Showing posts with label main course. Show all posts
Showing posts with label main course. Show all posts

Monday, October 05, 2020

Allison's Go-To Slow Cooker Chili

2 Tbsp oil 

2 yellow onions, chopped

2 red peppers, chopped

4-6 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp cumin

1/4 cup chili powder

2 lbs lean ground beef

1.5 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar (optional)

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce

2 cans beans, rinsed (light red kidney, dark red kidney, pinto beans)

4 oz can mild green chiles


Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and bell pepper, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic, 2 Tbsp chili powder, and 1/2 Tbsp cumin, stir to coat the vegetables, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer veggies to slow cooker.

Add the ground beef to the hot pan, plus remaining 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1/2 Tbsp cumin, and measured salt and cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes.

Transfer beef to the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes and their juices, tomato sauce, beans, and sugar, and stir to combine. Cover and cook until the chili thickens and the flavors meld, about 8 hours on low or 6 hours on high.

Stir in the green chiles and serve topped with your favorite toppings, like cheese, greek yogurt, and fritos.


Serves 6-8.



Monday, July 29, 2019

Hamburger Cauliflower Hot Dish

1 large head cauliflower
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup coconut milk (or heavy whipping cream)
1 cup chicken broth
2 eggs
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the cauliflower into florets and discard the core, then cut the cauliflower into even smaller and more uniform pieces. Place a steamer pot over medium heat with a few inches of water, add the cauliflower into the top and season with salt. Steam the cauliflower until al dente (barely cooked) and then remove it from heat and set aside uncovered.

Place the ground beef and chopped onion in a frying pan over medium heat and season liberally with salt and pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Break up the beef into small pieces with a spatula while cooking.  When the meat is mostly cooked remove it from the heat and set aside.

Beat the eggs, coconut milk, and broth together with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. In a baking dish layer the cauliflower and ground beef until it is used up. Pour the egg mixture over it, making sure the meat and cauliflower is covered.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and sliced almonds and broil for 2-3 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

4 servings.

Note: Omit the cheese to make this paleo/whole-30

{Recipe adapted from Grass Fed Girl}

Friday, April 26, 2019

Healthy Chicken Salad

4 cups cooked chicken
1 cup diced celery (about 4 large stalks)
1/2 cup diced red onion (about 1/3 medium onion)
1 cup halved grapes or diced apples
2 handfuls cashews (or almonds or walnuts)
1 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
2 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp white vinegar (or other light vinegar)
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp salt
black pepper, garlic powder, and dill to taste

Combine chicken, celery, onion, and grapes in a large bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl stir together yogurt, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill. Taste dressing and make any adjustments. Add dressing to the chicken bowl and stir to combine. If your chicken is warm from cooking, refrigerate salad for an hour or two to chill. Stir in cashews or other nuts before serving. Serve with quinoa (optional) on salad greens, or make sandwiches.

Serves 4 as salad, or 6 as sandwiches.

Monday, July 23, 2018

Greek Pasta Salad

For the salad:
1-1.5 cup uncooked short whole wheat pasta (rotini, penne, etc.)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if large
1 cucumber, peeled and cubed
1 bell pepper (not green), chopped
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional)
1 jar kalamata olives, drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta

For the dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
1 tsp dried oregano
3 pinches salt
black pepper to taste
honey to taste

Oregano chicken (optional):
1 lemon, juiced
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
couple pinches of salt
black pepper to taste
4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Cook the pasta al dente per package directions, drain, rinse thoroughly in cold water to cool. Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl. In a jar or bowl, shake or whisk together all dressing ingredients. Add dressing to the salad and toss well. Serve at room temperature. Leftovers keep for a few days.

Optional chicken: Mix marinade ingredients together. Place marinade with chicken in a shallow dish and let sit in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Grill (or bake) and slice or cube. Chill and add to salad.

Serves 8-10 as a side, or 4-6 as a main dish.

Notes: Dressing and salad can be made up to two days ahead. Store separately in fridge. Let dressing sit on the counter to liquify for half an hour. Mix dressing into salad about half an hour before serving and let sit at room temp.

Pasta can be omitted to make this gluten-free, or gluten-free pasta can be substituted. Romaine can be added if desired.

{Recipe adapted from Food Network}



Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili (dairy free)

1.5-2 lbs chicken
2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, drained
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 16oz jar salsa verde
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 cups chicken broth or stock
limes
avocado
cilantro

Add everything except the limes, avocado, and cilantro to a slow cooker and give it a quick stir. Cook on high for 4 hours. After 4 hours, remove the chicken and shred, then place it back into the slow cooker and stir it all together. Top each bowl with fresh squeezed lime juice, cubed avocado, and cilantro.



