Seconds Please

Thanks to Mama Gruen, this weekend we had the best homemade pizza I have ever eaten... Really, I mean it... I did cheat a little and use Trader Joes pizza dough, but really for $1.99 you can't beat it.. Actually, this whole meal can be purchased there which makes it really user friendly!

There are a few must dos when cooking this most awesomest meal.

1. This tomato sauce from Gweneth Paltrow's Goop is delish.. her singing may be debatable but she sure knows how to make a sauce.

2. Limited amounts of cheese, toppings and sauce. I tended in the past to add too much of all of these and it gets a bit soggy.

3. Use a preheated pizza stone.

4. Bake at 500 degrees on the lower rack for 10 mins.


If you do all of this you end up with mouth watering yumminess :)

Tomato Sauce
* From GOOP

Olive Oil

1 28 ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes. San Marzanos are the BEST.. but if you can't find that then add a pinch of sugar to the sauce.

3 cloves of garlic.

Basil leaves

S & P

In a large saucepan, slowly cook three cloves of thinly sliced garlic in a couple tablespoons of olive oil for five minutes over low heat. Add two large, fresh basil leaves and stir for a minute. Add the whole, peeled tomatoes along with their juice and two more whole basil leaves. Bring the sauce to a boil, turn down the heat, season with salt and pepper and let it bubble away on low heat for 45 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.

* You are going to have a lot left over, so this is great for pasta bakes or spaghetti.








Pepperoni Pizza
* All from Trader Joes

Pizza Dough
Tomato Sauce
1/2 of a medium sized fresh mozzarella ball, sliced
1/2 cup Quatro Formaggio shredded cheese
Pepperoni

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Make sure that one of your racks is in the lowest position in the oven.

Place pizza stone in for 1 hour prior to cooking.

Take pizza dough out of the fridge twenty minutes before cooking.

Flour a cutting board or a pizza board and roll out pizza dough. First make it into a ball and then start stretching it out by hand. Once you have your basic shape use a rolling pin. The pizza circle should be aprox 15 inches in diameter.

Use aprox 1/3 cup of sauce and spread evenly over dough.

Scatter the mozzarella, quattro formaggio, and then aprox 10 slices of pepperoni.

Then gently slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and cook for 10 minutes.

Take out of the oven and let rest for 5 mins.

* Not the best photo, but just to give you an idea :)

I Wanna Hear from YOU!

So, I hear through the grape vine that folks have been using the site, but I would love to hear more! I want to make sure that I am catering to YOUR needs, so what would you like more of? What could I do to make it easier for you to actually cook these recipes - besides coming to your house and doing it myself :) If/when you have the time, shoot me a comment or email because this blog is for you and to make your cooking experience easier and tastier!

Thanks

Tardy for the Party...

Sorry for the absence, but I was house bound for a few weeks with a terrible stomach flu and just so that I did not get too comfy with the idea of ever being well again, the mommy gods also graced me with a head cold and one trip to Urgent Care for ear pain and white dots on the tonsils...just an infection thank goodness.... but I did have about 6 hours in between where I was able to eat and actually taste my food, but the majority of my diet included a lot of saltines, Gatorade and chicken broth.. So I am back in the kitchen with some major cooking fire up my you know what and ready to dish up some uber tasty treats. Here are some really easy and family friendly meals that should give you some "hubs and kids props" but not over extend you too much...

Menu
Simple as 1.2.3
Panko crusted Fish Tacos
* I really love Panko.. It gives that extra crunch that you want!

Fried Rice
* This is great to do with leftover pork loin/chops and rice..It is like the ultimate Asian refrigerator round up meal!


Greek Chicken and Rice
* This has all the flavors of a high class meal, but it so easy and satisfying...

Delectable Desserts

Chocolate dipped strawberries
* Really, is there anything better??

