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Shrimp with Sundried Tomato and Basil Risotto

Shrimp and Risotto

Shrimp with Sundried Tomato and Basil Risotto

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Medium
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As my favourite celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse, says “cooking aint rocket science” and this recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy.

Now this one is a little bit more difficult than the ones I normally showcase but that is because Risotto can be finicky and a little hard to make but don’t shy away because of that. Give it a whack and see….. you just might surprise yourself.

Cooks note: Use warmed stock so as not to retard the cooking process and cost yourself time.

Here’s how we do this one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag 31-40 Shrimp tail removed
  • 5 cups Salt Reduced Chicken Stock
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 medium diced White Onion
  • 3 ounces chopped re-hydrated Sun Dried Tomatoes
  • 2 fine chopped Garlic Cloves
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped Basil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Pea Shoots for garnish (optional)

Putting it all together:

  1. In a large pot heat the chicken stock and let simmer on very low heat.
  2. In a large sauce pan heat the olive oil over medium and add the onion. Cook for about two minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add in the Arborio rice and mix until well coated.
  5. Add the sun dried tomatoes and mix well.
  6. Ladle in some warm chicken stock and stir until fully incorporated.
  7. Continue adding stock until all has been used.
  8. In a separate pan heat the garlic butter and add the shrimp cooking until just pink.
  9. Mix the Parmesan into the Risotto.
  10. Plate the Risotto and add the Shrimp. Top with the peas shoots and enjoy.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until the next time…….

                                        Bon Appetit

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Mojo Chicken

Mojo Chicken 2

Mojo Chicken

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
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I’m an eclectic cook and love all types of food…. Italian, Chinese, Greek, Mexican and one of my all time favourites CUBAN. 

Now ever since I watched the movie Chef with Jon Favreau and John Leguizamo I’ve wanted to do Mojo Pork and use it to make a true Cuban sandwich however as time was little limited today I took their inspiration and instead did Mojo Chicken and it was outta sight.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 12 boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 1/4 extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/3 cup Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Cilantro
  • 6 Garlic cloves
  • 6 Mint leaves – rough chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • Sea Salt and Ground Pepper

Putting it all together:

  1. Place the chicken thighs in a seal-able bag and set aside.
  2. In a blender mix all the remaining ingredients and blend until just smooth.
  3. Pour the liquid ingredients over the chicken, mix well and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  4. Heat the BBQ to 375° and grill the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°.
  5. Serve right away with your favourite side.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time…….

                            Bon Appetit

 

Rigatoni Bake

Rigatoni Bake

Rigatoni Bake

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Dinner just got a whole lot easier with this “two” pot recipe that your family is sure to love.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping List:

  • 2 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 package Rigatoni
  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil
  • 1 14 ounce can plain Tomato Sauce
  • 3 teaspoons Capers
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion – diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Oregano
  • 4 Garlic Cloves – finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Cheese
  • 2 Green Onions – chopped
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Putting it all together:

  1. Heat the oil in a large sauce pan and brown the ground beef. Drain any grease.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients except the Rigatoni, bring to a boil, cover reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
  3. While the Bolognese is simmering heat your oven to 425° and bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  4. Cook the Rigatoni according to the package instructions.
  5. Drain the pasta and mix it with the bolognese, pour into a casserole dish, sprinkle on the cheese and green onions.
  6. Bake until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time……….

                            Bon Appetit 

Poulet A La Creme

Poulet A La Creme

Poulet A La Creme

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
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I came across this recipe in an older cookbook by the renowned chef Jacques Pepin and although it looks very pedestrian the final outcome with it’s wonderful flavour profile will have your guests coming back for more.

Cooks note: I served this one with a Rice Pilaf however it would go equally as well with some Egg Noodles.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 8 Skin on Bone in Chicken Thighs 
  • 6 large Mushrooms – sliced
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 4 tablespoons Flour
  • 1/2 cup dry White Wine
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup heavy Cream
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Chopped Tarragon or Parsley (optional)

Putting it all together:

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the chicken thighs to the pan and brown over high heat for about 2 1/2 minutes on each side.
  2. Add the mushrooms to the pan and sprinkle on the flour. turn the chicken over using tongs so the flour is evenly dispersed. Stir in the wine and water and mix well. Bring to a boil, add the salt and pepper and simmer covered for 25 minutes.
  3. Add the cream, bring to a boil, and boil, uncovered for about 1 minute.
  4. Serve sprinkled with the tarragon or parsley if desired.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time…….

