Lemon Yogurt Bread

Lemon Yogurt Bread

Wow! I just made this delicious sweet bread and it is absolutely wonderful! My family gobbled up an entire loaf last night!!! It’s a good thing that this recipe makes TWO loaves :). It is so moist and sweet that it doesn’t really need the Lemon Glaze! Would also be great served with vanilla ice cream. Thank you to Mel’s Kitchen Cafe for sharing this wonderful recipe!

Dry Ingredients – Medium Bowl

  • 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients – Large Bowl

  • 2 Cups Sugar (I know this isn’t a “wet” ingredient, but it goes in this bowl)
  • 3 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • 1/2 Cup Canola Oil
  • 1 1/2 Cups Plain Yogurt (I used Greek-style yogurt)

Lemon Glaze

  • 3-4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (From the zested lemons or store-bought lemon juice)
  • 1 1/2-2 Cups Confectioner’s Sugar (I use less sugar to make the glaze a little more runny…add 1 teaspoon of water at a time, if needed to thin it more)
  1. Gather ingredients.
  2. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Prepare two loaf pans with oil or shortening and floured. Note: I used two different sizes of loaf pans and they were perfect for the amount of batter (one was 8.5″ x 4.5″ x 2.75″ and the other one was 9″ x 5″ x 2.75″)

Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt using a fork or whisk.

Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest using a fork. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
  2. Next, add the rest of the ingredients (eggs to the plain yogurt) one at a time, stirring with a fork after each addition until well mixed (I beat the eggs in a separate bowl before adding them to the mixture).
  3. Add the dry ingredient mixture 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each cup.
  4. Pour mixed batter into the prepared loaf pans (about 2/3 full).
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes (cook time varies by oven and pan size) until top of loaf is a golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let loaves cool completely (if you can wait!) before drizzling the glaze over the top. (Note: I opted to let each person add the glaze to their individual servings)
  7. Enjoy plain, with glaze or vanilla ice cream!




Durango Chicken

Durango Chicken

I have been cooking this chicken dish for years and have yet to tire of it. It’s always juicy and tender…and oh, SO easy to make! Perfect for ANY night of the week! It pairs well with just about any side dish (rice, potatoes, pasta, etc.) and your favorite vegetable (salads, broccoli, asparagus, squash, etc.). Enjoy!

  • 4 Chicken Breasts (Trimmed, rinsed and dried)
  • 2 Lemons (Juice of 2 Lemons)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (Melted)
  • 1 Tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Pepper

Preparation

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Trim, rinse and dry chicken breasts. Place them in a large ziploc baggie and set aside while you prepare the marinade.

Making the marinade

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Melted Butter, Lemon Juice and Spices. Mix well.
  2. Pour the marinade into the baggie with the chicken and seal well. Gently turn bag over several times to completely coat the chicken breasts with the marinade. Place the baggie in a large baking dish (the one you will be using to bake the chicken) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight/the morning of, if you’re making it ahead of time).

Baking the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. While the oven is preheating, pull the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and dump the entire contents into the large baking dish ~ Note: the butter in the marinade will have solidified…I just place these “chunks” of solidified butter onto the chicken breasts, so they will melt into the chicken while baking.
  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, uncovered.




Honey Mustard Sauce/Dip/Spread

Honey Mustard Sauce/Dip

This is our “Go To” sauce in our family…we use it for just about everything! It’s perfect as a spread, sauce or dip for sandwiches, wraps, chips, veggies, Chicken, Turkey, Beef. The possibilities are endless!

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s Mayonnaise)
  • 1-2 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard
  • 2-3 Tablespoon Honey
  1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard and honey until well-blended. I add the mustard and honey 1 tablespoon at a time in order to get the desired consistency and flavor.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to use.




Sriracha Crema

Sriracha Crema

This yummy Sriracha Crema sauce is a wonderful addition for just about any dish…Tacos, Chicken Bulgogi Bowls, Baked Chicken, Beef, Cut-up Veggies, Chips…the list is endless! It’s so easy and versatile!

