weeknight dinner – Florida Girl Cooks http://floridagirlcooks.com Seeker of sunshine + exquisite food Sun, 03 Feb 2019 18:29:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.1 96532064 SMASHED POTATOES http://floridagirlcooks.com/smashed-potatoes/ Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:52:04 +0000 http://floridagirlcooks.com/?p=737 There consensus in our house is usually unanimous on choosing a side dish for dinner. Potatoes win. But we can’t always do it up the same way because that would get redundant for everyone. ...

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There consensus in our house is usually unanimous on choosing a side dish for dinner. Potatoes win. But we can’t always do it up the same way because that would get redundant for everyone. So one way we’ve seen suggested on Pinterest for years is smashed potatoes. Sounds good and easy enough.

Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients

Baby Golden Potatoes (about 20)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 cup kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Prepare

Using a wide dutch oven or deep skillet, place potatoes in pan in one layer. Add enough water to cover by an inch along with the 1/2 cup of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are cooked through and can be pierced easily with a fork.
Preheat oven to 450F.
Drain potatoes well and pat dry if necessary. Place on baking sheet and gently press each on with a potato masher. If any break just push them back together. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sage and freshly cracked pepper.
Roast potatoes for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, flip each potato over, drizzling with more olive oil if any look dry and seasoning with more salt, if necessary. Roast for another 20 minutes or until potatoes are sizzling and crispy.
Serve immediately.

Smashed Potatoes
Serves 8
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Ingredients
  1. Baby golden potatoes (about 20)
  2. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  3. 1/2 tsp. sage
  4. 1/2 cup kosher salt
  5. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Using a wide dutch oven or deep skillet, place potatoes in pan in one layer. Add enough water to cover by an inch along with the 1/2 cup of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are cooked through and can be pierced easily with a fork.
  2. Preheat oven to 450F.
  3. Drain potatoes well and pat dry if necessary. Place on baking sheet and gently press each on with a potato masher. If any break just push them back together. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sage and freshly cracked pepper.
  4. Roast potatoes for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, flip each potato over, drizzling with more olive oil if any look dry and seasoning with more salt, if necessary. Roast for another 20 minutes or until potatoes are sizzling and crispy.
  5. Serve immediately.
Florida Girl Cooks http://floridagirlcooks.com/
smashed potatoes, potatoes, healthy, paleo, side dish, dinner

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LITTLENECK CLAMS http://floridagirlcooks.com/littleneck-clams/ Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:42:54 +0000 http://floridagirlcooks.com/?p=536 I’m struggling quite a bit lately with a lot of different things. The start of the school year has brought me a new position, which is great so far. I am beyond blessed with ...

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I’m struggling quite a bit lately with a lot of different things. The start of the school year has brought me a new position, which is great so far. I am beyond blessed with the students I am working with. So where’s the struggle at? Well, firstly, I am really struggling to be nice to coworkers that otherwise are nosing into my business and saying things that should essentially leave me with my mouth gaping open. I am struggling with seeing my dad’s health in total decline after he had a stroke two weeks ago. Struggling with new norms with a new schedule with my boys and the fact that they go to school now, which I must say makes me very proud. There’s a lot to balance in my life now, more than ever. But I am doing my best to stay connected with God’s word and allowing that to fuel me daily regardless of the struggles.

One of my struggles is falling back into a routine with cooking and staying on making healthy meals and within a decent time so we can all get to sleep at a decent hour. Publix has nice snazzy ways to make meals that are prepared and all you have to do is cook them. This recipe was one that I cam across by the seafood section. We’ve also ben trying to eat more seafood at home and less red meat and poultry. All I had to do was to pick up some littleneck clams and voila! I the rest of the ingredients at home and was able to whip this up in a flash and still enjoy some time with my sons. That’s what matters most to me, is to be able to spend time with those I love and be present in their lives.

littleneck clams, seafood, dinner, quick dinner, weeknight eating, cooking with wine

Littleneck Clams

Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
3 lb littleneck clams, rinsed
1 (14.5-oz) can chicken broth
1 cup white wine

Prepare

1. Preheat large sauté pan on medium. Place butter in pan, then
add garlic and clams; cook 2-3 minutes or until garlic becomes fragrant.

2. Add chicken broth and white wine; cook 6-8 minutes or until reduced by one-half and clam shells are open. Discard clams that remain closed after cooking.

Littleneck Clams
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
11 min
Total Time
16 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
11 min
Total Time
16 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 2 tablespoon garlic, chopped
  3. 3 lb littleneck clams, rinsed
  4. 1 (14.5-oz) can chicken broth
  5. 1 cup white wine
Instructions
  1. Preheat large sauté pan on medium. Place butter in pan, then
  2. add garlic and clams; cook 2-3 minutes or until garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth and white wine; cook 6-8 minutes or until reduced by one-half and clam shells are open. Discard clams that remain closed after cooking.
Florida Girl Cooks http://floridagirlcooks.com/
littleneck clams, seafood, dinner, quick dinner, weeknight eating, cooking with wine

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CHICKEN POT PIE http://floridagirlcooks.com/chicken-pot-pie/ Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:55:10 +0000 http://floridagirlcooks.com/?p=590 My first memory of eating a chicken pot pie was sometime around the age of 16. My brother used to work at Costco and he would often bring home all sorts of foods and ...

