Bacon and Egg Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 pound macaroni
• 1 pound good quality bacon
• About 1/4 cup grated onion and its juice
• 1 clove garlic, grated or pasted
• 1 rounded tablespoon Dijon mustard
• About 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimientos, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the eggs in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the eggs stand for 10 minutes. Submerge the eggs in cold water to shock them. Crack the eggs and soak in the cold water. When cool, peel and chop.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the macaroni. Arrange all but 6 slices of bacon on a slotted baking sheet and put into the hot oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. When cool enough to handle, chop and reserve.

Chop the remaining bacon and add to the boiling water along with the macaroni. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain, rinse, and discard the boiled bits of bacon from the pasta.

While the pasta cooks, add the grated onion, garlic, Dijon, and vinegar to a mixing bowl. Whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil and season with lots of salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add the pasta, chopped eggs, pimiento, parsley, and chopped crisp bacon pieces. Toss to combine and serve.

Garlicky Patty Melts with Provolone

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground sirloin
• 1 to 2 Fresno chile peppers, seeded depending on heat tolerance, and finely chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 small sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
• A handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Softened butter
• 12 slices good quality white or Italian bread
• A couple handfuls arugula or baby spinach leaves
• 12 slices sharp deli-sliced provolone

Directions

Heat a griddle or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.

Combine the meat, chile pepper, garlic, rosemary, parsley, salt, pepper, and a little extra-virgin olive oil. Form into 6 thin patties. Drizzle the patties with a little more oil and fry on the hot griddle for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from the heat.

Lightly butter the bread. Build the patty melts, layering the bread (buttered sides facing out) with 1 slice of cheese, a few leaves of arugula, the patty, a second slice of cheese, and finally another slice of bread. Cook the patties on the griddle to melt the cheese, 2 minutes on each side. Cut the patty melts from corner to corner and serve immediately.

Olive Garden Salad Dressing

1/2 C. Mayonnaise
1/3 C. White Vinegar
1 tsp. Vegetable Oil
2 Tbsp. Corn Syrup
2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp. Romano Cheese
1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt – or one clove garlic minced
1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp. Parsley Flakes
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
sugar (optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender until well mixed. If this is a little to tart for your own personal tastes please add a little extra sugar. You can enjoy your Olive Garden salad dressing for about 10 days if stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Another great use for the Olive Garden salad dressing is you can use it for a marinade for vegetables or even meats that you might like to grill. So you can see the Olive Garden salad dressing, can be used in more than one way.

Making Olive Garden Salad Dressing at home is easy to do. You can make other recipes that taste just like they do in a restaurant.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

1 lb. Italian Sausage
2 large Russet Baking Potatoes sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
1 large Onion, chopped
1/2 can. Oscar Meyer Real Bacon Bits (these are less fatty than real bacon)
2 cloves garlic minced
2 C. Kale or Swiss chard chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Chicken Broth
1 qt. Water
1 C. Heavy Whipping Cream

Cook sausage in a 300-degree oven. Bake approximately 1/2 hour, drain on paper towels and cut into slices.

Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done. Add sausage, bacon, salt, and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn to low heat, add kale and cream. Heat through and serve.

Popeyes Red Beans

3 (15 1/2-ounce) cans red beans, divided
1/2 to 3/4 pound smoked ham hock
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon lard
4 to 5 cups cooked long grain rice, drained

Pour 2 cans of beans with their liquid into a 2-quart pan. Add the smoked ham hock and water. Bring the pan to a simmer on medium heat for an hour, until the meat starts to loosen from the bone. Remove from the heat and cool until the ham hock is cool enough so the meat can be removed from the bone. Place the meat, beans, and liquid in a food processor. To the mixture add the onion powder, garlic salt, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, and lard. Process for only 4 seconds. The beans should be chopped and have a soupy, liquid consistency. Now drain the liquid from the remaining can of beans and add the beans to the food processor. Process just for a second or two—you want these beans to remain almost whole. Pour the bean mixture back into the pan and cook slowly on low heat, stirring often, until ready to serve. Serve the beans over the cooked rice.

