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Parm Crusted Potatoes

These potatoes are crispy, delicious and probably my all time favorites to serve alongside a rather simple chicken dinner. It elevates dinner to a new level. Maybe better than fries? Very few ingredients and pretty simple and you’ll look like a pro. And to add another layer of flavor serve them with sour cream — and they make a great hors d’oeuvre but I like them for dinner. BTW you can do the same thing with Cauliflower! All I know is they were delicious and I have made them a few times and play around with ingredients — if you don’t like Italian seasoning use oregano or omit entirely . I used garlic powder but if you prefer it without don’t use that either — just don’t omit the salt!!! Of course you can modify and play around with this recipe any way you like best. But use small potatoes which are available all over.

Enjoy and write me and lmk how much you loved these!

Ingredients:

1 lb. baby potatoes or just small potatoes –baby Yukon gold are perfect for the two of us I used 6 small potatoes and cut in 1/2 which was 12 pieces — you’ll use what you like and modify baking dish to fit the amount of potatoes you’ll be using

1/4 cup butter or 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil — melted butter

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 tsp. at least of kosher salt — we like salty so I add a little more

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

Wash potatoes but leave skin on and cut in 1/2 — spray your baking dish with cooking spray for easy clean up. I prefer a glass baking dish for these little beauties.

In my baking dish I put melted butter ( or olive oil) tilt pan to spread butter or oil all over the bottom of pan. Using a spoon scatter the parmesan cheese and spices. Spread as evenly as possible. It’s tough to spread so do your best just make sure cheese is spread uniformly as you sprinkle it along with spices. Place potatoes cut side down into mixture. If easier you can put cheese and spices in a bowl first and mix then sprinkle over the bottom of the pan

Bake potatoes for about 35-40 minutes until they’re soft and the parm crust is deep golden brown. I like my potatoes very crispy so I baked a little longer but keep an eye on them after 1/2 hour. Let them rest for a few minutes then using a small flipper or even a fork cut through the small layer of palm crust around base of each potato and flip over — after 5 minutes transfer to serving dish and serve alone or with some sour cream.

Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator in an airtight container for a week and re-heat in 400 degree oven for about 5 minutes until cheese is crispy again — not quite the same as freshly made but they’re still pretty darn good.

Enjoy!

My Go-To Super Easy Meatball Recipe

This is my favorite quick meatball recipe — My family was just here and dinner was spaghetti and meatballs — had all the ingredients on hand and I like the “simmer” method the best but oven baked will also work well. If I don’t have any homemade sauce on hand my go-to is Raos Marinara or Arabiata style . If you’re a fan of meatballs and spaghetti and who isn’t ? This is quick and easy and you can freeze them in a freezer container for another time. (up to 3 months) This is what I did using garlic powder and onion powder because didn’t have either one on hand but you can use whatever you have. this would also be great on zucchini noodles.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef — I like to use 80% lean ground beef because it’s not dry — you can sub 1/2 lb. of pork if you’d like

1 large egg – beaten

1/4 cup breadcrumbs — flavored Italian style works well here

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 chopped onion — if no onion use 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic– if no garlic or just want to make it easy use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

if mixture is dry splash in a little bit of milk at a time

I used a small jar of Raos Marinara plus had some leftover sauce — probably 2 cups total if not a bit more it’s not an exact science.

box of spaghetti or macaroni of your choice — shown here is a bucatini spaghetti which is our favorite thick and ropey

*crushed red pepper to serve

*extra parm cheese to serve

Directions:

In a large bowl , combine the meat, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion and garlic, salt and pepper

Don’t over mix just mix enough that all ingredients are integrated

I use a cookie scooper or spoon to scoop the meat mixture and form into small ( 1- 1/2″) balls and place on a plate.

My preferred mode is to bring sauce to a simmer in small sauce pan — I then drop meatballs into simmering sauce and don’t touch for 20 mins on a slow simmer. After 10 minutes you can gently stir if it seems like they’re falling apart leave them alone. I suggest using a cooking spray on bottom of pan so it helps clean up. After 20 minutes I let meatballs sit on hot stove no flame on while I make the pasta ( any kind you like) 1 box is perfect for 4 people. right before adding to the pasta I gently heat up.

