Asian Chicken Chopped Salad with Egg Roll Croutons and Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

 This is my entry for the “Make Taste Not Waste Challenge”. Being creative and making something out of what might normally be tossed out is so important in reducing food waste, keeping your grocery budget in check and being environmentally friendly. For this dish, I raided the fridge and found a few left-over take-out egg rolls, the last bit of rotisserie chicken, those cut up veggies that didn’t get finished from a crudite platter and all of those leafy greens that can easily be ignored until they wilt and get tossed. Slice the egg rolls, toast them until crunchy and bake them for crispy croutons, toss together the veggies and chicken in a delicious creamy dressing made with Hellmann’s Cilantro Lime Sauce and dig in!

Asian Chicken Chopped Salad with Egg Roll Croutons and Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette 

2 egg rolls

3 Tablespoons Hellmann’s Cilantro Lime Sauce

1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

¾ teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups leafy greens (I used a mix of leftover romaine, cabbage and baby spinach)

1 cup sliced crunchy veggies (I used a mix of carrots, red bell peppers and jalapeno pepper)

¼ cup sliced green onion

1 cup leftover shredded rotisserie chicken

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Slice the egg roll into 1-inch pieces and bake for 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the Hellmann’s Cilantro Lime Sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar until smooth. 

Add the green leafy vegetables (I used a mix of leftover romaine, cabbage and baby spinach), sliced crunchy veggies (I used a mix of carrots, red bell peppers and jalapeno pepper), sliced green onions and the shredded chicken and toss to coat.

Pour the mixture onto a serving plate, top with the crispy egg roll croutons and serve.

#MakeTasteNotWaste #GameDay #ContestEntry #Hellmanns 

Herbed Ricotta Won Ton Tortellini with Chili Crisp Tomato Sauce and Mint

Just because many of us are staying home on Valentine's Day this year, doesn't mean we can't still enjoy a fabulous fancy dinner worthy of some good bubbly at home. 

This is my entry for the “Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge” which is asking for “Asian Fusion” inspired appetizers for a holiday and I'm really proud to share this creation which I think is the perfect starter to your at home Valentine's Day dinner!

I used Won Ton skins in place of pasta sheets to create tender tortellini filled with tons of herbs, whipped ricotta cheese and  parmesan. These delicious dumplings are drizzled with a fresh tomato salad spiked with crispy crunchy Asian chili crisp and fresh mint. Think of it as an Asian Fusion Caprese salad!

Herbed Ricotta Won Ton Tortellini with Chili Crisp Tomato Sauce and Mint

1 cup ricotta

¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

2 Tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 egg 

20 Twin Dragon Won Ton Wrappers 

1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, sliced

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon jarred chili crisp

¼ teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon salt 

1 teaspoon jarred chili crisp

4 teaspoons torn fresh mint leaves

Bring a large pot of water up to a boil.

In a small mixing bowl whip together the ricotta, shredded parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, tarragon, lemon zest, salt and pepper until smooth.

Whisk the egg and 1 teaspoon of water in a small dish.

Working in batches, place wonton skins on a large cutting board, brush all the edges lightly with some of the egg mixture and spoon about 1 Tablespoon of the filling in the center of each. Fold one corner over and pinch to create a triangle. Gently press the edges together, pushing any excess air out, sealing it well. Take the two bottom corners and gently pull them together, pressing to seal, using a dab of egg wash if needed. Place the filled and formed tortellini on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and cover with a lightly dampened paper towel until ready to cook.

In a small mixing bowl gently stir together the sliced cherry tomatoes, honey, chili crisp and salt. Set aside to marinate at room temperature.

Lower the heat on the water to a simmer and stir in the salt. Give the water a good stir to create a whirlpool effect and quickly drop half of the tortellini in one by one, stirring gently to separate them as they hit the water. Allow the tortellini to cook for 2 - 3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and set on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortellini.

