BBQ Chicken

BBQ Chicken

     What says summer more than barbeque on the grill, picnics outside in the hot summer air, and easy dinner plans when you don't want to be inside cooking?  So this one weeknight, it was gorgeous outside and I thought, why not just fire up the grill and cook some BBQ Chicken.  BBQ Chicken is a right of summer just like hamburgers and hot dogs. Everyone has their own BBQ that they enjoy or make themselves.  I make my own BBQ sauce that I use for ribs and pulled pork.  This night, I thought I would switch it up a bit.  I took a simple store bought BBQ sauce and added a little of myself to the mix.  Either way it is hard to put "amounts" on the ingredients that go into a delicious tasting BBQ sauce.  Below I give you a simple description to what I did to create a juicy, sweet but tangy, and spicy sauce for my chicken.  As for the amounts, start by "eye-balling" it.  Small palm fulls of each until you get the taste you are looking form.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup store bought simple BBQ sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Honey
• Pure chili paste
• Liquid smoke

     Mix all above ingredients in a bowl based on taste and preferences. Gently coat the chicken in a bit of the sauce.  Over a hot grill sear the chicken on both sides to get those grill marks for about 3-5 minutes on both sides.  Move the chicken to a cooler side of the grill or over the section that does not have heat below it.  Continue to coat the chicken in more of the sauce and turn.  Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.  Serves 2.

 

Chicken Pasta Puttanesca

Chicken and Pasta Puttanesca

      Puttanesca?  What does that mean?  I think I have heard that before.  Wait! My cousins at times call each other Puta or Puttana.... Ha ha,  It's a bitch, whore, prostitute, etc. (excuse my language). Pasta Puttanesca is a very good Italian dish that was supposedly invited in Naples by the ladies of the night as they served up a quick pasta dish with what little amounts of resources they could get their hands on.  Not an old traditional dish but something fairly new to the world.  You will find it in many restaurants as well. This dish is a great combination of salty, spicy, and just the right amount of tang. I enjoy it and think you will too.  It is simple to make and goes great with spaghetti.  A taste of the ocean is how one can explain the flavors and aromas that come from a nice plate of this.  Sit back, relax, and accompany it with a nice glass of your favorite wine.  Imagine you are sitting on the wall of the port in Naples during sunset and enjoy the meal.  Below I accompanied it with homemade spaghetti noodles.  So now when your sister or cousin calls out, "Putta!" You can proudly ask for seconds and not feel dirty for accepting it.  I made this dish with homemade pasta using my grandmothers chitarra.  So in actuality the pasta is "alla chitarra".  Enjoy!

 Chicken Pasta Puttanesca

Ingredients:

• Homemade Pasta- See blog: http://www.recipesiliveby.blogspot.com/2013/04/Fresh-Pasta.html
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 tbs anchovy paste
• 1 tbs chili flakes
• 1/2 cup black olives sliced
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 10oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tbs oregano
• 1/3 cup white wine

     In a large skillet add a drizzle of olive oil.  Brown chicken on both sides and remove.  In same skillet sauté the garlic and add the anchovy paste and mix in.  Pour in the white wine and slowly simmer until reduced. Toss in the olives, capers, chili flakes, tomatoes, and oregano.  Mix and bring to a slow boil.  Dice up chicken and place back in skillet.  Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile cook your pasta on the side.  Drain and toss into the skillet.  Mix well and serve. Serves 2-4 people in about 45 minutes.

The "Menu" For A Family Reunion

     Life can be full of troubling times.  Whether it is a job you dislike, a routine of living that you are stuck in, or just plain boredom, you have to find something that can take you away from the monotony of life.  Family gatherings to some can be a horrible experience.  You sometimes hear others complain about having to go to their family reunion.  They hate having to have small talk with great aunt sally or listening to uncle jacks old war stories over and over again.  They hate the same covered dish that everyone ends up bringing.  The boring chit chat, picture albums, and family schemes all make for a nightmare year after year.  Not for my family.  We are completely different than any family you will find out there. We have perfected the art of "family reunion" and make it different each and every year.

     As I have previously mentioned in older posts on family, we are each other's best friends and worst enemies.  As much as we fight and argue we still get it together to have some of the best times anyone can imagine.  My family has been having reunions since even before I was born.  Each generation comes up with a different way of celebrating togetherness.  Coming from two different cultural backgrounds hasn't hindered the events one bit.  Both sides of my family love gathering together, cooking, eating, and overall having a good time.  Any reason to celebrate is a good enough reason for us.  So what might you be asking is a "menu" for a family reunion?  Or better yet, how does the "menu" read for a spectacular family reunion?  Well here goes.....

