Grilled Chicken with Grilled Beans with Lemon and Tomato Basil

Grilled Chicken with Grilled Beans with Lemon and Tomato Basil

You will need:

2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
1 tomato (chopped)
juice of 1 lemon
1 small red onion (sliced)
4 cloves garlic (crushed and chopped)
1 bunch of basil
olive oil (for drizzling)
1 15.5 oz. can of red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
2 tablespoons of Signature Spice Mix plus 1 tsp. cumin


In large frying pan place 2 tablespoons olive oil with chicken strips and let sauté for about 15-20 minutes.

Place basil on grill and drizzle with olive oil and grill for about 3-4 minutes, then set aside.

On heated grill place drained kidney beans along with red onion. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of spice mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the beans. Let grill until beans soften and can be flattened with a spatula. Flip and let grill on other side.

Place chicken strips on grill. Sprinkle with l tablespoon of spice mixture and a little olive oil and let the chicken grill until it becomes golden.

In frying pan place 2 tablespoons of olive oil, tomato, garlic, grilled basil and lemon juice. Simmer until tomato becomes soft.

In large serving bowl plate the beans, chicken and lemon and tomato basil garnish.

So Simple and So Good!

Enjoy!

Lemon Curry & Brown Sugar Marinated Chicken Strips with Grilled Romaine

You will need:

 2 chicken breasts 

1 tsp Signature Spice Mix 

1 head of Romaine lettuce 

 Marinade: 

 Mix together: 

 3 cloves garlic 

¼ cup olive oil 

¼ cup brown sugar 

juice of ½ lemon 

tablespoon of curry

Cut chicken breasts into strips. 

 Prepare marinade in small bowl. Place marinade with chicken strips in plastic covered container. 

 Place in refrigerator for about an hour.

 Clean and dry Romaine lettuce.

Place chicken in large heated frying pan and sauté for about 5-6 minutes on each side. While chicken is sautéing place Romaine lettuce on grill with a teaspoon of Signature Spice Mix sprinkled over the leaves and little drizzled olive oil. 

 Grill leaves until slightly golden. When Romaine lettuce is finished grilling, place chicken on hot grill and finish cooking. Let chicken get a beautiful golden color on each side. 

 Place chicken over grilled Romaine lettuce and serve. 

 So Simple - So Good! Enjoy!

Sautéed Plantains Appetizer with Sweet & Spicy Yogurt Dip

You will need:

Two plantains

3 cloves garlic (crushed and halved)

¼ tsp. red pepper flakes

½ tsp. brown sugar

½ cup olive oil

½ tsp. Cumin

Peel plantains – cut each end off, then slice skin from end to end DO NOT cut through plantain. Make another slice about ½ inch from first slice and peel skin back. Repeat this process until plantain is skinned.

Slice each plantain in ¼ inch thick pieces.

Place olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes in large frying pan and heat on medium heat. DO NOT make olive oil too hot.

Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Remove from pan. With Saran wrap or plastic baggy cut open on one side place plantain down on plastic and cover over with the plastic. Take a jar and press down on plantain to flatten. Repeat this with each plantain.

Place flattened plantains back in frying pan and sauté for about 4 minutes on each side.

Sprinkle with a mixture of ½ tsp of Cumin and ½ tsp of brown sugar.

Set on paper towel while making dip.

Sweet & Spicy Yogurt Dip:

1 cup plain yogurt

¼ cup honey

1 tsp Signature Spice Mix

¼ tsp Cayenne powder

½ tsp Cumin

juice of ½ lemon

juice of ½ lime

2 cloves garlic

½ cup cilantro

Combine all above ingredients in food processor – until smooth.

This is easier than it sounds and is so Good!

Enjoy!

Spicy Rice & Barley Salad with Red Bell Peppers and Chick Peas

1 Jalapeño pepper (sliced without seeds)
1 red onion (sliced)
3 red bell peppers (sliced)
2 cups rice
2 cups barley
2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix
2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub
4 cloves garlic (crushed & chopped)
1 bunch scallions (sliced)
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
15 oz. can Chick Peas
Olive oil (for drizzling)
Slivers of Provolone cheese (for garnish)

Place vegetables on grill, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with about a teaspoon of Signature Spice Mix and Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub.

