Creamy Butternut Squash Soup (no cream)

Posted on March 25, 2020 | Leave a comment

This is by far one of my most favorite recipes ever! Super Easy and Super Delicious and did I mention Super Easy? I realize in these trying times we all can’t get to the supermarket or corner fruit stand but if you can manage to get some cut up butternut squash I highly recommend making this recipe. I use an immersion stick blender but a regular blender will do done in batches and please wait for soup to cool off before blending.

I’ve simplified the recipe along the way so that now it is just the way Joel and I like it. it’s pretty easy as long as you buy the squash pre – cut (available in every supermarket, and corner produce store). I always add a little butter to it, but you can totally leave it out. It tastes so creamy you’ll swear there’s cream in it, but really, there is none.  I love a little freshly grated nutmeg in it too, but you can certainly just sprinkle in a very little bit of already grated nutmeg.

*our daughter Kerri is a vegetarian and when making it for her family I swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth

*This can be made without cream so easily–but if you want a touch of richness you can add a little heavy cream into soup and mix in before serving. Totally not necessary but just saying.

And clearly this recipe can be cut in 1/2 for a smaller group but I always make more and freeze it. Upon defrosting you may want to add a little more broth and if you don’t have broth a little water won’t hurt it.

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Ingredients:

4 pkgs. (approx. 4 lbs.) butternut squash (it’s doesn’t have to be exact)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large spanish onion, chopped

8 – 10 cups chicken or vegetable broth–you may need more –I add sometimes before I blend

*1 -2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for this serving size, I use 2 but it’s totally optional)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

*use whole nutmeg – you just grate a little in for flavor. I always tend to use whole, but grated will do. It’s just a touch of it–if I had to guess, I’d say 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon depending on your taste

*if you really want to top it off with a touch of cream you can . Just add a little heavy cream to the soup and blend it right in at the end. Honestly it’s not necessary but it def adds a a layer of richness!

Directions:

In a heavy Le Creuset (or any other ample size large pot), I heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and butter . When oil is heated, put in onion and about 1/2 tablespoon of kosher salt. Sweat out the onions until they are translucent (approx. 5 – 8 minutes).  I then add all of the butternut squash and mix the onions, oil and butter as best I can all over the squash. Next, add enough broth to cover the squash (I used approx. 10 cups of chicken broth to cover). I keep the remaining half a box of broth in case I need it later. Return to a low boil, then bring to a simmer. I let it cook a very long time–at least an hour until soft–and then I turn off the heat and let it sit for a while. I like to make it early and let it sit for as long as possible, because the squash gets very soft. Then right before I am about to serve, I use an immersion blender and blend it into a beautiful smooth soup .  If you need more broth add it as you blend. This is also your salt, pepper and nutmeg moment. Season to taste and blend just until smooth. I leave it in the pot until I need it and then gently warm it up. This soup will keep in the fridge for a few days. It can be frozen as well. Upon defrosting you may need to add more broth. Sometimes I serve this soup with beautiful croutons if I can find them in specialty stores, but it is delicious and beautiful on its own, and very good for you! My family loves it , and I hope yours does too.

*should serve 10 – 12 as appetizer

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Good Old Roast Chicken

Posted on March 23, 2020 | Leave a comment

 

Roast Chicken is one of the most comforting meals I know. I love it with some roasted onions, fennel and carrots. Last night I made it but had no fennel and it was just perfection. Hit the spot as they say. Every time I roast a chicken I do it a little differently. I didn’t have thyme in the house either so I just left it out. Salt is key — you want to make sure it’s well salted –un-salted chicken tastes pretty bland. I almost never ever add salt at the table.
As a young cook, one of the most intimidating things to make for dinner was a roast chicken. It should be simple but somehow it seems complicated–tying up the legs, stuffing the cavity, etc. It took me many years to feel confident about the bird thing. The carving alone could set you over the edge. I conquered my fear and while I’m not the best carver in the world I make do and figure it out. The key to carving is letting the bird sit for at least 10 minutes. This seals in the juices and makes carving just a bit simpler. I can’t really help with the carving (you can go online and get a tutorial). I go by feel. I used to take a 5 lb chicken and hack it up so badly, but after a few attempts, I sort of figured it out and I’m sure you will too. I use an organic chicken, which you can get in any supermarket now. I just prefer it. Kosher is also very good here. Also, always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.  This little tip goes a long way to a delicious chicken. I will keep a chicken frozen and take it out the night before to defrost and then the next day put it in the fridge to finish defrosting. It’s such a homey meal to make and your house will smell divine.

