Thanksgiving Turkey ... and gravy

This year has been crazy!  Took a stab at cooking turkey for Thanksgiving for the very fist time.  I survived.  The food was eaten with NO complaints.  

Our normal Thanksgiving is ALL my family at my grandparents house.  Family from all over CA, NY and Taiwan come.  My grandparents cancelled Thanksgiving this year at their house.  It was super sad not seeing everyone.  

BUT the good news I made my first turkey.  It was just El Husbee, the kiddos and my parents.  We Face Time with some family.

Did I love my turkey.  Yes!  Will I be making the turkey going forward?  Probably not.  I am for sure a sides kinda gal.  But if I needed to I would totally make it this way again.  In fact, I want to try making chicken like this.  

Thanksgiving Turkey:

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14) fresh whole turkey
• salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted at room temperature
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon jucie
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
• 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled
• 4 stalks celery
• 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
• 2 cups chicken stock

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.  Dry turkey thoroughly with paper towels.  Season turkey cavity with salt and pepper, to taste.  
3. In a small bowl, combine butter, shallot, lemon juice, sage, thyme, lemon zest, and garlic.  Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper.  (you can add more or less depending on taste)
4. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin form the breast meat, spreading half of the butter mixture under the skin.  If needed, secure skin back with toothpicks.  
5. Please carrots, celery and onion in a roasting pan on top of the grate.  Please turkey breast side up on top of the vegetables.  Tuck wingtips under.  
6. Spread remaining half of the butter mixture over the turkey.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add chicken stock to the roasting pan.  
7. Please into oven and roast for 30 minutes.  
8. Reduce oven temperature to 325F.  Continue roasting until the turkey is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165F in the thickest part of the thigh.  
9. Let stand 20 minutes before carving; reserve pan dripping for gravy.  

I made 10 lb turkey for Thanksgiving.  I cooked mine for 3 hours.  I lost track of time and probably should have been checking it every 30 minutes after 2 hours.  I think the turkey would have been fine at 2 1/2 hours.  BUT the family still loved it and the dark meat was perfect. With gravy no one complained.  In fact, homemade gravy was delicious.  

Best Turkey Gravy

Ingredients:

• pan drippings from turkey
• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted 
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Strain pan drippings and discard solids.  Reserve 2 1/2 cups pan drippings.  Set aside.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk flour and cook for about 1 minute.  
3. Gradually whisk in pan drippings.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer.  Whisk until thicken, about 5-10 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  
4. Service warm.

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Homemade Pizza Dough

PIZZA DAY!  So excited for pizza day.

I am kinda curious how much flour I have bought this year.  Like has it really increased compared to last year cause of Pizza Day?  I have baked less cookies.  

El Husbeen is really getting into looking up the different kinds of pizza we can make.

The kids are still on their cheese and pepperoni kick.  

But carbonara pizza has been bomb.  So good.  

Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoon Red Star yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, you will need more to roll out the dough
• sprinkle of cornmeal

Directions:

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer.  Cover and rest for 10 minutes.  When you uncover the bowl the yeast and water should look frothy.  
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl.  Attach the bowl to the stand mixer and use a dough hook.  Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  With floured hands, knead the dough for 3-4 minutes.  After kneading, the dough should feel soft and bounces back when you poke it.  If not, keep kneading.  The dough should also not stick to your hands. 
3. Grease a large bowl with non stick spray.  Please the dough in the bowl.  Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel.  Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until double in size.  (I have started in the mid morning and used it to make dinner)  
4. Preheat oven to 475F.  Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.  The cornmeal is optional but very yummy.  
5. When the dough is ready (has doubled in size), punch it down to release any air bubbles.  (The kids love this part.)  Divide the dough in half or smaller if you want to make individual size pizzas.  If you are only making 1 pizza, freeze the other half of the dough in a freezer ziploc bag.  On a floured surface with floured hands and rolling pin, gently flatten the dough into a disc or shape that you would like.  Place on prepared pan.  
6. Using your fingers, push dents into the dough to prevent bubbling (the kids love this part).  To prevent the fillings from making your pizza crust soggy, spray the top lightly with non stick spray.  Top with your favorite sauce and toppings.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  
7. Slice hot pizza and serve immediately.  

So glad we started this Pizza Day tradition.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Pork Chop Marinade

Love this marinade from my mom.  It's easy and all ingredients that I would normally have in my kitchen.  

This pork marinade smells yummy and my kids eat it.  

