Thursday, March 3, 2011

Beef Stroganoff with Yogurt and Dill

I think I've mentioned before that The All Star likes beef stroganoff. I ran across a recipe for a "healthier" version and thought I'd give it a shot.

Beef Stroganoff with Yogurt and Dill
Classic Comfort Foods Made Healthy
The Line Up
12 oz multigrain noodles
2 TBSP olive oil
1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and pepper
1 lb button mushrooms, sliced
4 shallots, sliced
1/2 c dry white wine
1/4 c nonfat Greek yogurt
1/4 c chopped fresh dill

The Game Plan
Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, heat 1 TBPS of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper.
In 2 batches, cook the steak until browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining oil. Add the mushrooms and shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5-6 minutes.
Add the wine and simmer until the liquid has reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes.
Return the beef and accumulated juices to the skillet and cook until heated through, 1-2 minutes. Serve over the noodles; top with the yogurt and dil.

Coach's Post Game Conference
I followed the recipe (almost) as written. Only change was that I don't "top" or "garnish" dishes. I either omit or just mix it right in, depending on whether or not I think it will make a difference in the flavor. This I decided definitely needed the yogurt and dill (they are BOTH part of the name of the dish afterall!)
Simple enough recipe with lots of flavor! The All Star even asked to take some of the left overs to school for lunch tomorrow!

Final Score
Coach  - Home Run
Catcher  - Home Run
The All Star - Home Run

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Batida de Guineo - Banana shakes

Catcher decided to make these delicious shakes tonight and for some reason he decided that The All Star needed to learn how to make them. So while he was giving The All Star instructions, i was eavesdropping and writing it down.


Batida de Guineo - Banana Shake
The Line Up
4 bananas
2 TBSP peanut butter
1 can evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar or honey to taste (2/3 c sugar +/-)
1/2 can water
2-3 cups ice

The Game Plan
Blend well - serve immediately

Post Game Conference
Catcher doesn't really follow a recipe - he just throws it in and blends - so amounts can be adjusted depending on your family's preferences.

Final Score
Coach - Home Run Every time
Catcher - Home run
The All-Star - Home Run every time

Spinach Topped Buffalo Chicken

As buffalo chicken is always a hit in our clubhouse, when I saw this one I had to give it a shot.


Spinach Topped Buffalo Chicken
The Line Up
4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/4 lb)
1 egg
1/3 c buffalo wing sauce
1/2 c bisquick
2 TBSP cornmeal
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 TBSP vegetable oil
2 TBSP French dressing
2 c packed fresh baby spinach
1/4 c crumbled blue cheese - omit for dairy free

The Game Plan
Between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper, place each chicken breast, smooth side down; gently pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4" thick.
In shallow dish, beat egg and 2 TBSP buffalo wing sauce with whisk. In another shallow dish, stir bisquick mix, cornmeal and italian seasoning. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then coat with bisquick mixture.
In 12" skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Cook chicken in oil 6-10 minutes, turning once, or until goldenb rown on outside and no longer pink in center.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix remaining buffalo wing sauce and the french dressing. Top each breast with 1/4 c spinach and 1 TBSP cheese. Drizzle each with 2 TBSP dressing mixture.

Coach's Post Game Conference
I leared a secret from a friend regarding pounding meat flat. Rather than putting it between plastic wrap or waxed paper, I put it in a plastic baggie. This way when it slips and slides around it's still in the plastic and I don't have to chase it!
Ok - now for the recipe - would any of my regular readers be surprised to learn that I goofed up the recipe?? Yea, didn't think so! I did! I flubbed it up! I put the whole 1/3 c of buffalo wing sauce in with the egg and had to then use MORE for the dressing!
I wasn't thrilled as I was cooking as all the breading was coming off of the chicken when I flipped it.
In the end, the flavor was pretty good!

Final Score
Coach -  triple
Catcher - Home Run
The All-Star  - Triple (He said it was almost too spicy)

**while this recipe has been tagged as "dairy free" please read all ingredient labels to ensure that your products are, in fact, dairy free - 11/7/2013**

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Three (or Four) Packet Roast

This recipe has long been a staple in our clubhouse. So much so that I can't believe I haven't already shared it. But I haven't, until NOW!! Tonight's dinner also included fresh croissants from our local bakery. Some things are best left to the professionals!

Three (or Four) Packet Roast
So old I don't remember where it originally came from
The Line Up
1 (2/3 oz) packet Italian dressing mix
1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix
1 (1 1/4 oz) packet brown gravy mix
1 (1 1/4 oz) onion soup mix (optional)
1 roast of choice
1/2 c water (or dry white wine)


The Game Plan
Place Roast in crockpot. Sprinkle mix powders over the roast. Pour on water or wine. Cook 6-8 hours on low.

Coach's Post Game Conference
The recipe above is how I received it. I almost always make the 4 packet roast. I also throw in vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and today parsnips. I tend to go for cheaper cuts of meat when using the crockpot, as they become very tender with this method of cooking, no matter what the cut! (I use rump or bottom round roasts quite frequently) Today I also wanted a bit more gravy (I know... you're SHOCKED)... so I threw in a can of low sodium beef broth. I shared this recipe on Recipezaar (now food.com) quite a while ago and there have been several reviews that it is salty - I find that the vegetables tend to help absorb some of the saltiness.

Final Score
(ALWAYS)
Coach - Home run
Catcher - Home Run
The All-Star - Home Run (when his plate does not include vegetables!)

**while this recipe APPEARS to be dairy free looking at the ingredients, in fact, it is not... ranch dressing mix and brown gravy mix both have diary products in them - 11/7/2013**
 

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