You may need to make this a few times to perfect it. Practice makes perfect. I always say if it’s a new recipe don’t make it for company .  The time to practice is on yourself or your family . I try to never make a new recipe for guests it’s too stressful and why do that when I have so many tried and true recipes that I can count on. Just saying….

INGREDIENTS:

1 whole roasting chicken (5 to 6 lbs; I prefer organic or kosher)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and sweet paprika–

1 small lemon, cut in half

1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise–paper and all —

Olive oil (I use about 2 tablespoons which I put in a ramekin to brush the chicken) you may use a little bit more or less . You also need a bit for the pan veggies.

1 large yellow onion, cut thickly

4 carrots, I cut them into threes

*1 bulb fennel, tops and sprigs removed and cut into wedges or slices–I love fennel but if you don’t use it it’s OK. The onions and vegetables are still delicious.

*fresh thyme –I stuff almost the whole package into the chicken cavity. I leave out a few sprigs to sprinkle over the vegetables.

*optional but add flavor and you can use rosemary if you prefer to thyme

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. You will need a roasting pan with sides deep enough to roast chicken with gravy.

Remove the chicken giblets inside of cavity of chicken. ( I don’t use them so I toss them.) Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers, and pat the outside of chicken dry; this is most important. I use a bunch of paper towels to do this, just wrap up chicken and let it dry while I am prepping everything else. I peel and cut up carrots, slice the onion thickly, cut up the fennel bulb, and put aside. Next, take chicken, and put some kosher salt and freshly ground pepper inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the 2 halves of lemon (that’s why I use a small lemon) and stuff in all the garlic with skin and all. If you have the thyme, stuff this inside as well leaving out a few sprigs for veggies. Put carrots , onions, fennel into a large roasting pan. I place the chicken on top of some of the onions, scattering veggies around the chicken. Brush (silicone or pastry brush) the outside of the chicken with the olive oil all over chicken, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I am fairly generous here with the salt and pepper, but don’t go overboard. Tie the legs together with poultry twine, and tuck the wings underneath the body of the chicken. (Don’t sweat the tucking, the wing tips might get a little burnt if they are sticking out.) Put a little olive oil over veggies (a very little) and using a spoon, mix around. If you are using the thyme, scatter the remaining sprigs around the veggies. I sprinkle a very little bit of salt and pepper on the veggies as well. Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours (check on it after the first 45 minutes). When you check on chicken use either a baster or a large spoon and pour some of the pan juices over the chicken. Also add a little water or chicken broth to the roasting pan just to make a little more gravy, maybe 1/2-1 cup and more if you need it.  If during the cooking process the liquid dries up just add some more water , just don’t let the pan dry out. The chicken is done when you cut between a leg and a thigh and the juices run clear or a meat thermometer reads between 165 and 175 degrees into the leg.  I then remove the chicken, leaving the vegetables in the oven for another 10 minutes or so. I place the chicken on a plate and let it rest for at least 10 minutes (20 is perfect) with aluminum foil. I slice the 2 breasts into pieces and remove the 2 drumsticks and thighs. I then take out the veggies, and serve with the chicken, and a little gravy from the pan juices.

*internal temperature when a chicken is done should be at least 165 degrees. I usually cook till 175 degrees. I also allow to sit for easier carving and chicken will actually continue to cook, and so temperature will go up. I tent in aluminum foil while it is resting so it doesn’t get too cool but you can just let it sit there.

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Chicken Cacciatore

Posted on March 22, 2020 | Leave a comment

Chicken Cacciatore 011We’re all looking for some comfort these days so I am going through my blog for the most comforting recipes I can find.  Cooking every night is definitely a challenge but we don’t have much choice these days. So I figure we make lemonade at least when we’re in the mood to drink lemonade. It’scertainly not a fun time and the news is terrifying  When we sit down for dinner (just the two of us) it’s a little respite from the world. It always has been but now more than ever.

Please stay safe and be smart.

My daughter Jennifer turned me on to this delicious and I do mean delicious recipe. Original recipe from Giada de Laurentis . I took a few liberties with it and it turned out just perfectly. I only used 4 thighs and 2 breasts with skin on and bone in, if you’re not comfortable with the skin I would take out skin but leave the bone in.  I am certain that  there is enough sauce for at least 1 more thigh and 1 more breast , there was more than enough sauce.  I served over brown rice and it was just perfect. . I used my Le Creuset pot and it was a one pot meal. Thanks to Jenn for pointing it out to me, this one is a keeper.

