Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Clay Baked Chicken...an easy Classic!

Clay cooked chicken done...yum!
Clay chicken during prep....
I am back in action Dear Readers...Thank you so much for your e-mails about Mom...you can't imagine how wonderful it is to know how much people care.
I am really getting into clean cooking...let me explain...using unprocessed food as much as possible, fresh ingredients, & less fat...Example, check out the Tomato sauce recipe...of course you can adapt these recipes to what you have on hand. Don't worry about the slow cooker dishes...it turns out there are great ways to cook healthy with my favorite appliance as well!
As most of you know I am battling a BIG TUSHIE, Diabetes and I am trying to get healthy again...we are not getting any younger! Let's hear a big OYE VEY!
I have a great, quick, and healthy recipe...It involves clay pot cooking..fear not...any ceramic or Pyrex baking dish will do. This form of cooking is thousands of years old. It is efficient, healthy, very easy and I will make it even easier...This is also a great dish to entertain with...
Let's get cooking...
For this dish I used a clay casserole that is equivalent to a 13x9 Pyrex. Mine is a 20 year old William Sonoma and got a set of two sizes for my wedding...Great investment!
What you need...
Cooking Spray
Skinless, On the Bone Chicken pcs, I used A package Skinless Thighs and 2 Skinless Breasts(use your favorites, if you use breasts cut them in half crosswise through the bone). Cooking on the bone adds wonderful flavor!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Paprika
Dried Oregano
Granulated Garlic Powder
8 Peeled Whole Cloves of Garlic ( you can give it a little smash to get the perfume)
1 Can of Quartered Artichokes rinsed and drained
1 Large or 2 Small Sweet Onions cut into chunks about the same size as the Artichokes
1/4 Cup of Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
Spray Casserole dish
Lay the Chicken on a plate and rub with Oil
Season both sides with the Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano, & Gran. Garlic from high up so you get a nice even coating
Pour the broth in the dish and put Chicken in as well
Arrange the Garlic Cloves, Onion chunks and Artichokes all around the Chicken...(Refer to Picture)
Put in the oven...you will NOT be covering it.
Bake for about 45-60 Minutes...cooking time varies with each oven
Look at my "Done Picture"
Squeeze Lemon juice when dish is finished cooking.
Easy and Yummy.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Mom, The Life of the Party!


My Dear Readers,
A lot of you knew my wonderful Mom...Joan.
For those of you that did not know her, she was the kindest, sweetest, most loving woman in the world!
She passed away last week after a valiant battle with Ovarian Cancer.
There is a huge hole in my heart, that of my family's, and everyone she came in contact with...
Mom was my source of inspiration in so many things and she inspired me to start my blog.
Mom was the secret keeper, the advise giver, & the peacemaker.
She had a smile, and kindness for everyone she met, whether she knew you or not.
No one could give a party, party at a party, be the last one to leave a party, like Mom.
When going to any kind of affair she would always hook up with the DJ or band leader, have them play "G-d Bless America" and "New York-New York"....she would get everyone in a big circle and have everyone sing along...
Mom loved to be in her bathing suit, on a lounge chair holding court!
She loved to have cocktail hour...her parties were legendary.
Don't let this party talk fool you...she was an amazing Wife, Mother, Grandmama, & Aunt.
She was very serious about loving the people in her life!
I know she is with my Dad and they are dancing somewhere...watching over us!
Mom, I can only hope to live up to your example...I dedicate this blog to you, my sweet Mother!
Gabby

Friday, April 10, 2009

Happy Passover & Happy Easter!

To all my readers...
My family would like to wish you all a peaceful, happy, and healthy holiday!
Have a bountiful table...let me know what you made or ordered that was really special so we can share it!
Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

So Fast...So Worth It !!! Homemade Simple Tomato Sauce.

Best Canned Tomatoes...San Marzano!
A 10 minute simmer...


Fresh Basil...

Toss with some Gnocchi...That will stick to your ribs!
Hi everyone...we've been kind of busy around here and I'm sorry for the lack of posts....I hope this quick sauce recipe will make up for it!
You don't have to use San Marzano Tomatoes if you can't find them, but they are available at my regular supermarket (Publix). They are the very best and have a wonderful taste. I use Flora's brand and Flora's has their own section in the store. I also use their Gnocchi. As with any sauce use it with whatever pasta you like. Adding fresh Basil really brightens up the sauce.
Ok let's do it!
2 Tbls Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Large Sweet Onion
2 Large Cloves of Garlic minced or 1 Tbls prepared minced Garlic
2 28 oz cans of Tomatoes any brand
2 Bay Leaves
1 heaping Tsp dried Oregano
1 Tsp Sugar (This cuts the acid in the tomatoes)
3 large Basil Leaves - San Marzano Tomatoes come with Basil in it...still add the fresh.
Saute the Onion in the oil till tender and translucent
Add Garlic and saute till garlic is softened as well.
Pour in the Tomatoes and crush them with a wooden spoon.
Add the Bay Leaves,Sugar, Oregano, and Basil.
Cover & bring to a simmer.
Simmer for 10 minutes
With a slotted spoon fish out the Basil Leaves and the Bay Leaves
It is now ready to serve...there will be plenty, put some in a container for later in the week or freeze for next time.
For the Gnocchi just follow the directions on the package.
Enjoy