Buffalo Chicken Dip

16 oz. cream cheese
1 c. ranch salad dressing
3/4 c. Frank's Redhot sauce
1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
25 oz. chicken, cooked and cubed

Add everything to a skillet. Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese is completely melted, and everything is heated through. Serve immediately or transfer to a crock pot to keep warm.

Serve with tortilla chips and celery.

Aw, yeah.

Dragon Noodles

8 oz. lo-mein noodles
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. sriracha
2 Tbsp. butter
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. cilantro

Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha.

In a large skillet, melt the butter, and cook the egg. Add in the cilantro. Stir around to break up the egg.

Add the noodles to the skillet with the egg. Stir to combine. Then coat with the sauce. Again stir to combine. Serve hot.

Super easy. Super fast. Next time I may add chicken, but it was a great dinner and I will definitely be making it again!

Here's the website where I found the recipe: https://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/08/spicy-noodles/

Fish Tacos

Plan ahead... needs to chill...
 
Pickled Red Onions
1 jalapeno pepper, cut into 1/4 inch rings
2 large red onions, finely sliced
1 c. distilled white vinegar
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. water
1 c. sugar

Fish Tacos
8 corn tortillas, warmed
8 breaded white fish fillets or high-quality fish sticks, cooked
1/2 c. mayo
3-4 Tbsp. sriracha sauce
1/4 of a head of green cabbage, shredded
pickled red onions (recipe above)
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped

To make the picked red onions: Place jalepeño and onions in a medium mixing bowl.

Heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small skillet over high heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, then pour over onions.

Press onions down with a spoon until submerged. Place a double layer of paper towels on top of onions and press down until completely saturated in liquid to keep onions submerged. Allow to sit until onions are softened and liquid has cooled, about 25 minutes.

Onions will keep indefinitely in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

The best way to eat these onions is to let them sit at least 24 hours in the fridge before using them on the tacos.

To make the tacos: Take a warmed tortilla and layer 1 fish stick or fillet in the center. Flake it up with a fork.

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha. Stir. Spread a good amount over the fish stick.

Layer with a bit of cabbage, pickled red onions, and cilantro. Wrap and eat.

Do this 7 more times. You won't be disappointed.

Here is a link to the pickled red onion recipe I used: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/05/pickled-red-onions.html

Shrimp Monica

1 lb. farfalle pasta

Cream sauce cooking

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. water + 1/2 tsp. cornstarch, mixed
1 lb. shrimp, frozen, peeled
6 Tbsp. butter
1 onion, chopped
5-6 cloves of garlic, minced
1/3 tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. garlic powder
1/3 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. onion powder

Uncooked shrimp

1/4 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 c. dry white wine
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 c. heavy cream
1/2 c. green onions, chopped
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
3/4 c. Parmesan

Cooked shrimp

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain. Return to pot. Toss with the olive oil and cornstarch slurry. Cover to keep warm.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp until they are pink all the way through. Set aside.

In a large pot, melt the butter. Add in the onion, and let cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and all the seasonings. Stir and cook about 1 minute.

Cream sauce, almost done

Add in the white wine, turn the heat to high. Cook until the wine is almost completely evaporated. When it's ready, turn the heat down to low for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Add in the lemon juice, then the cream. You don't want to put the cream in when the temperature is still high because it can curdle your cream. Heat through.

Add in the green onions and cilantro. Cook for a minute or two.

Add the pasta and shrimp to the cream sauce. Toss to coat all the noodles and shrimp. Cook until everything is heated through, which should only be a few minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan. Serve hot.

Shrimp Monica!

I served this with a side of french bread. Definitely a recipe I will come back to.

