Simmered fresh tomato sauce

This is a simple recipe where you can use any tomatoes you may have.

MY method is very simple.  I bring about 2 cups water to a boil.  Drop tomatoes in boiling water and once you see the skin start to burst pour water out and put cold water in.  I then peel tomatoes, cut in pieces and crush with a potato masher.

In a separate pan I add at least 1/2 cup olive oil and at least 2 minced garlic cloves.  Allow to simmer slowly until you can smell the garlic aroma.  Do not burn garlic.

Once the garlic has simmered add crushed tomatoes and simmer slowly for about a half hour.  After the half hour add two pieces fresh basil.  Just simmer a little while longer.  No need to over cook basil.  Cooking too long basil will overpower sauce.  

Cook pasta according to directions. (Make sure to salt water).   Drain.  Add yummy fresh tomato sauce, pecorino cheese and once again an easy summer meal.  Serve with a salad to complete meal.

This recipe can be adjusted to how many servings you want so adjust amounts of ingredients.

NOTE: I have found over the years you don't have to be exact with this recipe.  Just have fun making it to your taste. I also have used dried basil but in small amounts.

Dessert was chocolate pudding poke cake.

1-Simple chocolate box cake made according to directions.

2- Large chocolate pudding made thinner than recipe called for or add more milk when it has solidified thin out the pudding

3- Large container Cool Whip

When cake comes out of oven poke DEEP  holes all over cake. (I use a large end of a round cooking spoon.

Cool.  Then pour pudding over cake.  Refrigerate until set. ADD Cool Whip to top gently and spread.  Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy!

Baked skin on split Chicken breasts

These split chicken breasts were really large so we did have enough to make a chicken salad sandwich tomorrow.

If you want moist and tender chicken breasts leave skin on.  You can easily remove it after the chicken is baked.

I heavily seasoned these on both sides with olive oil, thyme, garlic and onion powder,  lots of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture generously all over the breasts.

Set heat to 350°.

In my baking casserole I added the breasts COVERED  for 20 minutes . Take cover off and bake another 20 minutes.  Test 165° or until there isn’t any pink and top is browned.

Enjoy!

Blueberry muffins for dessert

Stuffed and breaded chicken breasts

2 thick boneless chicken breasts ( cut a deep pocket in center of each breast).

Plain yogurt 

1/4 cup drained seasoned spinach( I used leftover spinach I had) or can use fresh.

Moderate amount mozzarella or cheese of choice 

Mix spinach and cheese

After stuffing chicken breast spread plain yogurt over breast s.

Turn over  and spread equally.

Now on a large piece of waxed paper add 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs. I season my own with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, dried parsley and Parmesan cheese..

NOTE:Frozen spinach drained and squeezed. You could use fresh. Very little mozzarella just enough to hold it together. (Incidentally this spinach was seasoned that I had leftover). 

I flavored the breadcrumbs as well with Parmesan cheese, dried parsley salt, pepper,onion and garlic powder.

Enjoy!

 

 

Thai chicken cutlets

 

Easy weekday meal!

 

          

I jar Thai chili sauce 

2 large boneless chicken breasts sliced thin (4 slices)brushed each side with Thai chili sauce

I package frozen peas drained and seasoned with butter.

1 package frozen cauliflower cooked according to directions. Drain and season with butter, garlic and fresh or dried parsley .

Spray a grill pan with canola oil. Heat on medium high and then add chicken. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side while continuing to brush with sauce.

A very nice and easy meal.

 

 

 

White pepper topped chicken croquettes

Monday easy day meal using Rotisserie chicken.

2 cups Rotisserie chicken pulsed fine in food Processor 

1 or 2 eggs

1/2 cup breadcrumbs 

2 pinches salt

Sprinkle onion powder

Sprinkle dried parsley 

2 or 3 Tablespoons chicken broth.  Use enough to hold mixture together.  Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour ,

Make torpedoes.  Spray with canola oil air fryer 

Heat air fryer to 375 degrees.

  Place 4 torpedoes in air fryer,  Spray tops with canola oil,

Fry 8 to 10 minutes on each side until

Browned.  Top with gravy.  Great meal 

WHITE  PEPPER GRAVY

White Pepper Gravy: Melt (2) tablespoons butter, whisk in (2) tablespoons flour, and gradually add (1) cup milk or chicken broth. Simmer until thick and season generously with salt and white pepper. *** (I used black pepper)