Cooking to Sanity

Chicken Tikka Masala

2012-01-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 C plain yogurt
1 T cumin
1 lemon (1 T 1-1/2 t lemon)
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 T cayenne pepper
1 T pepper
1 T 1 1/2 t minced ginger
1/2 T salt
4 chicken breasts cubed
6 long skewers
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Second Sauce
1 T 1 1/2 t Butter
1 1/2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 jalapeno copped
1 T cumin
1/4 T paprika
3/4 T salt
8 ounce tomato sauce (no salt added)
1 1/2 c heavy cream
1/4 c fresh chopped cilantro
Jasmine Rice

Cashews, raisins, cilantro

Follow this recipe carefully.

Combine yogurt, lemon, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, ginger & salt. Throw in bag or bowl...
cube chicken and add to mixture.
Marinade for at least 1 hour

Soak skewers for at least 30 minutes so not to burn them on the grill. Place chicken on skewers and discard marinade. Grill about 5 minutes on each side.

Melt butter over medium heat in pan. Add garlic and jalapeno. Season with cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Add chicken and simmer about 10 minutes, toss in cashews & raisins. If you like it spicy add more cayenne paper.

Top with cilantro. Serve over jasmine rice with Naan on the side for dipping.

Spinach & Sausage Rigatoni

2012-01-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

1/2 - 1 lb. Italian sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices or chicken
2 bunches broccoli rabe
large handful spinach rinsed and chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
7 garlic cloves, peeled and simmered in 1/3
cup olive oil until tender, oil reserved
1 Small onion chopped
3 t thyme
1/2 red bell pepper diced
1/2 lb. rigatoni, cooked until al dente
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Mozzarella Cheese to cover top
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Preheat an oven to 400°F.
Cook Pasta according to box.
In a sauté pan over medium heat, brown the sausage for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the broccoli to the pan and cook until tender, 6 to 8 minutes, adding the wine after 3 minutes. Season with salt, then add the broccoli and cooking liquid to the bowl with the sausage.
In the same pan over medium heat, warm the reserved garlic oil. Add the onions and thyme, spinach, bell pepper and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the bowl with the sausage and broccoli. reserve the oil. Add the pasta and garlic to the bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon pasta mixture into baking dish and top with ricotta. Drizzle with the reserved oil and top with cheese to cover all of the pasta. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, uncover and bake until hot and golden brown, about 10 minutes more. Serves 6.

Winter Stew

2012-01-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

1 lb stew beef
Large handful chopped carrots
2 celery stalks
6 red potatoes cubed
1/2 onion chopped chunky
1 can peas
1 au jus gravy mix
2 pouches brown gravy mix
1 pouch ranch dressing powder
4 cups water
pepper to taste

Dredge and brown beef, then chop everything and toss into pot and slow simmer until potatoes cooked through.

Serve with warm rolls

Fried Southwestern Rolls

2012-01-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Egg Roll Wrappers or Flour Tortilla
1-2 Cups grilled chicken, chopped into small bite size pieces.
1 16 oz. can Black beans
1 Onion chopped
Bunch Cilantro chopped
1/2 - 1 16oz. can Corn
1/4 Cup Jalapeno jack cheese, shredded
1 Red Bell pepper chopped
Large Handful Spinach chopped
1 T Cumin (I typically add more in the end)

Combine black beans, corn, onion, cilantro, red pepper & spinach in medium sauce pan. On medium heat stir until spinach has wilted. Add cumin & grilled chicken. Throw in cheese and mix until melted.
Once combined spoon mixture into tortillas wrapping them tightly so they do not leak. You can fry or bake these depending on how healthy you want to be. I lightly brush olive oil on the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake @ 350 for about 30 minutes or fry until golden brown.

Serve with avocado-ranch dressing

This is a great meal served with a side of rice and a salad or use it as a fun appetizer at a party. Cut in half and dip in dressing. Has a spicy kick! You can use as little or as much cheese you would like depending on the spiciness you desire.

Great to throw in the freezer.