  • 1 Cup Lite or Regular Sour Cream
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (Add 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired heatness is reached.)
  • 1-3 teaspoons Water (Add 1 teaspoon at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.)
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Salt (Add a little at a time until desired flavor is reached.)
  1. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and Sriracha (add 1 teaspoon at a time) until well blended.
  2. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
  3. Add a dash of salt and taste. If more salt is desired, add 1/4 teaspoon at a time.




Sweet Hickory Smoked Meatballs

Sweet Hickory Smoked Meatballs

These sweet and smoky-flavored meatballs are perfect as an entree or as an appetizer. You can use any ground meat that you desire…However, I usually use Ground Chicken or Turkey for their milder flavors, so not to compete with the sweet and smoky flavors of the sauce. These also freeze well (without the sauce) for a quick and easy meal for those busy nights. Enjoy!

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. Ground Meat (I used Ground Chicken in the photos, but you may use Ground Turkey, Beef or Sausage)
  • 1/2 Cup Gluten Free Bread Crumbs (Plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1 Clove Garlic, minced (I use 1/2 teaspoon already minced garlic from a jar)
  • 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Pepper

Sauce

  • 2 Cups Catsup
  • 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke (I use Natural Hickory-flavored Liquid Smoke)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Onions

Making the Meatballs

  1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper.
  2. Gather all Ingredients.
  3. In a large bowl, place the following ingredients: ground meat, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, Parmesan Cheese, salt and pepper.
    {Please Note: I tripled this recipe, thus the reason why the photo shows 3 eggs and larger quantities of ingredients.}
  4. Mix the meat ingredients together.
  5. If making these for an entree, use a Medium-sized scoop to form 2″ meatballs (for an appetizer, use a small-sized scoop for 1″ meatballs).
    Place on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving a little room between each meatball to allow for even cooking/crisping.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are lightly golden and a little crisp.

Making the Sauce

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Catsup, Brown Sugar, Liquid Smoke (I used Colgin brand, Natural Hickory flavored), Garlic Powder and Chopped Onion.
  2. Pour the well-mixed sauce over the lightly-baked, crisp meatballs and spread evenly to coat all of the meatballs.
    {Please Note: I transferred the lightly-baked meatballs to a deep baking dish to allow room for the sauce}
  3. Bake in the 350 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until bubbly.

I triple the recipe to allow enough meatballs for freezing half of the lightly-baked meatballs (without the sauce). Then, when needed I simply whip up a batch of sauce while the meatballs are thawing at room temperature, pour the sauce over the thawed meatballs and finish baking.

Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Lunch
Gluten Free
Dinner, easy, ground beef, ground chicken, ground sausage, ground turkey, hickory smoked, meatballs




Honey Chicken in Wine Sauce

Honey Chicken in Wine Sauce

This wonderful Chicken recipe comes out moist and tender every time! With just a few ingredients, it is easy to prepare and is lightly sweet and salty, making it an instant hit with our entire family! I hope you and yours enjoy it as much as we do.

Marinade

  • 1 Cup Cooking Sherry
  • 4 Tablespoons Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic, minced (I use the already minced garlic in a jar)

Honey Chicken

  • 4 Breasts Chicken (Washed, trimmed and cut into halves)
  • 1/2 Cup Flour (Regular or Gluten-Free)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 4 Tablespoons Oil (I use Olive Oil)
  • 1/2 Cup Honey

Making the Marinade

  1. Gather ingredients.
  2. Mix the sherry, soy sauce and garlic together and pour into a Large Ziploc baggie.
  3. Add the trimmed and halved chicken breasts to the bag with the marinade, seal and marinate for 1 hour in refrigerator ( you can marinate for longer, if desired/needed).