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My first memory of eating a chicken pot pie was sometime around the age of 16. My brother used to work at Costco and he would often bring home all sorts of foods and things I had never heard of up to that point in my life like biscotti, jelly danish, croissants, and then of course on one fine day…chicken pot pie. Yeah it was just the basic frozen stuff that you’d pop into the oven and pretty much devour because it was the most different meal we had tried to date. I remember obsessing over them so much that eventually it started tasting repugnant to me. Well the years went by and eventually the trauma wore off of my tongue so I found myself wondering about those warm pies oozing with chicken and veggies…oh and we mustn’t forget…the crispy and delectable crust! Mmmmm! I came across a recipe much like this one in Taste of Home. I have adapted it to give it more flavor, especially to the chicken by baking it instead of boiling it or purchasing it pre made. Now, I would sit here and tell you how much I labored over making the dough from scratch…but I would be lying. I could do things of this nature…but during the week…with two toddlers…we have to have realistic expectations around here. My sons and husband eat these like vultures so I think it passes the test. Bon appetit!

chicken pot pie, chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food, kid approved

Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients

2 cups diced peeled potatoes
1-3/4 cups sliced carrots
1 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup chopped onion
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-3/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups milk
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie pastry

 

Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Cut the two chicken breasts into four cutlets.
3. Season all sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 28-30 minutes.
5. Chop potatoes and carrots and in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, covered, 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender; drain.
6. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended.
7. Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened.
8. Stir in chicken, peas, corn and potato mixture; remove from heat.
9. Unroll a pastry sheet into each of two 9-in. pie plates; trim even with rims. Add chicken mixture. 10. Unroll remaining pastry, cut out a cute shape from the center to allow for venting; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut additional slits in tops if desired.
11. Bake 35-40 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 2 potpies (8 servings each).

** Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked pies. To use, remove from freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw). Preheat oven to 425°. Place pies on baking sheets; cover edges loosely with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 350°; bake 70-80 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Chicken Pot Pie
Serves 8
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Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
1 hr 20 min
Total Time
1 hr 45 min
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
1 hr 20 min
Total Time
1 hr 45 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups diced peeled potatoes
  2. 1-3/4 cups sliced carrots
  3. 1 cup butter, cubed
  4. 2/3 cup chopped onion
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1-3/4 teaspoons salt
  7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  8. 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  9. 3 cups chicken broth
  10. 1-1/2 cups milk
  11. 4 cups cubed cooked chicken
  12. 1 cup frozen peas
  13. 1 cup frozen corn
  14. 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie pastry
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°.
  2. Cut the two chicken breasts into four cutlets.
  3. Season all sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 28-30 minutes.
  5. Chop potatoes and carrots and in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, covered, 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender; drain.
  6. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended.
  7. Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened.
  8. Stir in chicken, peas, corn and potato mixture; remove from heat.
  9. Unroll a pastry sheet into each of two 9-in. pie plates; trim even with rims. Add chicken mixture. Unroll remaining pastry, cut out a cute shape from the center to allow for venting; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut additional slits in tops if desired.
  10. Bake 35-40 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 2 potpies (8 servings each).
Notes
  1. ** Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked pies. To use, remove from freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw). Preheat oven to 425°. Place pies on baking sheets; cover edges loosely with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 350°; bake 70-80 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.
Adapted from Taste of Home
Adapted from Taste of Home
Florida Girl Cooks http://floridagirlcooks.com/
chicken pot pie, chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food, kid approved

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CRANBERRY-PECAN CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH http://floridagirlcooks.com/cranberry-pecan-chicken-salad-sandwich/ Mon, 12 Jan 2015 22:19:20 +0000 http://floridagirlcooks.com/?p=568 This is my go-to recipe during the week when time is of the essence and my originally planned out meal falls through, which tends to happen more often than I’d like but then again…this ...

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This is my go-to recipe during the week when time is of the essence and my originally planned out meal falls through, which tends to happen more often than I’d like but then again…this isn’t so bad to fall back on. It is the perfect combination of flavors and texture all in a protein filled, hearty cranberry-pecan chicken salad sandwich. I hope you find yourself enjoying this recipe very soon!

Cranberry-Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
1/4 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/3 cup granny apple, diced into small chunks (1/4-1/2 inch)
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1.5 tablespoons shallot, minced
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayo (I use Duke’s but use your favorite)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
Himalayan salt
fresh cracked black pepper

Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Set aside to cool.

2. Once chicken is cool enough to handle shred chicken by placing in a stand mixer and mix for 1-2 minutes using a paddle attachment.

