Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Chicken 'n Noodles

Nothing is as basic and simple as popping some chicken in a pan and making a skillet meal out of it. So basic in fact that it's hard to make a proper introduction to the meal. Yup. Quick and simple. Right then, let's get to it.





Ingredients:
Cleaned chicken breast halves
garlic powder
paprika 
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp dried basil
salt & pepper for taste
~2 cups frozen vegetables 
~2 cups egg noodles
Step 1: Coat chicken in a mix of paprika and garlic powder. Place in skillet and brown both sides.
Step 2: Add in broth, basil, salt and pepper, vegetables. I used a frozen fajita mix, but you can also try broccoli, carrots & peas, green beans.
Step 3: Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Stir in noodles. Try to submerge as many as possible.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Cover pan and let simmer for 10-15 minutes (until chicken and noodles are cooked)
Step 6: Serve. Claim this meal was more difficult than it was.




Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Meatloaf: A necessary evil

When I brought my meatloaf leftovers into work the other day, I learned that I am not the only one who doesn't go gaga for meatloaf. In some homes meatloaf is a staple of comfort food. In other homes, meatloaf is a quick fix dish for people without the time or energy to make something fancy. This recipe is excellent for those busy nights you want to make something simple with a nice kick to it. Even if it is meatloaf.

Served with steamed green beans and Crash Potatoes.
Ingredients:

  • Loaf
  • 1 - 1/2 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1/2  cup milk
  • 1 cup mashed saltines
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp milk


Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a meatloaf pan or regular pan.
Step 2: Saute the onions lightly. This isn't necessary but it will bring out the flavor.
Step 3:Mix together ground beef, egg, milk, onion, saltines, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4:Shape meatloaf. If the meat isn't the proper consistency, add more milk (softer) or breadcrumbs (harder).
Step 5: In a new bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and milk. Stir together. Generously spread out the sauce all over the top of the loaf.
Step 6: Bake for one hour.