Flouring the Chicken

  1. In another Large Ziploc baggie, mix the flour, salt and pepper together.
  2. Drain the marinated chicken, reserving the marinade in a medium-sized bowl, and put the chicken into the baggie with the flour mixture. Seal bag and coat the chicken well with the flour.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat – I usually start with the temperature at medium-high and then lower it a little as the chicken starts browning.
  2. Add the well-floured chicken to the heated oil.
  3. Cook for 10 minutes on one side and then carfully turn over to cook the other side for 10 minutes.
  4. While the chicken is browning, add the honey to the reserved marinade and mix well until honey is dissolved.
  5. Once the chicken is browned on both sides, pour the marinade over the chicken and reduce temperature to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Please Note: This recipe can be started the morning of or the day before it’s needed…just prepare the chicken and the marinade and let it marinate in the refrigerator until ready to cook. I get the flour mixture ready to go, as well.




Homemade Granola

Homemade Granola

This healthy version of Homemade Granola is certain to satisfy that sweet tooth and help curb those cravings for crunchy snacks! I make several batches around the Holidays for special gifts for friends and family…the beautiful colors of the dried fruit and seeds make it a perfect Holiday treat! This recipe is easily adaptable to a Gluten-Free version by simply substituting a few ingredients. Enjoy!

  • 8 Cups Old Fashoined Oats (Use Gluten-Free Oats, if desired)
  • 2 Cups Nuts/Seeds (I usually use chopped Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas))
  • 1 Cup Dried Fruit ((optional) I use Craisins, but any dried fruit will do)
  • 1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, firmly packed (If you want clumpier Granola increase to 1 1/2 cups )
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 4 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
  2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat Baking Mats and set aside.
  3. Gather all of your ingredients.

Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

  1. In a large microwave-safe glass bowl (minimum size of 4 cups, so it does not boil over) mix the Water and Brown Sugar. Microwave for 5 minutes…until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from microwave, stir and add in the Salt and Vanilla Extract. Stir well to make certain that salt is completely dissolved.

The Dry Ingredients

  1. While the syrup is cooking, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds in a VERY large bowl.

Combining the Ingredients

  1. Once the syrup is prepared, pour it over the Oat mixture and stir well to evenly coat the dry ingredients.
  2. Spread mixture onto the two prepared cookie sheets and bake for 45-60 minutes…should be lightly golden.
  3. Once out of the oven, add the dried fruit (I do this in the same VERY large mixing bowl that I used before, cleaned and dried first). Let cool completely before putting into storage container/baggies.




Italian Turkey Meatballs

Italian Turkey Meatballs

My teenage son LOVES these tender little Turkey Meatballs so much that I seriously think he would eat them every night of the week! I make these without any tomato sauce due to food allergies…I serve them “naked” with Ranch Dressing or Barbecue sauce on the side and my family gobbles them up! They are so simple to make and freeze really well for those nights when you’re in a rush. Enjoy!

  • 3 lbs Ground Turkey
  • 2 Large Eggs (Whisked well)
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (I usually use 2 Tablespoons, but add more for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 Cup Bread Crumbs with Italian Spices
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated ((Optional))
  1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cover 2 large baking sheets with foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking oil.
  3. Gather all of your ingredients.
  4. In a Large Mixing Bowl, place the Ground Turkey, the whisked Eggs, the Worcestershire Sauce and the Salt and Pepper. Blend well.
  5. Add the Italian Bread Crumbs to the Turkey mixture and stir until VERY well blended.
  6. Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet pans using a Medium-sized scooper – balls should be about 2″ in size. I do not roll them with my hands, but you may do so….I simply scoop and place on the cooking sheets. I leave space between each meatball to ensure even cooking.
  7. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
  8. Serve with your favorite dip/sauce and a nice fresh salad!




Chicken Bulgogi Bowls

Chicken Bulgogi Bowls

This tasty Korean recipe is easy to make and has quickly become one of my family’s favorites! Even though the classic Bulgogi sauce is meant to be a marinade for beef, I use it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter fare. The pickled cucumbers and lightly cooked carrots add a wonderful mix of flavors to this already yummy dish. Drizzle a bit of spiciness with a little Sriracha Crema sauce over the top and you’ve satisfied all of your taste buds! Enjoy!

