Category Archives: Uncategorized

Butternut Squash with Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup

Posted on October 11, 2020 | 2 comments

It’s Fall and it’s my favorite time to start making soup. This soup came together rather easily because I had all the ingredients in the house and it really is that easy! I even had a little piece of ginger which was exactly what I needed. The potatoes give this a little different flavor than just plain butternut squash soup which is always one of our most favorites (check that one out as well @cookingwithcandi ) .And don’t omit the ginger but if you have to use powdered ginger that’s fine. It def adds the extra layer of flavor. This soup tastes rich and creamy even though there is no butter or cream in it.

*and the perfect thing is that you can get the sweet potatoes and butternut squash pre-cut in 1 lb. containers at Whole Foods and probably most supermarkets

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Canola Oil

1 yellow/white onion chopped

1 Tablespoon fresh minced ginger, I peel the ginger with a peeler and then put into mini food processor to get the right consistency , you can use a zester but easier to use mini processor. Also if no fresh ginger use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.

1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and diced

1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 medium sized Russet Potato, peeled and diced ( you can use Yukon Gold as well)

6 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock and you may need more.

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground or course Black Pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the oil in a heavy pot ( Le Creuset always is my favorite) over medium heat. Add the onions and cook down until tender — probably 6 minutes or so. Add the ginger and stir together for another minute or so. Add the squash, the potato, sweet potatoes, and add the 6 cups of stock . Make sure the stock covers the vegetables and if necessary add more. Bring to a simmer. Add salt to taste. Reduce the heat , cover and simmer for about an hour. You want all ingredients to be tender.

I used an immersion blender but if no immersion blender you can use a regular blender and just be careful handling the hot ingredients. Once you’ve blended the soup taste for Salt and Pepper to taste.

This was delicious as an appetizer for dinner and I ate for lunch the next day and it was super delicious. I froze the extra and if you do that it’s good for about 3 months and you will need to add water or stock once defrosted .

I loved this soup!!!!

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Posted in Uncategorized

Apple Pear Crisp

Posted on October 8, 2020 | 1 comment

It’s Fall and this is the most perfect dessert . Baked with brown sugar and oat topping served warm with vanilla ice cream and it’s perfection on a plate. This is what I did and it really is pretty easy and not very technical for those of you who want to bake a great dessert but don’t want to fuss with cakes and frosting etc. and special equipment. Most perfect!!! Can be made ahead of time and even frozen .

Ingredients:

Fruit Mixture:

3 ripe firm pears peeled, cored and thinly sliced

3 apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced

3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 Tablespoons flour

3/4 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

2/3 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

*Vanilla ice cream for serving — obviously optional but in our house it’s a must

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I spray a 9 – 10 inch deep dish pyrex type of dish or any baking dish you like — set aside

In a large bowl combine pears, apples, orange juice, sugar , flour , cinnamon and vanilla — All the fruit mixture ingredients

Dump all the ingredients into your prepared baking dish.

Make the topping in a separate bowl . Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add in the melted butter and stir until combined, using your clean fingers crumble the mixture over the fruit. You’ll want to press some of it together to form clumps.

Bake for 45-60 minutes until topping is golden brown, and fruit is tender and it is bubbling all around the edges.

Serve warm with ice cream.

*I put into oven when we sat down to dinner and let it cook so it was ready for dessert. Let it sit for awhile to set.

You can also make ahead and then just re-heat for 45 minutes to an hour . I cover with aluminum when re-heating.

Enjoy!!

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

White Bean Chicken Chili

Posted on October 2, 2020 | 2 comments

When you feel that little bit of chill in the air it’s the perfect time for making chili.

Delicious chili recipe made with rotisserie chicken . It’s hearty and healthy and yummy. And did I mention fast? Yes comes together from start to finish in about an hour with a store bought chicken and a few delicious ingredients.

Follow me on Instagram @cookingwithcandi

Ingredients:

2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained

4 cups Chicken Broth, you’ll be using 1 cup with beans and the other 3 cups in the broth

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper. seeded and diced

2 poblano peppers, seeded and diced — if you like it spicy keep some of the seeds

4 minced garlic cloves

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon chili powder

Kosher Salt — app. 1 teaspoon and then more to taste

1 Rotisserie Chicken, skin removed and shredded

1 cup frozen corn

juice of 1 lime plus more to taste

*1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro if you like it

For Serving:

sour cream — crushed tortilla chips–Shredded Cheddar or Pepper Jack or Mexican Blend Cheese

Directions:

In a food processor, blend 1 can of the white beans with 1 cup of the chicken broth. Set aside both the beans and the remaining drained whole beans.

Add the oil to a large pot or Dutch Oven ( Le Creuset) and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onion, jalapeno pepper and poblano peppers and cook, stirring frequently until softened.

Add the garlic and cook down for another minute or so.

Add the cumin, coriander and chili powder and continue to cook stirring frequently .

Add the chicken broth, pureed beans and start with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, and simmer uncovered for about 1/2 hour.

Then stir in the shredded chicken, other can of whole beans ( drained and rinsed) corn and lime juice.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Add in the cilantro if you’re using it.

