Recipes

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/

Pecan Muffins with Orange Honey Cream Cheese

Published on by carol lou

Recipe #2 – Spartan Oil  #EVOOChallenge

Why olive oil?  I know we have all heard the benefits of using olive oil in recipes.  I did a bit of research and found this interesting article; http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-health-benefits.  After you read this article, I think we will all rethink the oils we use when we cook.  Take a look, very interesting.

On to my second challenge recipe.  Ever thought of replacing butter with olive oil?  That is exactly what I did with my muffin recipe, this recipe has always been good with butter, but I must say, delicious when using olive oil.  The oil makes these muffins very moist and delicious.  I baked these in miniature muffin tins and then flipped them over when I removed them from the pans.  I like the look of the flat tops.  Top with a dollop of Orange Honey Cream Cheese, it is hard to eat just one!

Pecan Muffins with Orange Honey Cream Cheese

Pecan Muffins with Orange Honey Cream Cheese
Yields 24
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup Spartan Olive Oil
  2. 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  3. 2 eggs, beaten
  4. 1/2 cup flour
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla
  6. 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly greased 24 mini muffins pans. Combine oil and sugar in a mixing bowl, mix well to combine. Add eggs, flour and vanilla, mix well. Fold in pecans. Fill each muffin pan 3/4 full. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool, serve with Orange Honey Cream Cheese
Notes
  1. Orange Honey Cream Cheese
  2. In a medium bowl combine 8 oz. cream cheese (room temp.) 1 tablespoon of honey and the zest of one orange.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Olive Oil Marinated Goat Cheese

Published on by carol lou

Recipe #1 in the Spartan Oil #EVOOChallenge.

When challenged to create recipes using Spartan Oil Olive, I took the challenge with no hesitation.  I use their olive oil in many of my recipes and always find the results outstanding.  When testing these recipes, we hosted a party for eight, all of our guests serving as my “taste testers”.  This proved to be a wonderful evening of great food, olive oil discussions and candid comments.  As the week progresses, you will see my other EVOO challenge recipes. 

Looking for a make ahead appetizer that you can make up to one week in advance?  This appetizer is perfect with a great glass of wine or a cocktail. Serve the marinated cheese on crackers or baguette slices.  If you have any leftover, you can refrigerate and it will be terrific in other recipes. Here are a few ideas: mix with warm pasta and roasted vegetables for a terrific pasta dish, spread on baguette slices and broil until bubbly  or put the goat cheese in an oven safe ramekin and top with sun-dried tomatoes and bake in a 350 degree oven until melted, serve with crackers.

Olive OIl Marinated Goat Cheese

Olive OIl Marinated Goat Cheese
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Ingredients
  1. 2 logs of goat cheese, sliced in 1/2 inch slices
  2. 1 cup Spartan Olive Oil
  3. 4 bay leaves
  4. 1 tablespoon fresh ground mixed peppercorns
  5. 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme
  6. 1 large clove of garlic, slivered
  7. 3 tablespoons fresh basil, slivered
  8. Sliced baguette
Instructions
  1. Place goat cheese in a serving dish with one inch sides. In a small saucepan, over medium-high heat, heat oil, bay leaves, pepper, and thyme until it sizzles. Pour hot oil over goat cheese. Sprinkle garlic and basil over cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature prior to serving. Serve with baguette slices.
Notes
  1. Marinated goat cheese may be stored up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
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/

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Published on by carol lou

 

We were out of town over the holidays and when we returned I had a nice bunch of over ripe bananas looking at me.  I just cannot bring myself to throwing those gems away – so, out came my banana bread recipe.  This one is delicious with the addition of chocolate chips and pecans.  A great way to start the new year.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread 

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Yields 1
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup sugar
  2. 1 egg
  3. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  4. 1 cup mashed bananas
  5. 3 tablespoons milk
  6. 2 cups flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  10. 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar, egg, and butter. Stir together the mashed bananas and milk, set aside. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the flour mixture and bananas mixture alternately to the creamed mixture. Stir until all is combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.
  3. Grease one 9x5x3 loaf pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour or until tests comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool on rack.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Easy Egg Souffle