If you prefer baking method you can — Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with spray or foil or silpat baking sheets — honestly just spray works fine– Bake uncovered 17-20 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Turn after 10 minutes so they cook evenly. Either method works perfectly and some people don’t like sauce some like parm and butter noodles. It’s up to you, whichever method you use will work.

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My Version of the famous La Scala Salad

La Scala is a restaurant in Beverly Hills, Ca. that is famous for their chopped salad. The ingredients are yummy and so so easy to make. It’s like eating an Italian Hero in salad form and what’s wrong with that?

It is full of delicious ingredients — lettuce, garbanzo beans/chick peas , cheese and salami and the vinaigrette is savory and perfect. It’s an old school recipe from the 50’s that still holds up by today’s standards. The best part of this salad is you can substitute and add whatever you like I always add tomatoes, if you don’t like salami or pepperoni use turkey or chicken, cucumbers would be good, pickles or artichokes instead of garbanzo beans, some banana peppers or olives and of course romaine instead of iceberg or combine the two. I love a good chopped salad and love iceberg as the base just be sure and chop up good so there are pieces in every bite. I like the salad as is but feel free to experiment. It’s basic and very simple and rumor has it that it’s Kim Kardashian’s fav salad but honestly this salad has been around for around 60 years.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Salad:

this is what I used

1 head iceberg lettuce finely chopped

1/4 lb. Italian salami , thinly sliced — julienned or just chop it

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 can chick peas/garbanzo beans ,rinsed and well drained

Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil – EVVO extra virgin olive oil always

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ( around 1/4 tsp.) a few good grinds of the pepper mill

1/4 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano

Directions:

I used a glass measuring cup to make salad dressing because I wasn’t dressing whole salad for the two of us. I have 1/2 the salad left over for tomorrow and was storing dressing and salad . If salad is dressed it will wilt and I don’t like it like that. So I dressed our salad separately . This salad will serve 4 nicely.

Combine the oil, vinegar, mustard , salt and pepper with a small whisk if you have one . Add in the cheese and continue to whisk. If no whisk a fork will do.

Dressing will last a few days in fridge and I will eat the salad again for lunch tomorrow so that’s just perfect!

Quickie version of my Greek Lemon Chicken with potatoes

One of my most favorite go -to meals is my Greek Chicken- Sheetpan style with Potatoes and Lemons but the trick to that recipe is marinating at least 6-8 hours and it needs some planning which is just fine if I make the plan. Yesterday I decided to make this while I was in the supermarket and came home – no marinating and voila — not exactly the same but satisfied the craving for those flavors and didn’t have too marinate.

Easy peasy ingredients and you can adjust the seasonings to your own liking. Again , I prefer thighs to breasts but if you insist just watch your cooking time as the breasts tend to dry out. And this is skin-on bone in thighs.

The potatoes crisped up beautifully and if you’d like you can have some tzatziki sauce on the side for them. I used small Yukon Gold potatoes leaving the skin on– the skin is paper thin and eliminates the need for peeling.

This was just delicious — serve alongside a green salad or any veggie you’d like and you’ll have a most perfect meal.

Ingredients:

For Chicken:

1 package of chicken thighs, skin on bone in — app. 2 lbs

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper and a drizzle of EVOO ( extra virgin olive oil) — for chicken

For Potatoes:

1 1/2 -2 lbs. potatoes I used Yukon Gold small potatoes, wash and cut into 1″ pieces

1 tsp. Kosher Salt

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 lemons– I used 2 small lemons for marinade and I sliced 1 for sheet pan

2 tbsp. dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup water

1 tbsp. heaping dijon mustard

1/4 cup EVOO ( extra virgin olive oil)

*pinch of crushed red pepper — totally optional but we like the kick

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Dry off chicken thighs and drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, set aside

In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, salt, pepper, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, water, dijon mustard, and EVOO , Mix well

Pour potatoes onto a well sprayed ( cooking spray like Pam) sheet pan. Arrange lemon between the potatoes, place chicken thighs on sheet pan — I like to make sure that the chicken is directly on the sheet pan

Bake at 400 degrees for an hour and check on it. I baked for about 1 hour and 15 minutes for perfect crispy skin and perfectly crispy potatoes

Now go and Enjoy this delicious meal!

j

Chili Lime Salmon

This was a delicious refreshing take on salmon, which is in a weekly rotation in this house. Sometimes in the air fryer and sometimes in the oven.