Let vegetables get a little charred.

Cook barley and rice as directed on package while vegetables are grilling.

Place barley and rice in large serving bowl. Top with grilled vegetables.

Drain chick peas and place on hot griddle. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Signature Spice Mix and a teaspoon of Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub over chick peas. Grill chick peas for about 2-3 minutes. Place chick peas over vegetables.

Drizzle vegetable platter with olive oil (about 2 tablespoons).

Squeeze lemon juice over vegetables and rice.

Top with slivers of provolone cheese and serve.

So Simple-So Good-

Enjoy!

Grilled Veggies with Garlic and Caper Marinade

You will need:

1 head fennel (sliced)
1 eggplant (sliced with skin)
2 yellow or green squash (sliced with skin)
1 large red onion (sliced)
1 bunch basil
5-6 cloves garlic (crushed)
½ cup of grated Romano cheese

Marinade:

1 large handful of parsley (chopped)
1 large handful of cilantro (chopped)
Juice of ½ a lemon
1 tablespoon of Capers (with a little juice-about a tablespoon)
2 tablespoons of vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon of Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub

¼-½ teaspoons red pepper flakes

Place veggies on flat side of griddle and drizzle with olive oil.

Let each side of veggie become golden.

Plate veggies on platter and pour marinade over them.

Garnish with grated Romano Cheese.

This goes well with your favorite Italian or French bread.

Enjoy!

Lemonade Award!

My friend, TommyGirl from http://www.backroombooks.blogspot.com/ has given me the Lemonade Award!

The Lemonade Award is for sites which show great attitude and/or attitude!

Rules for the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Nominate your favorites and link to this post.I have nominated:

I have nominated:

Jackson at http://jacksonkah.blogspot.com/

Restaurant Kitchen Report at http://cleandining.blogspot.com/

Alwayswinner786 at http://peacecooking.blogspot.com/

Shirley Khor at http://sweetnov86.blogspot.com/

Triz Designs at http://triz-beadingmania.blogspot.com/

Christine at http://christine-livepassionately.blogspot.com/

Joe and Shirl at http://www.whywineblog.com/

Food Lover at http://www.sgfavouritefood.com/

Marie Isabelle Reed at http://www.cpaphilblog.com/

Foodelicious at http://foodylicious.blogspot.com/

Jason at http://freemarketjason.blogspot.com/

Love all of your blogs! Happy Posting!

Zesty Sweet Potatoes with Carrots, Ginger & Brown Sugar

You will need:

4 sweet potatoes (peeled and cut in quarters)
1 small bag baby carrots
About inch of ginger (grated)
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup honey
Zest of 1 orange
Juice of 1 orange

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.

Boil carrots and potatoes until fork tender.

Mash carrots and potatoes then add grated ginger, brown sugar, zest, orange juice, and honey.

Place in baking dish and sprinkle extra brown sugar and honey on top.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Baked Lemon, Herb & Garlic Potatoes

You will need:

5 lb. bag potatoes (peeled, washed, sliced)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoon Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub
½ cup parsley (chopped)
½ cup cilantro (chopped)
1/2 red onion (sliced)

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.

Mix garlic, parsley, cilantro, onion, olive oil, lemon and dry herb rub in small bowl.

Pour over potatoes and and toss .

Place potatoes in large baking dish and place in oven.

Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden.

Enjoy!

Sweet & Tasty Boneless Pork Ribs

You will need: 

 5-6 boneless pork ribs

 Marinade: 

 2 tablespoons Teriyaki sauce 

1 tablespoons Soy sauce 

1 heaping tablespoon Orange marmalade 

2 cloves garlic (crushed) 

2 tablespoons vinegar 

 Combine all above ingredients in small bowl and mix well. Place in ribs in Tupperware or zip lock bag along with ribs and refrigerate for about 1 hour. 

 Preheat oven 350 degrees Place ribs in baking dish along with marinade and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Add about ½ cup of water to drippings at bottom of pan and stir a little to make a gravy for ribs. 