Here is a link to the original New Orleans recipe I adapted: http://www.gonola.com/2011/05/15/crawfish-monica-recipe-for-a-new-orleans-jazz-fest-classic.html

Southwest Chicken and Rice

1 c. rice
2 1/4 c. chicken stock
1/2 tsp. paprika

Rice after cooking

1/2 tsp. chipotle tabasco (or more if you want it)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. cumin (at least)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
two dashes coriander
4 Tbsp. butter, divided
15 oz. black beans, drained
15 oz. whole kernel corn, drained
1 1/2 c. chicken breast, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
1 c. pepperjack cheese, shredded (I recommend Tillamook)

Adding ingredients

In a large pot, combine the uncooked rice, stock, paprika, chipotle, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, coriander, and 1 Tbsp. butter. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 22-25 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, cook up the diced chicken over medium heat. Make sure it is cooked through. Set aside.

When the rice is done, add the remaining butter, beans, corn, chicken, garlic, onion, and cilantro to the pot. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Ready to eat

Add in the pepperjack. Stir to combine. Leave on the heat 1 more minute so the cheese can melt. Serve hot.

You will not be disappointed. There were no leftovers at my house.

Here is a link to the recipe I adapted: http://www.yammiesnoshery.com/2013/10/cheesy-chipotle-chicken-and-rice.html

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Super quick dinner to make. 

1/2 lb. pasta (I used bowtie)
6-8 oz. chicken breast, cubed
garlic powder
basil
dash of coriander
dash of cumin
dash of onion powder
2-3 sprigs of cilantro, chopped
2/3 c. blue cheese dressing
1/2 c. Frank's hot sauce

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain.

Cook the chicken over medium heat. Sprinkle with garlic powder, basil, cumin, coriander, and onion powder. Add in the cilantro. Cook until chicken is cooked all the way through.

In a medium sized bowl, mix together the blue cheese dressing and the hot sauce.

In a large bowl, add the pasta and chicken. Toss. Add the dressing mix, and stir all together, making sure to coat all the pasta and chicken. Serve hot.

Here's a link to the recipe I adapted: http://www.divaliciousdishes.com/recipes/dinners/56-buffalo-chicken-pasta

Chicken Tikka Masala

3 Tbsp. butter
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. turmeric
14 oz. can tomato sauce
1 c. whipping cream
2 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
4 chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp. curry powder

Make ghee out of the butter. Microwave the butter until it boils. The solids in the butter will settle to the bottom. Just pour out the clarified butter on the top into a large skillet. Cook the onion in the ghee about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute. Then add in the cumin, salt, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir and continue to cook about 2 more minutes.

Add tomato sauce into the onion mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Mix in cream, paprika, and sugar. Bring sauce back to a simmer, and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.

Heat oil in a different skillet over medium heat, then add in the chicken and curry powder. Sear chicken until starting to brown on the outside, but still pink on the inside, about 3 minutes. Make sure you stir often. Transfer chicken and any pan juice into the sauce. Simmer chicken and sauce until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Serve as is or over hot rice.

Here's a link to the original recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/curry-stand-chicken-tikka-masala-sauce/

Meat and Potato Skillet with Green Chiles

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Meat, potatoes, etc.

1 very large baker potato, diced
1 onion, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
coriander, cumin, basil, to taste
9 oz. Polish sausage, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
4 oz. can roasted green chiles
1/2 c. canned black beans

Add the olive oil and diced potato to a large skillet over medium high heat. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring once. Add in the onion, cook for 2-3 minutes uncovered. Season the potato and onion with the salt, pepper and other seasonings. Stir, then cover and cook 5-8 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the Polish sausage and garlic. Cover and cook about 4-6 minutes. Check to make sure the potatoes are soft. If not, cook a little longer.

Dinner!

Add the corn, green chiles, and black beans to the skillet. Cook until heated through. Serve hot.