This time out I did it in the oven and it was delicious, moist and tasty. I prefer my salmon just slightly undercooked so I tend to cook for a little less time. If you like it more well done add another minute or two.

The flavors here are amazing all together. I served with rice and roasted peppers and it was perfection. Obviously you can serve it with any sides that you like.

I bought my chili lime seasoning at Trader Joes but you can get in any supermarket.

Ingredients;

2 salmon filets

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

Olive Oil

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

Chili lime seasoning blend

Hot Honey

*lemon or lime wedge

*chili crunch hot honey is delicious as a variation to hot honey I order my chili crunch hot honey from Momofuko and may be available on Amazon

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Directions:

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. I spray my baking sheet with cooking spray for easy clean up. Dry salmon filets with paper towels, Lay salmon skin side down and spread dijon mustard over top of salmon. Add a light drizzle of olive oil (you can also spray with olive oil spray if you’d like) sprinkle salt and pepper over salmon pieces, and sprinkle the chili lime seasoning over the salmon.

Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes depending on how you like your salmon, Remove from the oven and drizzle with some hot honey and squeeze a little lemon or lime juice over the top.

Enjoy!

  • air fryer instructions
  • Pre heat air fryer to 390 degrees and air fry for about 6-8 minutes depending on the thickness of your salmon or until salmon is done to your liking.

White Chicken Chili

This is so my kind of meal once the weather starts to turn a little colder. It’s made with a store bought rotisserie chicken and this chicken chili is all made in one pot on the stove-top. It’s filling and the different peppers add a wonderful mix of flavors to the chili. You’ll need a large dutch oven sort of pot for this and you’ll have some left overs for sure depending on how many people you’re cooking for.

I crumbled some tortilla chips on top of my chili and added a dollop of sour cream which added to the flavor. Cheese is also a wonderful topping here.

Of course if you hate cilantro you can eliminate it and be careful cutting the peppers, the seeds and ribs in the pepper hold all the heat. It’s your call how spicy you’d like it. I like spicy but don’t really use the seeds and I keep it mild and more family-friendly because you never really know how spicy it can get adding the seeds and ribs. I also use rubber or latex gloves while cutting and be careful not to touch your eyes till you’ve completely washed your hands. If I want heat I can add a shot of Chohula to my own.

This chili does thicken considerably as it sits. If you make it ahead of time, you may want to add broth or water depending on how thick you like it.

Leftovers are great and this chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat and you may want to add some broth or water to it as well.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth, divided

2 15 oz. cans white beans (cannellini)–drained and rinsed

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper , seeded and minced

2 medium poblano peppers, seeded and diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ancho chili powder

Kosher Salt to taste

1 Rotisserie chicken, skin removed and shredded

3/4 cup frozen corn

1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice, from one lime

*1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro –we like it a lot but not everyone does I know so just omit it

Optional Toppings:

Sour Cream

Crushed Tortilla Chips

Shredded Pepper Jack or Cheddar Cheese

Lime Wedges

Directions:

Get all ingredients chopped and ready to cook.

In a food processor , blend 1/2 of the beans (1 can) with 1 cup of the chicken broth and set aside with the remaining drained beans

Add the olive oil to a large pot or Dutch Oven and heat it over medium high heat. Add the onions, jalapeño pepper and poblano peppers and cook, stirring frequently until soft about 4-5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so, then add the cumin, coriander and ancho chili powder and continue to cook, stirring frequently for another few minutes. Add the Chicken Broth, pureed beans and app. 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes.

Stir in the shredded chicken, reserved whole can of beans, corn and lime juice; bring back to a simmer and cook until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt . Stir in the chopped cilantro. It will be somewhat soupy still and that’s OK. The longer it sits the thicker it will get. I let it cook for probably an hour or so and If it’s too thick you can add a little water. It’s really a chili so I like it thick but it’s totally up to you how you like it.

