Tag: Simple

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Cooking For One is Not Fun (unless you’re making a Sweet Potato Chicken Quesadilla)

 Cooking For One is Not Fun is still not fun even after yesterday’s mini-rant. The plan was simple: go to the store, buy two rotisserie chickens, rip the meat off the bones and make a quick simple dinner. Well I didn’t fix any dinner and now I have a tub full of cooked chicken. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, peanut butter and banana I started thinking about lunch.

I found two small sweet potatoes, tortillas and Monterrey Jack cheese.

Quesadilla time!

  • 1 medium sweet potato (or two small ones)
  • cooked rotisserie chicken, small dice
  • Salt, pepper, chill powder, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin
  • olive oil, butter or margarine
  • tortillas
  • Sharp cheddar cheese and or Monterrey Jack
  • Sriracha (be careful with this)
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly grease with some olive oil.
  2. Scrub the dirt off the sweet potatoes and split them lengthwise. Place cut side down on the greased aluminum foil covered baking sheet and bake. (small to medium 30-45 minutes, large will take an hour or so). When done, remove from oven and allow to cool.
  3. Scoop potatoes into a mixing bowl. See the list of spices? Add a pinch of each. The actual amount depends upon how much potato you’re working with. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Heat a griddle or large pan on the stove, medium flame.
  5. Butter or margarine one side of a tortilla. If using butter, add some olive oil to the griddle because butter burns. Tortilla buttered side down on the griddle. Fill one half side with potato and dot with chicken and cheese. Flip the other half over so it looks like a quesadilla. Brown on both sides. It’s done when the cheese is melted and the filling is warm.
  6. Repeat. Eat.
  7. Bet you thought I forgot the Sriracha. If you like spicy go ahead and add to your potato mixture along with the rest of the spices. Or use Sriracha as a drizzle or dipping sauce. Just remember if you add this to the potatoes before grilling I assume zero responsibility for the searing burn in your throat.
  8. Actually, go ahead and use your favorite hot sauce.
Photo by Nadin Sh on Pexels.com

 Yeah, the picture above is cheating. Here’s the real shot.

The Bottom Line

Tasty. But I said it before and I’ll say it again. Cooking For One is Not Fun and this was a lot of work to make one quesadilla. At least I’ve worked out the spice combo and the flavors are fine. I did end up mixing a few dashes of Sriracha into the potato. Cooking for one needs to be quick, simple, filling, and nutritious. This quesadilla did not meet the “quick” criteria.

In the future consider the following:

  • Bake and season the potatoes the night before to allow the flavors to marry and to save time when actually making this quesadilla.
  • Make more than one quesadilla. Trust me on this.
  • Tabasco brand Sriracha (an unpaid endorsement).
  • Buy and debone your chicken ahead of time.

This post is #9 in my One Rotisserie Chicken, 50 Meals – The Concept series that I started 12 years ago. At this pace I won’t live long enough to finish the series. At least no one pays me for my content. Maybe I’ll change the title to One Rotisserie Chicken, 10 Meals and declare this series done.

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Cooking For One is Not Fun

Cooking for one person is not fun but sometimes I do it anyway. I like to try new recipes on myself so when there’s a failure no one gets hurt and the attempt at something different gets tossed out. Earlier this week I made a pot of Vegetarian Badass Black Eyed Peas – 2022 and decided to de-veg it by tossing in a couple of chicken sausages from the freezer. The sausages had some stewed tomatoes in it and I needed stewed tomatoes for the beans and…I tossed everything together. I think this might be a new bean dish in the fall/winter rotation. But besides experimenting with new dishes another thing I like to do when dining alone is to use up leftovers from the freezer.

For lunch I found what I thought was chili and defrosted it only to discover it wasn’t chili but meat sauce. Then I found two single serving containers of penne with tomato sauce (marinara?) and I defrosted them, spread the pasta into a baking dish, added some freshly grated cheese and dumped the sauce on top. Then I added more grated cheese. This is what I ended up with.

By dinner time I was completely in the no cook mode. So I went to the store and bought two rotisserie chickens. After putting away the other items I bought I carved the chicken off the bones while thinking about what to make for my dinner. After snacking on quite a few pieces of chicken while carving I wasn’t hungry anymore and decided not to make anything for dinner. Now I have two chickens all off the bone and I still haven’t a clue what to make with all this chicken.

At least I know whatever I decide to make tomorrow there will be chicken in it.

Guess I’ll be adding to my One Rotisserie Chicken, 50 Meals – The Concept recipe lineup I started years ago.

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How Butter Beans Went From Gross to Glamorous

I was mystified. Butter beans — or lima beans, as I grew up calling them in the Midwest — are the most banal of ingredients, a boring bean relegated to the darkest corner of every home cook’s pantry. Why, then, were food influencers drowning them in luxurious sauces, crisping them up as a crouton substitute, and braising them as if they were a fine cut of meat? What the heck was going on?

Beans, broadly speaking, are having a moment. The dry bean market is expected to grow to $8.7 billion by 2028, while the canned bean industry raked in $5.65 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth a whopping $15.5 billion by 2033, according to the market research firm Fact.MR.