 So Simple, So Good!

 Enjoy!

Sweet & Spicy Fennel & Cucumber Salad

You will need:

3 gourmet cucumbers (peeled & sliced)
5 baby carrots (sliced)
1 red onion (sliced)
1 jalapeño (sliced thin without seeds)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 head fennel (sliced thin)

Combine all above ingredients in bowl.

-Dressing-

You will need:

2 heaping tablespoons orange marmalade
¼ cup white vinegar
½ teaspoon fresh ground chili paste
¼ cup olive oil

Combine all above ingredients and mix well.
Pour dressing over salad.

My Sweet & Spicy Fennel & Cucumber Salad is a delightful and healthy dish that is sure to please~

Enjoy!

Grilled Veggies with Fresh Tomato, Basil and Garlic Sauce

Tomato, Basil and Garlic Sauce

You will need:

About 7 vine ripe tomatoes (diced)
4-5 cloves garlic (crushed)
2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub
2 tablespoons Signature Spice Mix
about ½ bunch fresh basil
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes

In large heated frying pan place diced tomatoes and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Add Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub, Signature Spice Mix and red pepper flakes.

On flat side of griddle - place basil and crushed garlic, drizzle a little olive oil over the basil and garlic. Let garlic get a little golden, then place both the basil and garlic in the simmering tomatoes.

Drizzle a little olive oil over sauce and let simmer for about 20 minutes.

Grilled Veggies

You will need:

2 yellow squash (cut in half and sliced)
2 red onions (sliced)
4-5 cloves (crushed)
1 large red pepper (sliced)
½ bunch basil
about 10 white mushrooms (sliced)
1 jalapeño pepper (remove seeds and sliced)

Heat griddle

Place veggies on grill, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub over the veggies.

Prepare your favorite spaghetti as directed – top with tomato sauce and grilled veggies

Garnish with Romano Cheese

Enjoy!

Cook, Eat and Bon Appetite!

Spinach Pie with Ricotta, Cilantro and Parsley

You will need:

1 -10 oz. box of frozen chopped Spinach
8 oz. feta cheese
1 cup parsley (chopped)
1 cup cilantro (chopped)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion (chopped)
4-5 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 egg
1 cup Ricotta cheese
½ tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
About 8 sheets filo dough - (phyllo)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In large frying pan heat olive oil and add onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro and spinach.
Saute everything for about 3 minutes.

In a small separate bowl combine Ricotta cheese, feta cheese, egg, black pepper and nutmeg and mix well.

Add this mixture to the frying pan and combine really well.

Place a little olive oil in a small bowl.

Brush a little olive oil in the bottom of a baking pan and place a sheet of phyllo dough, then brush another sheet with a little olive oil and repeat the process until four sheets have been placed then add contents of frying pan and spread the mixture evenly and repeat the process of the phyllo dough on top and brush with olive oil.

Place in the oven until the phyllo dough turns golden about 25 – 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies-

This is a delectable recipe that will go perfectly with hot up of tea when you’re in the mood for something sweet!

You will need:

3 cups flour
2 cups oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sugar
1½ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup apple sauce
½ stick butter (softened)
1 cup milk
4 heaping tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 tablespoons molasses

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.

In large bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, sugar, chocolate chips, and brown sugar. Mix all ingredients well.

In medium bowl combine apple sauce, butter, milk, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, eggs and molasses. Mix all ingredients until well blended with electric mixer.

Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients and mix well with electric hand mixer
Spoon mixture onto non-stick baking sheets.

Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden

I hope you savor these little treats~

Enjoy!

Quick & Easy Ground Sirloin Chili

You will need:

1 ½ lbs Ground Sirloin
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp Cumin
3 stalks celery (chopped)
4-5 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 cup cilantro (chopped)
1 cup parsley (chopped)
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 lb. 13oz. can red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 bunch scallions (chopped)
1 medium-large onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix
2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub
1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Saute veggies in large frying pan with olive oil for about 3-4 minutes.

Add sirloin, tomatoes, beans and spices and continue to simmer.