No Breading Chicken Parmesan

So delicious and so perfect. I used thin chicken breasts to start , if you’re using thicker ones you’ll have to monitor the timing of them a bit more and you can just use a meat thermometer to do so. This really couldn’t be easier and it was super tasty and is a cheese lovers delight. It’s lightened up from traditional breaded and fried chicken parm. *if you’re chicken breasts are too thick you can pound them with a meat mallet to the desired thickness — this is a very useful tool. Just place chicken cutlet between 2 pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to desired thickness.

If you’re using over 2 lbs I double dry ingredients and egg

Prep and ingredients are super easy .

This recipe is for 4.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 – 2 pounds of thin chicken breasts — you can use thicker ones –read directions above for pounding chicken breasts

1 egg

3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

1/2 tbsp. garlic powder

1/2 tbsp. onion powder

1 Tablespoon Italian Seasonings — It comes in one jar and is available in most spice sections in supermarkets —

pinch kosher salt

1/4 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

and because we like a little extra kick I add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 -1 cup Jarred Marinara or if you have home made that’s good too . I prefer Raos Arabiata or Marinara for jarred sauce.

Shredded Mozzarella — probably 1/2 cup to 1 cup depending on how much cheese you like — I like a good sprinkle of cheese — see pics.

A little olive oil for drizzle in pan before cooking

Directions:

Pre heat oven to 400 degrees

I used a large baking dish and sprayed with cooking spray and drizzled a bit of olive oil to bottom of pan — just a little

Beat egg in a wide enough bowl for dipping chicken

In a second wide bowl combine the parm cheese and spices and mix

Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then the cheese, coating both sides. Place in prepared baking dish.

Bake for 20 minutes — since cutlets are thin this should be fine because you’ll be cooking more with sauce and cheese. If thicker cutlets you may need a bit more time.

Top each piece with sauce and shredded mozzarella. ( you can spread a little sauce in between chicken as well . I served over spaghetti and needed a little more sauce so this was enough. If you want you can heat up extra sauce in a small saucepan for spaghetti. Bake for another 10-20 minutes till chicken is 160 degrees when checked with meat thermometer and cheese is melted and bubbly. I like my cheese just slightly browned so you can turn to broil for a minute or so depending on your broiler but be careful you don’t want to burn the whole thing.

I served over pasta and had enough sauce for us.

That’s it folks — enjoy!

Air Fryer Salmon

I love cooking salmon in the air fryer. It is no small announcement when I tell you that salmon cooked in the air fryer is truly something to brag about. It is seriously tasty and I have to say better than a lot of the salmon I’ve ordered out. If you haven’t tried an air fryer maybe it’s time. I generally hate purchasing another new kitchen appliance especially a rather large one but this one is worth it. If you DO have one you know what I’m talking about. Salmon and Chicken are delicious cooked in the air fryer.

This recipe is very easy and very loose and what I did last night. Served with rice pilaf and a vegetable ( like burnt brussels) or a salad. Perfection!

Ingredients:

2 Salmon Fillets — about 6-8 oz. each

Kosher Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Tablespoon brown sugar or you can use Honey or Hot Honey which is awesome

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1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1/2 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

with paper towels, pat the salmon dry. Sprinkle lightly on top with Salt and Pepper

For easy cleanup I always spray the air fryer with cooking spray

Pre-heat the air fryer to 400 degrees for about 5 minutes -I like this step and find it gives the salmon a little more crisp.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, dijon, oil, soy sauce and garlic powder. Spoon over the top of the salmon.

Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 6-10 minutes depending on thickness of salmon. Around 1″ salmon fillets will take about 8 minutes. Do not over cook or the salmon will be dry. Salmon is done when it registers 145 degrees with and instant read thermometer .I like to remove mine a few degrees early, let it rest, the carryover cooking will finish the job. You can easily check it a few times towards the end to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

I love cold salmon so leftovers are perfect.

Ridiculously easy and delicious!