Broth should be a little soupy. It will thicken as it sits. The longer it sits the thicker it will get.

Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with sour cream , cheese, crushed chips and if you like lime wedges.

*the chili will thicken as it sits or if you freeze or refrigerate. You can thin it out with a little water or broth.

This is also perfect to freeze for 3 months. Re-heat on the stove top until hot and it would also be most perfect with some cornbread or cornbread muffins.

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Chicken Shawarma

Posted on September 29, 2020 | 2 comments

I got this recipe from Pamela Salzman’s cookbook Kitchen Matters. I absolutely loved it. I made the chicken and then proceeded to turn it into a rice bowl. The rice bowl accompaniments can be whatever you like. I use Tzatziki Sauce instead of Tahini white sauce. You can also serve over salad which is quite delicious as well. Greek Salad in particular would be great! Add some delicious pita or Naan bread and it’s perfection! I made a side order of roasted peppers and onions and you can add mushrooms as well. I did this in the oven about an hour before dinner. (cut up peppers and onions add a little olive oil to coat and salt and pepper and 400 degrees for about 45 minutes )Big thumbs up on the peppers and onions in the rice bowl. Feta cheese is a must here! (buy a good one) and pepperoncini in mine! and whatever kind of rice you like.

I cooked on my outside grill but this can be cooked indoors on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes. Or use a grill pan which would probably cook faster — either way it is delicious.

I also highly recommend marinating for as long as possible. I prepared the chicken in the morning and probably marinated for about 7 hours. Minimum of 1 hour and you can do overnight as well. This marinade was very flavorful.

Thanks to www.pamelasalzman.com

Marinade:

1/4 cup good extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice– I used 2 average sized lemons

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon — I used a heaping 1/8 teaspoon

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper– I used a heaping 1/8 here too

Several grinds of freshly ground black pepper –probably 1/4 teaspoon as well

4 minced garlic cloves

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Directions:

prepare the marinade– Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large glass bowl. Add the raw chicken and toss to coat. Marinade in the fridge for as many hours as you can — this was key. Remove the chicken from the fridge about 1/2 hour before cooking.

I cooked on my outside grill for about 7 minutes on each side. I like the outside edges a little crispy and since I don’t have a revolving spit to cook my chicken on so this is as close as I could get.

I sliced up chicken served it in a rice bowl and we each used different accompaniments. The peppers and onions were perfect with it. Highly recommend it and you can buy store bought tzatziki which would be just fine. Would be good with some delicious toasted pita or naan bread.

Chicken Shawarma

2 Comments

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Mushroom Barley (egg noodles)- Side Dish

Posted on September 16, 2020 | 4 comments

this is an old recipe of mine that I’ve played around with and it makes a perfect side dish anytime of the year. not too difficult to make , takes a little playing around but pretty easy . I used Manischewitz egg noodles in a toasted barley shape this time. you can use pearl barley which is available in almost every supermarket out there. i have to say this product worked very well. Not exactly Mushroom and Barley?? but barley shape egg noodles

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 3/4 cup Pearl Barley or any kind you can find ( I used Manischewitz egg noodles in a toasted barley shape) it doesn’t have to be toasted it can just be regular barley shape noodles. I love to use this product , it’s usually found in kosher section.

1 lb. fresh mushrooms sliced

1/2 spanish onion chopped

2 – 3 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

I use a very little bit of vegetable oil ( maybe 1 tablespoon) and saute onions, then mushrooms till cooked down. I salt and pepper generously here. I remove the mushroom/onion mixture from saute pan, wipe the pan clean with a paper towel . melt butter or margarine in pan, brown the barley/noodles for about 4 – 5 minutes, move it around as you brown it. in the meantime transfer mushroom/ onion mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish (spray with pam) when barley/noodles is browned place in dish with mushrooms and onions and mix well. add 2 cups of chicken broth. cover with aluminum foil, and bake in oven covered at 350 degrees for app. 45 minutes. remove from oven, and add a little broth, depending on how dry it is, i would say i added about 1/2 cup , you may need to add more, add the 1/2 cup and mix well and see if you need more, not too watery, keep it dryer. cover, and i put it back in oven for 10 to 15 minutes. taste for salt and pepper. and there it is. very delicious.

4 Comments

Posted in Holiday, Holiday Recipes, sides, Uncategorized, vegetarian

Tagged holiday recipes, jewish food, jewish holiday, mushroom barley side dish, recipes for rosh hashana, Rosh Hashana

Fried Rice with Chicken

Posted on September 12, 2020 | Leave a comment

This recipe has a lot of ingredients but it really is pretty easy to execute. I have to say this just tasted down right delicious and pretty healthy as well. The chicken was yummy along with all the other ingredients. I used 2 pouches of Basmati Rice from Uncle Ben’s ( they’re the 8.5 oz. bags) you can also make your own rice but I opted for the easy route. I like a long grain rice and you can use brown rice if you’d like. The pouches save time and I made a few hours ahead and let it sit out to cool off. Of course you can add any vegetables you like. This really was delicious.

