Monday, June 25, 2012

Potatoes That Don't Stick

More of a method than a recipe..

Heat oven to 425.

Cut potatoes as desired and soak in cold water for at least 10 minutes. I usually soak while my oven heats up.

Spray your baking sheet with non stick cooking spray.

Drain potatoes, rinse once and shake them dry.

Place on cookie sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, just a couple teaspoons. Season as desired.

Toss potatoes around to coat evenly. Arrange in a single layer, well spaced.

Bake fries for 30 mins... wedges and large dices about 45.... hash browns about 20.

Allow to sit for a minute or two before removing from pan.


Brown Rice Jambalaya

A healthier alternative to one of my favorite one pot giant eat for a few days dinner.

It is essential that you use low sodium chicken stock as creole seasoning is salty and if you use full sodium stock you will end up with a salty mess.

Brown rice takes a considerable amount of time to cook compared to white rice, so be prepared.

Feel free to add raw shrimp when you add the other meat back in toward the end of the cooking process. I did not make it with shrimp this exact time, but I've done so in the past. 1 lb is perfect.

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 inch diced
1 14oz turkey smoked sausage, sliced in to 1/2 inch half moons

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium sized yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

2 cups long grain brown rice
2 cups canned or fresh diced tomatoes (fresh is always best when in season)
4 cups low sodium chicken stock
2 tablespoons creole seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's)

1 cup water

In a large pot, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil.Add chicken and sausage and cook until caramelized. Remove from pan. Reserve.

Add 2 teaspoons olive oil and saute all vegetation until onions are soft, 3-4 mins.

Add rice and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, chicken stock and creole seasoning. Bring to a boil. Turn heat to low, cover and cook for 40 minutes.

Stir in reserved chicken, sausage and 1 cup of water. Continue cooking covered on low for 10 minutes.

Remove pot from heat and allow Jambalaya to sit 15 minutes covered to finish cooking.


Friday, June 22, 2012

Perfect Vanilla Cake

Searching for a from scratch Vanilla Cake Recipe??? Search no more. I have been working on this cake for years.. and am happy to announce that it is done!!!!

I could go on and on about the crumb, the flavor, the texture... but if you've had as much of an issue with vanilla cake as I have.. I know you might be skeptical. Just trust me on this one.

2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
2 cups Granulated Sugar
1 tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

1/2 cup Canola Oil

1 cup Whole Milk

1 cup Hot Water

Combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in remaining ingredients and whisk for 30 seconds.

Bake at 350 for 16 minutes for cupcakes. 20-25 for a round layered cake. 30 for a 13x9.