Main dishes

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Published on by carol lou

I have many days when the last thing I want to do is spend time cooking. For those busy days, out comes my slow cooker. I think I do not use my slow cooker as much as I should. There is nothing better than coming home after a busy day to the delightful aroma of dinner cooking. For this recipe, I took the idea from one of my favorite pork chop recipes. I incorporated the same ingredients, but this time put in all in the slow cooker and headed out. The results were great, I served this with rice but it would be equally delicious served on a bed of pasta.

slow cooker pork roast

Slow Cooker Pork Roast
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Ingredients
  1. 3 - 4 lb. boneless pork roast
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 5 carrots, peeled and sliced
  5. 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
  7. 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  8. Salt/pepper/Italian seasoning
Instructions
  1. Remove pork from packaging, pat dry, generously season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Wrap and refrigerate 12 - 24 hours. In the bottom of slow cooker, add onion, garlic and carrots, top with pork roast. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper and rosemary. Cover and set on low - cook 8 hours.
  2. Shred pork in large chunks, return to sauce.
  3. Serve with rice or pasta.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Upside Down Pizza

Published on by carol lou

The name explains it all – the pizza toppings are on the bottom and the crust is on top.  You can add or substitute any pizza ingredients that you like.  You simply pour over the crust batter and as it bakes it puffs and turns golden brown.  Perfect to serve with a salad for a casual dinner.

upside down pizza

Upside Down Pizza
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Ingredients
  1. 1 pound bulk Italian sausage, mild or hot
  2. 1 large onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 4 oz. can sliced black olives, sliced
  5. 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
  6. 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
  7. 1 green pepper, diced
  8. 10 oz. sliced mozzarella cheese
  9. 2 eggs
  10. 1 cup milk
  11. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  12. 1 cup flour
  13. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  14. 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, crumble sausage and cook over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, stirring frequently until sausage is cooked and onion is transparent. Drain sausage mixture and return to skillet. Add olives, sauce, mushrooms, green pepper, and heat until bubbly. Pour into an ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan. Top with sliced mozzarella slices.
  2. In a blender, blend milk, eggs, milk, oil, flour and salt until smooth. Pour mixture evenly over mozzarella. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  3. Bake uncovered in a 400 degree oven until the crust is puffed and golden brown about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Are You Ready for the Big Game?

Published on by carol lou

Looking for recipes for this weekend ? 

A Passion for Entertaining’s popular recipes that would be perfect to serve at your Super Bowl party

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http://apassionforentertaining.com/smoked-salmon-topped-deviled-eggs/

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http://apassionforentertaining.com/pizza-dough/

 

chocolate toffee brownies

http://apassionforentertaining.com/chocolate-toffee-brownies/

cheese bread

 http://apassionforentertaining.com/packer-fan-cheese-bread-in-under-one-hour/

pulled pork sandwich

http://apassionforentertaining.com/bbq-pulled-pork-sandwiches/

GAme Day Wings

http://apassionforentertaining.com/game-day-wings/

 

 

Tomatillo Chicken Bake

Published on by carol lou

We usually go out to our local Mexican restaurant to cure our Mexican food cravings.  When I served this dish, we agreed this tasted like something we would have ordered from our favorite Mexican restaurant.  I had leftover chicken and wanted to prepare something using the corn tortillas I had in the refrigerator.  I have to say this was so good, we can’t wait to have the leftovers (now, in my opinion, that is a good recipe). 

tomatillo chicken bake

Tomatillo Chicken Bake
Serves 6
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup sour cream
  2. 1/4 cup milk
  3. 1 13 oz. can tomatillos, drained
  4. 1 clove garlic
  5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. 1/2 cup chopped onion
  7. 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles
  8. 6 6-inch corn tortillas
  9. 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
  10. 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
  1. This dish is best if assembled ahead of time and heated before serving.
  2. Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
  3. Mix together sour cream and milk and set aside. In a blender or food processor, blend tomatillos and garlic. In a small saucepan, heat oil and cook onion and green chiles until onions are transparent. Mix in tomatillo mixture and set aside. Cut tortillas into quarters. Layer the following in the prepared pan - 1/3 of the tortillas, 1/3 of the chicken, 1/3 of the tomatillo sauce, 1/3 of the sour cream and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees covered for 30 minutes, remove cover and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
  1. Serving a crowd? Since you can make this ahead, it would be perfect for entertaining. Simply double this recipe, use a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This would easily serve 10 - 12. Serve with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Add a side of black or refried beans and you are ready for a fiesta!
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Dill Feta Chicken on Couscous

Published on by carol lou

Recipe #3 in the Spartan Oil #EVOOChallenge.

I use olive oil exclusively when I saute vegetables or protein for any recipe.  One reason is olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, and is considered a good fatty acid (high density lipoproteins, HDLs) that protects against bad cholesterol, or low density lipoproteins (LDLs).  One other reason is the taste – I love the taste of olive oil. 

This recipes features the taste of the Mediterranean.  The dill, olive oil and feta add just the touch to create a unique recipe.  When I served this to my taste testers, this recipe received five stars!  Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining.

