Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Soooo..it’s day 25? 27? 30? of #quarantinelife and I’ve been struggling a bit. Struggling to keep up with what day it is, what time it is. What the heck is going on in our world right now with this pandemic and hoping and praying for a light at the end of the tunnel…a silver lining somewhere for all of us. For this #coronavirus to just finally go away and we can all get back to living our lives as normal.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken

In the meantime, with all of us practicing #socialdistancing I’ve had plenty of time to reflect, read, learn, watch, pray, spend time with family and most of all cook. And by cook, I mean easy, comforting, stress-reducing meals such as this Cheesy Bacon Chicken. The ultimate dish for #quarantinecooking. Grab whatever is on hand or in the fridge and start cooking. Make sure it’s got plenty of protein and then add a little fruit or veg to go with it. And BACON. Lots of #bacon.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The recipe is quite simple and easy and done in less than 30 minutes – using boneless skinless chicken tenders, bacon and cheese, with only a few seasonings. It’s all cooked together in a big sauté pan of bacon and olive oil, with melted cheese and crispy bacon on top – and it’s seriously delish. And it’s #lowcarb, #keto, #atkins friendly too. Bonus.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken

You can substitute whole chicken breasts or thighs (instead of tenders) and adjust cooking time appropriately (about 6 mins per side for whole chicken breasts). Use any melty cheese you like too – Cheddar, Swiss, Muenster, Monterey Jack. I served the chicken with a side of sautéed zucchini with garlic and dill which was great but  you could serve over #cauliflower rice or low carb #pasta. Try it in a low carb tortilla to make tacos or a quesadilla (with some jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce!) or use it on top of a thin crust flatbread pizza with some alfredo sauce or pesto. It would also be great on top of a big green salad with ranch or green goddess dressing. The possibilities are endless with this classic comfort food.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken

I hope all of you are hanging in there and staying safe, healthy and well. We’ll get through this together eventually. And in the meantime, learn to live life a little more simply. And not take anything for granted. Especially loved ones and friends and family. And the people and things we cherish most. Enjoy and have a great day my friends.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken {#Keto, #Low-Carb, #Atkins}
 
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
For an easy weeknight chicken dish make this Cheesy Bacon Chicken…it’s made with chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese, garlic, herbs and seasonings and of course BACON.
Ingredients
  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 6-8 chicken tenders (or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Mrs. Dash seasoning (salt-free)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
  1. First cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels on a plate, and chop coarsely into medium pieces. Save 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the sauté pan.
  2. Next season the chicken with salt and pepper and sauté in a medium skillet until golden, about 4 minutes per side (longer if using whole breasts, approx. 6 mins per side).
  3. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle with garlic and onion powder and Mrs. Dash herb seasoning.
  4. Top with mozzarella cheese, thencover the skillet and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly about 5 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle with bacon and parsley or chives for garnish.
  6. Serve with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower (serve over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for non-Keto goers).
Serving size: 2 pieces Calories: 430 Fat: 22g Saturated fat: 10g Carbohydrates: 2g Sugar: 1g Sodium: 870mg Fiber: 0g Protein: 52g
Notes
This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken tenders. You can also substitute chicken breasts or thighs and adjust cooking time appropriately. You can also substitute any cheese you like РCheddar, Swiss, Muenster, Monterey Jack. Would also be delicious with chopped jalape̱os and a dash of hot sauce over cauliflower rice for serving. Try it in a low carb tortilla to make a quesadilla, or use it for a flatbread pizza! Also great on top of a big green salad with ranch or green goddess dressing.

 

Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata {#Keto}

Keto Ham, Cheese, Mushroom + Broccoli Frittata

Who loves #brunch besides me? One of my favorite recipes around the holidays is a big egg casserole, quiche or frittata made with lots of delicious ingredients like ham or bacon, cheese, veggies all baked together into a hot, bubbling dish of goodness.

This Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata is also #lowcarb, #keto and #Whole30 diet friendly – something we all are looking for to eat lighter and shed a few pounds after an indulgent holiday filled with rich, carb-laden, sugar-filled foods.

Mix ingredients in large casserole dish

I made the frittata with some cooked smoked ham, broccoli, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sautéed buttery mushrooms, eggs and a touch of light cream, dried leeks, a dash of onion salt and a little garlic.  It’s all layered together in a casserole dish then baked in the oven for 40-45 minutes, then served at room temperature.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses – some crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon instead of ham. Sub some halved cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers or asparagus, and use some creamy brie or swiss or gruyere cheese would all be equally delicious! Or leave out the meat altogether and make it a #vegetarian egg casserole instead.

The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great served with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch. Yum!

Frittata

Happy New Year #2020! 

Keto Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of frittata)

Ingredients

  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 5 cups broccoli
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup light cream
  • 1 tablespoons dried leeks
  • Onion salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh or dried parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, Spray a 9x13 or medium round baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Blanch the broccoli for a few minutes, drain and run under cool water, set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a small sauté pan and cook mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Layer the broccoli, mushrooms and ham in the baking dish.
  5. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl and add cream, dried leeks and season with onion salt and pepper.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked veggies and ham and stir ingredients together.
  7. Sprinkle the cheese over the top, mixing it through the casserole.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until eggs are set and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool.
  9. Serve warm, cut into squares.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses - some cooked sausage or bacon instead of ham, tomatoes, peppers or asparagus would also be equally delicious and nutritious. The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. Can be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/ham-cheese-broccoli-mushroom-frittata-keto/

Some other frittata/quiche/egg casseroles you might wanna try!

Bacon, Onion + Cheese Frittata

Summer Veggie Frittata

Italian Frittata w/ Potato, Red Pepper + Bacon

Mushroom, Ham + Cheese Strata

Holiday Strata

Spinach, Cheese + Green Onion Quiche

Rock Star Chili

Rock Star Chili

It’s that time of year again where all i really want to do is stay in and cook some hearty comfort food and watch Netflix with my kitty under a big fluffy blanket. Chili is one of my fav recipes to make because it’s super easy, all in one pot, and a little spicy and savory and oh-so-good.

It’s a simple mix of ground beef, onions and garlic, chili seasoning, beans, stewed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili beans, beef broth and a dash of hot sauce all simmered into a lovely big pot of chili goodness. Simply top it with all your favorite toppings like a dab of sour cream, some shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese, jalapeños, cilantro and then serve some corn chips or tortilla chips along side for the perfect cozy dish, game-day ready!

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

The chili can also be prepared a few days ahead. Let the chili cool then cover with foil and keep in the refrigerator. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

Rock Star Chili

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 8-10

Serving Size: Approx 1 cup

This is a super easy and super delish rock star chili recipe - you can adjust the heat by adding additional jalapeños, diced green chilies and/or hot sauce. Perfect cozy one-pot dish for a gloomy Winter day!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds ground beef (80/20) - ground chuck***
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • One packet Chili-O seasoning mix or homemade chili seasoning (see post for recipe)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • One 8-ounce can stewed tomatoes
  • One 8-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped
  • One 8-ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with chilies
  • One 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, add to taste)
  • One 8-ounce can red kidney beans
  • One 8-ounce can prepared chili beans
  • Garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, corn chips or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot and add ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease from pot. Stir in the chili seasoning, salt and pepper.
  2. Add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, stirring often, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or so.
  3. Pour in the broth, all the tomatoes, tomato paste and hot sauce and simmer the chili over low heat until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for at least an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
  4. Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir together. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve.
  5. To serve ladel into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños and corn or tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients- 5 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoons cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste. 

DO AHEAD Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/rock-star-chili/

Fat Head Pizza {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}

Fathead Pizza

Fat Head Pizza

So you can take a girl out of New York but you can’t take the New York Pizza out of the girl. True story. New York #pizza is one of my favorite things in the world but I’ve been doing my #lowcarb/#keto diet the past 2 weeks and its definitely not on the list of acceptable foods, and is one of those things I truly miss.