Once all the tortellini are cooked, place 5 cooked tortellini on 4 small appetizer or salad plates. Spoon the marinated tomatoes on top of each serving and drizzle each plate with the remaining marinated tomato juice, sprinkle with fresh mint and remaining chili crisp and serve immediately. 

I am participating in JSL Foods “Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge”. This contest is asking for “Asian Fusion” inspired appetizers for the holidays and I'm really proud to share this creation. Whether it's a Birthday, Anniversary or Valentine's Day this dish is sure to be a show stopper!

You can follow JSL Foods on their website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram 

You can find Twin Dragon Wrappers at Walmart, Albertsons, Shaw's, Von's, Stater Bros, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Associated Stores, Giant Stores, Shop N Shop, Winco, and Price Chopper. If you don't see them in your local store, ask them to carry Twin Dragon Wrapper products! Twin Dragon Asian Wrappers are Vegan and Non-GMO. Plus, they are manufactured with no artificial preservatives. 

The wrappers hold up when boiled steamed or fried. Attributes include low oil absorption, even browning and when fried, small bubbles. You will be surprised how easy they are to work with.

#twindragonwrappers #wontons  #eggrolls #potstickers #TwinDragon #ChefYaki

Cheesy Chicken Bacon BBQ Egg Rolls with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch

The Super Bowl is on Sunday and I don't know if you're all about football or all about the food but I am definitely team snacks all the way. If you don't care at all about the game, here's something to be excited about - Cheesy Chicken Bacon BBQ Egg Rolls with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch!

Crispy egg roll wrappers are stuffed with bacon, BBQ sauce, shredded chicken and 2 kinds of cheese. The shredded sharp cheddar gets all melty and saucy when the egg rolls are frying and then the pockets of cubed pepper jack gives you those gorgeous cheese pulls that will keep your attention while you're waiting for the next commercial to come on. And do I really need to tell you how good Pickled Jalapeno Ranch is? I hope not, because I think the name itself tells you how awesome it is and I won't be mad if you make extra for tacos, as a salad dressing, veggie dip or literally anything else you have nearby to dip into it.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon BBQ Egg Rolls with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch 

6 cups vegetable oil

1 cup ranch dressing

½ cup jarred sliced mild pickled jalapenos

¼ cup chopped green onion

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

¾ cup barbecue sauce 

½ cup cooked, chopped bacon

1 ½ cup pepper jack cheese, cut into ¼ inch cubes

1 ½ cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

12 Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers

In an electric fryer or large high sided skillet fitted with a candy thermometer, bring the oil up to 375 degrees over medium high heat.

Place the ranch dressing, pickled jalapenos and green onions in a small food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a serving bowl.

Place the chicken, barbecue sauce, bacon and cheeses in a small mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a large cutting board with one corner of the wrapper pointing toward you and lightly moisten all 4 edges with water. Place ¼ to 1/3 cup of the filling just below the center of the wrapper.  Fold bottom corner over mixture, fold sides in, and roll up tightly.

Working in batches, fry the egg rolls for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Serve with the Pickled Jalapeno Ranch sauce for dipping.

Makes 12 egg rolls

I am participating in JSL Foods “Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge” and this is my entry for Game Day Appetizers

You can follow JSL Foods on their website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram 

You can find Twin Dragon Wrappers at Walmart, Albertsons, Shaw's, Von's, Stater Bros, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Associated Stores, Giant Stores, Shop N Shop, Winco, and Price Chopper. If you don't see them in your local store, ask them to carry Twin Dragon Wrapper products! Twin Dragon Asian Wrappers are Vegan and Non-GMO. Plus, they are manufactured with no artificial preservatives. 

The wrappers hold up when boiled steamed or fried. Attributes include low oil absorption, even browning and when fried, small bubbles. You will be surprised how easy they are to work with.