Panko crusted Fish Tacos

* Adapted from Martha Stewart Fish Tacos and ingredients, inc

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1/4 small red cabbage, thinly shredded (about 2 1/2 cups) *Or just use a bag of pre-cut up coleslaw mix

4 scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)

1 egg white, beaten

1/2 cup skim milk

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 lb white fish fillets, cut into thin strips

1/4 cup vegetable oil

4 (8-inch) flour tortillas

In a large bowl, combine sour cream and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Toss cabbage and scallions with sour-cream mixture. Season again with salt and pepper.

Combine egg and milk in a shallow dish. Combine panko on another plate. Dredge each fish strip in egg mixture then in panko, pressing crumbs to adhere.

Heat oil to medium heat in a large sauté pan 4 minutes on each side, turning once until until golden brown or fish flakes with a fork.

Warm tortillas in microwave 30 seconds.

To make tacos, fill tortillas with slaw, fish, and fresh cilantro leaves.

Serve immediately.

Fried Rice

1 - 2 green onions, as desired

1 cup cut up pork loin/chop. Aprox 1 pound

1/2 cup frrozen peas

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

4 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed

2 cups cold cooked rice

1 - 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

Wash and finely chop the green onion.

Cut up pork into small cubes.

Lightly beat the eggs with the salt and pepper.

Heat a wok or frying pan and add 2 tablespoons until they are lightly scrambled. Remove the eggs and clean out the pan.

Add 2 tablespoons oil. Add the rice. Stir-fry for five minutes, using chopsticks or a wooden spoon to break it apart.

When the rice is heated through and a bit browned, add the scrambled egg back into the pan. Mix thoroughly. Stir in the green onion, peas, and pork and season with soy sauce.

Serve hot

Greek Chicken and Rice
2 TBLSP Olive oil
1 1/2 pounds skinned and boned chicken breast
1 medium yellow onion
1 chopped green bell pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups Chic Stock
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, warm 1 TBSLp oil. Add chicken and brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate.

Add remaining 1 TBLSP oil and saute onion and green pepper until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice. Add remaining ingredients.

Return chicken to pan, cover, and bake until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 50 minutes


Chocolate dipped strawberries

16 ounces milk chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shortening

1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.

Place on wax paper to set and refrigerate until 10 minutes before serving.

Tutorial #2: Heuvos

As a staple of the Juliette Moehl diet, the egg gets a lot of action around here... scrambled, fried, and even poached ( a rarity but it has happened)..... And through conversations with many friends, it has come to my attention that people are a bit unsure as to how to prepare it. And not to get too Alton Brown on you, but there really is a a right and wrong way to cook them and I thought that I would unlock the mystery. However, there are a lot of people who have kindly done that already so I will let them share with you the "How To"....

Scrambled Eggs

Fried Eggs

Poached Eggs

Wing Man...The Tastiest One of All

We all have our idea of what a "wing man" is....For those of us who have been out of the dating scene for a while (maybe I should talk in decades here) must rely on the latest episode of The Jersey Shore to be up to speed on how one is or becomes a wing man. But through my "serious research" I have concluded that the wing man tends to be just as yummy (that is only to be used as a food analogy of course) and many times better for you than the main deal... So for those of you who are looking for the perfect side to really showcase your main item, here are a few ideas that will do the trick.

Menu
Simple as 1.2.3
Black Bean, Corn and Salsa Salad
*I am a little embarrassed how easy this is, but truly I have had people think I stewed the tomatoes and sauteed the peppers and maybe just maybe I let them believe it!
This is also great with the marinated london broil.

Channeling My Inner Julia Child
Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
* This really could be my main dish every meal - every day... It is so yummy and will be a crowd pleaser for sure!

Potatoes Au Gratin
* This is a real side treat. Not quite on the WeightWatchers diet, but well worth it!

Black Bean, Corn and Salsa Salad
1 package of frozen sweet white corn kernels
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 container of fresh mild salsa drained

Defrost the corn and then combine all ingredients.
Garnish with cilantro.