Fat Head Pizza

This Fat Head Pizza has only 10g of carbs and is really easy to make (and really tasty too!) The crust is made with almond flour, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg and white balsamic vinegar, and pre-baked in the oven for 10-12 minutes before adding the toppings. I made a traditional pepperoni pizza because I was starving last night and wanted to keep it simple, but next time I’m definitely going to experiment with some other fun ingredients now that I have the base crust recipe.

DelGrosso Pizza Sauce

I also found a great low sugar/low carb pizza sauce at Publix called La Famiglia DelGrosso (Pappy Fred’s Old Style Pizza Sauce) that has only 3g net carbs per 1/4 cup and it’s really good! You have to be careful with premade and jarred or canned sauces because there are usually a lot of hidden sugars in them which will blow your carb count if you’re trying to stick to 20-25g per day on #Keto or #Atkins Induction phase 1..

Fat Head Pizza

Feel free to switch up the toppings to whatever veggies (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.) or proteins you wish (sausage, chicken, bacon, ham, etc.) and if you want to make a white pizza just use Alfredo sauce instead. Top with any garnishes you like (fresh herbs, arugula, pepper flakes) and enjoy pizza without the guilt!

Enjoy! xx, kristen

Fat Head Pizza {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: Serves 2

Serving Size: 1/2 pizza (2 slices)

Super delish low carb pizza crust made with almond flour, cheese, egg - topped with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese and lots of pepperoni! With only 10g of carbs, it's a great way to satisfy your pizza fix on a low carb/Atkins or Keto diet!

Ingredients

  • Crust
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp sour cream (or cream cheese)
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • olive oil (for hands)
  • Toppings
  • 1/2 cup low carb/low sugar pizza sauce (DelGrosso brand)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Pepperoni
  • Any other additional toppings you like (veggies, sausage, etc.)
  • Red pepper flakes, garnish
  • Italian seasoning, garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat mozzarella and sour cream and parmesan cheese in a small bowl in the microwave oven for a minute, stir together, heat for another 30 seconds, stir together until melted.
  3. Measure out the almond flour, balsamic vinegar, egg and garlic salt into a mixing bowl and add the melted cheese/sour cream mixture.
  4. Moisten your hands with olive oil and pat the dough out into a 6-8 inch circle onto a greased baking pan. You can also use a rolling pin to flatten the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and remove the parchment before baking. Try to pat or roll out the dough evenly and patch up the thin spots on the edges or they may get too dark/burn.
  5. Prick the crust all over with a fork, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Spread the sauce on to the baked crust and add the pepperoni or desired toppings.
  7. Bake the pizza for 10 minutes. Remove, and turn the heat on broil, up to 450/500 degrees.
  8. Broil the pizza for another 2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and pepperoni is crispy.
  9. Garnish with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and additional grated parmesan cheese.
  10. Serves 2.

Notes

Feel free to switch up the toppings to whatever veggies (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.) or proteins you wish (sausage, chicken, bacon, ham, etc.) and if you want to make a white pizza just use Alfredo sauce instead. Top with any garnishes you like (fresh herbs, arugula, pepper flakes) and enjoy pizza without the guilt!

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/01/fat-head-pizza-low-carb-keto-gluten-free/

Recipe adapted from original Fat Head Pizza 

Keto/Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

Keto Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

Today I present to you the easiest, cheesiest, most delicious #soup ever, and the perfect remedy for a chilly Winter day – Keto/Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup.

Keto Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

It’s made with ground beef, bacons, sautéed onions, garlic and zucchini with lots of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese (YAY!), cream and beef broth. That’s it!

Saute onions, garlic and zucchini

First, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, drain. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels and set aside while you sauté the onions, garlic and zucchini.

Add ground beef

Add the cooked ground beef back in to the pot and stir together.