                           Bon Appetit

Fresno Chilies

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Fresno Chilies

  • Servings: 2 cups
  • Difficulty: Easy
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When it comes to Chilies there are more than you can imagine or do anything with especially the hot ones and while the debate rages over the hottest in the world, which is the Carolina Reaper at 2.5 million on the Scoville scale, I prefer the lesser hot ones because I like to actually taste my food rather than  sweat like a pig in a marathon.

Now don’t misunderstand me I admire those who can gobble up really really hot peppers without batting an eye I just don’t happen to be one of them which is why I like Fresno’s….. they are only a little bit hotter than Jalapenos but, to me at least, they are a lot tastier and I was extremely happy to find them at a local garden center and even happier when they ripened.

With this particular bunch I decided a quick pickle was in store and since I don’t do it that often a quick Internet shift search showed that indeed it is a QUICK pickle.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 7 fresh Fresno chilies – sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup Rice vinegar
  • 1 cup White vinegar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 6 Garlic cloves – Peeled
  • 4 – 5 Fennel fronds
  • 2 tablespoons Mustard seed
  • 2 tablespoons Sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons Peppercorns
  • 2 teaspoons Sugar

Putting it all together:

  1. Place the pepper rings, garlic and fennel fronds in a large container with a tight fitting lid.
  2. Put all the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. Pour the pickling liquid into the jar, seal and refrigerate.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time…….

                            Bon Apettite 

Container Gardening

Container planting

Container Gardening

My wonderful and very talented wife of 36 years was the genius behind the whole idea of naming this blog Gardens and Grills because a number of years ago when we were both a little more active she loved to putter in the garden while I puttered at the grill making snacks and stuff for her break time. Unfortunately she got sick and had to stop working in the garden because she simply couldn’t handle it however I am happy to say that she has gotten very much better and is now back at it.

Now not being a flower/plant guy I have no idea, with the exception of the cactus, what any of these plants are I do however know that they were all purchased separately and planted in the container and the end result is my wife’s handiwork which is also a really awesome display of her artistic talents and showcases that even a small container can look beautiful.

The weather in my part of the universe has gotten a little crappy the last few days so I will have to wait for it to improve before I can display some more of her projects so until then  enjoy your own garden whatever type it may be.

Until next time……

                             Happy Gardening 

Texas Chili Stuffed Shells

Texas Chili Stuffred Shells

Texas Chili Stuffed Shells

  • Servings: 6 - 8
  • Difficulty: Easy
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As some of you may or may not know I am an Eclectic cook because I just love different  types of cuisines and the flavours they bring to the table so the whole idea of Fusion cooking is very intriguing because you can blend your favourite recipes, ingredients, countries into one cohesive dish and blow the minds of your dinner guests….. all without breaking a sweat.

This is my version of Fusion because I have combined a very classic Texas dish, Chili, with an even more classic Italian dish, Jumbo Pasta Shells.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 1 package Jumbo Shells
  • 2 pounds ground Beef
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Cheese
  • 3/4 cup chopped Green Onions
  • 1 large Sweet Onion – rough chopped
  • 2 Cubanelle peppers – diced
  • 2 Poblano peppers – diced
  • 4 Garlic cloves – fine chop
  • 3 tablespoons Canola Oil
  • 3 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons Chipotle powder
  • 2 tablespoons Ancho Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 1/2 cups Chicken stock
  • 3 cups Crushed Tomatoes
  • Salt and Pepper to taste 
  • Garnish with Sour Cream.

Putting it all together:

  1. In a large pot heat the oil and brown the ground beef. Drain off the grease.
  2. Add the  beef back to the pot, add the remaining ingredients, except the shells, stir well. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 mins to 1 hour.
  3. Cook the shells as per the box instructions.
  4. Drain the shells and let cool so they are easier to handle.
  5. While the shells are cooling heat the oven to 375°.
  6. Ladle a thin layer of chili on the bottom of an 11 x 15 casserole dish. Stuff the shells with a small amount of chili and fill the casserole dish with the stuffed shells. Top with shredded cheese and green onions and place in the oven until the cheese has melted. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream.
  7. Enjoy.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time……..

