Cocinando con Alena

Absolutely the best sweet and sour chicken recipe I've ever tried. My husband and I thought it was delicious. this is a keeper -- great recipe, just as good as somethiing you'd get in a restaurant! Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingrеdіеntѕ : Chісkеn:     3-4 bоnеlеѕѕ, ѕkіnlеѕѕ chicken brеаѕtѕ (аbоut 2 роundѕ)     Sаlt аnd pepper     1 cup соrnѕtаrсh     2 lаrgе еggѕ, bеаtеn     1/4 сuр саnоlа, vеgеtаblе оr сосоnut оіl Sаuсе: 1/2 to 3/4 cup grаnulаtеd ѕugаr (depending on hоw ѕwееt уоu want thе ѕаuсе) 4 tаblеѕрооnѕ ketchup 1/2 сuр аррlе сіdеr vіnеgаr (ѕее note fоr ѕubѕtіtutіоnѕ) 1 tablespoon soy ѕаuсе 1 teaspoon garlic salt Directions:     Preheat the оvеn tо 325 dеgrееѕ F.     Cut the сhісkеn breasts іntо 1-іnсh оr slightly larger ріесеѕ. Sеаѕоn lightly wіth ѕаlt аnd рерреr. Plасе thе соrnѕtаrсh іn a gallon-sized ziploc bag. Put thе chicken into thе bag with the cornstarch and ѕеаl, tоѕѕіn...

Instead of takeout, try one of these easy and healthy dinner ideas. Each recipe is under 500 calories and loaded with all the good stuff plus, most are ready in less than 35 minutes.. Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies Aѕ easy as thrоwіng everything іntо a раn аnd рuttіng іt іn thе оvеn. Prоtеіn, vеgеtаblеѕ, and ѕtаrсh, thаt'ѕ mу personal fаvоrіtе recipe for a hеаlthу аnd bаlаnсеd mеаl. Recipe >> Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies @ damndelicious.net ----- Creamy Mushroom Risotto This recipe is quісk, еаѕу, аnd dеfіnіtеlу dеlісіоuѕ. It'ѕ расkеd with nutrіеntѕ whіlе ѕtіll tаѕtіng ѕіmрlе and fresh. This dish аlѕо hарреnѕ tо bе glutеn-frее аnd vеgаn! Rec...

I came up with the glaze for this ham using ingredients on hand and it's the best I've ever tasted. If you have any glaze left over, you can add it to the pan drippings with a little flour or cornstarch and make a nice sauce to accompany the meat. Use the bone and ham trimmings to make soup afterwards.. Christmas Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham Ingredients: * 9-10 lb Spirαl Hαm glαze: * 2 Cups 100% Pineαpple Juice * 1/4 Cup Honey * 2 Tαblespoons Sugαr * 2 Tαblespoons Stone Ground Mustαrd Instructions: 1. Preheαt oven to 325°F
 2. Plαce hαm into lαrge bαking dish αnd cover with foil.
 3. Cook αccording to pαckαge instructions (typicαlly 325°F for 10-12 minutes per pound)
 4. Prepαre glαze while hαm is in the oven.
 5. Glαze hαm 20 minutes before cooking is complete.
 glαze: 1. In smαll sαucepαn over medium heαt; cook pineαpple juice 25 minutes while stirring frequently. Juice should reduce by hαlf.
 2. αdd honey, sugαr αnd mustαrd.
 3. Cook 5-8 minutes while constαntly stirring. On...

"This is one of the best ways that I have ever prepared chicken. This recipe has been requested many times after I have served it. Serve chicken over hot cooked rice or noodles." Chicken With Mushrooms 4 Servings Ingredients: 3 cups sliced mushrooms 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs 2 tablespoons butter 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced 3/4 cup chicken broth Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place half of the mushrooms in a 9x13 inch pan. Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then roll in bread crumbs. In skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Brown both sides of chicken in skillet. Place chicken on top of mushrooms, arrange remaining mushrooms on chicken, and top with mozzarella cheese. Add chicken broth to pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

Your lips with thank you, your hips will curse you! I admit, making this recipe last night put me over the edge & I started a diet today, but they are SO worth it! These are definitely a splurge if you are trying to eat healthy. The combination of potatoes, cheese and BACON equals AMAZING comfort food for a special treat. I served them for dinner with turkey burgers but they would also be great for a bunch. Cheesy Bacon Potato Bites Ingredients: 2 lbs. potatoes, I used 3 large potatoes 6 slices of bacon, cooked, drained & chopped (reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease). 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded 4 green onions, chopped salt & pepper to taste directions 1.      Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush cookie sheet very lightly with reserved bacon grease. OR you could spray it with cooking spray to save a few calories. 2.     Wash & slice potatoes, somewhere between 1/4 and 1/8 inch thick. I lik...