#twindragonwrappers #wontons  #eggrolls #potstickers #TwinDragon #ChefYaki

Loaded BBQ Ranch Cauliflower Steaks

Have you ever seen cauliflower look so beautiful before?! I don't think I have. I combined all my favorite BBQ flavors in an easy to prepare, vegetarian and gluten free main dish! Roasted cauliflower is coated in a flavorful BBQ paste, drizzled with Good Foods Creamy Ranch Yogurt Dip and topped with Good Foods Chunky Guacamole. No one will miss the meat with this combo! And I'm thrilled that the judges loved it just as much as I did since it won $1,000 in the Good Foods “Share the Love Recipe Challenge” by coming out on top in the Best Recipe featuring Guacamole category. 

Loaded BBQ Ranch Cauliflower Steaks

1 large head cauliflower

1 Tablespoon ketchup

2 teaspoons maple syrup

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ cup BBQ sauce

2 Tablespoons Good Foods Creamy Ranch Yogurt Dip

½ cup Good Foods Chunky Guacamole

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

2 Tablespoons pickled jalapenos

Preheat the oven to 375 F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the cauliflower into ¾ inch thick steaks. 

To make the BBQ paste stir together the ketchup, maple syrup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and cumin in a small bowl. Brush the cauliflower with the paste evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the stem portion of the cauliflower steaks are tender.

Remove from the oven and brush with the BBQ sauce. Drizzle with the Good Foods Creamy Ranch Yogurt Dip and top each with and equal amount of Good Foods Chunky Guacamole, chopped cilantro and pickled jalapenos. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

Jalapeno, Spinach and Artichoke Twice Baked Potatoes

I'm so excited to share these with you today! These beauties won me $1,000 in the Good Foods “Share the Love Recipe Challenge” by coming out on top in the Best Recipe using a Dairy Dip category. This 6 ingredient, vegetarian and gluten free dish is sure to be your family’s new favorite! Perfect served as an appetizer all on their own or as a side next to a ham or roasted chicken, these twice stuffed potatoes can easily be made ahead if needed. Good Foods Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip is the perfect creamy base for these delicious potatoes but if you happen to have any creamy dip leftover from the holidays, that will work perfectly as a sub (hello, French Onion potatoes!)

 Jalapeno, Spinach and Artichoke Twice Baked Potatoes

6 small russet potatoes (1 ½ pounds total)

1 ½ teaspoons olive oil

½ cup Good Foods Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip

2 Tablespoons mild pickled jalapenos, diced 

1 teaspoon cajun seasoning

1 Tablespoon minced chives

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove dirt and prick each potato in several places with a fork. 

Rub each of the potatoes lightly with olive oil and place the potatoes directly on an oven rack in the center of the oven. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and a fork will easily pierce the largest potato when inserted into the center. Remove the potatoes from the oven and raise the temperature to 400 F.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop the centers out, leaving a small rim around the skins still intact. Mash the scooped potato centers in a small mixing bowl until smooth and then stir in the Good Foods Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip, pickled jalapenos and cajun seasoning. Spoon the mixture back into the shells and place on a small baking sheet.

Place the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and warmed all the way through. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.

Serves 6 as an appetizer, 4 as a side dish

Vietnamese Lemongrass Basil Chopped Chicken Salad

This is my final entry for the Kevin’s Natural Foods “Eat Clean. Live Happy. Blogger Recipe Challenge.”. My Vietnamese Lemongrass Basil Chopped Chicken Salad is Paleo, Keto, Gluten, Soy and Dairy Free and is the perfect thing to balance out all those Christmas cookies you might be baking! 

Kevin's Natural Foods is hosting a recipe contest using their clean ingredient sauces and they were kind enough to send me samples to work with. I have to be honest, I was a little skeptical and didn't know what to expect once I knew that all of the sauces are Paleo, Keto, gluten, soy and dairy free, non-GMO and has no preservatives. Can you even believe that list?! I'm happy to tell you, I was blown away by the flavor of these sauces! 