Ingredients:

4 – 6 chicken thighs with skin on and bone in

2 -3 chicken breasts skin on and bone in

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 box ( 8 oz.) of Mushrooms, I used sliced Cremini ( Baby Bella)

3 tablespoons of Olive Oil

all-purpose flour for dredging

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup white wine

1 28 oz. can of diced Tomatoes with juice

3/4 cup chicken broth

1  1/2 teaspoons of dry oregano

Directions:

First thing I do is dry all the chicken pieces on paper towels, this will help hold the salt and pepper and make a crackly crust. Sprinkle dried chicken pieces with Salt and Pepper generously. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour to coat lightly. In a large heavy pot ( I used my Le Creuset) heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and saute till just golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. If all the chicken doesn’t fit , do it in 2 batches, I did thighs and then I did breasts. Transfer the chicken to a plate with tongs and set aside. Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic to the same pan and saute over medium heat until the onion is translucent and pepper is soft, about 8 minutes. Then add in mushrooms  season with salt and pepper and cook for another five minutes.  Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 4 minutes.  Add the tomatoes with their juice, broth, and oregano.  Then return the chicken to the pot and turn chicken pieces to coat in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Continue to simmer over low-medium heat until the chicken is just cooked through, at least 30 minutes, I cooked for 40, and chicken was perfect.

Using tongs, transfer the chicken to plates. If you’d like you can boil the sauce without the chicken till it thickens, my sauce was perfectly thick. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve.

Chicken Cacciatore 009Chicken Cacciatore 010

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Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

Posted on March 17, 2020 | 1 comment

Last night I made these absolutely delicious potatoes. We were eating the chicken from the other night and I had to spice up the leftovers. I made these potatoes and our favorite roasted brussels . Seriously these potatoes were kind of perfect. They hit the spot and after all what more can we get so excited about these days? Try them — the’re delicious. Instead of fairly boring baked potatoes I did this. I had all ingredients in the house including a bag of potatoes that I bought. The Parmesan is what makes it for sure but the paprika doesn’t hurt any either.

*Just a note I halved this recipe for the two of us.

Ingredients:

4 Large Yukon Gold Potatoes or any Potato really–diced into 1/2″ cubes

4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

3 Teaspoons Paprika

3 Teaspoons garlic powder

1 – 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt — I probably used 1 on the 2 Potatoes

3/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground black pepper

4 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese for the win

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Baking sheet should be large enough to hold potatoes without crowding. (see photo)

I placed the cubed potatoes in a large bowl and tossed with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, parmesan, kosher salt and pepper. I toss till the seasonings are evenly combined and that’s why I do it first in a bowl. I always do this even with my vegetables before roasting.

Pour out onto baking sheet.

Transfer the potatoes into pre-heated oven and bake for 20 minutes and then remove from the oven and toss the potatoes as best you can with tongs or spatula. Don’t worry about this if you don’t get every one. Put back in the oven and cook for another 20 minutes. I then tossed them one more time and placed back in the oven for another 10 minutes or so until they were golden crispy. All ovens vary. Total cook time anywhere between 50 and 60 minutes.

Remove from oven and my potatoes needed no extra salt or seasonings –they were perfection on a plate!

 

 

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Pantry Staples

Posted on March 16, 2020 | 2 comments

A well stocked pantry can provide us all with a sense of safety and control which is much needed at the moment. Upon entering the supermarket I was filled with so much anxiety to make sure that I bought the right thing that would not only last more than a few days but help to make meals. Always the question What to buy? I am cooking almost every night now and eating left overs on the second day and I change up my left overs by adding different side dishes.

*** just so you know after seeing my pantry in these photos I am spending some time today cleaning it up and straightening it out– I will post the cleaned up version

Canned Goods–always canned tomatoes for sauces and soups, whole tomatoes. diced tomatoes, etc. corn, beans etc.