Pour in the broth, cream and seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and cream and seasonings and stir together.

Bring soup to a boil

Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes over medium-low heat.

Stir in the cheese

Add the shredded cheese in one cup at a time, stirring constantly to melt the cheese into the creamy broth, beef and veggies mixture.

Serve immediately and DEVOUR.

Let the soup cook on low heat for another 5 minutes or so until the cheese is completely melted, add a little no starch thickener or corn starch to thicken it up to your liking. Serve hot, immediately and DEVOUR.

Keto Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

It’s super creamy and cheesy and there’s no guilt because it’s super low carb/high fat which of course is great on #Keto and #Atkins and all the other #LCHF diets out there. This my friends, is Winter Comfort Food in a bowl…filling, satisfying and absolutely deeee-lissshh!

Keto Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

Keto/Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6-8

Serving Size: 1 cup

This Keto/Low Carb Cheeseburger soup is the perfect Winter remedy - made with ground beef, bacons, sautéed onions, garlic and zucchini with lots of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese (YAY!), cream and beef broth. Delish!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3-4 slices of bacon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, thin sliced into quarter moons
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Everglades Heat or Tony Chaceres Creole seasoning
  • Pink Himalayan sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon No Starch Thickener (or corn starch)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef until cooked through, drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon slices until crispy, drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and saute onions, garlic and zucchini about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add cooked ground beef, bacon, beef broth, cream and dried spices and salt and pepper.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add the shredded cheese into the soup one cup at a time, stirring often to melt into the soup.
  7. Once cheese is thoroughly melted, add the No Starch thickener or corn starch into the soup and cook a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.
  8. Serve hot immediately, and devour!

Notes

Note: If you're not on a low carb or keto diet you can always add some pasta or rice or orzo to it, or serve it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the cheesy delicious soup which would make it over the top awesome too. Or throw in some other veggies to mix it up like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms or corn. You could even take it a step further and add some hot sauce, mustard and pickles to it and some potatoes or hash browns to the mix if you're really craving a fully loaded cheeseburger in soup form.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/01/keto-low-carb-cheeseburger-soup/

Note: If you’re not on a low carb or keto diet you can always add some pasta or rice or orzo to it, or serve it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the cheesy delicious soup which would make it over the top awesome too. Or throw in some other veggies to mix it up like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms or corn. You could even take it a step further and add some hot sauce, mustard and pickles to it and some potatoes or hash browns to the mix if you’re really craving a fully loaded cheeseburger in soup form.

Whatever your heart desires, it’s the weekend. Enjoy! xx, Kristen

Low Carb Keto Cheeseburger Soup

Mississippi Pot Roast + Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

Mississipi Pot Roast

I was craving some serious comfort food yesterday – specifically some roast beef and potatoes with gravy like my mom used to make when I was a kid. As part of my effort to eat low carb/keto for awhile,  I went on a search for a new recipe without all the potatoes, carrots and onions – which although are delicious and healthy, not necessarily low carb.

Mississipi Pot Roast

My friend sent me a link to a low carb Mississippi Pot Roast made in the crockpot which sounded intriguing, because it’s totally zero carbs and I’ve heard rumors that this recipe is the BOMB. I decided to make it with a little twist of my own and seriously guys, you have to try this one.

Mississippi Pot Roast

It’s so easy to make – all you do is get a 3-4 pound pot roast (chuck roast or outside round), throw it in a crockpot with some butter, beef broth, pepperoncini and spices along with some of the pepperoncini juice. I added little bit of Chardonnay white balsamic vinegar to it as well for a touch of sweetness to  balance out the tangy, vinegary butter broth.

Homemade Ranch seasonings

And instead of using the recommended Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (which has a lot of carbs in it), I made my own spice mix with onion powder and garlic salt, some dried Italian seasoning, dried dill seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper. I added a dash of Everglades Heat seasoning (the spicy one) for little extra flavor and heat but you can totally leave this out if you prefer or just add a little cayenne or Creole seasoning like Tony Chacere’s.