Tuesday, February 06, 2018

Jambalaya

1 pkg andouille sausage, sliced
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 yellow onions, diced
2 green peppers, diced
1 head cauliflower, riced
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 14oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chicken broth or stock
4 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic until it becomes fragrant then add onion and green bell pepper to begin to cook down. Once onion in translucent, add cauliflower, broth, chicken, and sausage. Mix together. Cover and let cook for about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Stir to incorporate. Cover and let cook for another 5-8 minutes or until cauliflower is tender and meats are cooked through.

This makes great leftovers and freezes really well!

Serves 6-8

Notes: To rice my cauliflower I put it through the shredder attachment of my food processor. The only thing spicy in this recipe is the sausage - If you want it spicier add 1 tsp cayenne. Would be great with  shrimp added!

Wednesday, August 02, 2017

Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli


1 lb. boneless chuck roast, sliced into thin strips
3 heads of broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup beef stock
1/3 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
1/3 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon tapioca starch (or corn starch; optional)

In a slow cooker, add the beef stock, soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, garlic, and sliced apple. Add the sliced beef and stir. Cook for 4 to 5 hours on low.

In a small bowl, whisk the tapioca starch or corn starch with some of the liquid from the slow cooker. Pour it back into the slow cooker and whisk well. The apples will dissolve into the liquid. Add the broccoli and cook for another 30 minutes.

Serve on top of brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Serves 3-4.

{image and recipe adapted from Paleo Leap}

Monday, January 09, 2017

Slow Cooker Chicken Coconut Curry


1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
1 can chicken stock or broth (15 oz)
1 lime, juiced
1 Tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
4 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ground ginger
cayenne to taste (optional)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 small onion, diced (or 1/2 large)
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (or 3 cups sweet potatoes)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 can full fat coconut milk (15 oz)
3 Tbsp arrowroot powder (or corn starch)
2 Tbsp water

Into a slow cooker whisk together pumpkin puree, chicken stock, lime juice, and all spices. Add veggies, garlic, and chicken. Stir to coat. Cook on low for 5 hours (stir once halfway through). At the 5 hour mark, in a small bowl whisk together arrowroot powder (or corn starch) and water until smooth. Add to slow cooker along with the coconut milk. Stir to incorporate. Cook on low for another 30 minutes up to 1 hour. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.

Makes 6 servings.

This does not have a strong pumpkin flavor (if at all). The pumpkin puree just helps thicken the sauce in a healthy, nutritious way. You could also puree your own squash or sweet potatoes if you didn't want to use pumpkin.

You don't want to cook this more than an hour once the coconut milk has been added. If it's done cooking before you're ready to eat, make sure to turn the crock pot to "keep warm."

{image and recipe adapted from Table for Two}

Monday, July 11, 2016

Lemon Couscous with Veggies and Chicken

1 lb chicken breast
1 10-oz package plain couscous
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp olive oil
4 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
2 medium zucchini and/or yellow summer squash, quartered lengthwise and sliced
6 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup lemon juice (or lime juice)
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

1) Preheat oven to 375. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place in a baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.

2) Prepare couscous according to package directions.

3) Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and stir carrots in 1 Tbsp oil for 2 minutes. Add zucchini and green onion and cook and stir for 6 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

4) Transfer couscous to a bowl and fluff with a fork. Add veggie mixture and chopped, cooked chicken.

5) In a bowl or screw-top jar combine lemon (or lime) juice, 1/4 cup oil, honey, salt, and black pepper; whisk/shake well. Pour over couscous mixture, toss to combine.

Makes about 8-10 cups. Serves 4-6 as a main course.

You can use quinoa or rice instead of couscous to make this gluten-free (or healthier!). I used 2 cups of dry quinoa last time I made it - it tastes great but isn't quite as fluffy as couscous. Can be served hot or cold, but I prefer room temperature. Excellent topped with sriracha.

Monday, February 01, 2016

Turkey Sausage Gravy



1 Tbsp + 1 tsp ghee or butter, divided
1 pound ground turkey
1 1/2 tsp ground sage
1 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp allspice
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp arrowroot powder
3/4 cup chicken stock
1 can coconut milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp salt
Fresh ground pepper
Flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)

Add 1 tsp ghee to a skillet over high heat. Add ground turkey and sage, chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and allspice. Brown, breaking meat apart. Once browned, remove meat with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain juices from pan. Return to burner, over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp ghee and onion. Saute until translucent, tender, and golden, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and arrowroot. Whisk and cook for about 1 minute, or until bubbly. Whisk in chicken stock, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for an additional minute, until thickened and bubbly. Add coconut milk, remaining spices, and cooked turkey. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in parsley if using.

