Sweet and Spicy Noodle Soup

Easy to make, and perfect for the colder months! 

• 1 Package of Noodles (I used whole wheat spaghetti here, but soba and rice noodles are wonderful also)
• 1-2 Cups of Mushrooms
• Scallions
• Cilantro
• Eggs
• 4 Cups Chicken Stock
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 1/2 White Onion
• 1-2 Tablespoons Chili Paste
• 4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Mince the garlic and slice the onion into thin strips.  Saute with chili paste until golden brown.  In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, mushrooms, garlic and chili mixture, and onion.  Bring to a boil, then add noodles and turn off heat.  In another pan, fry an egg for each bowl of noodles.  Stir in the remaining indgredients into the large pot.  Top each bowl of soup with a fried egg, scallions, and float a bunch of cilantro to finish.  If you like it spicier, add more chili paste and for a sweeter flavor, add extra brown sugar.  Enjoy!

Monkfish and Voodoo Sauce

Monkfish is so savory and sweet flavored naturally that it pairs well with the subtle rutabaga fries and a mild peppery sauce.

• Monkfish about 1/2-1 lb
• 1 Rutabaga cut into sticks
• 3 Tbsp Italian Seasoning 
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon Salt
• 1/2 Tablespoon Pepper

Voodoo Sauce

• 2 Red Peppers
• 2 Tomatoes 
• 1 Mango
• 1 Orange or 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
• 1 Onion
• 2 Green Chilies

Remove the outside of the rutabaga and chop into long sticks.  Toss in Italian seasoning, crushed garlic, and olive oil.  Place on a pan covered in foil, then bake for about 45 minutes on 375.  Make sure to turn the fries every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent burning. 
For the sauce, deseed the pepper and mango, removing the mango peel.  Place pepper and onion in a pan and saute until onions are translucent.  Add the sliced mango, onion and pepper mixture, tomatoes, and Orange Juice to food processor until well pureed.  Return to pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce and simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
Season fish with garlic powder, pepper, and salt.  Lightly brush with oil and place in oven on broil until internal temperature reaches 145.

Crab Stacker

Try this creative way to enjoy a fresh crab meat salad in a sandwich stack!  Served with a bit of ginger and rice vinegar, the subtle Asian flavors are a great complement to the dish.  I learned of this chi energy dish from Feng Shui Food...

• 1 Cucumber Sliced in Long Rectangles
• 1/2 Cup Sherry Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Marinate the cucumbers in the ingredients above for at least 30 minutes.  The mixture can be kept overnight for early preparation.

• 1 Lb Cold Cooked Crab Meat
• 1/2 Cup White Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Ground Ginger
• 3 Tablespoons Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Cilantro

Combine the ingredients above in a mixing bowl.  Sometimes I add some chilled cod or tilapia to for some extra substance if you are planning on making a meal out of this.  Layer the crab meat mixture in between the cucumber rectangles, keeping the shape as you stack.  Take 1/2 cup of the vinegar mixture from the cucumber marinade and add a few tablespoons of olive oil for the dressing.  Drizzle over the top of the stack and garnish with cilantro and srirachi.

Ginger Cod and Grilled Eggplant

This Asian inspired dish is so simple and satisfying...

• 2 Fillets Cod 
• 2 Large Garlic Cloves
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger
• 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar or Splenda
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Flakes

Mince the ginger and garlic, then add the rest of the ingredients into a plastic bag.  Let the fish marinate for 1-2 hours.  Place on 450 in oven, bake for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reads 145.

For eggplant, slice into large medallions, brush with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Grill until tender.

Lean Seafood Chowder

Surprisingly, this chowder recipe has no dairy or flour and is all about vegetables and seafood!

Great for a clean eating diet, and I really was blown away by the taste.  I got motivated to make a healthy chowder from http://thehealthyfoodie.com/creamy-seafood-chowder/ recipe where creamy soups can be made from whipped cauliflower.