  • 2 cups Rice (I usually use Jasmine Rice)
  • 2.5-3 lbs Ground Chicken
  • 1-2 Cucumbers (I use English Cucumbers )
  • 2 cups Shredded Carrots (I shred my own in a food processor, because we like finer shredded carrots, but store-bought shredded carrots are fine.)
  • 3-4 Scallions (Thinly sliced and separated into white and green parts)
  • 10 teaspoons White Wine Vinegar (Divided in half (I prefer “Pompeian” brand for its light taste))
  • 17.6 oz. Bulgogi Sauce (aka: “Korean BBQ” (I use “Chung Jung One,” since it’s the only brand available in our area))
  • 1 cup Lite Sour Cream (I use “Daisy” brand)
  • 1-3 teaspoons Sriracha (I usually use 2 tsps per cup of sour cream, but if you want it spicier add 1 tsp at a time)
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Butter (Salted or unsalted)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1-2 Tablespoon olive oil (or Canola oil)
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper
  1. Cook Rice according to package directions. Add butter, salt and pepper once the rice is finished cooking and stir well.
  2. Heat 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced white parts of the scallions and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the ground chicken to the cooked scallions and cook thoroughly. Stir in 5 tsp of the White Wine Vinegar and pour the Bulgogi sauce over the top, mixing well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, wash the cucumbers and carrots (if you’re shredding your own carrots) and dry. Remove the ends from both the carrots and the cucumbers. With a vegetable peeler, shave the cucumber lengthwise into thin ribbons (continue peeling until you reach the core where the seeds begin).
  5. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 5 teaspoons of the White Wine Vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar; mix well. Add the cucumber ribbons to this mixture and place in the refrigerator.
  6. To make the Sriracha Crema, combine the sour cream and 2 teaspoons Sriracha (more if you like it really spicy). Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you get the desired consistency for drizzling. Place in refrigerator until ready to eat.
  7. I cook the carrots just before I’m ready to serve, so that they are nice and warm. Drizzle oil in saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 2 minutes…you want them still a little crispy and tender.

Assembling the Bowls

  1. Spread about 1/2 cup of rice in the bottom of a bowl. On top of the rice arrange the chicken, carrots and cucumbers (amounts of each topping depend on the person, but I usually serve about 1/4 cup of each topping). Add green scallions and drizzle some of the Sriracha Crema sauce over the top. Enjoy!

You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken. Also, you can add sesame seeds to the top and to the chicken mixture (I omit due to food allergies).

Main Dish
Korean




Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

I always thought that making homemade Chicken Enchiladas would be difficult, but it really isn’t if you follow these simple instructions! This Chicken Enchilada recipe is pretty quick and easy and once the chicken is cooked, you can whip together the Enchiladas in a few simple steps and they’re ready to pop into the oven. Enjoy the creamy texture and lightly spicy flavors of this yummy dish!

  • 4 medium-size Chicken Breasts (Baked or Boiled (I boil mine, since they tend to be more tender))
  • 2-3 10 oz. each Enchilada Sauce (cans) (I use Old El Paso, medium (red) and mild (green))
  • 1/2 cup Lite Sour Cream (I use Daisy, but any brand will do)
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 8 Large Soft Flour Tortilla Shells (You may use smaller sized shells, low-carb or regular)
  • 2 Chopped Green Onions (Optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Shred the cooked chicken and place it in a large sauce pan.
  2. Add 1 of the cans of Enchilada Sauce and mix well over Medium heat.
  3. Add the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
  4. Set up a “Work Station” like the one in the photo to make life easier. Pour the 2nd can of Enchilada sauce into a deep dish pan (I use a square baking dish). Place a large plate out to serve as a “working surface.” Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  5. First step, using either your fingers or tongs, dip a tortilla shell into the Enchilada sauce and turn over to coat both sides. Place onto the “working surface” plate.
  6. Next, plop a large spoonful of the chicken mixture towards one end of the tortilla shell and gently spread the mixture out a little with the backside of the spoon.
  7. Roll up and place seam side down in the 9″x13″ baking dish. Repeat until all tortilla shells are gone. Sprinkle the remaining Shredded Cheddar Cheese over the top.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until nice and bubbly.
  9. Serve with sour cream and chopped green onions.