Pasta of any kind — some long spaghetti and some short macaroni is always good

Rice of all kinds — especially those Uncle Ben’s 90 second bags– perfect

Stocks and Broths— boxed broths are perfect for stews and soups

Beans— the canned kind and dried beans , canned are more convenient but since we all have lots of time on our hands the dried beans definitely taste better

Cured Meats keep long but I am not a big processed meat person but Bacon is most perfect at these times

Eggs— not only are they a meal in themselves but a perfect addition to anything baked

Frozen Fruits and Veggies— I love fresh as much as the next one but I almost always keep frozen corn, artichokes, kale, spinach and peas on hand. And if you love smoothies frozen berries, peach, mango and cherries are great to have on hand– of course I am still picking up fresh but trying real hard to stay out of the supermarkets as much as possible

Canned Fish— Tuna, Anchovies, Sardines and Salmon — Tuna being our go-to

Peanut Butter or any Nut Butter will last long and great on fruit, sandwiches etc. Not to mention my fav snack–apples with peanut butter

Parmesan and Hard Cheese— These should last a very long time in the fridge which is what we all want right now

Olive Oil, Lemons, and Vinegar — necessary for cooking I also like to have a mayonnaise on hand and dijon mustard for quick salad dressings. My go to vinegars are Apple Cider, Champagne , Balsamic and Red Wine Vinegar

Nuts and Dried Fruit— perfect for snacking and will last for a very long time

Flour and Sugar— If you intend on baking

Butter— I always keep a box in the freezer so I never run out

Garlic, Onions and Shallots

Root Vegetables— think Potatoes here, beets, carrots , parsnips, turnips and radishes

Spices — always

and I’m adding Ice Cream because we all need a little indulgence in these troubled times– I like Ben and Jerry’s and I always have pops of some sort in my freezer

 

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Greek Chicken–Sheet Pan Style with Potatoes and Lemons

Posted on March 15, 2020 | 1 comment

These are strange times we’re living in my friends and followers and a home-cooked meal is something we can be in control of and feel so very good about serving to our family. It’s good to be in control of the ingredients we use and know what you’re eating and who handled it. Stock up the pantry and the freezer as best you can and start cooking.  Stay healthy and be smart and safe.

This recipe kept coming my way through a friend and for some reason I hadn’t made it till the other night. Let me just say that it worth the wait. It was so delicious and it’s one of those recipes I will definitely make again and again. Thank you Eliza for continuing to tell me about it and for your input always. A big thank you to Pamela Salzman for this wonderful recipe and you should all check out her blog @pamalasalzman.com 

I pretty much followed the recipe as is and the marination is key to it’s success so don’t skimp on that part. Just keep in mind when cooking on a sheet pan all together –the pieces all need to be as uniform in size as possible so that they cook together at the same approximate time. So meat needs to be the same size and the veggies should be as uniform as possible.

So thanks again to Eliza and Pamela Salzman for this wonderful recipe.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus a little extra

1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (app. 2 large lemons) plus 1 lemon thinly sliced

1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar

1 Tablespoon minced garlic — app. 2 large cloves

2 Tablespoons dried oregano plus extra for sprinkling

2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt or Sea Salt whichever you have on hand, plus extra for sprinkling–I used Kosher Salt and it was just fine

Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Chicken– you can use 8 thighs– or 4 bone in skin-on chicken breasts ( cut in half if desired) or mix it up 1/2 white and 1/2 dark meat

1 red onion–cut into 1/4 inch wedges– onion will fall apart and that’s the way it should be!

1 lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes , diced into 1 inch pieces–** important to keep all the pieces app. the same size to insure equal cooking 

Directions:

In a large bowl , whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.

Place the chicken in the bowl and toss to coat all the pieces. Allow to marinate overnight or at least 6-8 hours. I recommend overnight or first thing in the morning.

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees and I sprayed my stainless sheet pan . You can use parchment paper but not necessary if you spray.

I took Chicken out of refrigerator and brought it to room temperature. Then I put potatoes and onions on the sheet pan sprinkled with a little olive to finely coat and then I added chicken and lemon slices and sprinkled with salt , pepper and a few pinches of dried oregano. This step was important for me as I felt the chicken needed a little more salt and the potatoes definitley did. I mixed around so the marinade got on everything as well.

Bake for about 35-45 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Breasts could take a little longer — mine didn’t. My chicken was also browned beautifully if you’re wanting it to be more browned stick under the broiler for a minute or two and keep your eye on it if it needs more time. Chicken should be cooked through before this step though.

I also roasted a mix of cauliflower and brussels sprouts which added a nice flavor . Plus a small green salad with mustard dressing. This was our dinner and I will be putting this on repeat for sure.

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Sheet Pan Salmon with Brussels and Butternut Squash

Posted on March 11, 2020 | 1 comment

In these crazy times with all the bad news coming our way with the Coronavirus occupying our every waking moment it’s good to know that a home cooked meal can still bring you a moment of peace in another wise chaotic time.

I am not saying that I won’t eat out just yet but cooking and eating at home is in my control and that gives me a sense of contentment.

