Monday, November 24, 2008

bacon mushroom cheeseburgers: indoor and to die for!


i promise you can make a delicious hamburger in a skillet! these cheeseburgers are layered in flavor and are a great once-in-a-great-while treat (ok, they're not lowfat. sorry.) this recipe is another that is more about technique than ingredients. perfect with old-fashioned steak fries for fake-out-take-out night!

bacon mushroom cheeseburgers
rachelle's recipe

1 pound ground beef
8 mushrooms, sliced
8 slices bacon
4 hamburger buns
4 slices swiss or cheddar cheese
lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, mayo, ketchup

plop hamburger in a bowl and add 2 Tablespoons water, a few shakes minced onion, lots of salt and pepper, worcestershire sauce, A1 or whatever else you like to season the beef (i like Magi, water, salt, pepper, minced onion and a bit of beef bouillon.) gently mix with hands and shape into four flat-ish patties. (they get fatter and shrink in when cooking.)

heat skillet and fry bacon. remove bacon from pan and add mushrooms. cook for a few minutes until done. remove the mushrooms from the skillet with a slotted spoon. add a Tbsp. butter into hot pan. if you have a 10 or 12 inch skillet, you can fry all 4 patties at once. for an 8 inch, fry two at a time. cook patties 8 minutes per side, or to 160 degrees. place the bacon, mushrooms and cheese on the hamburgers for the last 2 minutes of cooking. remove patties from skillet and preheat broiler.

rub hamburger buns in the drippings of the skillet. place hamburgers on the bottom buns, leaving the tops open. broil until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown. layer favorite toppings and smash down to eat~ it's a big bite!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream


my favorite restaurant dessert of all time. (and it's easy enough for a weeknight dessert, fancy enough for a party!) i think you may love me after this.

banana spring rolls over coconut ice cream
an original recipe by rachelle, inspired by pf changs

ripe bananas
egg roll wrappers
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon chinese five spice mix*
oil for frying

coconut pineapple ice cream (buy haagen dazs in the US, holanda in MX)
caramel sauce
strawberries or raspberries
mint, for garnish

preheat two inches of oil to 350 degrees in a saucepan. set two small bowls side by side, one with a scoop of brown or white sugar mixed with the five spice, one with water. separate the egg roll wrappers you are going to use, one per half banana. (you should be able to see your fingers through the dough. even when i think i only have one wrapper, if i look closely there are usually two doubled up. make sure you only have one wrapper.)
cut banana in half crosswise. coat banana in sugar and place in the wrapper. spread water all over the edges of the dough and roll it up like a burrito, sealing the ends by folding and pushing the dough together with your fingers. if a halved banana is too long, trim the edges to fit the dough. prepare all the banana pieces before frying. fry one or two at a time, carefully turning to brown evenly on all sides. remove from oil and slice rolls in half. serve warm over pineapple-coconut ice cream, with berries and a drizzle of caramel.

*chinese five spice is made of: cinnamon, anise, ginger and cloves. if you don't have it, shake into the sugar a tiny amount of those spices instead. a. tiny. amount.

**variation: layer chocolate chips or shredded coconut underneath banana before rolling.

for a party, i would plate this dessert like the restaurant:


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes


you're going to have to trust me that these fish tacos are dinner worthy. i love to make all-from-scratch beer battered fish tacos with fresh cod, but these quick fish tacos are almost as good and just perfect for a last minute weeknight dinner. when faced with a dinner deadline and no options, turn to these quick fish tacos. the yummy homemade tartar sauce brightens and really flavors these fish tacos, and it can be made with a handful of ingredients and the help of the nearest 4 year old. this recipe is made quick and easy by using frozen fish sticks from the freezer. this meal comes together in the 13 minutes it takes the fish sticks to bake! frozen breaded shrimp also make yummy tacos this way.

quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce
an original recipe by rachelle

12 fish sticks
12 corn tortillas
1 recipe homemade tartar sauce
shredded cabbage or lettuce
limes

preheat oven and start chopping cabbage or lettuce and halving limes. warm tortillas in a plug-in veggie steamer, with a wet paper towel wrapped around them in the microwave, or in hot oil. (go here for details on making harder taco shells with oil, but these are best with a steamed tortilla.)
put fish sticks in the oven and mix up the tartar sauce. serve tacos in shells with a layer of shredded cabbage or lettuce, a piece of fish, a big drizzle of sauce and a squeeze of lime.

homemade tartar sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet relish
2 Tablespoons ketchup (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

mix well.
any leftovers make a great spread for sandwiches.