• 1/2 Red Pepper
• 2 Stalks of Celery
• 1 White Onion
• 1 Package Mushrooms
• 1 Large Cauliflower 
• 1 Cup Fresh Spinach
• 3 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning
• Cracked Pepper
• 8 Ounces Fresh or Frozen (Defrosted) Cod
• 8 Ounces Fresh or Frozen (Defrosted) Scallops
• 1 Can Baby Yellow Clams
• 4 Cups Water
• 4 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Tablespoon Thyme
• 3-4 Star Anise
• 1/2 Juice from Lemon

Bring the water and chicken broth to a boil, then add roughly chopped cauliflower.  Boil for 10 minutes or until very soft.  While the cauliflower boils, chop all the vegetables and saute them over medium heat until onions are translucent.  

Once cauliflower is soft, scoop out with a slotted spoon and puree with a food processor or blender.  Whisk back into the water and add the rest of the ingredients, including the cooked vegetables.  Bring to a boil for 7 minutes, then let simmer for another 15.  Top with hot sauce and enjoy!

Posole -Spicy Slow Cooker Pork

This slow cooked recipe is certainly tender and has plenty of delicious add-ons to spice things up!

• 4 Roma Tomatoes Diced
• 1 Shoulder of Pork
• 6 Cups Chicken Broth
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Onion Coarsley Chopped
• 1 Can Hominy
• 2 Chipolte Peppers Chopped Finely
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Coriander

Garnishes: Sliced Radishes, Sour Cream, Chives, Chopped Cabbage, Avocado, Shredded Cheese

Optional: Serve with Flour Tortillas

Add everything except for your garnishes to the slow cooker and set on high for 4-5 hours.  The meat should easily fall apart, shred with a fork to evenly distribute in the sauce.  Divide into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes!

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Honey Wheat Buns

Substituting mushrooms for ground beef keeps this dish meaty, and the ton of vegetables will make you full!

• 1 Package of Sliced Mushrooms
• 1 Onion
• 1/2 Green Pepper
• 1/2 Red Pepper
• 1 Can Tomato Paste
• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
• 1/2 Juice from Lime
• 1 Packet Sloppy Joe Seasoning

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.  Roughly chop vegetables and add to oil until lightly browned.  Stir in seasonings and the remaining ingredients.  Simmer until mixture thickens.  Fill buns (see honey wheat bun recipe below) with sloppy joe mix, top with cheese, garnish with pickles, and serve with your favorite salad.

Honey Wheat Buns

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 1/4 Cups Milk
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 1/2 Cups White Flour
• 2 Cups Wheat Flour
• 1 1/4 Teaspoons Yeast

Warm milk in microwave, then add honey and stir well.  Place one tablespoon of white flour in the mixture, then add yeast.  Let the sponge sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.  Add the remaining ingredients except for one egg.  Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.  Roll out dough and punch with round cookie cutter or top of glass.  Place on greased baking sheet and let rise for another 20 minutes.  Set oven to 375.  Separate egg and brush the tops of the buns with only the white.  Bake for about 13-15 minutes.

Veggie Stuffed Poblanos

This healthy twist on chile rellenos is so packed with flavor, you'll never guess it's good for you!

• 3 Poblano Peppers
• 1/2 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1 Beaten Egg
• 1/4 Cup Prepared Whole Grain Rice
• 1/2 Can Black Beans
• 1 Chopped Onion
• 1 Package Soy Chorizo
• 2 Roma Tomatoes
• 3 Cloves Garlic 
• 1 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Coriander
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Cilantro
• Juice from 1/2 Lime
• 1 Cup Shredded Jack
• 1/2 Cup Mozzarella

Make one slice down the center of the poblano and de-seed.  Place in broiler or use a kitchen torch to blacken the outside of the poblano.  Once evenly bubbled and black, place in a plastic bag to make the skin peeling much easier.  Meanwhile, place the garlic, cilantro, onion, tomato, and black beans in the food processor to chop roughly.  Add the mix and the chorizo to a pan on medium heat.  Add the rest of the seasonings and lime juice.  Stir occassionally and reduce sauce for 15-20 minutes.

Peel the skin off the poblanos, then dip in beaten egg and coat outside with panko breadcrumbs.  Bake panko side down for about 20 minutes on 450 or until golden brown.  Stuff the peppers with rice and chorizo mixture, then top with cheeses.  Place the peppers in the oven on hi broil until the cheese is brown and bubbly.  Serve with sour cream.

Spanish Potatoes with Eggs

Spanish roasted potatoes are an awesome side dish for sharing, or make it a meal for yourself!  Plenty of spices give it that extra kick, all topped with a fried egg.