Appetizers:

• Decorations-- different themes each year
• Costumes-- sometimes we like to dress up
• Swimming-- whether it is in a river with tubes or in a pool
• Bocce Ball-- have to have some field games
• Hide and Seek-- what not only the kids will end up playing
• Golfing/fishing-- some time away

Entrees:

• Picnics-- days of BBQ and pasta night
• Scavenger Hunt-- always fun to see the family split up into teams running around town like fools
• Cook Off-- where the competition begins with cooking skills
• Trophy-- always the best part
• Bar hops-- you have to let town know you are all out for fun
• Live Music-- talent at its best

Desserts:

• Booze-- a must have
• Booze-- a must have that it requires a second mention
• Fun and Sun-- the result of togetherness and good conversations

     Ok, so it is not a literal "menu" of food items or choices of cocktails to choose from but it is a "menu" for how to have fun.  Our family gathers for days of fun, picnics, partying, swimming, river time, bar nights, cook off contests, scavenger hunts throughout town, field games, bands, etc., all in the name of family.  It is something we all look forward to each and every year.  Now that I am older it has become my siblings, cousins, and my responsibility to plan the festivities and allow the elders to rest.  So sit back, relax, and take a look below at what makes a good "menu" for family fun.

One giant family

 

Some of the cousins

 

Some of the younger cousins

 

 Dress up and having fun

 

River time

 

Picnic and food

 

 Some bocce

 

Pinata for the little ones

 

 

 Scavenger hunt

More scavenger fun

 

Scavenger hunt

 

Bands

 

Bar nights

 

 

 Cook off and trophy

 

 Winners!

 

Pasta night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creamy Tortellini

Creamy Tortellini with Ham and Peas

 

 

     I have seen many versions of a similar pasta dish.  The combination of these three ingredients just goes well together.  This meal is quick and easy but full of flavor.  The perfect combination for a weeknight meal or rainy weekend evening when you feel like whipping something up. Not sure if I can consider this Italian as I don't know if they actually eat something like this in Italy.  All I know is that I'm part Italian and anything pasta shortly becomes a favorite.  So here goes, my combination of ham, peas, and cheesy tortellini all rolled into a great dish.   Creamy Tortellini with Ham and Peas.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 cup chopped ham
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 lg shallot diced
• 1 cup cream
• 1 tbs butter
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 1/2 tbs ricotta
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Small handful basil

     In a large pot boil some water and cook tortellini as directed.  In a medium sauté pan melt butter over medium high heat.  Sauté diced shallots until softened.  Toss in garlic and sauté.  Pour in wine and reduce.  Mix in ham and peas and heat.  Next add in cream, the ricotta, and basil leaves.  Lower heat and let simmer.  Toss in drained tortellini and incorporate till mixed through.  A wonderful version of Creamy Tortellini with Ham and Peas. Serves 2-4. 



 

Grilled Pork Chops With A Pineapple/Mango Chutney

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Mango Chutney

 

     So I obtained these awesome large bone in pork chops the other day.  I haven't seen a pork chop this big ever.  I thought to myself, "What would go good with these hunks of deliciousness?"  So I thought, why not create a fusion of sorts of Asian/Hawaiian tastes into succulent chutney over the grilled pork. 

     Pork happens to be one of my favorites of the meat families.  Whether it is pork loin, chops, and of course bacon and sausage, pork is a great protein option with a lot of flavor. I always prepare them the same way.  Usually a little rosemary or garlic and typically broiled or grilled.  This time I thought I should change it up a bit and add some sort of fresh fruit salsa or chutney.  I've had pork with apples, pears, oranges, etc., but what about adding some flare to the whole idea of a fruit companion.  So here goes.  I took some of the flavors of Asian and Hawaiian and combined them into this delicious chutney compote kind of additive.  Hope you enjoy my Grilled Pork chops with a Pineapple and Mango Chutney.

Ingredients:

• 2 lg bone in Pork Chops
• 1/3 cup of soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbs diced fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/4 cup diced green onion
• Black pepper

     In a small sauté pan pour in the soy sauce and bring to a slow simmer.  Add in the fresh ginger, brown sugar, pineapple, mango and grilled onion.  Stir together to dissolve the sugar then cover and slowly simmer for about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile sprinkle some fresh black pepper on both sides of the pork chops.  Now on a hot grill over high heat place both chops and leave sit for roughly 5 minutes.  Then turn and grill on other side for another 5 minutes.  You can then switch sides again to get those crisscross grill marks if you like.  Remove from stove and let sit for 5 minutes.  Sever these perfectly cooked pork chops with the pineapple mango chutney drizzled on top. Goes good with a side of rice or your favorite vegetable. Serves 2. Ready in 30-45 minutes depending on the temperature of pork.