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked rice — like I said I used 2 pouches of Basmati Rice made it a few hours ahead and let it sit in pouch on counter . You’ll want the rice completely cooled off. Leftover rice works well here too. Or use white, long grain or brown rice.

2 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil or peanut oil

2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil

1 cup chopped onions — yellow or white onions

3 green onions, trimmed and sliced into thin rounds

1 cup frozen peas and carrots — I don’t thaw I use straight from freezer

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces — cut up and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sauce:

1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce

1/4 cup Oyster Sauce– if no oyster sauce use soy sauce

2 tsp. garlic/chili paste– worth buying Sambal Delek ground fresh chili paste — available in most supermarkets or specialty stores you can omit if you can’t find but it adds a wonderful layer of flavor

1 1/2 tsp. Sesame Oil

Mix all the ingredients with a whisk or a fork and set aside.

Directions:

In a large non-stick skillet or wok ( spray with cooking spray) add the Sesame Oil and Canola Oil and heat up ( medium high) and cook chicken. Flip chicken around so all sides get cooked evenly. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness of your chicken. When chicken is finished cooking remove with a slotted spoon allowing oil and cooking juices to remain in skillet. Put chicken in a bowl and set aside.

With pan on medium low to high add the peas, carrots, green onions and onions cook for a few minutes, or until vegetables soften , stirring occasionally.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, stirring.

I scrambled eggs in a separate pan but if you’d like to use 1 pan push vegetables aside and add the eggs to the other side and cook to scramble.

Add the chicken and rice mix all ingredients and then add the sauce. I cooked through for another few minutes and didn’t think it needed any additional Salt and Pepper, but everyone has their own taste so taste for S and P. Cook for a few more minutes till chicken is warmed through. Serve it up!

*leftovers will keep for a few days or freeze . Re-heat gently — I think the microwave works best for re-heating.

Sheet Pan Chicken –Meditteranean Style-String Beans and Potatoes

Posted on January 14, 2020 | 1 comment

I love one pan and one pot dinners! Just amazing! This is an easy no-fuss meal cooked in the oven on one sheet with a marinade that has a distinct Meditteranean flavor from the lemon juice, olive oil and oregano. Use chicken thighs or legs , I prefer dark meat for this but if you insist on using white meat –go ahead. Some green beans and potatoes make this a one pan staple. Delicious and Nutritious. Did I mention super easy to clean up? It was the Golden Globes so I wanted to eat and watch without a big mess to clean up. You’ll need a rimmed baking sheet for this recipe.

Enjoy! this is for 2 +people but you can double for 4. It will probably feed 2+ but depends on your people. This is what I did for the 2 of us. We ate the whole thing! no leftovers! If you are making for a larger crowd (4 or more) either use a very large baking sheet or 2 baking sheets .

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. baby red potatoes- I quartered them but if they are very small you can cut in 1/2

1/2 lb. green beans , trimmed

2 Tbsp. olive oil plus for marinade

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, I salt chicken liberally and potatoes because they tend to be bland –see notes below on salt and pepper

*2 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Parsley – totally optional along with some slices of fresh lemon for beautiful presentation

Marinade for the Chicken- Marinate for about an hour

app. 1 package of chicken thighs– bone in , skin on . When I say 1 package it is usually a little under 2 lbs ( 6 smallish thighs) which is more than enough for 2 people. Usually about 6 chicken thighs in a package depending on the size of thighs.

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon- I used juicer because I wanted to make sure I got every drop

1 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar

1 Tbsp. dried oregano

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper , to taste–I used 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and about 10 grinds on the pepper mill for the marinade

In a large Ziploc Bag, combine chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and oregano; season with app. 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds (10-12) of freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Marinate for at least an hour, turning the bag occasionally. Remove the chicken from the marinade by draining it, discard the excess marinade.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a large size baking sheet with cooking spray.

Place potatoes and green beans in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Top with chicken in a single layer. Salt is an important component here–I sprinkled a light amount over chicken and potatoes and string beans –probably another 1/2 teaspoon and a few grinds of the pepper mill

Place into the oven and roast until the chicken is completely cooked through, should register 165 degrees with a meat thermometer after about 1/2 hour . After I check for readiness I place under the broiler for a few minutes, till skin is golden brown and a little charred ( but not too charred) watch chicken for signs of burning.

Serve immediately, you can garnish with lemon slices and parsley for a beautiful presentation!

Enjoy

1 Comment

Posted in one pot meals, Sheet Pan Meals, Uncategorized

Tagged sheet pan meals;chicken on a sheet pan;chicken meditteranean style;chicken thighs with veggies and potatoes

Mushroom Barley (egg noodles)- Side Dish

Posted on September 25, 2019 | Leave a comment

This is an old recipe of mine that I’ve played around with and it makes a perfect side dish anytime of the year. not too difficult to make , takes a little playing around but pretty easy . I used Manischewitz egg noodles in a toasted barley shape this time. you can use pearl barley which is available in almost every supermarket out there. i have to say this product worked very well. Not exactly Mushroom and Barley?? but barley shape egg noodles