May 20, 2009

If you haven’t had an Italian Beef – you don’t know what you’re missing. First, let me tell you that it’s a Chicago thing. I’ve lived on the East Coast and this sandwich is no where to be found. Here’s what the sandwich is – it’s shaved beef that basically stewed in a flavorful au jus all day. The meat is put on French bread, slices of cheese are added, and it’s dipped in the au jus. The icing on the cake (no pun intended) is the addition of either hot or sweet peppers. Either way – this sandwich can be found all over Chicago. Want to know where to get the best one? In my opinion there’s a chain called Portillos – Google them!

So, I decided to make my own. This is a definite keeper! I started w/a crust that I made myself. I was toally gonna but the crust from the store, but all they had was frozen. I couldn’t wait at all – so I said, why not. So, I made my version of it. I added a bit of granulated garlic to the crust – gotta love that, right? Then instead of a red sauce, I did a white sauce – garlic infused as well. I topped that with shreds of the beef, provolone, and mozzarella cheese. The final addition was Italian herbs along with mild peppers. Totally a winner…the pictures just don’t do this sandwich justice.

Enjoy…

May 14, 2009

Isn’t putting green olives in food a Cuban thing? I’m not sure – either way – this made for some good eating. I had a hunch to try tamales – out of the clear blue sky. I had thought long and hard about it and came up with a recipe in my head…that’s how I roll.

I went to the store to grab some masa and corn husks – gotta pay tribute the original way. BUT, they had no corn husks – well, the dried kind anyway. So, I had an idea…I went to the produce section and they had corn that was shucked. I asked where the husks were. They told me in the garbage. I asked if I could get them out…and I did – lol. I cleaned them thoroughly when I got home. YAY!

I also figured I’d measure out stuff so I could write a real recipe. BUT, as I measured the masa…I actually ended up forgetting how much I really measured – lol. Poor me. But I did mix my masa with chicken stock. I typically don’t eat tamales out because the masa is just plain and boring to me. Well, I jazzed mine up with tons of salt and enough chicken stock to make it nice and flavorful!

I mixed store bought chicken, adobo, sugar, cilantro, onions, and garlic in a saute and chopped the olives in at the last minute. It all got mixed together. I started out the traditional way – but that was boring…so I had an idea to mix it all together and do it that way. Boy am I glad I typically listen to my intuitions!

Enjoy the pics below.

May 13, 2009

VERY SIMPLE…and really – no recipe needed. This is a PERFECT meal if you don’t have a bunch of time. Here’s how I did it.

For the swiss chard, I just sauteed bacon and onion together. Chopped the chard. Added it. Threw in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and some chicken stock. That’s it – that simple.

The potatoes. VERY SIMPLE. Get the oven to 400 degrees. Cube the potatoes and toss them with salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and a bit of olive oil. Throw them in the oven and when they’re almost done – top with freshly grated parmesan.

The salmon – even simpler. Just season with salt and pepper. Sear on one side and then turn over. Throw some honey in the pan and glaze the salmon. That’s it.

In about 20 minutes, you’ve got dinner!
-Darius

May 12, 2009

I am still alive.

Just super busy.

Let’s see – there’s Everyday Cookin’ Radio (that’s now in prime time – 8PM CST on Mondays). There’s also the continuation of the 7-Day Health Challenge. There’s an Everyday Cookin’ Launch Party. There’s the planning for the next set of videos for Everyday Cookin’. So, a lot’s going on. Stick with me – it gets better. Starting this coming Monday – all chicken recipes!!! 5 in a row…I promise!

Just to prove I’m still living and eating, here’s chicken scampi that I made yesterday. So simple. Sear chicken breast, add garlic, olive oil, a touch of butter, white wine, fresh lemon juice – minus well add the zest too. Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes go in – and then add fresh parsley. I tossed the whole thing with whole grain pasta and asiago cheese. And there’s dinner.

May 5, 2009

Happy Day 3 Folks!

I’m holding up just fine. I’ve been doing my 5 AM workouts every morning and things are going great. So, here are the recipes for Day 3 – along with some pictures – enjoy!

And a huge thanks to everyone who tuned into our Everyday Cookin’ Radio Show Pilot – we had a huge showing. Pass the word! We’re doing it again this coming Monday – 10PM CST – so, get ready. Click on the “radio” link at the top of the page for more information.

Sirloin Skewers

1 pound of sirloin cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon of olive oil
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of minced jalapeno

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Bring the sirloin to room temperature. Liberally season with salt and pepper and toss with olive oil. Skewer alternatively with the red bell pepper. Roast in an oven (or grill). Mix honey and jalapeno together and heat in the microwave until honey melts. Use this as the glaze for the skewers – glazing a few times about 5 minutes before skewers are done. Use peach sauce as a topping for skewers (recipe below).

Peach Sauce
1 12 oz. can of peach nectar
1 medium peach, cut into small cubes

Combine in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat until reduced by over half.

The herbed orzo is easy. Just take orzo and cook it in salty water. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs – I used parsley, cilantro, and scallions…easy!

Spicy Citrus Honey Vinaigrette
1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons of citrus juice
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1/2 cup of olive oil
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of citrus zest

Combine all ingredients and shake well – that’s it!