*use a high quality fish stick for the best tacos. costco carries some made from whole alaskan pollock fillets that i like to use.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

fashionably foodie recipe index

beautiful breads
puffy pita pockets
country french toast shapes
quick plain muffins (and variations)
foolproof whole wheat bread
foolproof whole wheat hamburger buns
rosemary foccacia
perfect plain pancakes
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla frosting dip
lazy whole wheat pizza dough
raspberry white chocolate muffins
the ultimate homemade fabulous pizza dough
pumpkin dinner rolls
italian cheese bread
sweet buttermilk cornbread & whipped honey butter
homemade tortillas
sweet dinner rolls
rita's famous meat rolls
cinnabontastics- best cinnamon rolls ever

beautiful breakfasts
quick and dirty green chile scrambled eggs
german peach pancakes with warm peach butter sauce
apple pie oatmeal
coconut cookie oatmeal
country french toast shapes
quick plain muffins (and variations)
raspberry white chocolate muffins
tricia's apple pancakes with warm apple syrup
yummo granola
crepes and cream with berries
breakfast burritos
fresh peach pancake topping
warm peach butter sauce

pineapple papaya smoothie
whole wheat food storage pancakes
jamcakes

hot oatmeal breakfast drink (atole) 

cinnabontastics- best cinnamon rolls ever


canning chic
how to bottle peaches: the easy way!
how to bottle tomatoes
homemade jalepenos
quick tip: flash freezing
presidential apricot jam
classic cherry pie filling


cheap eats
tostadas
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
slushies and diet slushies
apple pie oatmeal
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos
quick plain muffins and variations
old-fashioned steak fries
yummo granola
single skillet baked ziti
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
easy taco salad (frito pie)
italian cheese bread

crock pot dumps
creamy chicken italiana
green chile gravy beef burritos
perfect sunday roast
barbecue beef sammies
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
chicken taquitos and crock pot taquito chicken
tortilla soup-er easy
how-to-beans.
easy taco salad (frito pie)


fab food storage




fab main dishes: beans
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
easy taco salad (frito pie)

fab main dishes: beef

quick tip steak: butter me up!
easy taco salad (frito pie)
rita's famous meat rolls
 cafe-rio-ish shredded chicken salad
chicken taquitos and crock pot taquito chicken

 fab main dishes: chicken
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
creamy chicken italiana
blackened chicken
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
gourmet barbecue chicken pizza with caramelized onions and bacon
blackened chicken pasta
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
asian chicken lettuce wraps

fab main dishes: fish
blackened salmon
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa pineapple mango vinaigrette and cinnamon sugar croutons

how-to tuna sandwich
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
fresh tomato marinara
tortilla soup-er easy
fiesta wraps: black bean and rice wraps
lazy whole wheat pizza dough
martha's tomato soup
how-to refried beans and bean burritos
how-to homemade beans
single skillet baked ziti
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette

fab main dishes

carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
chicken taquitos and crock pot taquito chicken
green chile gravy beef burritos
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos

fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
taco tacos with seasoned taco beef and homemade taco shells
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
easy taco salad (frito pie)
fresh homemade pasta
single skillet baked ziti
creamy chicken italiana
blackened chicken pasta
meatballs
fresh tomato marinara sauce

fab main dishes: pork

cafe-rio-ish sweet pork salads
dinner in a pumpkin: creamy sausage stroganoff with broccoli, carrot and apple
meatballs

fab main dishes: salads

cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinaigrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
easy taco salad (frito pie)


fab main dishes: soups
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
martha's tomato soup
win-the-cookoff chili
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust

best ever oven beef stew 
easy bistro asparagus soup

fab sides: other

caramelized sweet grilled pineapple
refried beans

fab sides: salads

sundance salad with candied pecans and vinaigrette
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad

fab sides: veggies

batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
old-fashioned steak fries

