Beef Stroganoff is a simple dish of meat and mushrooms with a sour cream sauce that literally has been around for centuries. Eventually it was given the name of the Russian Count Pavel Stroganoff. Stroganoff, was a celebrity in turn-of-the-century St. Petersburg, a dignitary at the court of Alexander III and a gourmet. He entertained frequently and beef, onions and mushrooms in a savory sour cream sauce became a signature dish bearing his name. However, his Beef Stroganoff was likely served over potatoes rather than noodles. Beef Stroganoff has many variations and here is one more! This is a quick and easy version of Beef Stroganoff for families on the go. It takes about 10 minutes to put together, using cubed stew meat. You can use frozen diced onions to shave off a couple of ... [Read More]
Make Ahead Freezer Cooking
Quick and Easy Chicken Marsala
Quick and Easy Chicken Marsala begins with chicken breast fillets. That is chicken breast cut into half inch slices the full length of the chicken breast. If you can't find them in the frozen food area or the butcher shop in the grocery store, you can cut them yourself from chicken breasts. The even thickness allows for more even cooking and result in a tender, juicy finished product. Another essential is Marsala wine simmered together with heavy cream to make the sauce. And, of course, sliced mushrooms. Even Bytes eats the mushrooms in this dish without grumbling about "fungi". Dredge the chicken in flour lightly and add to preheated skillet with 2-3 tablespoons of oil -- enough to coat the entire bottom. Saute each piece 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. I check to ... [Read More]
Italian Breaded Pork Chops
Quick and easy preparation make these Italian Pork Chops a welcome dinner any time. And they are “fancy” enough for guests or special occasions. Pork chops on sale? You can also prepare these ahead of time for a freezer meal. No matter how you do it, time invested is about 5 minutes preparation and 20 minutes cook time. While the pork chops are broiling, steam a bag of your favorite vegetables in the microwave. Make a quick salad. Add crusty rolls with real butter. Slice a couple of pears or other seasonal fruit. Boom – dinner in less than 30 minutes! Short and sweet! Italian Breaded Pork chops Print Prep time 5 mins Cook time 20 mins Total time 25 mins Quick and Easy, breaded and broiled pork chops make a tasty quick meal prepared in under ... [Read More]
Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Brownie Baked Oatmeal is wonderful for a special breakfast. Soo decadent and delightful with 8 grams of protein and, with milk, 32 carbs per serving. When Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the week, it is sometimes hard to find time to celebrate. Make this the day before and refrigerate before baking 20 minutes on Valentine’s morning – a special glow all day long! Or celebrate birthdays – or acceptance into college of choice – or making the cheer squad – or any other special occasion. Customize Brownie Baked Oatmeal with your choice of chocolate chips. We like dark chocolate so that’s what I usually choose. If all I have on hand is semi-sweet, that’s the choice. Both good. I’ve not tried white chocolate chips, but I bet they would be good and have some “visual interest” , ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker Sausage and Egg Casserole
Slow cooker Breakfast and Eggs Casserole is great for a crowd. And if you don't have a crowd, the leftovers for lunch the next day are great, too! I like to have casseroles for breakfast when we have guests. Usually we have some kind of activity planned and hearty breakfast keeps us going till lunch. This easy to make casserole fills the bill nicely. It is high in protein at 23 grams per serving for active people and just high enough in carbs at 18 grams to stick to the ribs. The eggs, well whisked, help keep this dish light. I use turkey sausage, but you can use your choice of sausage or even diced ham if you prefer. Precooked sausage crumbles speeds up preparation. In a time pinch, use frozen diced onions. The bell peppers add nutrition and color. Use any color. I had ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole made in the slow cooker is a great way to wake up in the morning. It's yummy enough -- and pretty enough -- to serve guests even when you've stayed up late the night before. I am always up around 3 in the morning so putting it in the crockpot to cook for 3 - 4 hours before breakfast is not a problem. Another alternative is to start it cooking before bed and program the slow cooker to keep it warm after cooking until needed. If you must, put the casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover and put it in the refrigerator, set your phone for the right time to allow for 4 hours cooking. When the alarm sounds slip down to the kitchen, put the insert in the crockpot, turn it on and head back to bed. It's worth it! You know I am not a spice fan -- but if ... [Read More]