How Butter Beans Went From Gross to Glamorous — https://www.eater.com/24008145/why-are-butter-beans-so-popular

Beans are cheap and nutritious. More people will be incorporating this staple into their diets because they are unable to afford the more expensive foods.

It’s not the vegan/vegetarian/let’s save the world movement. It’s basic economics.

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New and Improved! Sour Cream Chicken Enchillada Casserole

Updated 11.05.13

The Boss:  “I’ll make the sauce.”

Me:    “Why?”

The Boss: “Because your sauce is too thin and the casserole gets too runny.”

Recipes change with time and repeated preparations.  But sometimes the changes you’ve made were not necessarily an improvement to the dish. Lesson learned. Time to update this family classic. You don’t want the original recipe.  Don’t use One Rotisserire Chicken, 50 Meals – #3 Sour Cream Chicken Enchillada Casserole. Make this one.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

  • 8 ounces Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 C butter
  • 2 T. flour
  • 3/4 C. sour cream
  • 1 3/4 C. chicken broth
  • 1 small can mild green chiles
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Two rotisserie  chickens, meat taken off the bones, cubed (yes two chickens)
  • 18 yellow corn tortillas
  1. Saute onions in butter, add flour then broth.  Cook over medium heat until thickened.  Add chiles and sour cream and heat.  Be careful to not let the sauce boil.  Set aside.
  2. Butter  a 9 x 12 casserole dish.
  3. Layer three corn tortillas.  Cover generously with chicken.  Add jack cheese.  Sauce.  Repeat.
  4. The final layer of corn tortillas is covered with sauce only, no cheese yet.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes covered until bubbly.  Remove cover, add cheddar cheese to the top.  Return to the oven for 10 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
  6. After cheese has melted, remove from the oven and allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This recipe started with a version from Delicioso! Cooking South Texas Style.  The original recipe from the cookbook has sour cream sauce quantities similar to the updated version and not the too thin, too runny, bad quantities I had been using. The original also called for a full pound of Monterrey Jack cheese, no cheddar. Uh, no. Also included were jalapenos which would be wicked good but by subbing mild green chilies you get a child friendly dish if you know what I mean and I think you do.

Tips – Cut up the chicken first and snack on those tiny tidbits of meat that you have to pick off the bones with your fingers.  Do not use pre-shredded cheese. Period.  Trust your significant other when she says your sauce is too thin and it makes the casserole too runny. Make some fresh Guacamole – Asian Inspired and Updated and serve with chips. Beans and rice for sides obviously. Don’t forget the beer.

The Two Chicken Change to the Recipe –

Two birds because all of the ones you find in the grocery stores (not Costco) are really small. We used to call them Cornish Hens. Seriously, pigeons are bigger than the rotisserie chickens nowadays.

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Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Honey-Lime Cabbage Slaw

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away I used to make Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Cabbage Slaw – Bon Appétit. Tonight was a good night to have black bean tacos so I pulled up my original post from nearly eight years ago Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Cabbage Slaw – (NOT) Bon Appétit

No surprises this time.  I make these tacos differently now. Time for another revision.

The Beans

  • 1 15-ounce can organic low sodium black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (maybe more)
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium size lime juiced
  • 1 large clove garlic minced
  • pinch oregano, dash celery salt (trust me on this one)

The Slaw

  • 1 14 ounce bag cabbage slaw mix
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • onion and garlic powders, a dash apiece
  • salt and pepper
  • juice of 1.5 limes
  • 2-3 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 T honey

Taco Things

  • 4 white or yellow corn tortilla shells, crispy
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (cheddar is OK too)
  • Your favorite hot sauce or salsa
  1.  Drain and rinse the black beans, set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, saute the onion on medium flame until soft and slightly browned. Add oregano, cumin, and garlic. Saute until the spices are fragrant, about a minute or two.
  3. Add the well drained black beans.  Add juice of half a lime. Heat until warmed through.  Mash the beans with a spoon but leave some beans whole and chunky. Season with celery salt. Set aside.

The Slaw

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the olive oil and juice of 1.5 limes.  Mix in honey. Add olive oil to create a smooth dressing. Season to taste with onion/garlic powders, salt and pepper.  
  2. Add the cabbage slaw mix.  Mix well, adjust for seasoning, and set aside.

This recipe will make enough for 4-6 tacos.  If you need more servings, double the bean recipe and buy more taco shells. You will not need to double the cabbage slaw portion.  You’ll have plenty.

Construct your tacos.  

TIPS –

We recently discovered La Tiara authentic Mexican taco shells from Gladstone Missouri.  Yeah, I was thinking the same thing as you until I tried these shells.   Use bagged sliced slaw for pure convenience.  Fresh cabbage? Only if you have the time and eschew convenience. Fresh avocado would be nice. Beer is also a perfect side dish for these tacos.

Veganistas – use vegan cheese.