fake-out take-out

blackened salmon
win-the-cookoff chili
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
old-fashioned steak friescafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinaigrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
carrot jalapeno soup
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
rosemary foccacia
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla frosting dip
crepes and cream with berries
raspberry white chocolate muffins
tricia's apple pancakes with warm apple syrup
yummo granola
gourmet barbecue chicken pizza with caramelized onions and bacon
blackened chicken pasta
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
caramelized sweet grilled pineapple
fresh tomato marinara
quick tip steak: butter me up!
sundance salad with candied pecans and vinaigrette
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice creamasian chicken lettuce wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
pineapple sorbet and macademia nut brittle blackened chicken-blackened salmon
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
gourmet barbecue chicken pizza with caramelized onions and bacon
blackened chicken pasta
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
pumpkin dinner rolls
pumpkin pie shakes
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
dinner in a pumpkin: creamy sausage stroganoff with broccoli, carrot and apple
cinnamon ice cream
tostadascarrot jalepeno soup
apple pie oatmeal
meatballs
how-to refried beans and bean burritos
fresh tomato marinara sauce
taco tacos with homemade taco shells and seasoned taco beef

homemade cookie dough ice cream
how-to beanscountry french toast shapes
chicken taquitos and taquito crock pot chickenfabulous fideo with marinated steak
the ultimate homemade fabulous pizza dough and 20 bring-home-the-pizzeria tips
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice creamasian chicken lettuce wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
hot oatmeal breakfast drink (atole) 

easy bistro asparagus soup

fashionably holiday
pumpkin pie shakes
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
pumpkin dinner rollsdinner in a pumpkin: creamy sausage stroganoff with broccoli, carrot and apple
cinnamon ice cream
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad

cran-raspberry butter
primo apps

quick tips
flash freezing
quick tip steak: butter me up!
quick and gentle defrosting
freezing cookie dough: instant hot cookies! italian cheese bread
fun freckled banana smoothies

snacky snacks

so easy
tortilla soup-er easy
quick and dirty green chile scrambled eggs
german peach pancakes with warm peach butter sauce
apple pie oatmeal
perfect peach cobbler
martha's tomato soup
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
taco tacos with seasoned taco beef and homemade taco shells
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
perfect sunday roast
quick plain muffins (and variations)
barbecue beef sammies
old-fashioned steak fries
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
single skillet baked ziti
scotcheroos
breakfast burritos
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce

fiesta black bean and rice wraps
perfect plain pancakes
hot potato: dinner in 5cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
easy taco salad (frito pie)
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad
sweet buttermilk cornbread & whipped honey butter
hot oatmeal breakfast drink (atole)
fun freckled banana smoothies 

quick fruit & yogurt salad 

easy bistro asparagus soup

so quick
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
tortilla soup-er easy
single skillet baked ziti
apple pie oatmeal
coconut cookie oatmeal
breakfast burritos
country french toast shapes
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
fiesta black bean and rice wraps
perfect plain pancakes
hot potato: dinner in 5
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinagrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
how to tuna sandwich
martha's tomato soupcream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
hot oatmeal breakfast drink (atole)
fun freckled banana smoothies
quick fruit &yogurt salad 

easy bistro asparagus soup

super sauces
spicy steak marinade
blender guacamole
cocktail sauce
pineapple mango vinagrette
sundried tomato sandwich sauce
homemade honey mustard dressing
tropical fruit salsa
warm peach butter sauce
warm apple syrup
fresh peach pancake topping
creamy tomatillo ranch dressing
pico de gallo

fresh tomato marinara sauce
vanilla frosting dip
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tipshoney mustard dressing
cinnamon butter
alfredo sauce
homemade tartar sauce
whipped honey butter
tomato vinaigrette
cran-raspberry butter

what's for lunch?
tostadas
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
puffy pita pockets
bean burritos
fiesta wrapshealthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
how-to-beans.
barbecue beef sammies
blender guacamole
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
how to tuna sandwich
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
martha's tomato soup
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
old-fashioned steak fries
chile cucumber crab sesame salad
green chile gravy beef burritos
hot potato: dinner in 5cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
asian chicken lettuce wraps




yum desserts: all
gooey butter cakes
scotcheroos
granny lanny's famous ginger crinkles
holiday sugar cookies and frosting
key lime pie
coconut cream pie. easy.
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
perfect peach cobbler
homemade blueberry cheesecake ice cream
mint chocolate chip ice cream
homemade cookie dough ice cream
cinnamon ice cream
homemade cherry garcia ice cream
pineapple sorbet with macadamia nut brittle
pink love popsicles (kool aid popsicles)
slushies and diet slushies
yogo berry pops
pudding pops
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla cream frosting dip
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
key lime pie
coconut cream pie. easy.
perfect peach cobbler
apple crisp. the one you've been searching for.pumpkin pie shakes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream
easy fresh strawberry pie
pumpkin pie shakes

yum desserts: other


Wednesday, November 5, 2008

blackened chicken pasta


talk about restaurant fab at home. this pasta is dangerously delish. it is a basic creamy alfredo, kicked up with some spice and some garlic, and sliced spicy blackened chicken served over the top. make it extra special with homemade pasta, and be sure to serve it with a crisp veggie salad and breadsticks or garlic knots.