Music Moves The Soul

 

 

     What a better recipe for life than music that serves as your soundtrack.  Ever wonder if your life was a movie what your soundtrack would include?  Ever walk into a bar or restaurant and as the music overhead plays it's as if you are on the screen and the song playing is fitting to you as you saunter by?  One of my all time favorite bands has to be the Rolling Stones.  They are rock Gods. Every time that certain Stones song comes on I sing as loud as I can. And trust me, I sound like a bag full of cats being hit with clubs.  Something about certain bands or songs just gets you going.  Certain songs are the perfect accompaniment to a good road trip or nice afternoon drive down that country road, the windows open, the breeze coming into the car, and that one song blaring aloud. 

     Working a full time job handling the stress of others can place a toll on one without some sort of break.  What better break than to go to a live concert.  The Stones have been performing together for 50 years.  This monumental band shouldn't be missed.  I have been a fan since I was a little kid.  To think that a band has been performing together with the same members for 50 years is amazing.  Not too many other bands are still doing that.  Heck, I can't even think of any others. 

     My friend and I decided to take the plunge and buy tickets.  We headed out early Monday morning and drove the 3 1/2 hours into downtown Washington D.C.  We booked our room at the Marriott in the Capitol Hill district.  We arrived early enough that we headed to the Museum of Natural History.  We toured around and headed to a little Thai restaurant to indulge ourselves in a great meal of traditional Thai food. 

     As the hour approached we freshened up and walked to the arena.  All I can say is it was a great experience and one that I will never forget.  Seeing one of your favorite musical groups is amazing in itself, but to see one that has been around for over 50 years is unbelievable.  To be a part of something so legendary is a great feeling.  Sitting there in the very large arena packed completely with people who know how to just relax and enjoy good music is great.  Any live music is a great "recipe" for enjoyment.  What would life be without pure enjoyment?  Something that moves the soul and allows you to relax.  Life cannot be all about work, work, and more work.  There has to be some play.  Seeing and doing something that you enjoy, even for just a day, can solve any stress related to your normal humdrum life. My recipe for this trip: Pure Live Musical Fun With Friends... Period.

**Below is the Thai dish I ordered. Chicken and Basil with Wide Rice Noodles. Delicious!!!!

Thai Basil Chicken or (Gai Pad Krapow)

Thai Basil Chicken

     It's that time again where I venture into Asian cuisine.  Thai Basil Chicken is a famous chicken dish that you can find on the streets of Thailand at any food vendor.  A quick delicious meal that relies on a few key ingredients one of which I was unable to find here in the States.  Thailand has its own varieties of a wonderful herb that is one of my favorites; Basil.  Thai has a couple different types of Basil one of which they call the Holy basil.  Apparently it is much stronger and spicier than your run of the mill Italian Basil. Not that Italian Basil is bad; I grow it year round inside my house along with some other herbs.  So, because I was unable to find Thai Basil, I substituted regular Italian Basil and a bunch of it.  

     This is another one of those dishes that just exemplifies the wonderful variety of flavors that Thai cooking can bring together.  This is simple and quick but so full of flavor.  It is hot, sweet, and fresh.  I added a handful of fresh steamed green beans just to give it some more texture and volume.  This has quickly become a new go to meal. 

Enjoy my take on a Thai classic, Thai Basil Chicken.

Ingredients:

 

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2-2 cups cooked Jasmine rice
• 1 1/2 tbs fish sauce
• 1 1/2 tbs soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tbs oyster sauce
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 chilies
• 1 tbs brown sugar
• bunch of basil
• green beans

   
     First slice the chicken breasts into thin slices.  Next mince the garlic and diced chili peppers together.  In a hot wok over high heat pour in some vegetable oil and heat to smoking.  Toss in chicken and cook thoroughly.  Mix in the minced garlic and chili peppers and sauté. Pour in the soy, fish, and oyster sauce.  Mix in the brown sugar and basil leaves.  Mix in the green beans and rice.  Mix around until well incorporated.  Serves 2-3. I may not be from Thailand but I am shortly becoming a great Thai cook.

Banoffee Pie

 

     During my trip to Ireland I discovered a wonderful dessert that I had never had before.  Being part Irish I was surprised to have never heard of this before.  It turns out that it is traditionally an English dessert but the similarities of the cuisines of the two cultures are much alike.  This pie is so easy and I have found a quick way to recreate this dish.  Remember, I'm not much of a baker, but I had to make this. One bite and you will be in love too.  Its very rich so one slice may be all you need for a couple days.  Luckily it was easily kept in the fridge. Please enjoy my version of Banoffee Pie.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 graham cracker piecrust, (store bought. I don't bake. Traditionally you should use biscuit cookies)
• * 1 stick butter
• * 1/2 cup brown sugar
• * 1 14oz can of condensed milk
• 2 bananas
• whipped cream
• cocoa

      In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.  Mix in the brown sugar and stir until cooked.  Pour in the condensed milk and keep stirring.  Bring to a boil while continuing to stir and cook for a couple minutes.  Pour into already prepared piecrust and sit in fridge for at least an hour.  Slice bananas and place on top of cooled toffee.  Cover with whip cream, sprinkle some cocoa, and serve or chill.  This pie is a great combination of flavors that compliment each other perfectly.