• 1.5 Lbs potatoes (Or about 2 potatoes)
• 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
• 1/2 Cup Light Mayonnaise
• 1/3 Cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Paprika
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
• 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Eggs
• Garnish: Sliced Tomatoes and Hot Sauce
• Optional: Serve with Pimento Dipping Sauce

Quarter potatoes and place into a large microwave safe bowl.  Add water, cover,  and microwave for 14 minutes occasionally stirring.  Drain water and place potatoes in a bag with remaining ingredients except eggs.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.  Set oven to 400 and arrange potatoes on a foil covered baking pan.  Roast for about 20 minutes on each side until crispy.  Top with 2 pan fried eggs, brushing with any reserve marinade.  Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with sliced tomatoes and hot sauce.

Thai Beef

Marinate thinly sliced beef in this heavenly mixture for only 20 minutes and you are ready to cook!

• 1/2 Lb Steak, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Honey
• 1 Teaspoon Chopped Ginger

Tenderize the meat and add all ingredients to a bag or pan to marinate for at least 20 minutes.  Heat a skillet on high coated in oil.  Pan fry for a minute on each side.

• Garnish with Scallions and Fried Onions

Macaroni and Cheese Waffles with Ham

What a melty, fun breakfast treat!  Well, I suppose it's good anytime...especially those breakfast for dinner nights.

• 1 Cup Small Pasta Shells or Elbow Macaroni
• 1 Cup Cheese (Any kind is fine, I used Cheddar)
• 1 Slice of Ham
• 1 Egg
• Italian Seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon Parmesan
• 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs
• Chives to Garnish, If Desired

Boil water to cook your pasta as directed, or using leftover mac n' cheese works too.  Once pasta is tender, drain water and add the cheese.  Slice the ham into small cubes and add to mixture.  Stir until the mixture is well combined.  Let the pasta cool for at least 15 minutes in fridge.  

Make 4 small balls of pasta, rolling each by hand.  In another bowl combine Parmesan, Italian seasoning to taste, and breadcrumbs.  Dip each pasta ball into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumb mixture.  Heat waffle iron and coat with non-stick spray.  Place one pasta ball in each quadrant, then press and cook for about 3 minutes or until golden brown.

Inside-Out Rolls - Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

I know making your own sushi can look intimidating, but with a bamboo mat and a little practice you can master this beautiful art.  Fresh ingredients are key, and for this roll I used gravalox since I don't live in a place that sells sushi grade fish.

• 1 Cup Sushi Rice
• 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• Nigiri or Seaweed Paper
• Lox
• 1 Cucumber
• 1 Avocado
• Green Onions
• Cream Cheese
• Saran Wrap
• Bamboo Mat

Steam sushi rice as directed, then toss with rice vinegar once the rice has cooled.  You can toss using a rice spatula, but I find it easier to toss with wet hands.  *Always use wet hands to handle the sushi rice to avoid sticking.  Place a layer of plastic wrap over the bamboo mat, then place the seaweed wrapper on top.  Sprinkle the rice over the nigiri, it should be completely covered but do not use too much rice.

 Flip the paper over so you have the rice side on the plastic wrap.  Slice your avocado and cucumber into this sticks, then place in a strip near the end closest to you.  Fold the end over and firmly press away from you while lifting the plastic wrap as you roll.  Use even, firm pressure until you reach the end.

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the top of the roll.  Then wrap thin slices of the salmon around the roll.  You can cover only the top half, or wrap around the entire roll.  Slice using a very sharp wet knife.  This will prevent squashing and sticking. Serve with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce!

Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Pork with Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw

I've slow cooked plenty of pork, but this is by far one of the tastiest dishes!  Tangy Korean BBQ sauce and ultra tender meat paired with a pickled slaw will have you cooking this again and again.

Slow-Cooker Pork:

• 4-5 Lb Pork Shoulder 
• 3/4 Cup Soy Sauce
• 5 Tablespoons of Sriracha Sauce
• 4 Tablespoons Clover Honey
• 4 Tablespoons Ketchup
• 1 Tablespoons Hot Sesame Oil
• 4 Tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
• 2 Teaspoons Chinese Five Spice
• 2 Tablespoons Freshly Chopped Ginger
• 5 Crushed Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar

Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, and set to high for 4 hours.  Once meat is cooked, thinly slice or pull the meat of the bone with a fork.  Reserve the sauce from the slow cooker, place in a pan and cook on high until the sauce is thick.  Return your meat to the sauce and toss.  Serve over rice, cabbage, or on a sandwich.  

Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw

• 1 Small Red Cabbage
• 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce

This is best made the day before you make your BBQ pork.  Usually about 24 hours of marinating and your slaw will be perfect.  However, it still tastes great after only an hour.  Thinly slice the red cabbage and combine all the ingredients in a plastic bag.  Shake the bag and place flat in the refrigerator until ready to use. Garnish your slaw with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, or chopped green onion.

   

Pierogies or Polish Dumplings

The pierogi is so versatile, you can stuff it with almost any filling you like!  I've had some excellent sauerkraut and potato, mushroom, even macaroni and cheese pierogies.  For this recipe, I use the traditional Polish filling of mashed potato and caramelized onion.

The Dough:

• 16 Ounces of Sour Cream (I used the light version)
• 3 Cups of White Flour

The Filling

• 1 Cup Mashed potatoes (I cheated and used the instant version...you'll never know the difference)
• 1/2 Onion Diced
• 1 Tablespoon Butter

Mix the dough ingredients together thoroughly.  If the dough is too tacky, add a bit of additional flour until it is smooth.  Wrap in plastic then let rest while you prepare the filling.  Boil water as directed for your instant mash and stir in the potato.  Transfer the potatoes to a different bowl, then add butter to your hot pan.  Once butter is melted, add the diced onions and cook until transparent.  Combine potatoes and onion, and you're ready to make the dumplings!

On a floured surface, roll out the dough.  Cut round circles by pressing the top of a glass into the dough.  Repeat until you have used all the dough.  Place a hazelnut sized portion of the filling into the center of each disk.  Fold the disk in half and press at the seam.  If your dough will not stick together, brush a little water across the seam.  After you have assembled your pierogies, pan fry until golden brown.  Alternatively, you can boil them for 3-4 minutes.  

Blackened Shark and Grits

This spin-off on the traditional Cajun shrimp and grits is so flavorful.  Paired with cheesy grits, the spiced scallops and shark are the perfect compliment.  I usually make this with blackened tilapia or shrimp, so feel free to modify with whatever ingredients are available to you.

The Grits:

• 1 Cup of Quick Cooking Grits (Not Instant)
• Water (As directed on your grits package)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar
• 1 Cube Bullion 
• Salt and Pepper
• 1/4 Cup Milk

The Seafood:

• 6 Large Scallops 
• 1 Large Steak of Shark
• 2-3 Cups Fresh Spinach
• Blackening Seasoning
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Cloves Garlic

I prefer to cook my grits in the slow cooker, it gives me some extra prep time and they always come out perfect!  Place only the water, bullion, and grits in a slow cooker on high for 2-3 hours.  When finished, add in the remaining ingredients.  

Melt butter in saucepan.  Meanwhile, prepare a plate with blackening seasoning on it.  When the butter is melted, dip the seafood in and roll in blackening seasoning.  If using shark, remove the dark center with a pairing knife and leave the skin on.  You can coat one side, or both for more spice.  Return the seafood to the pan on medium, then cook turning once to brown both sides.  Internal temperature should be 145 when fully cooked.  Once your seafood is done cooking, remove from pan and place garlic and fresh spinach in the same seasoned pan.  Stir until the spinach is wilted.  

Place a hearty helping of your cheesy grits on the plate, then add the seafood and spinach.  Garnish with lemon and parsley.  Enjoy!

Make Your Own Potstickers

I love the texture of chewy dumplings that can be dipped in any array of delicious sauces.  They are a great appetizer to share, or make a nice addition to soup.  This dumpling or 'potsticker' recipe is perfect for all of your creative fillings.  This is also a great way to re-create leftovers from the fridge!

For the wrapper dough:

• 2.5 Cups of Flour
• 3/4 Cup of Cold Water

Drizzle the cold water over the flour while stirring the mixture with a fork or chopsticks.  Once blended, knead until smooth.  The dough should bounce back gently when pressed.  Cover in plastic wrap and let rest for 30-60 minutes.  It will become easier to work with the longer you let it sit.