blackened chicken pasta
an original recipe by rachelle

blackened chicken, cooked, sliced
1 lb. fresh or dry fettucine
creamy garlic alfredo sauce
fresh or dry parsley, for garnish
fresh parmesan, grated, for garnish

drop pasta in boiling water and cook until tender (fresh, 3 mins, dry 10 ish.) toss drained pasta with alfredo sauce. place sliced blackened chicken over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan.

creamy garlic alfredo sauce

1/4 cup butter
1 Tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh parmesan, grated
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. use a whisk and stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds. add milk and garlic. bring to a boil (barely, just at the edges of the pan,) and stir in parmesan. whisk until melted. sauce will thicken as it cools. reheat to improve the texture, adding a couple Tablespooons of milk as needed to thin sauce.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

fresh homemade pasta


making fresh pasta is not as complicated as it may seem. it is an extra step, but it makes a simple pasta dinner really extravagant. fresh pasta has a great texture and is light and just melts on your tongue. it is a wonderful treat!

i started making fresh pasta regularly three years ago after my husband gave me the most desired gifts on my birthday wish list: a pasta machine and drying rack. but. in an effort to provide equal opportunity food, i have spent the last couple of weeks trying out different pasta methods. i made it with and without mixers, pasta machines, drying racks and without, using everyday all-purpose and specialty semolina flours. my conclusive results: all delish. if you're ready to commit to heavy machinery, a pasta maker (and a drying rack!) is wonderful. it makes thin, uniform noodles. if you don't have the space, money or desire, roll it out by hand. it's easy and worth it.

fresh homemade pasta

rachelle's recipe

2 cups (semolina or all purpose) flour*
4 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon oil

combine ingredients in bowl of a kitchenaid with a paddle attachment, or a bosch with dough hook. mix. if dough seems dry, add more oil, a teaspoon at a time, until dough is smooth. if dough is wet, add flour, a teaspoon at a time, until dough is smooth. mix for 10 minutes. dough will be smooth. wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

to roll with a machine: start on the largest setting and roll a 1/2 inch slice of dough through. pass through settings until you reach a 3 or 4. cut pasta into desired shape and dry on rack or a cookie sheet for 10-20 minutes. cook in salted boiling water for 2-4 minutes, drain and serve.

to roll by hand: flour a clean work surface. with a rolling pin, vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle; apply even pressure. As it stretches, roll constantly. do not bear down, or it will tear. roll for several minutes, until dough is as thin as possible, almost translucent. (it will get bigger when you cook it.) If it shrinks back as you roll, cover with a towel, and let rest 10 minutes before you resume rolling. cut with a sharp knife into thin strips for fettuccine. drape on a drying rack or on a cookie sheet and let pasta dry for 10-20 minutes. cook in salted boiling water for 2-4 minutes, drain and serve.

* semolina flour can be found at specialty food shops and health food stores. it makes a lighter pasta. all purpose flour substitutes well if semolina is hard to find.
** dried pasta will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days before cooking.

Monday, November 3, 2008

blackened salmon-blackened chicken



this recipe is really versatile. it is easy, really really delish, and dinner-guest-impressive. you can serve it over fettuccine and alfredo sauce; as a sandwich with a creamy mayo and mango chutney; in a po boy sandwich with shredded coleslaw; as a main dish salad over deep greens with fruit salsa; over a caesar salad as a main dish; or serve it over rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes. i promise it is ea-sy.

blackened salmon or blackened chicken
an original recipe by rachelle

4 Tablespoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup butter

4 salmon fillets, room temperature
or 4 tilapia fillets, room temperature
or 4 chicken breasts, pounded evenly, room temperature

Mix dry spices on a plate. In a skillet, melt butter and oil over medium-high heat. Pour off 1 Tablespoon of butter into a shallow pan. Turn on your oven vent and crank the heat to high. (work with your range, some gas ranges would be way too hot on high, work on med-high.) Pat fillets or breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet or breast lightly into melted butter and dip into the dry ingredients, patting the spices on by hand. Cook fish/chicken in skillet, 3-4 minutes per side, careful when turning. Fish/Chicken will look charred black and you may get smoke- hence the name!