Orzo Salad

2 cups orzo

I large red onion chopped

1 medium size eggplant

1 red bell pepper

1 orange bell pepper

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp thyme

2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/4-cup olive oil

¼ cup lemon juice

1/2 cup freshly chopped basil leaves

1 (4 ounce) package crumbled feta

2 tbsp pine nuts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Chop up the onion. eggplant and peppers into bit sized pieces. Place into a mixing bowl and add the minced garlic, seasonings and a 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Mix together and place on a baking sheet so that it is evenly distributed. Place in oven for aprox 30 – 45 mins.

In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook orzo per package directions.

In the meantime, on low heat in a small sauté brown the pine nuts for aprox 5 mins.

Combine oil and lemon juice.

When orzo is al dente, remove from heat, drain and place in a large serving bowl. Pour the lemon/oil dressing into the warm orzo.

Add the roasted vegetables.

Let rest for aprox ½ hour and then add the pine nuts, feta and basil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Potatoes Au Gratin

B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking For Friends, Artisan, 1995

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

1/2 cup grated Gruyere

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon paprika

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with about 1 tablespoon of the softened butter.

Arrange a layer of potatoes in the baking dish, and sprinkle some of the cheeses over them. Continue layering potatoes and cheeses until you've used them all, ending with a layer of potatoes.

In a small bowl, whisk the cream with the salt and pepper; pour this over the potatoes. Dot the remaining butter over the top and sprinkle with the paprika. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown on top. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

The Frugal Gourmet

I recently saw a quote that stated, "More month at the end of the money".. and while it took my synapses a second to connect and realize that it was not miss written, it did catch my attention to how true that can be at times.. While I would love to shop at Whole Foods (or as some like to lovingly refer to it..... Whole Paycheck) all the time, that is not the "fiscally responsible" thing to do and I am sure that Suze Orman would have a thing or two to say about that! And....with a young family and that looming feeling of responsibility to save for college, dance class, preschool, (without forfeiting the purchase of the occasional skinny jean) one has to have priorities and sometimes Safeway has to cut it.....So this week's recipes are all things that the "Moehl money conscious clan" ate this past week and I have to say that my tummy did not feel jipped in the least... nor did my wallet :)

* Side note - In addition to the items being rather inexpensive, it really stretches your dollar because you can eat each dinner 2-3 times (if needed).
* Other side note - many of the ingredients can be used throughout all three dinners. The sour cream for the soup can be used for the casserole; the onions can be used for all three; green peppers for macaroni and casserole; green onions, for the soup and casserole, etc.
* Oh and one more... I had purchased the ground beef and chicken when it was "buy one get one free" and then I froze it...

Menu
Simple as 1.2.3
Creamy Potato Soup with Sour Cream and Chives
*This may resemble the potato leek soup but surprisingly it tastes nothing like it..

Macaroni and Beef Goulash
(I really hate the word "goulash"..... any suggestions on a more palate pleasing name for this dish?)
I make this a lot on a Sunday or Monday and feed it to the kiddos throughout the week..

Chicken, Black Bean, & Tortilla Casserole
* Super yummy and great for all ages.

Delectable Desserts

Orange Carrot Frozen Pops

* From Angie - Ok- this might sound crazy in February, but I made really yummy frozen ice pops for my Kate and she has just devoured them. Also, my supper picky Sam & my friend's ultra picky two year old loves them as well. AND they are budget friendly.

Honey Vanilla (Almond) Pound Cake

Recipes

Creamy Potato Soup with Sour Cream and Chives
6 strips of bacon
1 large onion, chopped (about two cups)
3 large cloves, garlic chopped
3 pounds unpeeled russet potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks
6 cups chicken broth
Salt and Pepper; to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chives (or green onion)

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium-low heat until crisp., about 3 minutes per side. Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate, break into small pieces and set aside.

Drain from the pot all but 2 Tbsp fat. Add onion and increase heat to medium. Cook until golden, about 12 mins. Add garlic and cook 1 more min. Add potatoes and broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 25 mins.