This is a wonderful weeknight or any night meal. A very light Asian flavor with soy and sweetness with honey paired with brussels and creamy butternut squash. Sweet and Savory. I think this meal is pretty healthy and brimming with healthy vitamins and heart-healthy omega -3 fats. Fairly easy to make with easy to get ingredients.

Enjoy! and follow me on Instagram @cookingwithcandi

 

Ingredients:

app. 1-1 1/4 lb. Salmon — I used a center cut piece or you can use skin on Salmon Fillets — your choice

cooking spray of your choice

1 1/2 Tablespoon lower sodium soy sauce or Tamari

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil –divided ( see instructions)

1 Tablespoon Honey

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice — 1 lime should do

2 cloves garlic–minced and divided ( see instructions)

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

2 1/2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed

12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 Tablespoon sliced green onion for garnish –(scallion)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a large rimmed sheet pan ( app. 13 x 18 ) with cooking spray

Combine soy sauce, 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, honey, lime juice, 1 minced clove of garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Use a whisk and whisk all ingredients together and then set salmon piece or pieces in the bowl to marinate–set aside

In another bowl, combine 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, remaining clove of minced garlic, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, salt , pepper and paprika. Toss to coat. Spread out vegetables on pre-sprayed baking sheet, avoid over-crowding. Bake at 400 degrees for app. 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir vegetables and push to edges of pan to make a space in the center of pan for Salmon.

Place marinated Salmon in the open center space of pan. Pour any leftover marinade over the salmon. Bake at 400 degrees for at least 15 minutes and check salmon doneness — I cooked for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top Salmon with the green onion. I served with Basmati Rice and Brussels and Butternut.

Keep Calm and Keep Cooking

 

 

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Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Peas, and Mushrooms

Posted on March 5, 2020 | 3 comments

This is a sauceless pasta. Very light, very tasty, and very easy to make. There aren’t a lot of ingredients, and it doesn’t take a long time to make. My husband, Joel, hates green things and loves this dish. And he even eats all the peas on his plate, which makes me very happy. A shout out to Giada de Laurentis for the inspiration here.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup olive oil

1 lb turkey sausages, casings removed (just squeeze all the meat out; I like Italian-style turkey sausage) or chicken sausage works perfectly.

1 box of cremini mushrooms (Baby Bella), approx. 10 oz. (roughly chopped) I actually used 2 small  8 oz. boxes because I had them ( not an exact science)

About 3/4 bag frozen peas (take them out of freezer about an hour before, just slightly thawed is perfect)

1 box Farfalle pasta (bow ties) or any pasta you like , bowties are perfect  (1 lb.)

Salt and pepper, to taste — adjust to your own taste , you can do at the very end but I usually add with mushrooms and then check at end

Freshly grated parmesan, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a large, sauté pan, heat up two tablespoons olive oil (medium to high flame). Add the broken up turkey sausage and make sure to break up the large clumps. Cook for about 10 minutes (I like the sausage browned). When finished cooking, remove sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Heat a little more olive oil (approx. 2 TBSP). Add the chopped up cremini mushrooms and kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (approx. a little less than a teaspoon of each, depending on your taste. Keep in mind that sausage is naturally salty.) Sauté until all the liquid is gone—about another 10 minutes. Add the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes. Return the sausage to the pan and cook for another few minutes (I turn off the heat at this point and just let the flavors blend.)

In the meantime, cook pasta (according to package) al dente. Drain the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water from pasta (this is the trick with “sauceless pasta”) and add pasta to the pan with all other ingredients. Combine well, adding some of that pasta water at a time; as needed. Drizzle in the 1/2 cup of olive oil, mixing as you go. Taste for salt and pepper. I also add red pepper flakes, but I love spicy.

Serve with freshly grated parm cheese and you’re good to go.

*Serves 4 as a main dish and 8 as a side.

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Chicken Marsala

Posted on March 4, 2020 | 1 comment

Chicken Marsala

The other night I prepared a version of Chicken Marsala which came out totally delicious, and worthy of posting this recipe. I am always trying out new recipes for this dish. I combined about 3 recipes and I must say this final recipe worked out just perfectly.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup all purpose flour for coating

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

I used 1 package thin chicken cutlets ( 5 pieces ) about 1 1/2 lbs.

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup olive oil

8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms sliced (stemmed) obviously if you like a lot of mushrooms add more!