Serve over roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower florets.

If you don't care about cooking paleo, you can use dairy milk instead of coconut milk and corn starch instead of arrowroot. Just don't use arrowroot with dairy milk or it will get gummy. Serve over biscuits for a special treat!

Very kid-friendly, just watch the amount of cayenne!

Serves 3-4.

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Citrus Spice Stir Fry

Sauce:
1 tsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder*
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional**)
1 cup orange juice
6 Tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce to taste***)

In a small bowl mix the vinegar, garlic, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes with a fork. Stirring continuously with the fork, pour in the orange juice, then add the coconut aminos.

Stir Fry:
Assortment of veggies of your choice (broccoli, pea pods, onions, mushrooms, carrots, etc.)

Heat up a skillet or wok with a little oil (I use coconut), then add a pound of diced chicken and cook, splashing with a little of the sauce to keep it moist. Remove the chicken and set aside, then add chopped veggies to the skillet along with the rest of the sauce and cook until finished. Add the chicken back in and heat. Serve on top of rice.

* Chinese five-spice powder has a distinct clove flavor, so use less if you think your kids might not be into it!

** The only thing that makes this spicy is the red pepper flakes. The Chinese five-spice power is not "hot" spicy - it's more of a clove/cinnamon spice flavor.

*** Using coconut aminos makes this Whole 30 or paleo approved, but if you don't have any on hand (and don't care about that) you could probably use soy sauce. Soy sauce is more salty than coconut aminos, so I would add a little at a time until you reach the flavor you want - it might not take as much.

Serves 4-6 depending on how many veggies you use.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

French Dip

Serves 6-8

4 cups beef broth
1 onion, sliced
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. cracked pepper
3# beef roast
8 French rolls
8 provolone cheese slices
Butter

In a slow cooker, combine broth, onion, and seasonings. Add roast, cover, and cook on low all day (or on high for 4-5 hours). Remove roast from cooking liquids and slice or shred.

Butter rolls on both halves. Put meat on one half and top with cheese. Place sandwiches open-face on a baking sheet and pop in a hot oven (350-400, it doesn't really matter) for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the roll is slightly toasty, maybe 5 minutes.

Close sandwiches and cut on the diagonal. Serve with the cooking liquid on the side for dipping.

Monday, October 05, 2015

Slow-Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken Soup


2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
2 packages sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 cup fish sauce *see note
1/4 cup red curry paste
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (14 oz each) coconut milk
2 red bell peppers, sliced, then slices cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Sriracha to taste

1. In slow cooker add carrots, mushrooms, onion, sweet potato, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and curry paste. Place chicken over vegetables in slow cooker. Pour broth over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 hours.

2. Stir in coconut milk, peppers, and basil. Cover and cook an additional 30-60 minutes.

Add Sriracha to taste to each bowl depending on spice preference.

Alternate: Add whole chicken pieces to crock pot (don't cube). At the beginning of step 2, remove chicken and shred or chop, then add back to crock pot before proceeding.

* Substitute fish sauce with 4 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 Tbsp dry sherry.

{Adapted from Betty Crocker}

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Stuffed Peppers


1 lb. chicken breasts
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 tsp each: dried parsley, dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder
salt & pepper to taste
4 red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds cleaned out
1/2 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce* (or hot sauce of choice)
1/4 cup butter or ghee*

* indicates paleo or Whole 30 approved option

1. Preheat over to 350.

2. Mix together dried spices. Place chicken and chopped onions in a single layer on a greased or lined baking pan. Sprinkle spice mixture over everything. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from oven and (once cool enough to handle) cut into 1/4"-1/2" pieces. Place cooked chicken and onions in a large bowl. Make ahead tip: At this point you can put the bowl of chicken and onions in the fridge overnight and continue with the remaining steps the following day.

3. In a small saucepan melt the butter or ghee. Add the hot sauce and stir to combine. Add sauce mixture to the chicken and stir well.

4. Spoon chicken mixture evenly into all four peppers. Place filled peppers in a baking pan (make sure it has sides because juices will run). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until peppers are softened.

5. Optional: Serve with guacamole on top (highly recommended) and a side of roasted sweet or regular potatoes! These are surprisingly filling.

Do steps 1 and 2 the night before to save time at dinnertime. These make great leftovers as well. I like to make a batch of them and bring them to work for lunches during the week. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave. They are a little spicy so not sure what kids would think, but maybe you could find a mild sauce that still has the flavor? They are my favorite thing to eat these days!