With an immersion blender, puree soup until chunky-smooth (or food processor). Season to taste with S & P. Serve hot in bowls topped with bacon bits, sour cream, Cheddar cheese and chives

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Macaroni and Beef Goulash

1 lb. ground beef (sometimes I add ground sausage if I have it)

2 garlic cloves

1 med. onion

1 chopped green pepper

1 (13 oz.) can undrained tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato paste (if you don't have it don't worry)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp oregano

½ cup shredded mozzarella

1 macaroni package

Salt and Pepper

In Dutch oven, brown ground beef. Drain excess fat. Add garlic onion and green pepper. Continue frying until tender. Add rest of ingredients. Cover; reduce to simmer 20 minutes or so.

Cook macaroni per package directions.

Add the macaroni and cheese to mixture and stir until incorporated.

Chicken, Black Bean, & Tortilla Casserole
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 coves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) tomatoes, including juices
1/2 cup fresh tomato salsa
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cups cubed cooked* chicken breasts
8 corn or flour tortillas
4 cups grated Monterey Jack Cheese

Optional Toppings
Plain nonfat yogurt
Sour cream
Avocado slices
Sliced green onions
Chopped olives
Salsa

* Cut the raw chicken into aprox 1 inch cubes and cook over stove top. I also like to place the chicken in the slow cooker to get a more shredded texture.

In a large skilled over medium heat, warm oil. Add yellow onion, green pepper, and garlic and saute until vegetables are tender, about 5 mins. Add tomatoes, salsa, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix well. Stir in beans and chicken.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 4-quart casserole dish or large oval baking dish lightly coat with cooking spray or oil, spread one third of the bean and chicken mixture over the bottom. Top with 4 tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Add another third of the bean and chicken mixture, 4 more tortillas, and 1 cup cheese. Finish with remaining bean and chicken mixture. Cover and bake, 40 mins. Remove lid, add remaining cheese, and bake until bubbly, about 10 mins longer.

Let stand for 5-10 mins. Serve with toppings.

Orange Carrot Frozen Pops

Place 3 cups orange juice (fresh or from concentrate) with 1/2 cup steamed carrots in a blender and blend until mixture is pureed. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze until solid.

I have two ice pop molds that I really like, both found on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-8003Y-Yellow-Groovy-Molds/dp/B000G32H3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296707111&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Ice-Pop-Popsicle-Maker/dp/B0002IBJOG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1296707111&sr=8-2

Honey Vanilla (Almond) Pound Cake

*Barefoot Contessa

2 sticks butter, at cool room temp (left out for about 1 hour)

1 1/4 cup sugar

4 extra-large eggs (mine were not extra large)

2 tbls honey

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon zest (I used 1/2 tsp almond extract because I didn't have lemons)

2 cups sifted cake flour (I used all purpose)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In the bowl of an electric mixer cream butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes, until light. Put eggs, honey, vanilla, lemon zest or almond extract in a measuring cup but do not combine. With the mixer on medium-low speed, add the egg mixture, one egg at a time, scraping down the bowl and allowing each egg to become incorporated before adding the next egg.

Sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Add it all to the batter until just combined. Finish mixing the batter with a rubber spatula and pour it into a loaf pan (roughly 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5) lined with parchment. I love to line my pans with parchment so I can easily lift out the cake when cooled. Smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes, pull out of pan and cool completely.

Tutorial #1

After hours upon hours of watching the FoodNetwork, I believe that I deserve a mini culinary degree focusing on the art of dicing, sauteing and maybe even grilling (although the hubs still likes to think he is the King of that).. So below is our first tutorial which will cover chopping. This is a method that will really make your life easier and will cut down on the slicing and dicing of the fingers.

Chopping an Onion
1. To begin you must have a really sharp knife. Before I chop anything, I use this knife sharpener and then wash off with warm soapy water.

2. Cut the bottom of the onion.













3. Placing the flat side on the cutting board, make another cut right down the middle.















4. Remove the skin.


5. With the large surface placed flatly on the board, make a horizontal slice right in the middle cutting about 3/4 of the way through.






















6. Then starting on one side cut vertically every 1/4 inch all the way to the other side.















7. Then begin chopping the onion which will result in even onion pieces.