Cheesecake Factory Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper


• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper


• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved)
  
• 1/2 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  
• 5 quarts water
  
• 6 ounces fettuccine
  
• 6 ounces spinach fettuccine
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 2 medium chopped tomatoes
  
• 1 sliced green bell pepper
  
• 1 sliced red bell pepper
  
• 1 sliced yellow bell pepper
  
• 1 medium onion, sliced
  
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 2 tablespoons white wine
  
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  

Directions:

1. Make a cajun seasoning blend by combining the white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.


2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.


3. Use about one- third of the seasoning blend to coat the chicken pieces.


4. In another bowl, sprinkle another one-third of the spice blend over the shrimp.


5. Start your pasta cooking by bringing 5 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.


6. Add both fettuccine to the hot water, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes or until the pasta is tender.


7. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 Tablespoon of the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat.


8. When the oil is hot, saute' the chicken in the pan for about 2 minutes per side or until the surface of the chicken starts to turn brown.


9. Add the shrimp to the pan with the chicken and cook another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the shrimp from sticking. When the chicken and shrimp have been seared, pour the contents of the pan onto a plate or into a bowl. Do not rinse the pan!


10. Put the pan back over high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan.


11. Add the tomatoes, peppers and onions to the oil. Sprinkle the vegetables with the remaining spice blend and saute' for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables begin to turn dark brown or black.


12. Add the chicken and shrimp to the vegetables and pour 3/4 cup of the chicken stock in the pan. Cook over high heat until the stock has been reduced to just about nothing.


13. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of stock to the pan. The liquid should become dark as it deglazes the pan of the dark film left by the spices and cooking food.


14. Stir constantly, scraping the blackened stuff on the bottom of the pan. Reduce the broth a bit more, then turn the heat down to low.


15. Combine the cornstarch with the wine in a small bowl. Stir until it is dissolved. Add this to the pan and simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly. When the pasta is done, drain it and spoon half onto a plate.


16. Spoon half of the jambalaya over the pasta. Sprinkle half the parsley over the top.


17. Repeat for the second serving.

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

Tomato sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably organic
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Chicken:

• Cooking spray
• 4 thin chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds total)
• Salt to taste
• 2 large egg whites
• 6 tablespoons dry Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 to 5 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Tomato Sauce: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the flavors are blended and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the basil.

Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle the cutlets with the salt. Lightly beat the egg whites in a medium bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan on a sheet of waxed paper. Spread the flour on another sheet of waxed paper. Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, dip both sides into the flour, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into the egg whites, shaking off excess, and then press both sides into the breading to coat.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (in batches, if necessary) and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken, in 1 layer, to the baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the chicken then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake, covered loosely with a tent of foil, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Crab Cakes with Spicy Cream

Ingredients

• Canola oil cooking spray
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger root
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 pound of crab claw meat, picked over
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus 18 whole cilantro leaves
• 1 large egg, beaten to mix
• 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, or regular unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup nonfat, plain Greek-style thickened yogurt
• 1 teaspoon hot chili-garlic sauce, such as Sriracha, plus more to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with canola oil cooking spray.

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the scallion, green pepper, and jalapeno and cook until the peppers soften slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for one minute more. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl combine the pepper-scallion mixture with the crab, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, egg, 1/2 cup of the Panko, 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise, and the salt.

Put the remaining 1/2 cup Panko on a plate. Form the crab mixture into 8 crab cakes and gently roll each in the Panko and place on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops of the crab cakes with the canola oil cooking spray to coat lightly.

Bake the crab cakes until they are golden brown on the bottom, about 10 minutes. Gently turn them over and cook for 10 minutes on the other side. In the meantime, in a small bowl stir together the yogurt with the remaining 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and the chili-garlic sauce.

To serve, top each crab cake with about 1/2 teaspoon of the spicy cream and one cilantro leaf.

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 pound top round, London broil, or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Two 8-ounce packages white button mushrooms, cleaned, stemmed, and sliced (about 5 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup plain Greek-style nonfat yogurt

For Serving:

• 4 cups cooked whole-wheat egg noodles
• 4 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

Directions

Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the meat with its juices to a plate.

Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and have released most of their water, about 5 minutes.