Make rice or favorite macaroni to serve with Chili.

Garnish with grated Romano cheese if desired.

Enjoy!

Orange Vanilla Almond Biscotti

You will need:

1½ cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
1 cup sliced almonds
½ cup oats
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 tablespoons grated orange peel

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Combine – flour, baking soda, sugar, brown sugar, almonds and oats in medium bowl.

In smaller bowl combine – eggs, vanilla, orange peel and beat with hand mixer –add to dry ingredients and mix well.

Dust hands with flour – place dough on floured dusted surface and shape dough into log.

Place dough on non-stick cookie sheet.

Bake for about 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool for about 12 minutes.

Lower oven to 325 degrees.

Cut logs into ½ inch slices.

Pace slices on their sides on non-stick cookie sheet.

Bake for about another 20 minutes.

When cool sprinkle with powdered sugar – if desired.

Enjoy!

Baked Zucchini with Tomato Sauce

A simple, easy side dish yet elegant and perfect to serve at any dinner!

You will need:

4 cloves garlic (chopped)

1 very large zucchini (or about 7 regular size) (sliced)

¾ cup Italian style bread crumbs

1 medium size onion (sliced)

1 cup grated Romano cheese

2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub

2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix

1 tablespoon Capers

¼ cup olive oil

1 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

Preheat oven to 350

In baking pan combine zucchini, onion, ½ of the bread crumbs, ½ of the olive oil, capers, Living the Gourmet Dry Rub, Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Rub, crushed tomatoes, ½ of the grated cheese and toss.

On top sprinkle the remaining bread crumbs, grated cheese and olive oil.

Place in oven and bake for about 45 minutes.

So Easy - So Good!

Enjoy!

Pork Meatball Spinach Soup

Pork Meatballs:

2¼ lbs ground pork
½ cup grated Romano Cheese
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1½ cups parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub
1 tablespoon Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix
2 eggs
1½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs

Pre-heat oven 350 to degrees.

Mix all ingredients and shape pork and place in baking dish.

Place meatballs in oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Set Aside.

Spinach Soup:

1 box favorite macaroni
1 10 oz. box chopped frozen spinach
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1½ cups parsley (chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
4 stalks celery (chopped)
1 15oz. can dark kidney beans
about 6 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons olive oil

Place olive oil in large soup pot and simmer vegetables down over medium flame.

Add chicken brother, beans and meatballs.

Prepare macaroni as directed.

Place macaroni in bowl and cover with soup.

Garnish with grated Romano cheese, if desired.

Enjoy!

Spicy Cabbage Soup

I hope you savor this simple delicious soup on these cold wintry days~

You will need:

1 large onion (chopped) (any kind)
½ head fennel (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 large 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 quart baby Bella mushrooms (sliced)
3 carrots (chopped)
1 head curly cabbage (sliced)
5-6 cups chicken broth
12 links hot sausage
4 tablespoons olive oil
1½ cups parsley (chopped)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place sausage in oven and cook for about 30-35 minutes.
Once sausage is cooked, let cool and then remove skin. Then cut into pieces.

In large soup pot combine all chopped vegetables and can of tomatoes. Simmer down over medium heat.

After vegetables have simmered down, add broth and let simmer for 15 more minutes. Then add sausage.

Enjoy!

Tortilla Ricotta Pizza

You will need:

Tortilla’s (about 8)
3 vine ripe tomatoes (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
½ cup parsley (chopped)
1 small red onion (Sliced thin)
1 tablespoon Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Romano Cheese

In large frying pan place olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub and onion. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes.

On griddle heat tortilla’s – then place a few teaspoons of ricotta cheese on top of heated tortilla followed by a few teaspoons of sautéed tomatoes and then grated cheese.

So Simple and So Good!

Enjoy!

Escarole with Cannellini Beans, Garlic & Cranberries

You will need:

1 head of Escarole
1lb. 13oz. can of Cannellini beans (drained & rinsed)
¼ - ½ cup dried cranberries
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves chopped garlic
1 box spaghetti

Place olive oil in large frying pan along with washed escarole.