3. Mix together greek yogurt, mayo, apple cider vinegar, and rosemary.

4. In a large bowl, combine, shredded chicken (about 2 cups), pecans, shallots, green apple, and cranberries. Toss with dressing until well combined.

5. Season to taste with the Himalayan salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Chill for at least an hour until ready to serve.

 

Cranberry-Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich
Serves 6
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
  2. 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  3. 1/3 cup granny apple, diced into small chunks (1/4-1/2 inch)
  4. 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  5. 1.5 tablespoons shallot, minced
  6. 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  7. 2 tablespoons light mayo (I use Duke’s but use your favorite)
  8. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
  9. 1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
  10. Himalayan salt
  11. fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Set aside to cool.
  2. Once chicken is cool enough to handle shred chicken by placing in a stand mixer and mix for 1-2 minutes using a paddle attachment.
  3. Mix together greek yogurt, mayo, apple cider vinegar, and rosemary.
  4. In a large bowl, combine, shredded chicken (about 2 cups), pecans, shallots, green apple, and cranberries. Toss with dressing until well combined.
  5. Season to taste with the Himalayan salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Chill for at least an hour until ready to serve.
Florida Girl Cooks http://floridagirlcooks.com/
cranberry-pecan chicken salad sandwich, sandwich, chicken, weeknight dinner, lunch, healthy

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SUPER SLOPPY JOES http://floridagirlcooks.com/super-sloppy-joes/ Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:42:42 +0000 http://floridagirlcooks.com/?p=572 This meal is from one of the first cookbooks I’ve ever owned. That book is none other than Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals. As I thumb through this book…the pages are really worn in ...

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This meal is from one of the first cookbooks I’ve ever owned. That book is none other than Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals. As I thumb through this book…the pages are really worn in and have food marks all over them because it was my first bible to experimenting in the kitchen when I lived in Philadelphia.

There are so many quick and easy recipes in this book that are perfect for those days when you come home tired from work and are in need of some quick-to-fix comfort food. One of my signature dishes that everyone requests is actually from this book…Super Sloppy Joes. I’ve had Sloppy Joes before and after trying this recipe and I tell you none come close to Rachael’s.

So after a long day, for that football game you’re heading to, or for a family get together…this is sure to please anyone and everyone even if they say they’re not big fans of Sloppy Joes. 🙂

Also, if Rachael Ray’s recipes entice you then so will her many kitchen products. I happen to own her 5 and 7 inch santoku knives by Furi and besides having a comfortable rubber grip for safe and quick chopping, they slice like a dream! I also have her Froggi mezzaluna for chopping up smaller veggies and such.

Super Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

1 tbsp evoo
1 1/4 pounds of lean ground beef
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 tsp of Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 medium red onion
1 small red bell pepper
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 sesame seed burger buns
butter of choice
sliced pickles

Prepare
1. Allow ground beef to thaw.
2. Heat a large stainless steel skillet on medium high.
3. Add evoo followed by the ground beef to the skillet, making sure to spread it around to break it up.
4. Combine brown sugar and steak seasoning.
5. Add onion and red pepper.
6. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Add red wine vinegar, stirring breifly to reduce.
8. Add Worcestershire, tomato sauce, and tomato paste while stirring to combine.
9. Reduce to a simmer on low and cook 5 minutes longer.
10. Toast the buns until just golden in color.
11. Butter the insides of the buns and scoop up some YUM-O Super Sloppy Joe onto them.
12. Serve with sliced pickels and/or tomatoes if desired.

Super Sloppy Joes
Serves 6
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
30 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 tbsp evoo
  2. 1 1/4 pounds of lean ground beef
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  4. 2 1/2 tsp of Montreal Steak Seasoning
  5. 1 medium red onion
  6. 1 small red bell pepper
  7. 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  8. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  9. 2 cups tomato sauce
  10. 2 tbsp tomato paste
  11. 4 sesame seed burger buns
  12. butter of choice
  13. sliced pickles
Instructions
  1. Allow ground beef to thaw.
  2. Heat a large stainless steel skillet on medium high.
  3. Add evoo followed by the ground beef to the skillet, making sure to spread it around to break it up.
  4. Combine brown sugar and steak seasoning.
  5. Add onion and red pepper.
  6. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Add red wine vinegar, stirring breifly to reduce.
  8. Add Worcestershire, tomato sauce, and tomato paste while stirring to combine.
  9. Reduce to a simmer on low and cook 5 minutes longer.
  10. Toast the buns until just golden in color.
  11. Butter the insides of the buns and scoop up some YUM-O Super Sloppy Joe onto them.
  12. Serve with sliced pickels and/or tomatoes if desired.
Adapted from 30 Minute Meals
Adapted from 30 Minute Meals
Florida Girl Cooks http://floridagirlcooks.com/
super sloppy joes, sloppy joes, rachael ray, 30 minute meals, weeknight dinner, beef

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