{From Primally Inspired}

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

For Potatoes:
3 medium sweet potatoes
1/4 cup low fat milk
1 Tbsp butter
salt & pepper

For Filling:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 93% lean
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tsp rosemary
1 tsp thyme
1 cup corn
1 cup peas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain in a colander and return to the saucepan. Mash potatoes, then add butter and milk and stir to combine. Set aside.

While potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the oil into a large saute pan and set over medium high heat. Add the onion and carrots and saute 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the beef, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through. Add the tomato sauce, rosemary, and thyme, and stir to combine. Stir in corn and peas and cook until heated through.

Add the beef mixture to a glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with the mashed sweet potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Serves 6.

Nutritional info:
Calories: 335
Fat: 13
Carbs: 28
Protein: 27
Fiber: 5

Friday, May 10, 2013

Boilermaker Tailgate Chili





















3 pounds extra lean ground beef

4 (15 oz) cans chili beans
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilis, with juice
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cubes beef bouillon
1/2 cup beer
1/4 chili powder

1 Tbsp Worcestershire
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp Tabasco sauce (or other hot pepper sauce)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika

Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook beef until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease. Pour in chili beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add onion, celery, green and red peppers, bouillon, and beer. Season with remaining ingredients. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

This chili has tons of flavor and is nice and spicy. Perfect on a cold day.

Serves 12.

Nutritional info (per 1.5-2 cup serving):
Calories: 375, Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 36g, Fiber: 11g, Protein: 35g

{modified from All Recipes}

Monday, January 21, 2013

Hawaiian Grilled Chicken


  • 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast
  • 1 cup soy sauce (See Note; the soy sauce and water just needs to be a 1:1 ratio)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can of coconut milk (light or regular)
Mix everything except the chicken in a large, resealable bag or container. Add chicken and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Pour out marinade and grill chicken (and onions if you want) over low heat until cooked through. Serve over rice.

Note: You can make this using the broiler. For my chicken breasts, it took 8 min/side with a high broiler and the pan 3" from the flame.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Tortilla Pie

1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 yellow or white onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can whole kernel corn, drained (or about 1.5 cups frozen, thawed)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
1 cup shredded cheese
1-2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix (see below)
6 corn tortillas

On the stove over medium-high heat, cook the meat with 1-2 Tbsp of taco seasoning. When it's close to being done, add the onion and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

In a large bowl make filling mixture: Combine meat and onions, corn, beans, tomatoes, and 1 cup salsa. Place 3 tortillas in the bottom and part way up the sides of a 9-inch glass pie plate. Then add the filling mixture. Place 3 more tortillas over the filling. Spread 1/2 cup salsa over the tortillas. Top with 1 cup cheese.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 60 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with sour cream and sliced green onions if desired. Makes 4-6 servings.

Note: Cooked, shredded chicken can be used instead of ground beef, or meat can simply be omitted for a vegetarian option.

- - -

Taco Seasoning:

1 Tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano

Monday, November 19, 2012

Creamy Avocado Pasta
















6 ounces whole wheat pasta
1 large ripe Avocado, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 Mango Jalapeno chicken sausages (or any flavor - this is just my personal favorite)
1 red pepper, diced

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Salt the water and add in your pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook until Al Dente, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Either grill, microwave, or bake chicken sausages according to package directions. Once cooked through, slice sausages into 1/4" thick slices.

3. While sausages and pasta are cooking, make the sauce by placing the avocado, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy.

3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and place pasta into a large bowl. Add the sauce to the pasta and toss until pasta is well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Top with cooked sliced chicken sausage and diced red pepper. Serve immediately.

Note: This pasta dish is best eaten the day it is made.

Time: 15 minutes. Serves 2. Can easily be multiplied to serve many. Such a quick and easy dinner!

{Adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod}

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Creole Breakfast Bread Pudding

1/2 lb sausage
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1/3 cup dry white wine
8 cups french bread cut into 1" cubes (day old or stale is ideal)
2.5 cups milk
1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup melted butter
8 large eggs, beaten
8 ounces peperjack cheese, shredded
8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp each black and cayenne peppers
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 325. Cook the sausage in a skiller. Add onions and peppers. Cook for 3 min more. Stir in the green onions, add wine and cook over high heat for 1 min. Set aside.

Place bread on a mixing bowl. Add milk and cream. Stir well. Let sit for 5 min.

Pour melted butter into a 9x13" pan and coat sides. Pour extra butter in with the bread.

Mix sausage and bread mixtures. Add eggs, jack cheeses and seasonings. Put in the pan and cover with foil.

Bake 1 hour. Uncover and bake 15 min more. Remove from oven and increase the temp to 375. Spread sour cream and parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 10-15 min. Serve hot.