Simmer escarole until it cooks down.

Add Cannellini beans, garlic, cranberries, and red pepper flakes to escarole. Toss well.

Cook spaghetti as directed.

Add spaghetti to escarole, drizzle with olive oil, and toss. Garnish with grated Romano Cheese.

Enjoy!

Asian Noodles with Broccoli, Garlic & Olive Oil

You will need:

1 package Asian noodles
1 head of broccoli
¼ - ½ tsp. red pepper flakes

¼ cup olive oil

Cook noodles as directed.

Clean broccoli, cut and then steam

In large frying pan, sauté noodles, broccoli, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.

Sauté for about 3-5 minutes or until all ingredients are mixed well and serve.

Enjoy!

Baked Twin Chicken Teriyaki

You will need:

(2) 4 lb. chicken 
2 tablespoons Signature Spice Mix 
Juice of ½ lemon 
2 tablespoons vinegar 
¼ cup olive oil 

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Wash chicken with salt (inside and out). 

Combine above ingredients in small bowl and rub chickens down with mixture. Place chickens in baking dish and place in oven. Add 1 cup of water to baking dish after about 40 minutes of baking. 

Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Oven Gold Potatoes

A delicious side dish to go with my Herb Chicken recipe~

You will need:

3lb. bag potatoes
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix
Juice of ½ lemon

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees

Peal potatoes and leave whole

Combine olive oil, Signature Spice Mix and lemon juice in small bowl

Rub this mixture over potatoes

Place potatoes in baking dish and place in oven

Bake for about 50-55 minutes

Enjoy!

Herb Chicken

A Simple yet elegant Chicken recipe that is sure to please! 

You will need: 
4 ½ lb. whole chicken 
Juice of 1 lemon 
3-4 tablespoons olive oil 
2 tablespoons Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub 
1 tsp curry powder 

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Wash chicken well with about ¼ cup of salt. 

Combine in a small bowl - lemon juice, olive oil, Living the Gourmet Dry Herb Rub and curry powder. Rub the chicken down with this mixture. 

Place chicken in oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Asian Style Veggies & Rice

Asian Style Veggies & Rice

My Asian Style Veggies and Rice is So Simple and So Good!

You will need:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
2 bunches scallion (chopped)
About 7-8 baby carrots (sliced)
1 cup cilantro (chopped)
½ cup parsley (chopped)
1 small bunch Bok Choy (chopped)
1 red pepper (chopped)
About 10 white mushrooms (sliced)
1 cup rice

Prepare rice in rice cooker.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, drizzle olive oil.

Add garlic, scallions, carrots, cilantro, parsley, Bok Choy, red pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 10-12 minutes.

Asian Sauce:

1 inch piece ginger (grated)
2 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoon Teriyaki
2 tablespoons ketchup
½ tsp. Sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ tsp. fresh Chili paste

Combine all of the above in small bowl and pour over veggies.

Top cooked rice with veggies and serve.
Enjoy!

Spicy Black Bean Dip

A nice idea to go with chips or pita.

You will need:

1 can Black Beans (1lb.13 0z.)
4 cloves garlic
¼ cup olive oil
¼ of a medium size red onion
½ of a medium size Jalapeño pepper
1 tablespoon vinegar
½ cup parsley
¾ cup cilantro
1 tsp. Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix
½ tsp. Cumin

Combine all above ingredients in food processor and blend until creamy.
Enjoy!

Oven Fried Jumbo Shrimp

Here is a simple yet delightful recipe that is sure to please.

You will need:

1¼ lbs. fresh Jumbo Shrimp (with tails)
1 cup flour
1 cup Italian Style breadcrumbs
2 eggs

1 tablespoon Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.

In medium size bowl combine flour and Living the Gourmet Signature Spice Mix.
In separate bowl beat two eggs.
In another bowl place breadcrumbs.

Dip shrimp in flour mixture, then eggs, and then breadcrumbs.
Place in baking pan and drizzle with olive oil.
Place in oven and bake shrimp for about 15-20 minutes.

So Simple -So Good!

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and I wish you a very happy New Year!