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Chef’s Nectar, “ Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata” — Chefs Nectar

Mouth watering delicious, Chicken is dredged in finely grated parmesan cheese, then served in a lemon and parmesan cream sauce with fragrant garlic, which make this dish more palatable and delicious. Ingredients for making the Chicken For The Chicken: 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally to make 4 2 tablespoons flour (all purpose or plain) 2 tablespoons finely grated […]

via Chef’s Nectar, “ Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata” — Chefs Nectar

I’m re-blogging this recipe for future reference.  The recipe is a tad bit different than my version which is probably still in my head.

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Frenchy’s Citrus Gazpacho

“Send pictures of the Tiny Human.”

“Only if you send me your Citrus Gazpacho recipe.”

The exchange was made and Frenchy’s recipe follows:


CITRUS GAZPACHO

For 6 Cups


  • 4 large ripe tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 TBLS white wine vinegar
  • 2 1/2 cups orange juice
  • zest and fruit of 1 orange-remove the peel and pith
  • zest and fruit of 1 pink grapefruit-remove the peel and pith
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
  • 1/4 medium red onion, diced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced
  • 1 TBLS olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • Cayenne pepper to your taste


Instead of using fresh tomatoes which you must boil for 20 seconds, then dunk in ice water to stop the cooking, cool, peel, then dice-you can use a can of diced tomatoes.
Use an immersion blender or container blender to mix the tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, orange juice, orange and grapefruit zest. Puree.  Pour over the cucumbers, peppers, onion, orange and grapefruit, olive oil and seasonings.
This is best when it has been refrigerated overnight.  Top with fresh cut basil before serving.  A few pomegranate seeds in each serving for color.
Beautiful in martini or cocktail glasses as a starter.
Historical Note for Family and Friends
Frenchy is a real person and our friendship predates my marriage to The Boss.  When the Doctor and the Architect were tiny humans themselves we would have wonderful meals at Frenchy’s.  I’m positive I’ve had this gazpacho but at my age I can’t remember when.  Enjoy!

 

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Veggie Burgers #2

Revised 03.11.18

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup wheat germ, untoasted
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ, toasted
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup riced cauliflower
  • 1 medium onion, carmelized
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1 medium zucchini shredded
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or trans-fat free margarine
  • 4 hamburger buns

 

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs.
  2. Stir in wheat germ, cheese, caramelized onion, garlic powder, thyme.
  3. Place the shredded zucchini in the middle of two paper towels.  Fold the paper towels over and gently squeeze out as much moisture possible.
  4. Add the zucchini to the wheat germ mixture.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste.  (optional)
  6. Chill for one hour in the fridge.
  7. Shape into 4 patties, 3/4-inch thick.
  8. In a nonstick saute pan, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the burgers and fry  until golden brown.  Flip and brown the other sides.
  9. Serve with buns and your favorite toppings.

“Why don’t you make those veggie burgers that you used to make?”

Well, nothing ever stays the same.  Not even my World Famous Wheat Germ Veggie Burgers.

Revisions ( in other words what happened?)

How is it possible a grocery store on a SUNDAY has NO MUSHROOMS?  The only plain white button mushrooms were the pre-sliced variety.  They were brown and old.  I guess I could have bought some of those fancy gourmet mushrooms for a gazillion dollars a pound.  Or I could have stopped at another store for mushrooms.  In the end I decided to just wing it.

So, no mushrooms.  Dried shiitake?  No, too Oriental for me.  In the place of mushrooms I caramelized a medium sweet onion and also added some riced up cauliflower.

In about 20 minutes we’ll find out if the substitutions works.

 

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Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Sauce

The text message arrived after we were asleep.  The urgency was palpable.

“Need your enchilada recipe in the AM.  Please send.”

Parents are accustomed to dealing with emergencies like this.  But WHICH enchilada recipe?  If you’re looking for the chicken enchilada with sour cream version click here One Rotisserire Chicken, 50 Meals – #3 Sour Cream Chicken Enchillada Casserole.

It was a perfect opportunity to use my PhotoScan app and add to The Box Project.  But before I forget, here are the remaining ingredients from the back side of the recipe card:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 clove garlic

Filling

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 pound grated cheese

In the lower left corner you’ll find Source: Buena.  This recipe came from one of Grandma and Grandpa’s neighbors in Texas.  Nothing fancy here.  Just plain old Tex-Mex comfort food.

I think the crappy photo scan can’t be enlarged.  So here is the front of the card:

  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 T butter
  • 2 T flour
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • 1 cup canned mashed tomatoes
  • 1 can chili con carne
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs chili powder
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Saute onions in butter.  Add flour, salt, chili powder.
  3. Add beef broth slowly, then green pepper, garlic, and tomatoes.
  4. Simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Add can of chili con carne and simmer until thickened.
  6. Dip tortillas in sauce.
  7. Lay each on a plate and spread 1 tbs onion and 1/4 cheese on each.
  8. Roll up and arrange in a baking dish.
  9. Pour chili sauce over and cover with cheese.
  10. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese melted.

Tips

I sent him a text to tell him to use yellow corn tortillas, the white and flour don’t work as well. Also he would need to heat up each tortillas if was going to make cheese enchiladas or the tortillas will break.

There you go.

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