and add the carrots, potatoes and bell pepper. Stir together for a few minutes and add the broth, wine and quinoa. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the quinoa is thoroughly cooked, about 15 to 18 minutes. Mix the peanut butter with ¼ cup of the soup liquid and return to the soup. Add the parsley and Sriracha to the soup and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately with a little ground black pepper if desired.

Adapted from a recipe in Eating Well  magazine

Underbground Stew

When I was much younger, I could not, and would not. eat parsnips and did not like turnips or rutabagas. Then this British friend steamed them all together and told me to try them. Much to my surprise, it was a lovely dish and I enjoyed them many times with her. So, that is why this is here. Not only does it bring back fond memories, but it is freally good. Trust me.

INGREDIENTS

2    tablespoons olive oil

1    medium white onion, chopped ½ inch (2 cups)

2    carrots, diced ½ inch (about 1 cup)

2    medium parsnips, diced ½ inch (about 1 cup)

1    medium rutabaga diced ½ inch (about 2 cups)

2    medium turnips, diced ½ inch (about 1 cup)

1    large Yukon potato, diced ½ inch (about 1 cup+)

4-6    cloves garlic, lightly chopped

½   cup dry roasted peanuts

2    cups low sodium chicken broth

2    cups dry white table wine

1    tablespoon dried marjoram

1    tablespoon dried thyme

2    tablespoons dry parsley leaves

METHOD

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the onions and cook until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the carrots, parsnip, rutabaga, turnips, potatoes, garlic and peanuts. Add the broth and wine and bring to a boil. Add the spices and parsley, reduce the heat to a slow simmer and cook for about 20  minutes until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.

To serve, add to individual bowls and, if you happen to have grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle a bit of that on top before serving..

Adapted from a recipe in Cooking Light magazine.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

INGREDIENTS

1    cup rice of your choice

1    cup chicken broth

2    tablespoons butter

8    ounces sliced mushrooms

1    tablespoon dry sherry

2    tablespoons olive oil

2    chicken breasts, skinless, boneless

1    medium head broccoli

2    ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded (2 cups)

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease the sides and bottom of a 9 inch square baking dish. Cook the rice to package directions using the cup of broth as part of the required liquid. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they begin to give off their liquid, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the sherry and stir around for 1 minute. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Add the olive oil to the skillet and warm over medium-high heat. Cut the chicken into ½ inch cubes and add to the skillet.  Cook the chicken, stirring, until all sides are browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside

Cut the broccoli into small florets and steam for 5 to 6 minutes. You can cut the remaining stems into 1 inch pieces and steam them with the florets if desired.

Assemble the casserole by mixing the rice and mushrooms and placing them in an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Add the chicken pieces and the broccoli florets (and stems) to the rice, spreading them evenly. Spread the cheese over the top of the chicken and broccoli and place into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is well melted and the casserole is hot. Remove and serve immediately

 Adapted from a dish that is served at a local diner.

NOTE: The initial trial shows this dish with only 1 cup of cheese. It was not enough. If you desire, you could make a cheese sauce and spread that instead of the shredded cheese.

Chicken Couscous Paella

INGREDIENTS

2    cups couscous*

1    jar (8 ounces) clam juice

1 ½  cups water

1    tablespoon olive oil

8    ounces chicken breast, diced

1    medium  red bell pepper, seeded, diced ½ inch

½   cup diced white onion

½   cup diced chorizo or pepperoni

2    large cloves garlic, minced

2    cups chicken broth

½   cup frozen peas

½   cup bay shrimp

½   cup diced tomatoes

1    tablespoon dried parsley

½   teaspoon salt

METHOD

There are three parts to paella – the rice or couscous, the vegetables and meats that need .longer cooking and ingredients that do not need a lot of cooking.

In a medium sauce pan, mix the clam juice and water and bring to a boil. Add the couscous and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to a ,ow simmer, cover and cook for 8 to 10  minutes (see package directions) or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add the chicken, bell pepper, onion, garlic and chorizo. Cook this for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned all over, the onion is translucent and the pepper is tender-crisp. If the couscous is not ready, remove the skillet from the heat and cover.

Add the couscous and the chicken broth to the skillet over medium heat and stir to combine. Add the tomatoes, peas, shrimp, parsley and salt, stirring in. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve in individual flat soup bowls.

 Modified from a recipe in Eating Well  magazine

COOKS NOTES: I used a multi-colored pearl couscous which, from prior experience, needed all the cooking time in this recipe, even though the package stated 8 to 10  minutes. Other varieties may have different outcomes, so be aware of the state of the couscous at all times – you may just add it at the end of cooking all the other ingredients not in the  middle of the process.