Here's a link to the recipe I adapted: http://barefeetinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2013/05/Garlicky-Potato-Kielbasa-Green-Chile-Skillet-Recipe.html

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Sriracha

1 lb. meatballs (I used Costco ones)

Meatballs and vegetables

2 Tbsp. soy sauce, divided
4 Tbsp. cornstarch, divided
1/2 c. water
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. oil
8 mini bell peppers, chopped
1 can water chestnuts, sliced and drained
20 oz. can pineapple chucks, drained but reserving the juice (should be about 3/4 c.)
black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 Tbsp. Sriracha, or to taste
Hot cooked rice

Sauce, cooking

Place the meatballs in a large bowl, toss with 1 Tbsp. soy sauce. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, then toss to coat.

In a different bowl, whisk together the water, vinegar, brown sugar, the remaining soy sauce, the remaining cornstarch, and the reserved pineapple juice. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large pan on high. Add the meatballs. Cook 2-4 minutes, or until heated through. I like when they start to brown on the outside. Add in the bell peppers and water chestnuts. Let cook about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the pineapple chunks and the sauce. Do not stir until the sauce starts to bubble. While you're waiting, add in as much as you want of black pepper. Once the sauce starts to bubble, stir on high heat for about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken during this time. If it hasn't, just keep it on the heat a little longer.

Ready to eat!

Reduce heat. Add in the Sriracha, making sure you taste it to make sure it's as spicy as you want it. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Here's a link to the recipe I adapted: barefeetinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2013/04/sriracha-sweet-and-sour-chicken-stir-fry-recipe.htmld

Bang Bang Shrimp

Shrimp!

1 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined
3/4 - 1 c. cornflour
oil for frying

Sauce:
1/4 c. mayo
2 Tbsp. sriracha chili sauce
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. sugar

Shrimp frying

Mix all the ingredients for the sauce together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Bread the shrimp in the cornflour. Add oil to a skillet, enough to coat the bottom, then add about a dozen shrimp to the skillet. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove to a plate with a paper towel. When all the shrimp is fried, put them in a bowl and coat with the sauce. Enjoy.

Dinner

You can also try Bang Bang Cauliflower, which is also delicious.

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Florets frying

1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
3-4 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 egg whites
1 1/2 tsp. coconut extract
2 c. bread crumbs
1 tsp. salt
pepper (lots!)
3 Tbsp. garlic powder
coconut oil (if you don't have this on hand, vegetable or canola work just fine)

Breaded cauliflower

Sauce:
1/4 c. mayo
2 Tbsp. sriracha
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. sugar

Add the florets to a large bowl, then coat them in the cornstarch. Toss to coat. Add more cornstarch if you need to.

Add egg whites and coconut extract to a different small bowl. Mix the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder together in a shallow bowl or plate.

Take one floret at a time, and dip in the egg wash, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.

Amazing sweet and spicy sauce

Heat up the coconut oil in a large skillet to about medium/medium-high heat. Make sure you use enough to coat the bottom of the skillet. Leave the oil handy as you will need to keep adding more while you're frying the florets.

Add about 10 florets to the skillet. Turn with tongs until all sides are browned. Remove to a plate with a paper towel. Continue this process until all the florets are cooked.*

Dinner is ready!

To make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients. Coat the breaded florets with the sauce. Serve immediately. This dish is amazing!

*If you have a deep fryer, you can also use that to cook your cauliflower. 

This recipe is based on a shrimp dish from a restaurant in Florida called Bone Fish Grill. I'll be trying the recipe with shrimp soon enough! Here's a link to the recipe I adapted: http://www.thatssomichelle.com/2012/02/bang-bang-cauliflower.html

Kung Pao Chicken

4 chicken breasts, diced
4 Tbsp. peanut oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
ground black pepper, lots and lots
2-4 whole red chilies (I used dried)

chilies in the sauce

1/4 c. rice wine
2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp black bean sauce
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. ginger root, grated
multiple dashes of coriander, allspice, and dry mustard
dash of cumin
1 tsp. sesame oil
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
1 red or green pepper, diced
1 oz. water
1 tsp. cornstarch
hot cooked rice
cashews (optional)

In a hot wok, heat 2 Tbsp. of the peanut oil, saute the chicken and garlic. Season with pepper while it's cooking. Remove chicken from wok when it is almost completely cooked. Set aside.