Here is one such recipe that is gluten-free, low-fructose and low-FODMAP. The only issues with this recipe may be with the dairy products. Hard cheese, such as cheddar, and heavy cream are very low in lactose and I don't seem to have much issue with them. I'm really not sure if I'm lactose intolerant. I was always a big cottage cheese eater and recently stopped eating it and I feel maybe just a tad better. I'm still not sure if it's enough of a difference to go completely dairy-free, though. I love cheese and I love this casserole. It started out as just a chicken and potato casserole, but then I made some changes to it and I decided that it was so similar to the ingredients in a loaded baked potato, I would just call it that! Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole serves 4 Ingredients: 3 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 1.5 lbs. or 4 1/2 cups) 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp, c...

Cilantro Pesto Grilled Shrimp INGREDIENTS:     cilantro pesto ( recipe below )       about 20, wild medium size shrimp (Peeled & De-veined)     7 x 8′ wooden skewers    Cilantro Pesto Recipe( Makes 2 cups ) :     2 bunches organic cilantro – packed     2 cups organic baby spinach – packed     1 organic lemon – zested     1/2 organic lemon – juiced     2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts – toast in a dry heated saute pan for 3-4 minutes stirring periodically until browned     1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese     1 1/2 cups organic olive oil     sea salt and fresh ground pepper for taste Directions ( Cilantro Pesto ): Add all pesto ingredients in a food processor, except for olive oil. Blend and gradually pour in olive oil. Season with about ¼ tsp. sea salt and ¼ ...

Here is one such recipe that is gluten-free, low-fructose and low-FODMAP. The only issues with this recipe may be with the dairy products. Hard cheese, such as cheddar, and heavy cream are very low in lactose and I don't seem to have much issue with them. I'm really not sure if I'm lactose intolerant. I was always a big cottage cheese eater and recently stopped eating it and I feel maybe just a tad better. I'm still not sure if it's enough of a difference to go completely dairy-free, though. I love cheese and I love this casserole. It started out as just a chicken and potato casserole, but then I made some changes to it and I decided that it was so similar to the ingredients in a loaded baked potato, I would just call it that! Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole serves 4 Ingredients 3 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 1.5 lbs. or 4 1/2 cups) 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp, cooled and...

This is an absolutely gorgeous lasagna to serve to family or even company. The golden browned cheese and the delicious aroma is mouthwatering to those waiting for the first taste. The rich, creamy, tasty blend of three distinct cheeses is a heavenly marriage of flavor. Beautiful, bright, nutrient-rich spinach tucked away in the layers of pasta and cheese is superb. It is a meal that will have everyone begging for more.. Creamy Perfection Vegetarian Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Ingredients:     3¼ cups ricotta cheese     1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese     20 oz thawed chopped spinach, drained     4 ½ cups chunky vegetable pasta sauce (your choice)     1 box uncooked lasagna noodles     2 ½ cups grated Gouda or Swiss cheese (slices may be used)     ⅛ tsp. salt     ⅛ tsp. pepper Directions:     Prepare a 13 x 9 x 2 lasagna pan...

It is not only beautiful, but very tasty too. It can be prepared in advance and will be a success among your family and friends. Sunny Spinach Pie Ingredients: for the dough:     500 gr of flour     90 ml of extra virgin olive oil     200 ml of warm dry white wine     2 tsp of salt     for the stuffing:     350 gr of boiled spinach     350 gr of ricotta cheese     1 egg     100 gr of grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana cheese     salt     pepper     breadcrumbs Instructions:     Mix all the ingredients for the dough and work the dough until it becomes uniform (using a mixer or not).     Cover it with plastic wrap while preparing the stuffing.     Boil the spinach and squeeze it to eliminate the water.     Cut it with a sh...

I made this for dinner tonight and everyone loved it. That rarely happens around here. I used red potatoes and no onions; put some minced garlic in when I tossed it with the seasonings. My husband said it is one of his favorite recipes I have tried. Definately a keeper! Recipe >> Oven Roasted Smoked Sausage Potatoes Recipe @ recipes from the big blue binder

My mom made these at least once a month throughout my childhood. The only difference  was she used tomato juice and thinly sliced onion on top. Special memories, :) Gram's Galumpki 1 or 2 heads of cabbage ( you will need 12-16 large leaves) 1 lb ground beef (80% lean or so) 2 cups cooked rice (cooked five minutes short of specified time) 1 cup onion, finely chopped 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt tomato soup (1 or 2 small cans) or 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced fresh thyme leaves (several sprigs, 1 - 2 teaspoons) Cut the core from the head of cabbage and wash well. Fill a large saucepan or pot (I use a 4 quart saucepot) with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Add ½ teaspoon salt and the head of cabbage, core side down. Cover and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the outer cabbage leaves are tender and flexible but not mushy. Caref...