Lately Baby Boy has been not eating his vegetables.  It's super frustrating.  I am super lucky and pretty much never went through this with Baby Girl.  I am hoping it's just a phase that he will grow out of.  I just keep offering the food and hopefully he will decide to eat it again.  

Pork Chop Marinade 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Directions:

1. Marinade for 4 to 24 hours.  
2. Fry pork chops or grill.  
3. Serve with rice. Enjoy!

If you don't have white pepper just substitute with black pepper.  No big deal.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Baked Chicken Sweet Chili Soy Sauce

Sometimes you just crave some chicken wings.  This is my go to chicken wing recipe.  

This sauce is super yummy.  These smell great and taste even better.  Best part is the kids eat them!

Baked Chicken Sweet Chili Soy Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 stock green onions

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400F
• Mix ingredients to make sauce.  Chop green onions and leave on side for garnish.
• Bake chicken wing side up for 25 mins.
• Flip wings and bake again for 25 mins.
• Take out of the oven.  Drizzle sauce over chicken and sprinkle green onions.

Make sure that you really coat the chicken with the sauce.  Save the rest for dipping.  So good.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Buttermilk Waffles

Breakfast for dinner is a thing at our house.  I mean who doesn't like breakfast.  

If you haven't heard this from me before here it is again ... please keep buttermilk in your fridge.  Buttermilk is the best!

Buttermilk Waffles

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all purposes flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, large & separated
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat waffle maker.  
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, butter, sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract together until combined.  
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until smooth.  Do not over mix.  
5. In a mixer, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter.  
6. Pour 2/3 cup of batter into waffle maker and close the lid.  Cook teh waffles until golden brown and crisp or about 5-6 minutes. 
7. Serve the waffles 

These waffles are so good.  They also freeze well too.  You just pop them into the toaster oven and boom waffles!

Keep Cooking Friends!

XOXO

Everything But the Bagel Biscuits

I love biscuits.  They are sooooo good.  Plus Baby Girl mentioned that the cook at daycare use to make biscuits for breakfast and how she misses her.  So I felt the need to make biscuits.  I am a sucker for my kids.  

Everything But the Bagel Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, frozen & shredded
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.  
3. Grate frozen butter using the large holes of a box grater.  Stir into the flour mixture.  
4. Add buttermilk and stir using a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms.
5. Working on a light floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until the dough comes together.  Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 9 inch square.  Trim the edges as needed for your desired shape.  Please the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.  
6. Sprinkle Everything But the Bagel seasoning on the biscuits. 
7. Bake for 16-19 minutes, or until gold brown.  
8. Serve warm.  

These were so bomb.  And really that not heard to make.  The hardest part of this recipe is planning.  The key is frozen butter.  Butter is what makes the little air pockets for fluffy biscuits.  Cold butter, cold hands is the key!  Also, since we discovered Everything But the Bagel seasoning it has been a life changer.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Giant Funfetti Cookies

Rainbows are Baby Girls favorite. All cookies she makes must have sprinkles.  So when I saw this recipe I knew Baby Girl would want to make these.  

These cookies are huge!  But super cute.  

Baby Girl had a fun time rolling these huge cookie dough in sprinkles.  

These cookies are super easy to make are require very little planning as cold butter is used.  They taste great.  

Giant Funfetti Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, large
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sprinkles, divided in half

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Mix the cold butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on the lowest setting.  Let the mixer cream the butter for about 1 minute.  Then add sugar and mix for 1 minute.  
4. Add in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until mixed.  
5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the mixer.  Do not over mix.  Add sprinkles until incorporated.  
6. Measure out 6 oz cookie dough.  The recipe makes about 7 cookies.  Roll the dough in more rainbow sprinkles. Double up cookie sheet.  Flip one cookie sheet upside down and place the cookie sheet your cookie dough is on on top of that.  
7. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes.  Pull them out before you think they are done.  Leave the cookies on the cookie sheet for 15 minutes and then transfer them to a cooling rack.  Enjoy!

These cookies are super yummy.  BUT be patient and wait for them to cool.  This is key.  Once cool these cookies are sooooo good.  And best part the kids can help.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Homemade Pizza Dough

We have continued with pizza Sundays.  The kids are really happy about it.  I know I rave about this tradition a lot.  But what else have we got going on in 2020?

Getting creative with toppings has also been fun.  However the kids are currently on a cheese and pepperoni kick.  

Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoon Red Star yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, you will need more to roll out the dough
• sprinkle of cornmeal

Directions:

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer.  Cover and rest for 10 minutes.  When you uncover the bowl the yeast and water should look frothy.  
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl.  Attach the bowl to the stand mixer and use a dough hook.  Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  With floured hands, knead the dough for 3-4 minutes.  After kneading, the dough should feel soft and bounces back when you poke it.  If not, keep kneading.  The dough should also not stick to your hands. 
3. Grease a large bowl with non stick spray.  Please the dough in the bowl.  Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel.  Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until double in size.  (I have started in the mid morning and used it to make dinner)  
4. Preheat oven to 475F.  Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.  The cornmeal is optional but very yummy.  
5. When the dough is ready (has doubled in size), punch it down to release any air bubbles.  (The kids love this part.)  Divide the dough in half or smaller if you want to make individual size pizzas.  If you are only making 1 pizza, freeze the other half of the dough in a freezer ziploc bag.  On a floured surface with floured hands and rolling pin, gently flatten the dough into a disc or shape that you would like.  Place on prepared pan.  
6. Using your fingers, push dents into the dough to prevent bubbling (the kids love this part).  To prevent the fillings from making your pizza crust soggy, spray the top lightly with non stick spray.  Top with your favorite sauce and toppings.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  
7. Slice hot pizza and serve immediately.  

Please don't be scared of making your own pizza dough.  It's super easy.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Peanut Butter Blondies

There is no shortage of sweets in our house.  

This recipe was fun for Baby Girl cause she got to do all the mixing by hand.  Which was great for keeping her entertained.  

But this recipe smelled and tasted super yummy.  Did I mention no mixer was necessary?

Peanut Butter Blondies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups M&Ms

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.  Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until combined.  Whisk in the peanut butter.  Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.  Whisk it all until completely combined.  
3. In a separate bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt.  Pour into butter mixture and fold to combine.  Batter will be thick.  Fold in M&Ms.  
4. Spread evenly into prepared pan.  Sprinkle some M&Ms on top for looks.  
5. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and place on wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.  

These blondies were super yummy.  I think El Husbee and I snacked on them all day.  I loved eating these with a cold glass of milk.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Finally jumping onto the Instant Pot craze.  I have always been horrible with the crock pot.  So I have been a little hesitant with the Instant Pot.  But so far all the recipes that I have tried have come out well.  

I think one of the best parts of the Instant Pot is that it does not get the house super hot.  

I have never cooked ribs before.  So this is a major first.  

These ribs came out super yummy and kid approved.  They were super tender and fall off the bone.  

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 lbs baby back pork ribs, trimmed of excess fat, pat dry
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, onion powder, chili powder, mustard, paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper.  
2. Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs.  Try to pull it down the entire length.  Season ribs with brown sugar mixture, rubbing it thoroughly on both sides.
3. Please metal trivet into the instant pot.  Add chicken stock and apple cider vinegar to a 6 quart Instant Pot.  Please ribs upright on top of the trivet, wrapping in a circle.  
4. Select manual setting, pressure to high, and set time for 25 minutes.  When finished cooking, quick release pressure according to manufacturer's directions.  
5. Preheat oven to broil.  Line a baking sheet with foil.
6. Please ribs in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet.  Brush generous with your favorite BBQ sauce.  
7. Place into oven and broil until BBQ sauce is caramelized and browned, about 4-6 minutes.  
8. Serve with extra BBQ sauce.

I am totally making this recipe again.  I am really loving my Instant Pot.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Cornbread

Fresh cornbread is so good.  AND so easy to make.  The only ingredient that might be an issue is buttermilk.  I know that not everyone has it in their fridge on a daily basis. 

Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter cooled
• 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.  Grease a 8 or 9 inch square baking pan.  Set aside.  
2. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.  
3. Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and honey together.  Then whisk in the egg until combined.  Finally whisk in the buttermilk.  
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until combined.  Try to not over mix.  Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl not to miss anything.  
5. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and the center is cooked through.  Use a toothpick to test.  
6. Allow to cool before slicing and serving. 

This recipe is super simple and is my go to recipe for cornbread.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Cilantro Lime Marinade

I never know what my son will eat.  Thank goodness he still eats the cilantro lime chicken.  I think he is on some brown diet.  Some days he eats vegetables some days they can't even be on his plate.  