Published on by carol lou

If you are ever looking for a quick egg recipe for breakfast or brunch, that does not require overnight preparation or separating eggs and beating egg whites, this recipe is for you.  Quick to prepare, made with ingredients you probably have on hand, and delicious served piping hot out of the oven.  As the souffle bakes, it will puff and turn golden brown.  Serve immediately.  A dramatic and delicious presentation for your breakfast table.

egg souffle

Easy Egg Souffle
Serves 6
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Ingredients
  1. 6 large eggs
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 1 teaspoon salt
  4. Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  5. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  6. 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  7. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Beat eggs with a wire whisk until thick and light. Mix in cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg, beat well. Fold in the cheeses. Pour into a well buttered 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Triple Berry Sauce

Published on by carol lou

You just never know what you will find when you go to the grocery store.  Today, I walked in and found the most beautiful blackberries, red raspberries, and blueberries.  Well, of course, how could I pass those by!  When I got home, I just looked at my impulse purchase and thought to myself, now what are you going to do with these?  I thought about making a pie or tarts, but after taking a closer look at the berries, I noticed the blackberries were so big that they also had an incredible number of seeds. So, now I knew I wanted to make something I could strain the seeds out.  Out came my saucepan, in went the berries and I have to say, the most delicious sauce was the result. Perfect for serving over ice cream during the holidays.

Triple Berry Sauce

 

Mixed Berry Sauce
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup blueberries
  2. 1 cup red raspberries
  3. 1 cup blackberries
  4. 1/2 cup sugar
  5. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  7. 1/4 cup water
  8. 1 tablespoon Framboise liqueur (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and water. Stir to combine. Heat over high heat until the mixture starts to boil, reduce heat and cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until thick and clear. Strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer. Stir in Framboise.
  2. This sauce can be served either warm or cold.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

 

Apple Breakfast Bake

Published on by carol lou

This Apple Breakfast Bake bakes to a puffed golden brown and then after being removed from the oven, shrinks to form a crispy crust and custard like filling.  Perfect with the baked apple layer and brown sugar crust.  This would be a great addition to any breakfast buffet.  You can double this recipe easily and bake in a 9 x 13 inch pan if you are entertaining a larger crowd.

apple breakfast bake

Apple Breakfast Bake
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Ingredients
  1. 1/4 cup butter
  2. 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  3. 3 eggs, beaten
  4. 1/2 cup flour
  5. 3/4 cup milk
  6. 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (divided)
  10. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Put butter in a 9 inch pie plate and put in preheated oven until the butter has melted. Remove and layer apple slices over melted butter.
  3. Mix together eggs and milk. Beat in flour, sugar, vanilla, salt and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour batter over apples and sprinkle with brown sugar and the other 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  4. Bake on middle rack for 20 - 30 minutes or until it is golden brown and puffed.
  5. Serve immediately.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Mushroom Pate

Published on by carol lou

This is one of my favorite make ahead appetizer recipes.  This recipe can be made in advance and refrigerated up to 10 days.   This vegetarian pate is delicious served with water crackers.  Perfect to serve during the holidays.

Kitchen tip of the day – Ever wonder how to clean mushrooms?

How to Clean Mushrooms: the Wiping Method
  • Using a damp paper towel, gently wipe away any visible dirt or grit, working with one mushroom at a time. Use a soft brush or fold a paper towel into a tip to gently remove any debris from delicate gills.
How to Clean Mushrooms (Except Morels): the Rinsing Method
  • Mushrooms with a significant amount of dirt, or those that contain grit in hard-to-reach places, may be lightly and quickly rinsed with cool water. Contact with water should be kept to a minimum to avoid waterlogged mushrooms that won’t brown nicely or readily take on seasoning. Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_1352_clean-mushrooms.html

mushroom pate

 

Mushroom Pate
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Ingredients
  1. 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
  2. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 1 tablespoon dry sherry
  4. 4 oz. semi-soft herb and garlic cheese (I use Boursin brand)
  5. 4 oz. cream cheese
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  7. Crackers
Instructions
  1. Saute mushrooms in butter and sherry until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed. This will take approx. 5 - 10 minutes. Combine mushroom mixture, cheeses, and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend thoroughly until mushrooms are finely chopped. Pour into a serving bowl. Refrigerate at least 3 hours prior to serving. Serve at room temperature with crackers.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/