Vietnamese Lemongrass Basil Chopped Chicken Salad

 1 (7 ounce) packet Kevin's Natural Foods Lemongrass Basil Sauce

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 ½ Tablespoons lime juice

1 Tablespoon coconut aminos

1 teaspoon coconut sugar

1-pound chicken tenders

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups finely shredded cabbage

½ cup matchstick carrots

½ cup seedless cucumber, cut into half moons

¼ cup torn mint leaves

¼ cup torn cilantro leaves

3 green onions, thinly sliced

2 Tablespoons roughly chopped roasted salted peanuts

Place 1 Tablespoon of the Lemongrass Basil Sauce in a small mason jar with a lid. Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, coconut aminos and coconut sugar to the jar, cover tightly and shake until the dressing is thoroughly mixed. Place in the fridge to chill.

Pour the remining Lemongrass Basil Sauce in a medium mixing bowl and add the chicken and salt, tossing to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

Pre-heat a grill or grill pan to high heat and oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook, covered, for 4 minutes per side.  Remove from the grill when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165. Cover and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces.

Place the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, mint, cilantro and green onion in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated. Add the shredded chicken, toss until evenly combined and place on serving plates. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve immediately.

Serves 2.

 #eatcleanlivehappy #kevinsnaturalfoods #kevinsrecipechallenge

You can follow Kevin's Natural Foods on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

Tomatillo Fajita Shrimp & Cauliflower “Grits”

Kevin's Natural Foods is hosting a recipe contest using their clean ingredient sauces and they were kind enough to send me samples to work with. I have to be honest, I was a little skeptical and didn't know what to expect once I knew that all of the sauces are Paleo, Keto, gluten, soy and dairy free, non-GMO and has no preservatives. Can you even believe that list?! I'm happy to tell you, I was blown away by the flavor of these sauces! 

Today I am sharing a mash up of some of my favorite things. Tex-Mex flavors and shrimp and grits. One of the things I miss the most from my pre-covid life is going out to dinner, ordering margaritas while digging into bottomless chips and salsa and waiting on a huge platter of fajitas. There's just something irresistible about that sizzling hissing plate and you know everyone is looking at it being carried through the restaurant. 

The trick to re-creating those perfectly seared marks on your fajitas while at home is to get a large, dry cast iron skillet screaming hot before adding any of your meat or veggies. As soon as you dump your veggies into the blazing hot pan don't touch them. Leave them alone. Back away. They need time to make those gorgeous char marks which equal smoky delicious flavor. Super simple, but super delicious.

Do I get bonus points for this dish being Keto, Paleo, gluten,  grain and dairy free? I think I should!

Tomatillo Fajita Shrimp & Cauliflower “Grits”

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

28 ounces fresh riced cauliflower (not frozen)

1 ½ cups coconut milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

½ cup sliced red onion

½ cup sliced poblano peppers

½ cup sliced yellow bell pepper

12 ounces medium-large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry

¼ teaspoon salt 

1 (7 ounce) Kevin’s Natural Foods Tomatillo Taco Sauce packet

2 Tablespoons mild pickled jalapenos

Melt 1 Tablespoon of the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the riced cauliflower and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk, garlic powder, turmeric, salt and pepper. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree about half of the cauliflower mixture until you reach the texture of grits (smooth yet still grainy). You do not want the mixture to be completely smooth.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat for 4 minutes (you want to be able to hold your palm over the pan and make sure it’s hot before adding the vegetables). Add the onion, poblano and bell pepper slices and allow them to sear and blacken for 5 minutes before stirring. Stir the vegetables and continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Add the shrimp and salt and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in the sauce packet and cook until the shrimp are fully pink, and the peppers are evenly coated.

To serve, spoon the cauliflower grits into 4 serving bowls, top with the shrimp sauce mixture and pickled jalapenos. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

 #eatcleanlivehappy #kevinsnaturalfoods #kevinsrecipechallenge

You can follow Kevin's Natural Foods on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

Tikka Masala Butternut Bisque with Cilantro Mint Chutney

Kevin's Natural Foods is hosting a recipe contest using their clean ingredient sauces and they were kind enough to send me samples to work with. I have to be honest, I was a little skeptical and didn't know what to expect once I knew that all of the sauces are Paleo, Keto, gluten, soy and dairy free, non-GMO and has no preservatives. Can you even believe that list?!

