Lemon Butter Braised Scallops

scallops

What You Need:

1 1/2 lb. fresh sea scallops
3 tsp butter, divided
1 C of chicken broth
1 tsp lemon zest grated
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

Rinse the scallops and blot dry with paper towel.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
Add the scallops and cook 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Place the scallops in a serving bowl and keep warm.
In a separate bowl combine the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice and cornstarch.
Season the broth mixture with the salt and pepper then pour the mixture into the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly and allow it to boil 1 minute or until thick.
Take the skillet off of the heat and stir in the remaining butter and the parsley.
Pour the sauce over the scallops and toss gently to coat.

Makes 4 servings

It is important to purchase firm moist scallops that have a creamy white color. This will ensure you have purchased fresh scallops. Scallops that are not fresh will have a sulfur odor and have a pearly look. Do not purchase scallops that have a liquid oozing into the package. When you purchase scallops use them right away or freeze them for up to 2 months. Remember scallops do cook rather quickly so cook your side dishes first and then your scallops.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 6 minutes
Total Time: approximately 16 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 192; Fat 5g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrates 6g; Protein 29g; Fiber 0g;
Cholesterol 64mg; Sodium 765mg

Mushroom Burgers from the Microwave

What You Need:

1/4 C of cornstarch
2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans of condensed beef consommé
1 (6 oz.) jar of sliced mushrooms
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C of bread crumbs
1 onion, chopped fine
1/2 tsp season salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

How to Make It:

Place the cornstarch and consommé together in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Add the mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and basil and stir until blended in well.
Place the egg, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper into a bowl and stir to combine.
Add the meat to the bread crumb mixture and mix well.
Form the meat mixture into 6 patties.
Arrange the patties in a 1 1/2 qt microwave safe dish and cover.
Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 6 minutes.
Drain off any liquid and rearrange the patties moving the ones inside to the outside and the ones outside to the inside.
Pour the mushroom gravy over the patties.
Recover the dish and return to the microwave.
Cook the burgers on high 10 minutes or until the meat is completely cooked through.

Makes 6 servings

Could a delicious meal be any simpler? These mushroom burgers taste great with mashed potatoes and a side of fresh corn or a side of noodles or rice topped with the delicious gravy.

Cheese Stuffed Pork Loin Roast

porkloin

What You Need:

1 tbsp of flour
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 C of Swiss cheese, shredded
1 (2 lb.) boneless pork loin
6 oz. deli ham, sliced thin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil

How to Make It:

Allow the oven to preheat to 325 degrees.
Toss the flour and lemon pepper together in a small bowl.
Stir in the butter and cream until the mixture is smooth.
Add the cheese and stir to blend together well.
Slice the pork loin lengthwise to within a half inch of the bottom.
Lay out the cut pork loin and cover with plastic wrap.
Using a meat hammer flatten the meat to 3/4 inch thickness them remove the plastic wrap.
Place the ham slices over both sides of the open roast.
Spoon the cheese mixture down the center of the meat.
From the longest end roll the pork loin into a jelly roll around the filing.
Tie the rolled loin with kitchen string to hold shut.
In a small mixing bowl stir together the paprika, marjoram, oregano and basil.
Rub the mixture over the outside of the pork loin covering it well.
Place a roasting rack into a shallow roasting pan.
Place the loin on the rack and roast 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Allow the roast to stand at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Makes 8 servings

Roasting pork can cause the meat to become very dry. Stuffing the meat with a filling helps to keep the meat moist from the inside out. Add a cream sauce to serve over this roast by sautéing chopped onion in butter until tender. Add 1 tbsp of cornstarch and stir until smooth. Stir in 1 C of heavy cream and 1/4 C of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil the sauce stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until thick. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 tsp of sour cream.

Sweet and Sour BBQ Chicken Quarters

bbqchicken

bbqchickenWhat You Need:

6 chicken leg quarters
3/4 C of ketchup
1/2 C of orange juice
1/4 C brown sugar, packed
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C of olive oil
4 t fresh parsley, minced
2 t Worcestershire sauce
1 t garlic salt
1/2 t pepper
2 T + 2 t of cornstarch
1/4 C of water

How to Make It:

Cut the leg quarters at the joint then place them in the crock pot.
Whisk the ketchup, orange juice and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Whisk in the vinegar, oil, parsley and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the garlic salt and pepper and whisk to blend in well.
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and turn the chicken to coat completely.
Cook covered on low temperature 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.
Remove the chicken to a warmed serving platter.
Dip out 2 C of the cooking sauce from the slow cooker and pour into a pan.
In a small bowl whisk together until smooth the cornstarch and water.
Place the pan over medium heat and stir in the cornstarch water.
Bring to a brisk boil and stir constantly for 2 minutes or until thick.
Just before serving pour the sauce over the chicken.

Makes 12 servings

If you’re looking for something a little different why not try this for Christmas. Cook it in the slow cooker while you prepare the rest of the meal. Kids love this dish. Separated chicken legs and thighs can be used for quicker preparation.

Tropical Sesame Chicken

pineapplechicken

pineapplechickenWhat You Need:

4 chicken breast halves
1 1/2 C dry cooking sherry
8 dehydrated pineapple rings
1 T soy sauce
1 T of garlic, minced
1 T fresh ginger root, minced
1 T of sesame seeds
2 T of cornstarch
1/4 C of water

How to Make It:

Place the chicken into the pressure cooker and cover with the sherry.
Lay the pineapple rings over the top of the chicken.
Add in the soy sauce, garlic and ginger.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top.
Bring the pressure to high and cook 10 minutes.
Release the pressure quickly by running cold water over the top of the cooker.
Remove the chicken and pineapple from the cooker.
In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the cooker and heat stirring almost constantly until thick.
Before serving pour the sauce over the top of the chicken and pineapple.

This tropical dish can be served over a bed of rice or noodles. The convenience of cooking with a pressure cooker is being able to walk away. There is no need to stir, turn or even watch your meal once the desired pressure is reached.
Just release the pressure once the timer goes off and you have a great meal in a matter of no time.

Makes 4 servings

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