Mississippi Pot Roast

You cook it on low for about 8 hours in the crockpot (or 4-5 hours on high) and then remove the roast from the crockpot, shred it into chunks with a fork, then put it back into the juices (you can add a little cornstarch or xanthan gum to thicken the gravy too) and you have a big pot of melt-in-your-mouth, buttery deliciousness.

Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

And instead of mashed potatoes I made some buttery Cheesy #Cauliflower Mash – which is so easy –

Cauliflower

Simply cut your cauliflower into large chunks, then microwave it with some cream and butter for about 12 minutes, stirring to coat halfway through. You can also steam the cauliflower too if you wish.

Blitz in a blender

Then blitz it in a blender with some butter and shredded cheese and you’ll forget what mashed potatoes even are, for reals. So good!

Mississippi Pot Roast

I seriously think I’ve discovered my favorite recipe of the century. OMG. This stuff is crack in a crockpot. I could eat this meal forever. Well, maybe not forever, but repeatedly, with no shame.

Enjoy – and you’re welcome 🙂

Mississippi Pot Roast + Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours, 30 minutes

Serving Size: Serves 6-8.

This is a melt in your mouth delicious Pot Roast recipe for the slow cooker, made with a buttery, pepper and vinegar beef broth served over mashed cheesy cauliflower. It's totally low carb, keto and gluten-free and absolutely delicious and worth the wait!

Ingredients

  • Pot Roast:
  • 3-4 pounds beef roast (chuck or outside round)
  • 10 ounces beef broth
  • 6 pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini pepper juice
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill seasoning (dried)
  • Dash of Everglades spicy seasoning (optional)
  • freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower:
  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons half and half or cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • garlic salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pot Roast:
  2. Combine all the dried seasonings in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Coat the beef and rub on all sides with the spices. Place in slow cooker.
  4. Pour the broth into the slow cooker and add the pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, and balsamic vinegar over the beef.
  5. Place a stick of butter on top of the beef, cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours (lower is better but you can do on high if you don't have the time to wait!)
  6. Remove the beef from the crockpot onto a large plate or baking pan and shred the meat with 2 forks.
  7. Stir a little bit of cornstarch or no starch thickener (low carb/gluten free) into the juices to thicken it up a little bit.
  8. Place the beef back into the pot with the juices and serve over Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower (recipe follows).
  9. Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower:
  10. Clean and trim the cauliflower, break up into small to medium-sized pieces. Place in a microwave-safe dish.
  11. Add the cream and butter and microwave the cauliflower on high for 6 minutes.
  12. Stir the cauliflower with the cream and melted butter, and microwave again for another 6 minutes.
  13. Place the cauliflower in a power blender or food processor, add a little more butter and some shredded cheddar cheese and blitz it until you get a smooth creamy puree.
  14. Season with garlic salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

You can substitute any cheese you like for the mashed cauliflower, and if you prefer to use pre-made Ranch salad dressing mix you can save time by using that but it has carbs so it won't be low carb if you do.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/01/mississippi-pot-roast-cheesy-cauliflower-mash/

Bacon, Onion + Cheese Frittata for the New Year

Frittata hero

Bacon Onion Cheese Frittata

So the New Year has arrived, and we all know what that means…time for resolutions and committing to good habits and breaking bad ones, including our diets and fitness routines, getting rid of the old and bringing in the new.

So I’ve decided to start with my #lowcarb #keto diet this week and I’m so excited about it – really! Every time I eat this way, everything else seems to fall into place…working out, sleeping better, more energy, better moods, less aches and pains and just feeling fantastic overall.

One of my other goals this year is to cook meals that can last throughout the week so I’m not cooking every meal from scratch every day..and making food with less ingredients (but still quality!), and preferably in one pot for easier prep and cleanup – ovenproof sauté pans, Dutch ovens, my Crock pot and Instant pot. So here goes my recipe for Low Carb/Keto Diet Day 1 – a simple and delicious Bacon, Onion and Cheese Frittata.