Kung pao chicken!

Add the rest of the peanut oil to the wok. Add the chilies and toss for a minute before adding quickly the rice wine, hoisin, black bean sauce, sugar, ginger, spices, sesame oil, soy sauce, cilantro, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Then add the chicken and bell pepper to the cooking sauce. Cook for another minute or two.

Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to thicken the sauce. Cook for another minute or two.

Serve over the hot rice, and add cashews if desired.

Here's a link to the original recipe I adapted; it's one of my favorite food sites: http://rockrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/10/kung-pao-chicken.html

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

2 lbs. sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
salt
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. chili powder
pinch of cayenne pepper

Toss together. Layer on a cookie sheet. Roast at 425 F about 20 minutes. Turn once.

Chipotle Beef Chili with Lime Crema

3 lb. ground beef
3 c. onion, chopped

Chili cooking

6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
2 cans beef broth (or bouillon)
1 c. crushed tomatoes with added puree
1/2 c. stout or dark beer (I used Guinness)
2 Tbsp. minced canned adobo chipotle chilies
1 Tbsp. yellow cornmeal
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 c. sour cream
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. lime peel, grated
Corn tortilla chips

Lime Crema

Heat heavy large pot over high heat. Add beef; saute until cooked through, breaking up meat with spoon - about 8 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Add onions to same pot; saute until tender - about 5 minutes. Add garlic to pot; saute 1 minute. Add chili powder and cilantro. Saute until fragrant - about 2 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, stout, chilies, and cooked beef. Cover partially; simmer until chili is thick, stirring often, about 1 hour. Gradually stir cornmeal into chili. Stir in beans. Simmer until heated through. Season generously with salt and pepper (I added pepper before it cooked for an hour, and then more after).

Ready to eat!

Whisk sour cream, lime juice, and lime peel in small bowl. Season with salt. Spoon chili into bowls. Spoon lime crema atop chili. Serve with chips.

Classic Red Curry Paste

Red curry paste in food processor

This paste is very SPICY!

3 oz. dried red New Mexico chilies
12 small dried Japanese chilies
1 Tbsp. whole coriander seed
1 1/2 Tbsp. shrimp paste (I left this out)
3/4 c. shallots, chopped
1/2 c. whole garlic, peeled
1/2 Tbsp. fresh kaffir lime peel or domestic lime peel, minced
2 stalks lemon grass, tough outer leaves discarded, lower stalks trimmed to 3" and finely sliced
1/3 c. fresh peeled ginger

Remove seeds and soak chilies for 30 minutes. Dry roast coriander seed in skillet; set aside to cool. Put shrimp paste in medium heat skillet for 5 minutes, turning once; set aside to cool.   Dry roast shallots and garlic for 5 minutes; cool. Combine everything in food processor with a little liquid until very fine paste.

Recipe courtesy of Elizabeth McDevitt

Cilantro-Lime Spice Grilled Cheese

2 slices of bread
butter, salted
1 Tbsp. sour cream

1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. cumin
large dash of coriander
1 tsp. cilantro
1/4 tsp. lime juice
dash of chipotle tabasco sauce
4 slices pepperjack cheese
1 Tbsp. swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 of an avocado, thinly sliced

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Set aside. Mix together the sour cream, seasonings, cilantro, lime, and chipotle in a small bowl. Spread on one slice of bread (not the side with butter on it!). Put that slice of bread butter-side down in a skillet over low heat. Layer the pepperjack on top of the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle the swiss on top of the pepperjack. Put the avocado slices on top of the cheese. Top with the second slice of bread (butter-side up!). After several minutes, flip the sandwich. Cook until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted throughout. Enjoy!

Previously on the Tillamook Cheese Factory Cafe menu! 3rd place winner of the Tillamook Cheese Factory 1st annual Grilled Cheese Cook-Off!