Return the beef and juices to the pan and stir to incorporate. Sprinkle with the flour and stir until well combined. Add the beef broth, wine, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces slightly, 5 minutes. Stir in the yogurt and cook for 1 minute more.

Spoon the mixture over the noodles and garnish with parsley.

Beef Taco Salad with Chunky Tomato Dressing

Ingredients

For the Meat:

• 3/4 pound lean ground beef (90 percent lean or higher)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/3 cup water

For the dressing:

• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

• 2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Cheddar
• 2 ounces baked corn tortilla chips (about 32 chips)

Directions

To prepare the meat, heat a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally and breaking the meat up with the spoon. Add the garlic and beans and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the chili powder, cayenne and water and stir until well combined and some but not all of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Meat mixture may be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To make the tomato dressing, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes (with their juices), oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Dressing may be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Place 2 cups of lettuce on each plate or in a lunch container. Top each serving with 1 cup of the beef mixture then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cheese. If making to-go, pack 3/4 cup of the tomato mixture in a separate sealable container and put about 8 chips in a separate bag. Right before eating, pour a portion of the tomato mixture with the liquid on top of each salad, and crush tortilla chips on top.

Baked Fish and Chips

Ingredients

For the Chips:

• 3 medium russet potatoes (1 1/4 pounds)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt

For the Fish:

• Olive oil cooking spray
• 2 3/4 cups crispy rice cereal
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless Pollock (or other firm white fish), cut into 2-by-4-inch pieces
• Tartar sauce and/or malt vinegar, for serving (optional)

Directions

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F using the convection setting, if available. Place a baking sheet on one of the racks to preheat.

Prepare the chips: Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick sticks. Toss with the olive oil and cayenne in a bowl. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, add the potatoes and spread in an even layer. Use a rubber spatula to scrape any oil from the bowl over the potatoes. Bake on the top oven rack, turning once, until browned and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt.

Meanwhile, make the fish: Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray. Lightly crush the cereal in a bowl with your fingers. Add 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper to taste. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and a pinch of salt until frothy.

Dip the fish in the egg whites, then roll in the cereal crumbs to coat. Place the fish pieces on the rack (position them on their sides so that the majority of the crust is exposed) and mist with cooking spray.

Bake the fish on the bottom oven rack until crisp and just cooked through, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve the fish and chips with tartar sauce and/or malt vinegar, if desired.

Fettuccini Alfredo with Zucchini Ribbons

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchini (about 8 ounces each)
• 12 ounces Fettuccini pasta, preferably whole wheat
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold 1% low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup evaporated skim milk (not condensed milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Slice the ends off the zucchini and discard. Using a mandolin or carefully with a sharp knife slice the zucchini lengthwise into very thin slices. Stack the slices and cut with a knife lengthwise into 1/4 inch-thick ribbons.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in large non-stick skillet over a medium heat. Add 1 clove of the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the zucchini ribbons, cover and cook until the zucchini is tender, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a bowl.

Cook the pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Ladle out a half cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and return it to the pasta pot.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. Stir the flour into the low-fat milk until it is completely dissolved. Put the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet and heat over a medium-high heat. Add the remaining clove of garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the flour-milk mixture and cook until the mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add the evaporated milk, salt and the cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Season with additional salt to taste.

Add the sauce, the zucchini and 3 tablespoons of the parsley to the pasta in the pot and toss to combine. Add a little of the reserved pasta water as necessary to loosen.

To serve, place 2 cups of the pasta mixture on each plate and garnish with remaining parsley.

Three-Cheese Macaroni

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 12-ounce can evaporated whole milk
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups grated muenster cheese (4 ounces), plus 4 deli-thin slices (1 ounce)
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
• 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (4 cups)
• 4 cups medium pasta shells (9 ounces)

Directions

Whisk the egg, evaporated milk, cayenne, nutmeg, and salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Toss the grated cheeses in a separate bowl.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until almost falling apart, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the pasta to the same water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Preheat the broiler.

Combine the egg mixture and the grated cheeses in the empty pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses melt and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and add the cauliflower. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and light (you can also use a regular blender). Stir in some of the reserved pasta water until creamy.

Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish and top with muenster slices. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.