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Chicken Crust Pizza

This is an alternative low carb and gluten free pizza crust made with ground chicken. It’s high in protein and pretty darn delicious. And a good way to get some protein into your kids.

It’s simple and easy to prepare and you can do whatever toppings you prefer . I made this last night and it cooks up super fast , just a handful of ingredients that I happen to have on hand. I didn’t use toppings but do as you prefer.

Press the ground chicken for a thin and even crust — if it’s too thick you might end up with a soggy middle and nobody wants that. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings, this will allow it to set and hold up better.

I made 1 lb. ground chicken and we ate the whole thing. I suggest doubling up recipe for more but use a larger sheet pan so base of chicken is still thin. After the first bake at 400 degrees turn up the oven to 425 degrees which will help the cheese melt perfectly and gives everything a golden, bubbly finish. Don’t overload with toppings, this crust is sturdy but piling on too many wet ingredients (extra sauce etc) Keep it balanced for the best texture.

I used a cooking spray like Pam so didn’t use parchment paper but you can use parchment paper for easy removal but I had no problem using cooking spray. You’ll need a rimmed baking sheet.

again this is basic recipe 1lb. fed the two of us, double for more but follow directions above.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground chicken — I used 93/7 but use what you like I just figured a little more fat would make it less dry.

app. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

app. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

app. 1 cup marinara sauce — I happen to have Raos Pizza sauce in the house but any sauce will do

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Olive Oil or Olive Oil Spray

*crushed red pepper flakes — which I of course added

*toppings are your call but read what I wrote in heading

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use cooking spray or use aluminum foil and spray that with non stick cooking spray

In a bowl mix the ground chicken with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and seasonings

Scoop the chicken mixture onto the prepared pan and form it into a flat rectangle. I really pressed and try to get it even ( see pic) ends may have been a little thinner which came up very crispy which I liked a lot. I also gave it a very light spray of olive oil this step may or may not have been necessary but I did it. You can also drizzle real EVOO over it — up to you

Bake till golden app. 12-15 minutes

Remove and let it sit for app. 5 minutes and crank oven up to 425 degrees

Top the chicken crust with sauce, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup mozzarella or just use however much cheese you want use my numbers as a guideline, add on your toppings if any season it with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you’d like , some Italian seasoning and you can add a sprinkle of garlic powder as well

Put pizza back in hot oven and bake until melted and bubbly, app. 6-10 minutes depending on your oven

allow to sit for a few minutes before cutting into it

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Shrimp Scampi–Classic

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Finished Product

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Getting Ready to Cook

This is one of my all time favorite recipes and the easiest, quickest to prepare. Buy shrimp from a reputable fish store or Whole Foods type of market and have them clean and de-vein them. My husband Joel is an ex-seafood guy and he always cleans and de-veins the shrimp. It is a collaborative effort in our house.  Once the shrimp and prep is done this recipe takes all of 15 minutes to cook.

Ingredients are simple and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Directions are super simple and so easy to follow, you will look like a “super chef” and impress the pants off of everybody!

This is a wonderful meal for a special occasion or just for yourself! Enjoy and Happy Healthy New Year to all of my subscribers, friends and readers.

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

2 Tablespoons olive oil

4 minced garlic cloves

1/2 cup dry white wine–use whatever you have open as long as it’s not too fruity, if you don’t want to use wine use chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper– about 10-12 turns on the pepper mill

1 1/2 lbs. large or extra large shrimp .shelled– we are big fans of Mexican White Shrimp and I used under 10’s which means there are approximately 10 to a pound.

1/2 cup ( app.) chopped fresh Italian parsley

Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon

*pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Cooked Pasta or Rice — I used brown rice this time around

Directions:

In a large skillet, melt butter along with olive oil. Add garlic and saute until fragrant , app. 2 mins.

Add wine or broth, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper and bring to a simmer.

Let wine reduce by half, app. 3 minutes.

Add shrimp and saute until the shrimp just turn pink, 2-4 mins. on each side depending on their size. Squeeze the lemon over the shrimp, I stirred the shrimp in the sauce one final time and served over brown rice with a sprinkling of parsly.

This shrimp would be delicious served over pasta as well.

Enjoy!