Cilantro Lime Marinade

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Direction:

1. Mix everything together.  
2. Marinade with your favorite meat for 2 to 48 hours. 

This has been my go to marinade for chicken for a while now.  I love it.  It smells great and my family loves it.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Korean Ground Turkey

Our family dog passed away about 2 months ago.  Our lives were shook as our dog was very much part of our everyday life.  My kids are slowly recovering.  My son still calls her name occasionally and my daughter is working though it as they were very close.  

My son has become quick the picky eater.  I never know what he will eat today.  But he seems to still like this dish,  Which I am really glad because it is super quick to whip up.  

Korean Ground Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1lb ground turkey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and ground pepper. 
2. In a large pan cook the ground turkey and garlic breaking it into crumbles over medium heat. 
3. Pour sauce over turkey and let simmer for another minute or two. 
4. Serve over hot rice and your favorite vegetable.

This is great for leftovers too.  Which is important since with distance learning and working from home we need all the help we can get.  

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Homemade Pizza Dough

Can share this pizza recipe enough.  It is so good and so easy to make.  

Super simple ingredients.  One of the reasons I cook is so I know what my kids are eating.

Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoon Red Star yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, you will need more to roll out the dough
• sprinkle of cornmeal

Directions:

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer.  Cover and rest for 10 minutes.  When you uncover the bowl the yeast and water should look frothy.  
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl.  Attach the bowl to the stand mixer and use a dough hook.  Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  With floured hands, knead the dough for 3-4 minutes.  After kneading, the dough should feel soft and bounces back when you poke it.  If not, keep kneading.  The dough should also not stick to your hands. 
3. Grease a large bowl with non stick spray.  Please the dough in the bowl.  Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel.  Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until double in size.  (I have started in the mid morning and used it to make dinner)  
4. Preheat oven to 475F.  Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.  The cornmeal is optional but very yummy.  
5. When the dough is ready (has doubled in size), punch it down to release any air bubbles.  (The kids love this part.)  Divide the dough in half or smaller if you want to make individual size pizzas.  If you are only making 1 pizza, freeze the other half of the dough in a freezer ziploc bag.  On a floured surface with floured hands and rolling pin, gently flatten the dough into a disc or shape that you would like.  Place on prepared pan.  
6. Using your fingers, push dents into the dough to prevent bubbling (the kids love this part).  To prevent the fillings from making your pizza crust soggy, spray the top lightly with non stick spray.  Top with your favorite sauce and toppings.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  
7. Slice hot pizza and serve immediately.  

So easy and so good.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Baked Chicken Sweet Chili Soy Sauce

I have been craving Asian food and chicken.  I am not sure why.  But I totally have been wanting to make this dish.  

This is super easy to make.  Even the kids liked it.  

Baked Chicken Sweet Chili Soy Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 stock green onions

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400F
• Mix ingredients to make sauce.  Chop green onions and leave on side for garnish.
• Bake chicken wing side up for 25 mins.
• Flip wings and bake again for 25 mins.
• Take out of the oven.  Drizzle sauce over chicken and sprinkle green onions.

This sauce is super yummy.  The whole house smells amazing with this sauce too.  This sauce can totally be used for like pot stickers too.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Homemade Pizza Dough

Who doesn't like pizza?  There is endless possibilities when it comes to pizza.  Pizza Sunday's started during the pandemic of trying to find something to do and what to make for dinner.  

This recipe is super easy to put together.  Honestly, once I tried it I have not use store bought pizza dough since.  

The best part of Pizza Sunday is that the whole family can help or pick what they want.  When you make your own pizza everyone can have their own.  

Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoon Red Star yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, you will need more to roll out the dough
• sprinkle of cornmeal

Directions:

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer.  Cover and rest for 10 minutes.  When you uncover the bowl the yeast and water should look frothy.  
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl.  Attach the bowl to the stand mixer and use a dough hook.  Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  With floured hands, knead the dough for 3-4 minutes.  After kneading, the dough should feel soft and bounces back when you poke it.  If not, keep kneading.  The dough should also not stick to your hands. 
3. Grease a large bowl with non stick spray.  Please the dough in the bowl.  Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel.  Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until double in size.  (I have started in the mid morning and used it to make dinner)  
4. Preheat oven to 475F.  Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.  The cornmeal is optional but very yummy.  
5. When the dough is ready (has doubled in size), punch it down to release any air bubbles.  (The kids love this part.)  Divide the dough in half or smaller if you want to make individual size pizzas.  If you are only making 1 pizza, freeze the other half of the dough in a freezer ziploc bag.  On a floured surface with floured hands and rolling pin, gently flatten the dough into a disc or shape that you would like.  Place on prepared pan.  
6. Using your fingers, push dents into the dough to prevent bubbling (the kids love this part).  To prevent the fillings from making your pizza crust soggy, spray the top lightly with non stick spray.  Top with your favorite sauce and toppings.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  
7. Slice hot pizza and serve immediately.  

