Apple Pie

We all know it's apple picking season. Joe and Matt brought me home quite a few so her is one of the yummy's I made the other day!

What you need:

Pie crust (your favorite recipe or cheat, I won't judge)

Apples, I used probably 10-12, peeled cored and sliced

Sugar, just a little maybe 1/4 cup

Cinnamon, A few good shakes

Butter, about 4 pats

Mix apples with the sugar and cinnamon till coated. Pour in prepared pie crust. Add butter pats. Cover with 2nd crust and bake at 350 till golden brown. 

Apple Cobbler

When you really want apple crisp but you don't have any brown sugar....  we make apple cobbler! Just as sweet and feel good as crisp! I added cream cheese for a little extra something but next time I will put it between the apples and the topping.

What you need:

6 large cooking apples(any apple will do)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 egg
vanilla, to taste
cinnamon
1/2 c butter

Peel, core and slice the apples and place in a lightly greased casserole. Mix sugar, flour, egg, vanilla, and cinnamon together in a bowl until the consistency of small crumbles. Evenly shake over the top of the apples. Pour melted butter over everything and bake at 350 until golden brown.


I know I didn't add the cream cheese! I used approximately 1/4 package of cream cheese sliced thin and placed on top. I think it would be better placed on top of the apples and under the topping!

Coconut Shrimp

I was never a shrimp fan until I tried this at some over priced restaurant! I had to try it at home! So here is my trial! I hope you enjoy it!

What you need:

Flour

Eggs 

Coconut and Panko bread crumbs

Shrimp( about 25 pieces)

oil- this is where I think you have the opportunity to add more flavor!

I don't have amounts for any of the ingredients. Sorry! I poured some flour in one bowl, mixed up about 4 eggs in another, then mixed about equal parts coconut and Panko. I used a little more coconut. Dredge your shrimp first in the flour, then the egg and then the coconut mixture. Set aside until all done. Heat your oil about 2 inches deep in a fryer or pan. This is where I used canola oil but I think I could have gotten more flavor if I used coconut oil. Cook on each side about 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through!

For the Dip:

1/2 cup orange marmalade

1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce

Just mix it together and enjoy!

Bourbon Chicken

What do you do when your favorite bourbon chicken place closes? You make your own!

What you need:

3/4 cup soy sauce

1 cup brown sugar

3 Tbl minced garlic

1 Tbl grated ginger

2 med shallots

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut up

1 cup bourbon whiskey, I used Jack Daniels

1 T rice wine vinegar

1 tsp red pepper 

1 pat of butter

In a large pan, saute the shallots, garlic and ginger in butter, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cut up chicken pieces and let them cook for a minute or two. Add the whiskey and soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and  red pepper. Bring to a boil and then let simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes. Serve over rice and use the extra juices to pour over the chicken.

Notes:

You can combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and let marinate before cooking. 

Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Onions

 

Savory, sweet, and all in one dish! Super moist and juicy chicken is steamed by cooking with parchment paper.

What you need:

1 whole chicken, cut up
1/4 c butter, softened
3 Tbl thyme
1 tsp poultry seasonng
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp olive oil

3-4 sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced and cut into large chunks

2 med-large onion, wedged
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbl lemon juice

Heat oven to 350. Stir butter, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper in a small bowl.Coat chicken with  about half of the butter mixture. Heat a large pan over med-high heat. Once hot add oil and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides. About 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken to a large casserole or 9x13 pan. Add onions to the juices in the frying pan, Cook and stir about 1 minute. Add the garlic, stir and cook another 30 seconds. Add the sweet potatoes and cook 1 more minute.Add the remaining butter mixture. Stir as it melts and cook another minute. Arrange the vegetables in the pan with the chicken, being sure to keep them in one layer. Cut parchment paper to fit over the dish. Cover with a lid or foil if you don't have a lid. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes.
remove the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter. Using the sauce in the pan skim off any fat and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in lemon juice and boil 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve over the chicken. 

Rosemary Brown Sugar Pork Loin

Looking for something a little different? Brown sugar, rosemary and garlic all melded together in this tender, juicy pork loin!

What you need:

5-7 lb pork loin
rosemary
garlic
salt pepper
brown sugar

Yes I know there are no measurements! But that's because it''s to taste! Rub the pork loin all over with the spices. Then fat side up coat in brown sugar. Place in a baking dish in the oven at 350 for about 40 minutes. Check the temperature and re-coat with brown sugar. Cook for 10  more minutes until done. Drizzle pan juices over the pork after plating

Serve with garlic and chive mashed potatoes.

Grape Salad

A great summer picnic recipe! Bring as a dish to pass. This went over so well at our pig roast! Everyone was asking me for the recipe!

What you need:

2 lbs each of red and green seedless grapes, washed and vine removed

1 pkg cream cheese, softened

8 oz sour cream

1/2 c white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup crushed pecans or walnuts or almonds(you get the idea)

In a large bowl cream together the cream cheese, sour cream, white sugar and vanilla. Toss in the grapes. Stirring to coat. Mix the brown sugar and pecans together and evenly sprinkle over the top. Place in the fridge overnight for the flavors to unite. Enjoy!