For the filling:

• 1/2 Lb Meat or Fish (I used leftover pork, but shrimp, beef, or crab works also)
• 2 Celery Stalks
• 1 Large Carrot
• 1 Onion
• 2 Tbls Rice Vinegar
• 2 Tbls Soy Sauce
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbls Brown Sugar
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Finely chop everything in a food processor or by hand.  Blend until well combined.  Once your dough is ready, pinch off a small piece of dough (a bit smaller than a golf ball) and roll into a round disc.  Place a scoop of the meat mixture in the center.  Fold the dough in half, making a half moon.  Crimp each side three times toward the center to seal (shown below).

Make sure to keep the dough on an oiled surface or silpat to prevent sticking.  The dough tends to dry very quickly, so keep unused dough moist by covering with a damp towel or covering with plastic wrap.

Steam, pan fry, or broil your creations. I added these to a soup for a filling dinner!

French Vegetable Soup

Need to use up those veggies in the fridge? This recipe combines the classic flavors of French onion soup while making use of your leftovers.

• 4-5 cups of onions or other vegetables (I used 2 onions, cabbage, carrots, and celery)
• 5 cups beef stock
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp butter 
• 1 cup red wine
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp flour 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Heel of bread, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, gruyer, and parmesan work well)
• Chopped green onions

Melt butter in saucepan, then add onions or other vegetables.  Stir in seasonings and garlic, let cook for 3-5 minutes.  Mix in flour and add the wine, bringing mix to a simmer for 20 minutes.  Add beef stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.  Ladle soup into bowls and top with cubed bread, then add a layer of shredded cheese on top. Place under broiler until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.  Garnish with green onions, cracked pepper, and nutmeg.

Vegetable Masala Soup in Instant Pot

A flavorful combination of vegetables with some Indian flair!

• 2 potatoes chopped roughly
• 1 cup carrots
• 1 chopped onion 
• 1 can chickpeas 
• 1 can diced tomatoes 
• 1/4 head chopped cabbage
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tbls masala
• 2 tsp marjoram
• 2 tsp ginger powder
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Add all ingredients to instant pot and set timer to cook for 10 minutes.  Once finished cooking, spoon out vegetables with a slotted spoon and place in blender or food processor.  Pulse until desired consistency it met, then return to pot and stir.  Garnish with hot sauce, spinach leaves, and plain yogurt.  Perfect when accompanied by basmati rice or naan bread. 

Spicy Pork and Bok Choy Soup

This soup is the perfect combination of savory and spice.  Healthy, delicious, and very filling!

• 6 oz pork tenderloin
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4 tbls soy sauce
• 4 tbls srirachi
• 1 tbls minced ginger
• 1 tbls minced garlic
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 bunch of bok choy
• 6 oz chinese noodles

I use the instant pot for this one, just 20 minutes on the meat setting and it's ready!  Feel free to use the stove top, just make sure to temperature test your pork so it is not undercooked.  

 Shave the pork tenderloin very thinly, then combine all the ingredients except bok choy and noodles. Pressure cook with the instant pot for 20 minutes on the meat setting, or bring to a boil on the stovetop and simmer until meat is tender.

Once meat is cooked, slice the bok choy and add with noodles to the pot.  Let stand on low heat for about 15 minutes until noodles are done.  Top with hot sesame oil if desired for an extra punch!

Potato and Leek Soup in Instant Pot

It only takes about 20 minutes to make this warming winter soup.  For a healthy meal, it has a wonderful creamy flavor.  A weekday favorite in my house!

• 3 potatoes roughly chopped
• 3 leeks
• 2 celery stalks
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 5 cups of chicken or beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbls oregano
• 2 tbls parsley
• 2 tbls thyme
• 2 tbls marjoram
• salt and cracked pepper to taste

Roughly chop the potatoes, leeks, and celery stalks, then add to instant pot.  Cut the dark part of the leeks off, or leave an inch or two for more flavor.  Add the stock and seasonings, then switch on the soup setting for the instant pot and set the time to 15 minutes.  Once the soup is finished and the pressure is released, scoop out the potatoes, leeks, celery, and garlic with a slotted spoon into blender or food processor.  Puree and return to pot.  Simmer to desired consistency or enjoy right away!

If you do not have an instant pot, follow the same steps using the stove top.  Bring your soup to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are soft.  Then puree and return to pot.