Dill Feta Chicken on couscous

Dill Feta Chicken on Couscous
Serves 6
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Ingredients
  1. 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts
  2. 3 scallions, sliced, white and green parts
  3. 1 large garlic clove, small dice
  4. 3 tablespoons Spartan Olive Oil
  5. 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes with liquid
  6. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  7. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  8. 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
  9. 8 ounces feta cheese, divided
  10. Olive oil, to drizzle over chicken
  11. Couscous, prepared according to package
Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, saute scallions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add tomatoes and liquid, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened (approximately 10 - 15 minutes). Add chicken, dill and 1/2 of the feta cheese. Cover and reduce heat to low. Prepare couscous.
  2. Spoon couscous in serving bowl, top with chicken mixture, sprinkle with remaining feta and drizzle with additional olive oil.
Notes
  1. My favorite couscous is all natural, grande pearl shaped.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Game Day Wings

Published on by carol lou

I don’t know about you but this is one exciting time of year – the football playoffs.  Yes, if you know me well, you know that I am an avid fan and especially loyal to one Midwest NFL team.  With the Super Bowl just weeks away and play-off games going on now – I thought it was time to post my Game Day Wing recipe.  You can serve these with or without the classic ranch dressing on the side.  If you like your wings “hotter”, just step up the amount of red pepper you add.  These will definitely put you in the game day mood.  Cheers for those pigskins!

GAme Day Wings

 

Game Day Wings
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Ingredients
  1. 16 chicken wings, cut apart
  2. 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  3. 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  4. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 3 tablespoons honey
  6. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place wings on baking sheets, salt and pepper both sides of the wings. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over wings. Bake for 60 - 70 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. Remove from the oven when the wings are glazed and the meat is falling off the bones.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Herb Roasted Chicken

Published on by carol lou

I think there is nothing better or easier than a roasting a whole chicken.  Our preference is to eat the dark meat the first night and save the breast meat for another meal (perfect for enchiladas, chicken with pasta, or cold salads).   I think this is one ultimate comfort food.  Easy to prepare and always delicious.  What more can I expect from any recipe?

Herb Roasted Chicken

 

Herb Roasted Chicken
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Ingredients
  1. 1 5 lb. chicken, rinsed and patted dry
  2. Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary
  3. 6 cloves of garlic
  4. 8 shallots
  5. 1/2 cup white wine
  6. 1 lemon
  7. Salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Salt and pepper the cavity, slice lemon and squeeze 1/2 lemon into the cavity. Fill the cavity with rosemary springs, thyme, and sage leaves. Salt and pepper chicken and place in a roasting pan. Place chicken in preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes. Peel garlic cloves and shallots. Slice shallots in half. After 15 minutes, add the shallots and garlic to the roasting pan, pour in the white wine. Continue cooking for 55 - 65 minutes, baste chicken with pan juices while it cooks (about every 10 minutes). Cook until internal temperature is 160 degrees and juices run clear.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Sloppy Joes

Published on by carol lou

During this hectic time of year, I am always one that loves a quick to fix lunch or dinner.  I remember growing up eating Sloppy Joes occasionally and I have to admit, I still love a great overstuffed, hard to eat, and kid friendly sandwich.  My preference is to serve these on crusty rolls with a side salad.  There is something about those recipes you remember from childhood – the best of food memories!

Sloppy Joes

 

Sloppy Joes
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  3. 1 green pepper, finely chopped
  4. 2 cups ketchup
  5. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  6. 3 tablespoons mustard
  7. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  8. 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
  9. Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Brown beef and drain any excess fat. Add remaining ingredients, cover and cook over medium- low heat for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Stir frequently. Serve on crusty rolls.
Notes
  1. If you like more sauce, add 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup additional ketchup.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

 

 

Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken and How I Select the Recipes I Post

Published on by carol lou

For my faithful readers, you know that I always try to highlight recipes that are easy to prepare and generally use easy to find items and many items that I am sure are staples in your pantry.  Someone mentioned to me the other day how much they appreciated the recipes that I post.  I have to admit that many times I make very complicated recipes that require multiple steps when I entertain.  I am asked why I do not post these recipes; my response was I want to blog about great food that can be prepared with ease using the best ingredients you can find.  Recipes adding cans of soup, manufactured cheese products, pudding mixes and other premade, prepared mixes are not my idea of great cooking.  I want everyone to feel confident in the kitchen.  There is nothing better than a great meal! 

Parmesan Baked Chicken is exactly one of those perfect to make recipes.  After this chicken is baked, you have a moist chicken breast with the most marvelous parmesan baked crust.  This is the perfect dinner that you can prepare and serve in under one hour. 

Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  2. 2 tablespoons minced Italian parsley
  3. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  4. 1 clove garlic, minced
  5. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  6. 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  7. 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Combine parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, garlic and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  3. Dip chicken breasts in melted butter and then roll in cheese mixture. Place in shallow baking dish. Drizzle remaining butter over the chicken. Bake 375 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes.
  4. Great to serve hot or cold.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Spicy Shrimp

Published on by carol lou

If you love a  dish that packs some heat – you will love this Spicy Shrimp recipe. Marinate the shrimp one hour to up to twenty-four hours before serving.  Quick, easy and make ahead; my idea of a perfect recipe.  I like to serve this with hot crusty bread to sop of the spicy sauce.   If you like a more mild dish, decrease the amount of cayenne pepper.  When I serve this, plates are perfectly clean when finished; that is my indicator of a recipe that you will want to repeat.   The perfect accompaniment is a cold beer or a chilled white wine.

Spicy Shrimp

Spicy Shrimp
Serves 3
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup olive oil
  2. 2 tablespoons spice mix (see below)
  3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  4. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  5. 1 tablespoon honey
  6. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  7. 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deceived
  8. Lemon wedges
Instructions
  1. In a large glass baking dish, combine the olive oil, seasoning, lemon, juice, parsley, honey and soy sauce. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bake shrimp, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
  1. Spice mix
  2. 1 tablespoon paprika
  3. 1 tablespoon salt
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  5. 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  6. 2 teaspoons onion powder
  7. 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  8. 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
  9. 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/