                            Bon Appetit

Potsticker Noodle Bowls

Potsticker Noodle Bowl

Potsticker Noodle Bowls

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Potstickers, Pierogies, Gyoza, or simply Dumplings all have one thing in common…… they are pieces of dough stuffed with very tasty fillings and then fried to perfection. Serve them with an awesome dipping sauce and you have a fantastic meal or even a simple appetizer and since my dough making skills are less than stellar I sought out a different way of bringing those awesome flavours together in a dish and so we have Potsticker Noodle Bowls.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 8 ounces Rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons Canola oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground Pork
  • 2 Eggs
  • 14 ounce bag Coleslaw
  • 7 green Onions – rough chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves – minced
  • 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soya sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Sambal
  • 2 teaspoons Fish sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated Ginger
  • White pepper to taste

Putting it all together:

  1. Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.
  2. In a non reactive bowl mix together the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sambal, fish sauce, and ginger and set aside.
  3. In an other non reactive bowl whisk together the eggs and set aside.
  4. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet and add the pork and the white pepper and stir fry until cooked through.
  5. Add coleslaw and green onions and continue to cook until the coleslaw starts to wilt. Add garlic and stir fry for 30 seconds.
  6. Make a well in the center of the wok or skillet, add eggs and scramble. Toss with the stir fry to combine.
  7. Drain the noodles and add to the wok stir frying for 1 minute.
  8. Add sauce and continue to stir fry until the noodles are tender.
  9. Plate and enjoy.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time…….

                            Bon Appetit

Mashed Potato Cakes

 

Mashed Potato Cakes ii

Mashed Potato Cakes

  • Servings: 5
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Way back when I was first learning to cook I tossed a lot of leftovers because I didn’t know what to do with them but thankfully over the years I have evolved as a cook and now I come up with different and interesting ways of using leftovers.

This recipe is a very simple way of using leftover Mashed Potatoes and it can be used with so many different dishes including….. Breakfast. I mean really, what’s better than Toast, Eggs and a crispy Mashed Potato Cake to start your day?

Cooks note: When I make mashed potatoes I make them with pepper, granulated garlic, parsley, butter and milk (the cooking water already has salt in it) that way I don’t need to worry about seasoning the potato cakes when I make them. 

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 4 cups Mashed Potatoes
  • 1 bunch Scallions – chopped
  • 2 cups shredded Italian style cheese
  • All Purpose Flour for dredging
  • Vegetable oil for frying 

Putting it all together:

  1. In a non reactive bowl combine the first three ingredients.
  2. Form into patties.
  3. Dredge in the all purpose flour making sure to shake off the excess.
  4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large fry pan.
  5. Fry the patties in batches until golden brown and remove to a paper towel to drain.
  6. You can serve as is or top with sour cream and chopped scallions.

There you have it another “Simple bust tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time……..

                           Bon Appetit 

Steak Oscar

Steak Oscar

Steak Oscar

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
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This is one of those dishes that may seem a bit intimidating especially when you consider that Bearnaise is the sauce used to elevate it but it is actually very simple and the Bearnaise is really not that hard to make.

Cooks note: I used strip loins for this because I happened to find them on sale but any decent steak cut will do.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

  • 4 Strip Loin steaks
  • 1 bag 31 – 40 Shrimp – tail off
  • 12 -15 Asparagus spears
  • 3 tablespoons minced Shallots
  • 2 large Egg Yolks
  • 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons unsalted Butter
  • 2 tablespoons White  Wine Vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped Tarragon
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay® seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Granulated Garlic
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Putting it all together:

Bearnaise Sauce:

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and a pinch of salt and pepper; stir to coat. Stir in vinegar, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until vinegar is evaporated, 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking shallots, stirring frequently, until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes longer. Transfer shallot reduction to a small bowl and let cool completely.
  2. Meanwhile, fill a blender with hot water to warm it; set aside. Melt remaining 1 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is foamy. Transfer butter to a measuring cup.
  3. Drain blender and dry well. Combine egg yolks, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon water in warm, dry blender. Purée mixture until smooth. Remove lid insert. With blender running, slowly pour in hot butter in a thin stream of droplets, discarding milk solids at bottom of measuring cup. Continue blending until a smooth, creamy sauce forms, 2-3 minutes. Pour sauce into a medium bowl. Stir in shallot reduction and tarragon and season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. This can be made 1 hour ahead of time. Cover and let sit at room temperature.

Steak, Shrimp and Asparagus:

  1. Preheat your grill to 375°.
  2. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and set aside.
  3. Prep the Asparagus by cutting off the woody, fibrous ends.
  4. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a saute pan and add the granulated garlic and Old Bay® mixing well. Add the shrimp and saute until pink.
  5. Put the steaks on the grill for 6 to 8 minutes a side for medium,
  6. Steam the asparagus for 5 minutes.
  7. Plate the steak and top with the asparagus, shrimp and warmed Bearnaise.
  8. Enjoy.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time……

                           Bon Appetit