 

*Hint-these ingredients make a substantial amount of toffee within the center of the pie.  Half the amounts to make less if you so choose.

 

 

 

 

 

 



A "Recipe" for Relaxation and Fun

     As a small town country boy, (I won’t admit it but I guess it's true), you have to find some of the best ways to enjoy life away from the big cities.  As this blog is about "Recipes for Life", I thought I would share one of my ways of relaxing and enjoying some of the littlest things that you can get out of life.  Especially now that it is summer, my favorite time of year.   I have always been fond of swimming.  I'm a water sign, I was a lifeguard growing up, and I was a fanatic at diving.  Growing up in West Virginia my house was right on the river in our small town.  Not the greatest river, but a river none the less.  A couple miles away was part of the National Park and there were many areas along this river where one could find multiple rope swings and great places to lie along the banks of the river enjoying nature at its finest.

     Each summer many people travel to my area of WV just for its rivers.  Tubing, canoeing, white water rafting, fishing, you name it, we have it.  Our rivers are fantastic.  The clear mountainous water that runs down from above. The fresh summer air with its hint of humidity and floral accents wafting through the air.  What better ways to sit back, relax, and spend a nice summer day outdoors. I try my hardest every weekend to make it down to the river, if not for just lying there soaking up the sun.  I even at times try to get out of work early on Fridays just to have some extra time.  I love the river.  I can float there all afternoon.  Drink in one hand and music hopefully playing around me.  Soaking up the sun and enjoying one of the best places to relax and enjoy nature. 

     I cannot fathom any better way to spend a hot summer day than on the river.  Whether with friends or by oneself, it is truly a great way to vent and let your cares wash away.  I have also found that the river waters can have a sort of "healing" affect on you after a night of debauchery.  My friends and I have started a little tradition each beginning of summer where we go to Tubapalooza.  A fun filled exciting day of many people tying off each other’s tubes, attaching a cooler or ice filled raft, and floating down the river on the rapids singing, laughing, joking, and having a grand ole time.

Tubers waiting to hit the river

Myself waiting to hit the rapids

Hold on tight

Just floating too is relaxing

 

Swimming at a variety of different holes

 

Games being played on the banks

 

     Whether you live in the city or in the middle of now where, find what it is you enjoy that can utilize what nature has given us.  Try to enjoy the things in life that are free and do not cost a dime.  Why not utilize what our surroundings have given us.  Many times nothing beats the littlest thing right out our front door.

Chicken Club Pizza




Chicken Club Pizza

     It's that time again, when my craving for pizza comes about.  As posted before I have a dough starter that I keep feeding at least once a month, and can use for the rest of my life. So..... getting the inkling to make pizzas is as easy as opening my fridge and quickly making the dough.  For this time around I was inspired by a commercial on television one late night evening.  I saw an ad for Wendy's Chicken Club Sandwich, and thought, that would be great as a pizza.  Little did I know but once I did a Google search people have already been making this type of pizza.  Anyways, I decided to make it my own.

     So here goes.... I thought about what makes the great flavors of a good chicken club sandwich.  The chicken, the bacon, the lettuce, tomato, the tart cheese, and a hint of ranch flavoring in that sauce some place on it.  Whatever it is, it's just an all around good bite to eat.  Why not make it into a pizza.  So here goes.  My take on a Chicken Club Pizza my way.

Chicken Club Pizza

Ingredients:

• **Standard pizza dough recipe
• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
• 4 strips bacon
• 3 Roma tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded Romano
• 1/2 cup Ricotta
• 1 tbs Ranch seasoning
• Handful of fresh Arugula

** See Pizza Dough recipe this blog

     Place your pizza stone in the bottom of the oven and turn on high at 500 degrees.  Let heat up for about half an hour. Meanwhile in a sauté pan cook the chicken over medium heat in a little olive oil.  Brown on both sides until the chicken is cooked.  Remove and cut up into little bites.  Next cook the bacon in the same pan until browned. Remove and cut up into small bits.  Slice the tomatoes into thin slices.  Roll out your already prepared pizza dough recipe. Mix your ricotta and ranch seasoning in a bowl and spread out on the pizza dough.  Lay out the diced tomatoes.  Cover with the chicken and bacon and finally sprinkle the shredded Romano over top of the pizza.  Place in the oven and bake for about 7-10 minutes until nice and golden brown.  About a minute before you remove the pizza from the oven toss a handful of Arugula on top of the pizza.  Remove from the oven and drizzle some olive oil over the pizza. Serve.  Makes about 8 slices.  This pizza was very fresh and delicious.  Give it a try.