I'm happy to tell you, I was blown away by the flavor of these sauces!

The recipe I'm sharing today is hearty, cozy and full of warm Indian spices. Sweet butternut squash and red onions are roasted and pureed into a thick and creamy soup that happens to be Paleo, Vegan, gluten and soy free! This can easily be made ahead if needed and warmed when you're ready to serve it.

Topped off with a fresh cooling mint cilantro and jalapeno chutney for brightness and toasted coconut chips for a bit of crunch you won't have to feel guilty about cozying up with a giant bowl of this bisque!

Tikka Masala Butternut Bisque with Cilantro Mint Chutney

¼ cup olive oil

2 red onions, cut into ½ inch cubes

2 small or one large butternut squash, cut into ½ inch cubes (about 10 cups cubes)

1 teaspoon Garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 (7-ounce packet) Kevin’s Natural Foods Tikka Masala Sauce

3 cups unsweetened coconut milk

1 cup mint leaves

1 cup cilantro leaves

1 Tablespoon lime juice

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 Tablespoon water

1 small jalapeno, chopped

2 large green onions

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup toasted unsweetened coconut chips

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Stir together the olive oil, red onion, butternut squash, Garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper until the squash is evenly coated. Pour the mixture out onto two large foil lined baking sheets in an even layer and place in the oven to roast for 40 minutes.

While the squash mixture is roasting, make the chutney. Place the mint, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, water, jalapeno, green onions and salt in a small food processor and puree until smooth. Place in the fridge to chill.

Once the squash has roasted and is tender, place the mixture into a food processor with the Tikka Masala Sauce and coconut milk. Puree until smooth and pour into bowls.

To serve, drizzle the soup with the chilled mint chutney and sprinkle with coconut chips. Serve immediately.

Serves 6

 #eatcleanlivehappy #kevinsnaturalfoods #kevinsrecipechallenge

You can follow Kevin's Natural Foods on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

Meaty Mushroom Teriyaki Tostadas with Orange Jalapeno Crunchy Slaw

Kevin's Natural Foods is hosting a recipe contest using their clean ingredient sauces and they were kind enough to send me samples to work with. I have to be honest, I was a little skeptical and didn't know what to expect once I knew that all of the sauces are Paleo, Keto, gluten, soy and dairy free, non-GMO and has no preservatives. Can you even believe that list?!

I'm happy to tell you, I was blown away by the flavor of these sauces!

These tostadas are loaded with flavor and are completely guilt free. They're also Paleo, Keto, Gluten, Soy and Dairy Free so no matter who is at your table, everyone will be satisfied. I took a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lean ground beef and simmered that in Teriyaki sauce, loaded it onto grain free crunchy tostada shells and then topped them off with a veggie slaw that's sweet and spicy thanks to orange zest and jalapeno. It's an amazing new take on taco night!

Meaty Mushroom Teriyaki Tostadas with Orange Jalapeno Crunchy Slaw

3 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon olive oil

¾ teaspoon orange zest

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup matchstick carrots

½ cup julienned cucumber

¼ cup julienned radish 

2 Tablespoons chopped jalapeno

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

2 green onions, sliced

6 Cassava & Coconut Grain Free Tortillas (or other grain free tortilla of your choice)

1 ½ teaspoon olive oil

8 ounces chopped crimini mushrooms

1-pound lean ground beef

1 (7 ounce package) Kevin’s Natural Foods Teriyaki Sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, olive oil, orange zest and salt. Gently toss in the carrots, cucumber, radish, jalapeno, cilantro and green onions in the bowl until everything is evenly coated. Set in the fridge to chill.