1/2 cup Marsala ( you can buy in supermarket in the oil or vinegar section usually)

1/4 cup Sherry ( I used what I had in the house , it’s not really cooking Sherry but it was fine)

1/2 cup chicken stock

*1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley ( I didn’t have so I didn’t use)

Directions:

In a shallow bowl or large plate, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano. coat chicken pieces in the flour mixture.

In a large skillet, melt butter in olive oil over medium heat. When oil is hot place chicken in the pan and lightly brown. A little hint, don’t futz with the chicken , place it in ( make sure the oil is very hot) and let it be , turn after about 5 minutes, it should be a light golden brown, then do the same for the other side. Use tongs , try not to pierce the skin of the chicken. Remove chicken to a plate, I take paper towel and blot it.

Lower the heat, put mushrooms in pan. I sprinkle a little salt on the mushrooms. Cook mushrooms for about 5 minutes till their moisture has evaporated, and then de-glaze the pan with the sherry, Marsala,  and the chicken broth. Let it cook for another few minutes. The sauce will reduce slightly. Return the chicken to the pan, cover the pan and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, turning once. Before you serve sprinkle some chopped parsley on it if you like. I served over brown rice.

Chicken Marsala

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What I made for Dinner – Turkey Bolognese

Posted on March 2, 2020 | 1 comment

I must say Pasta is probably my most favorite food to eat. Bolognese sauce is one of my most favorites. Today I decided not to go to my usual Bolognese which is delicious but very heavy and rich. I went with a lighter approach today using Turkey and Chicken Sausage because I couldn’t find italian turkey sausage and didn’t feel like hunting it down, and the chicken sausage worked just fine. I did use dark meat turkey because it is much more flavorful, it is ideal but if you really don’t want to use the dark meat use 1/2 white and 1/2 dark or all white meat . The only negative to this sauce is that it really needs 3- 4 hours for the sauce to cook down. The longer the sauce cooks the more flavorful it will be.  This sauce would probably serve 4 nicely with 1 lb. of pasta. You can easily double it and freeze the leftover sauce. So nice to have it in the freezer and just have to make the pasta and you have a wonderful homemade meal. I have now started serving the sauce over shredded zucchini and spaghetti squash.  It is so delicious and you may feel a little bit better eating it over zucchini or spaghetti squash than noodles.  Pasta or Vegetable it’s pretty awesome. Look on my blog for Zucchini Bolognese Recipe for how to recipe, posted 12/20/2012.

Ingredients:

6 Tablespoons Olive Oil, plus more if necessary

1 lb. Italian style Turkey or Chicken Sausage, removed from casings. You can also mix in hot or sweet Italian pork sausage if you don’t mind using the pork.

1 pound ground Turkey ( I used dark meat ) or 1 lb. ground beef — I don’t love to cook with the lean version because it’s very dry so if using any ground meat use 85/15 at least.

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

2 medium yellow onions, peeled and finely diced ( app. 2 cups)

3 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 28 oz. cans whole peeled tomatoes with their juice or you can used diced tomatoes which break down much quicker but you’ll definitely be adding liquid to that. Just keep an eye on it.

1/3 cup tomato paste

1 box. Rigatoni ( or any other macaroni you like ) or spaghetti or if you like use *shredded zucchini or *spaghetti squash

Grated Parmesan Cheese for serving

Directions:

Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large heavy pan over medium high heat. ( I use my Le Creuset ) Add the sausage meat and break it up as it cooks, turning now and then, until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon to a bowl and set aside, add the ground turkey to the pan along with a good pinch of salt and a few fresh grind of pepper. Cook the meat stirring here and there, for 10 minutes as well, till meat is nicely browned. I remove and put in bowl with the sausage which was set aside. Add another 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and add the onions and garlic. Cook until onion breaks down and gets soft, another good 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juice along with 1/2 cup of water. ( You may need more water as you go) Add the sausage and ground turkey, stir the sauce well. Bring the sauce to a boil, season to taste with salt and pepper and turn the heat to low. Cover almost completely with a lid (allowing a little steam to escape) and gently simmer for 4 hours. You may want to add splashes of water if sauce is drying out. After 2 hours I added the 1/3 cup of Tomato Paste, and replace lid and continue simmering for 2 more hours. I added water as it cooked, you’ll have to judge for yourself how much water you add. I added 1/4 cup at a time. The longer this sauce cooks for the better it is.  You will have to continually stir and check for water .

When the sauce is ready for serving, bring a large pot of water and prepare pasta according to package directions.

serve with sauce over the rigatoni ( or any pasta you like) with a nice grating of Parmesan.

Yum!

*so many stores now sell zucchini already shredded and it’s dry and ready to go.

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