Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:
Cabbage Rolls

1 large head green cabbage, about 2 to 2¼ pounds
2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs (not necessary, you can leave them out, but they do make the meat fluffier)
1 medium onion, grated or minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup raw long-grain white rice *

Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (medium dice)
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce or one 32-ounce can whole tomatoes, pulsed in a food processor with juice until pureed.
juice of one lemon or 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) apple cider vinegar
¼ to ¾ cup light brown sugar (Depending on amount of sweetness you prefer. Start with ¼ cup and taste sauce, adding if you like it sweeter. If you prefer it completely savory, add only 1 tablespoon brown sugar and the juice from half a lemon)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup golden raisins (optional)
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. When the water comes to a boil, fill a large bowl with ice water. Cut out as much of the core as you can from the bottom of the cabbage, then drop the whole, cored head into the boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the leaves separate and are pliable, immediately remove and drop the blanched leaves that separated (or whole head if all the leaves did not separate) in the ice water. Once cooled down, remove and pat the leaves dry. Repeat with any leaves still attached to the head that aren't pliable, if necessary. Alternatively, If you've got time on your hands, you can freeze the wrapped head of cabbage for two days then defrost. The leaves will peel off easily and be soft enough to roll.

Here's some other ideas from readers, although I have yet to try them so I cannot confirm that they work. 1. Place the cabbage in the microwave for 6 minutes. The core will slip right out and the leaves will be perfect for rolling. 2. Take a knife and shave down the vein on each cabbage leaf, but they still need to be softened to roll, so you'd still have to blanch them (extra work), so I'm not sold on this one. 3. You can also throw the whole head in the boiling water without coring it. The leaves just won't separate on their own, but are still easy to peel off.

Set aside about 16 of the largest leaves for stuffing and rolling, then chop some of the remaining leaves to make 1 cup of chopped cabbage and reserve.

Mix the ground beef with the eggs, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and rice. (If you use cooked rice, you can test the seasoning of the meat mixture to your liking by frying up or microwaving a piece of it and tasting, if desired). Divide this mixture into sixteen 2-ounce balls. Using moistened hands, form the balls into cylinders. Place a cylinder of filling near the bottom of a cabbage leaf (if the vein in the leaf is really thick, shave it down with a knife before placing the beef on it, being careful not to cut through the leaf itself.). Begin to roll it up, folding both sides over the filling, and finish rolling to enclose the filling, like an eggroll. Continue, filling and rolling all the cabbage leaves. Place them, seam side down, on a tray or baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a heavy, nonreactive saucepan. Sauté the second onion until soft and golden. Add the garlic and saute for 2 more minutes, then add the reserved chopped cabbage and sauté briefly.

Add the tomato sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Increase the heat until it comes to a boil, then lower it and simmer for 5 minutes. Add raisins now, if using.

Line of the bottom of a 13 x 9 roasting pan or glass dish with a layer of sauce. Place cabbage rolls, seam side down, on top of sauce. Top cabbage rolls with remaining sauce then cover the whole pan with tin foil. Bake for 2 hours in a preheated 350F oven

One Pot Burrito Bowl

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
1 pound lean hamburger
1/3 cup Salsa
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can corn, drained
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can diced green chiles
1 cup rice
1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup shredded cheddar/jack cheese
S & P to taste

Optional toppings:

Sour cream
Cilantro
Green Onions
Tomatoes
Avocado

Directions:

In a large pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and red peppers. Add in hamburger and cook until browned. Stir in salsa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, jasmine rice, taco seasoning and chili powder. Pour in chicken stock and then bring to a light boil. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is all the way cooked.

When rice is done, S&P to taste. Top with your favorite toppings. We like to serve over lettuce in a salad bowl and eat with tortilla chips.

Cheesy Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced
1 cup long grain rice
1 can Rotelle tomatoes, undrained
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
salt
shredded cheese - cheddar or Monterrey jack

Directions:

Heat oil on skillet or sauce pan over medium high heat.  Stir in onion and cook until translucent.  Add rice and stir frequently for 2-4 minute so grains don't burn.  Add tomatoes and mix to combine with rice.  Slowly add in broth and bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes, mixing occasionally to prevent rice from sticking on the bottom of the pan.  Remove from heat, add salt for taste and fluff with a fork.  Let rice cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving.   Serve warm in individual bowls and drizzle with cheese on top so it melts.

P.F. Chang's Mongolia Beef Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound of flank steak
1/4 cup cornstarch
vegetable oil, for serving and sauteeing
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, not packed
vegetable oil, for frying
2 large green onions, sliced on the diagonal into one-inch lengths
cooked rice, for serving
steamed broccoli, for serving

Instructions:

Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4" thick 1-inch long slices. Add the cornstarch to a wide, shallow bowl and coat the steak with the cornstarch. Set aside and allow the cornstarch to soak into them meat while you make the sauce.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-low heat in a wok or large cast-iron or stainless steel frying pan. Add the ginger and garlic, saute until fragrant about 2 minute, stirring often.

Add the soy sauce and water then whisk in the brown sugar. Turn heat up to medium-high, bring to a boil and cook 2-3 minutes (not longer - the mixture will thicken up when you add it to the steak) whisking often. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Add 1/2 to 3/4-inch oil to the same pan and heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers. You can test it by adding a piece of steak - it should sizzle and start cooking immediately.

Add the beef to the oil and cook for about two minutes turning the pieces over so they brown on both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider to a paper towel lined plate.

Let oil cool down - then drain off.
Heat the same pan over medium heat and add the meat back in along with the sauce and green onions. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring to coat the meat all over with the sauce.

Remove the meat and leave the excess sauce behind. Serve over rice with broccoli, if desired.

Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

1 lb hamburger meat
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 packet taco seasonings
1 egg, beaten
2 cups cooked rice
4-6 bell peppers
1 can diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Salsa
Sour cream

Directions:

Combine beef, onion, seasonings, and egg in large mixing bowl.

Add rice and mix well.

Cut tops off of bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

Spread can of diced tomatoes in bottom of a 12th baking dish. Add a half can of water and mix well.

Place peppers, cut side up, on top of tomatoes.

Spoon beef mixture into peppers mounding when necessary.

Top each pepper with a spoonful (or two) of salsa.

Bake at 375 in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. 

Remove from oven and top with shredded cheese and put in broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.

Serve with sour cream and additional salsa.

Sausage Jambalaya

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons oil
4 cups chicken broth
2 (14.5oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
16oz sausage in 1/2" slices
Cooked rice
2 tsp thyme, crushed
1 tsp dried  basil, crushed
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
optional: 1/2lb baby shrimp or 1 cup shredded chicken

Directions:

Put all ingredients in crock-pot except rice. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Cook rice separately and serve jambalaya over rice.

Bourbon Street Chicken

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet.
Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. Remove chicken and drain. Add remaining ingredients, heating over medium heat until well blended and dissolved. Add chicken and bring to a hard boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes uncovered. Serve over hot rice.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked chicken,  chunks
6 slices swiss cheese
10 slices cut-up ham
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
10 saltine crackers
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon parsley

Directions:

Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread 2 cups cooked rice in bottom of baking dish.

Arrange 3 cups cooked chicken pieces over top of rice.

Layer 6 slices swiss cheese on top of chicken.

Then layer 10 slices cut-up ham on top of swiss cheese.

In separate bowl mix together both cans of cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream and spread on top of ham.

In another bowl crush 10 saltine crackers and add paprika, garlic salt, and parsley and mix together and sprinkle on top of soup mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Chinese Pepper Steak

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs boneless beef chunk
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16oz) can diced tomatoes
1 medium green pepper, cut in chunks
1 cup water
3/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Hot cooked rice

Directions:

1. Cut meat into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2. Brown meat in oil in large skillet.
3. Add garlic, tomatoes, and 1 cup water to browned meat.
4. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until meat is tender.
5. Add green pepper, onions, and celery.
6. Cover and cook 15 minutes longer.
7. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir until smooth.
8. Stir into meat mixture and add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
9. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
10. Serve over rice.

Fried Rice

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked white rice
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
1 small onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup soy sauce

Directions:

On medium-high heat, heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the peas/carrots mix, onion and garlic and stir fry until tender. Lower the heat to medium-low and push the mixture off to one side, then pour your eggs on the other side of skillet and stir fry until scrambled. Now add the rice and soy sauce and blend all together well. Stir fry until thoroughly heated.

Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

1 small bell pepper
1 small onion
1 tablespoon oil
1 can corn
1 cup salsa
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups rice
Cheddar cheese

Directions:

Cook rice as directed on box.

Cook onion and bell pepper in oil until tender. Add salsa, corn, and broth and bring to a boil. Add rice and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese, fluff with fork, and serve.

San Francisco Chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (I cut them in half length wise)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & pepper for seasoning
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 - 3/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon COLD water

Directions:

Cook chicken in olive oil until thoroughly cooked. Remove from pan. In same pan brown garlic. Then add all ingredients and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.

Serve over rice.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb pound extra-lean ground beef
• 2 small green peppers, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt to taste, optional
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 C long grain brown rice, cooked
• 1 24oz jar of low-sodium spaghetti sauce (If you are using a plain spaghetti sauce, you will want to add in 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 tsp season salt, 2 tsp onion powder, and 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder to give more flavor.)
• 1 1/2 C reduced-fat mozzarella cheese blend, divided

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cook meat in frying pan until almost completely browned. Drain and rinse. Place beef back in pan and add peppers, onion powder, salt, and garlic cloves. Cook over medium-low heat until beef in completely cooked and peppers begin to turn tender.
3. In a 2 1/2 qt casserole, stir together the rice, spaghetti sauce (and added spices if using), and 3/4 C cheese.
4. Add in the beef mixture and stir until combined. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese begins to brown. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Adapted from: Kraft Recipes

Yield: 7 – 1 Cup Servings

Fried Rice

3 cups cooked white rice (day old or leftover rice works best!)

3 tbs sesame oil

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)

1 small onion, chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/4 cup soy sauce

      On medium high heat, heat the oil in a large skillet or wok.  Add the peas/carrots mix, onion and garlic. Stir fry until tender. Lower the heat to medium low and push the mixture off to one side, then pour your eggs on the other side of skillet and stir fry until scrambled. Now add the rice and soy sauce and blend all together well. Stir fry until thoroughly heated! 

Forgotten Chicken

Ingredients:

4-6 Boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 cups minute rice

1 pkg. onion soup mix

can of cream of chicken soup

can of cream of celery soup

water (1 can of water)

Directions:

1. Mix together “cream of” soups, 1 can of water, and 2 cups of minute rice (uncooked.)  Pour into a buttered casserole dish.

2. Lay chicken breasts on top of rice mixture and sprinkle onion soup mix on top. Cover with tin foil. Don’t forget that important step!

Here is where the name Forgotten Chicken comes in.  Once you have it in the casserole dish you can put it in the oven and forget it!  My mom would always put it in on a low temp. (around 250-275) before we left for church and when we got home three hours later it would be ready.  Or you can cook it at 350-375 (depending on your oven) for one to one and a half hours. It is hard to mess up so if you forget it is in there don’t worry, it is probably still okay!