Lay the tortillas flat on 2 large cookie sheets and spray both sides evenly with avocado oil cooking spray. Bake for 7 minutes, flip over and bake 7 more minutes, or until crisp. 

Add the oil and mushrooms to a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until all the moisture has cooked out. Add the meat, breaking it up as you brown it, and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes. If there is any excess grease, strain it out. Add Kevin’s Natural Foods Teriyaki Sauce packet and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer until ready to serve.

To assemble, top each crispy tostada shell with an equal amount of meat and then top with the crunchy slaw. 

Serve immediately.

#eatcleanlivehappy #kevinsnaturalfoods #kevinsrecipechallenge

You can follow Kevin's Natural Foods on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

 

Roasted Garlic Shrimp and Parmesan Polenta with Crispy Garlic Bread Crumbs

This is my entry for The Jersey Tomato Co Off The Vine Recipe Contest and it is killer!! Growing up in the New Orleans area, I am no stranger to shrimp and grits and this is my Cajun/Italian take on it. Roasted garlic, wine and bacon make the perfect base for the sauce that's loaded with cajun seasoned shrimp. That sauce is then poured on top of a creamy parmesan polenta then topped with Garlic Bread Crumbs for the most insanely crunchy garlicky texture on top. 

Roasted Garlic Shrimp and Parmesan Polenta with Crispy Garlic Bread Crumbs

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon oil 

1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh garlic

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley

2 Tablespoons olive oil

8 slices bacon, chopped

24 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 Tablespoon cajun seasoning

½ cup dry white wine 

1 (25oz) jar The Jersey Tomato Co. Roasted Garlic Sauce

3 Tablespoons butter

3 cups whole milk

3 cups chicken stock

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 ½ cups yellow grits or polenta

¾ cups parmesan cheese

½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Place the butter and oil in an 8-inch skillet, over medium heat, until the butter is melted. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until lightly browned and toasted, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the parsley and set aside.

In a large skillet set over medium heat add the olive oil and bacon and allow to cook, about 8 minutes, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the oil and place on a plate to use later. Remove all but 2 Tablespoons of the oil from the pan. Season the shrimp with the cajun seasoning and cook until almost cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Place the shrimp on the same plate with the bacon. Add the wine to the pan and allow to reduce by half. Add the Roasted Garlic Sauce, reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer.

While the sauce simmers, make the polenta. In a large stock pot set over high heat, bring the butter, milk, and chicken stock to a low boil. Slowly whisk in the salt and polenta, until the mixture is soft and thick, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat, whisk in the parmesan cheese, cover, and set aside.

Stir the bacon and shrimp into the simmering sauce mixture and allow to heat through.

To serve, divide the grits among bowls, spoon the shrimp mixture over top and sprinkle with fresh basil and garlic bread crumbs.

Makes 6 servings

 

#JTCOffTheVine @TheJerseyTomatoCo #shrimpandgrits

Everything Bagel Bacon & Egg Salad Stuffed Avocados

As much as I love brunch, I’m not in love with waking up early to prepare it. This 5-ingredient dish is so quick and easy to throw together and packs so much flavor into a tiny gorgeous package, no one will know it only took you 10 minutes to make!

If you’re gluten free and want to make this more substantial, serve it over some spring mix lettuce. If you are a carb lover, serve it with some bagel chips or crusty baguette slices. If you‘re super lazy like I am in the mornings, serve it with mimosas and your guests won’t want to leave! Either way, if you make this, I promise you won’t be sorry.

 Everything Bagel Bacon & Egg Salad Stuffed Avocados

6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1 Tablespoon Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, divided

6 small ripe avocados

 

In a medium mixing bowl gently stir together the chopped egg, bacon, mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons of the bagel seasoning.

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, peel and place on a serving platter, cut side up.

Spoon the egg salad mixture into the avocado halves and sprinkle with the remaining Bagel seasoning.

Serve immediately.

This is my entry for the Hellmann's Deli Club Brunch Mini Challenge

#minichallenge #HellmannsBrunch #hellmannsdeliclub