Pinterest is fantastic as I am sure that you all know! I saw this recipe for the perfect chicken and have made it several times. I use it for everything:  soups, salads, pasta, plain, etc... It cooks perfectly every time,, Perfect Chicken Ingredients: 1/2 t. garlic powder 2-4 boneless chicken breasts with or without rib meat 1/2 t. pepper 2-3 T. olive oil 1/2 t. onion powder 1/2 t. paprika 1/2 t. salt Directions: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl (I use my old 1/4 cup). Coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning, rubbing in to coat. Pour olive oil in the bottom of a Dutch oven, and heat to med-high. When nice and hot, add chicken to the pan (in batches if necessary). Cook 2-3 min per side. If any chicken has been removed, add it back to the Dutch oven. Place uncovered Dutch oven in a 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes or until juices run clear. Let sit on a plate 5-10 minutes before cutting, shredding, or eating.

I tried this for dinner last night and LOVED it! I used different bacon and different ranch but it was still amazing! Next time I will make it a little different though. FIRST, I would cut a few slits in my chicken for the ranch to seep through and cook within. SECOND, I would bake the bacon separate (because I like my bacon a little more on the crispy side). & THIRD, I would add the bacon to the chicken at the point you add the cheese. But overall this was delicious and I will be making it again in the near future! Recipe >> Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake @ thepinningmama.com

Assembling pork sausages is a snap and, as always, if you use best-quality ingredients, it's hard to beat homemade.From the book "Mad Hungry," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Artisan Books). Simple Homemade Sausage Patties Ingredients:     1 pound ground pork     1 garlic clove, minced     1 tablespoon dried sage, crumbled     3/4 teaspoon dried thyme     1/2 teaspoon dried fennel, crushed     Pinch of ground nutmeg     1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt     1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper     1 large egg white     2 teaspoons vegetable oil Directions: Mix together the pork, garlic, sage, thyme, fennel, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the egg white and combine thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes. To easily form the sausage patties, rinse your hands in cold water. Divide the mixture into eight...

This creamy casserole can be made a day ahead, refrigerated and then baked just before dinner. Using frozen vegetables makes this dish a cinch. Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Perfect Pinch® Italian Seasoning , divided 1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed 1 package (16 ounces) frozen cauliflower florets, thawed 2 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup) 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Salt 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper, Coarse Ground 1 1/4 cups milk 4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, cubed Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning in small bowl. Set aside. Cut up any large broccoli or cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces. Mel...

Here is a fancy way to bring a little "surf" to any "turf" dinner!  It's pretty easy too... You will need: 2 lobster tails (around 8 ounces each) paprika (a few pinches) butter (a couple tbsp's) olive oil (a few tbsp's) kosher salt & pepper *Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. These little guys were frozen - let them fully thaw before doing anything.  Also, make sure you use quality seafood - I'm sorry, but don't get frozen lobster tails from a box. I recommend http://www.lobsterplace.com / (favorite place and super fresh!) Use a pair of good scissors to cut the shell as seen above. It takes a little work to pull the meat away from the shell - use your finger tips. Once the meat is pulled away, let it back on top of the shell.  This makes it look nice (think Red Lobster commercials - you can have your own "lobster-fest" at home now).  Rub the meat all over with olive oil. Lay the tails on a ...

I love seafood. If it came out of the ocean, I love it. Lobster, mussels, oysters, crab fish, sushi, I love it all and then some. I love to cook salmon but I have never perfected the recipe for flaky moist perfect salmon (until now!) I got this recipe from Ree Drummond of the Pioneer Woman- one of my favorite cooking show and blogs. Most of the salmon I have eaten/made is too underdone or dried out and bland. But not tonight ! Tonight's salmon was moist flaky juicy flavorful and so so simple to make. Put your salmon on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil salt and pepper. Put the salmon in a cold oven turn onto 400 degrees and set the timer for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes you will have perfect flaky delicious salmon.

Cooked this for dinner last night and it was amazing! I didn’t have time to cook it in a crock pot so I ended up cooking it on the stove top. It worked beautifully and I was able to cook my noodles in the sauce without any problems, I just needed to add about a cup of extra water to the sauce for it to come out perfectly. This is definitely a keeper. Everyone loved it! Recipe >> Crockpot Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta @ crockpotgourmet.net

An easy cheesy dish that uses up that Christmas or Easter ham! My family looks forward to this one! Ham & Potato Casserole makes 6 servings Ingredients:     6 small potatoes, peeled and cubed     3 tablespoons butter     2 cups cubed fully cooked ham     1 small onion, finely chopped     1/4 cup butter     3 tablespoons all-purpose flour     1 1/2 cups milk     salt and ground black pepper to taste     1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese     1/4 cup bread crumbs Directions:     Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).     Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.     Melt 3 tablespoons but...