This pizza is a pesto chicken pizza.  Baby Girl loves pesto pasta so this is a take on that.  We used pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, and chicken.   This smelled delicious.  Baby Girl loves it.  Mushrooms would be super yummy on it but Baby Girl hates mushrooms.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Korean Ground Turkey

I officially have a picky eater.  My son.  I love him to the moon and back.  But eating with him can drive me crazy.  It doesn't help that my first born makes eating easy.  I working on not calling him a picky eater.  I am working on just introducing food to him over and over and over and over ... again.  

He likes this Korean ground turkey recipe.  So we are going to add it into our line up of food to eat for dinner.  Because I have learned that arguing with someone about eating is not fun.  And he can barely talk.  So I can't even imagine when he is really talking.  

Luckily this is super easy to whip together. If you don't have a lot of time and don't know what to do with ground turkey try this recipe.  

Korean Ground Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1lb ground turkey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and ground pepper. 
2. In a large pan cook the ground turkey and garlic breaking it into crumbles over medium heat. 
3. Pour sauce over turkey and let simmer for another minute or two. 
4. Serve over hot rice.

Decided to top with some green onions for El Husbee and me.  I think I like it with green onions.  No green onions for the kids.  I am not even going to fight it.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Cilantro Lime Marinade

This cilantro lime marinade has become my go to chicken marinade.  My kids love it on chicken.  Even my picky son.

Cilantro Lime Marinade

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Direction:

1. Mix everything together.  
2. Marinade with your favorite meat for 2 to 48 hours. 

El Husbee grills the chicken that has been marinating in this and we eat with with vegetables.  Super easy for meal prep.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

When your boss has friends who drop off a bag of fresh home grown zucchini the only choice you got is to bake.  

Isn't this zucchini pretty?  Are vegetables pretty?  Who knows.  Did I mention there is chocolate in this recipe?

The batter is a little thick.  Don't worry about it.  

This recipe is suppose to be for a loaf of bread.  But I didn't feel like baking a bread for an hour.  Plus with covid-19 do we all really want to be cutting a loaf of bread?  Just grab your treat and go.   

Zucchini really does help with moisture.  AND you really CANNOT taste it.  Baby Girl didn't even know there was zucchini in it until she saw the green.  

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder
• 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425F.  Spray a muffin pan with oil.  Set aside
2. Please the shredded zucchini on some paper towels to absorb some moisture.  Do not squeeze.  Set aside.  
3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, instant coffee, and chocolate chips together.  Set aside.  
4. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, oil, sour cream, sugar and vanilla together until completely combined.  Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.  Fold in the zucchini.  
5. Use a ice cream scoop to fill the muffin tin.  Make sure to fill to the top with batter.  Bake the muffins for 5 minutes at 425F.  Keeping the muffins in the oven, lower the temperature to 350F and continue to bake for an additional 14-15 minutes.  A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.  

You cannot taste the zucchini in this muffin.  The zucchini is merely a vehicle for moisture.  This was kid tested and approved.   I would say this is a good breakfast for kids.  Chocolate for them and vegetable for the win.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO

Cornbread

It's been a while since we had chili.  But Baby Boy needs to work on his spoon skills.  So chili it is.  The chili I make is a not fancy.  Just turkey meat with a McCormick chili mix packet.  

But chili must come with cornbread and that I can do.  Cornbread is super easy to make.  Baby Girl usually helps me make the cornbread.  

I was missing this pan for a while.  I use to have a few Pyrex dishes in the 9 inch size.  Now all I have is this one.  At least it's the one with a lid.  

This cornbread recipe is my go to recipe.  It's super easy to make.  The only ingredient that you might not have in the home is buttermilk.  But it is for sure a must.  

Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter cooled
• 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.  Grease a 8 or 9 inch square baking pan.  Set aside.  
2. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.  
3. Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and honey together.  Then whisk in the egg until combined.  Finally whisk in the buttermilk.  
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until combined.  Try to not over mix.  Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl not to miss anything.  
5. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and the center is cooked through.  Use a toothpick to test.  
6. Allow to cool before slicing and serving. 

This cornbread is so good.  The hardest part is waiting for it to cool to eat.  

Keep cooking Friends!

XOXO