Bacon Onion Cheese Frittata

This baby will last me at least a couple of days – just cook it up in a big pan, slice it and it’s perfect for breakfast-on-the-go. AND it’s low carb/keto and #gluten-free made with only #eggs, half and half, sweet onion, #bacon, butter, cheddar #cheese, salt and pepper and some dill seasoning. Super delicious, filling and full of protein (and yes, fat, butter, bacon and cheese are totally fine on low carb (like Atkins and South Beach diets) and the Keto diet (which is pretty much the same except super high fat, medium protein and super low carb)…so no shame there, friends 🙂

BOOM! #2019, I’m ready for ya…bring it on!

Bacon, Onion + Cheese Frittata

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Yield: Serves 6-8

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 or 1/8 of frittata)

An easy, delicious frittata made with eggs, cream, bacon, sautéed sweet onions and cheddar cheese, baked in the oven - perfect for breakfast or brunch or an alternative to dinner. Low carb, keto and gluten-free!

Ingredients

  • 5-6 pieces natural smoked, uncured bacon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup half and half or whole milk
  • Deliciously Dill Spice Blend (The Spice Hunter)
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. Place bacon on a baking rack over a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes- flip bacon after 15 minutes and bake an additional 10 minutes until bacon is crispy. Drain the bacon grease on paper towels, chop into pieces. Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Melt butter in a large ovenproof sauté pan over medium heat and cook onions for about 5 minutes or so until lightly golden and translucent and soft. Add bacon back into the pan and stir together.
  4. Whisk eggs with the half and half or milk, dill spice blend, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add eggs into the pan with the bacon and onions, stir in the shredded cheese. Cook over medium low heat for about a minute or so.
  6. Bake the frittata in the oven uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

You can also substitute prosciutto, pancetta or canadian bacon or ham for the bacon (or turkey bacon!) Feel free to experiment with other cheeses as well such as mozzarella, monterey jack, colby or parmesan. You can also add some sautéed peppers or mushrooms to add more veggies into the mix (or make it totally vegetarian by skipping the bacon altogether!)

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/01/bacon-onion-cheese-frittata-for-the-new-year/

 

Parisian Pasta w/ Ham, Gruyere + Caramelized Onions

Parisian Pasta with Ham + Caramelized Onions

I was invited to participate in the Frick’s Quality Meats Blogger Recipe Challenge this year and decided to make this delicious Parisian Pasta with Ham, Gruyere and Caramelized Onions. 

Parisian Pasta with Ham + Caramelized Onions

This is a heavenly Parisian-style baked pasta dish made with a cheesy creamy Mornay sauce (a béchamel made with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses), sweet caramelized onions, and delicious Frick’s Hickory Smoked Sliced Gourmet Ham, all baked into a pot of melty goodness, then topped with crunchy browned croissants and fresh chives and parsley.

Frick's Gourmet Ham

Frick’s Quality Meats chooses only the finest handpicked cuts of meat, cured with real cane sugar which are slow-roasted in small batches over American hardwood to lock in their sweet, smoky flavor. They have a great selection of delicious products including Bone-in Half Ham, Sliced Applewood Quarter Ham, Gourmet Sliced Boneless Ham, Shingled (sliced) Ham, Bologna, Sausages, Smoked Meat and Turkey Drums – delivering a full range of delicious flavors that can transform any recipe into an extravagant dish.

Cook Pasta

First cook your pasta according to package directions (about 1-2 mins less than recommended cooking time, al dente). Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Saute onions

Next, caramelize your onions by sautéing them in butter until golden,

Caramelized sweet onions

then add a pinch of salt and pepper and let them cook on low heat for about 30 minutes until caramelized, sweet and golden brown.

Frick's Gourmet Ham

Cut the ham into medium size lardons.

Shred cheeses

Shred the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.

make roux

Make your mornay sauce by first cooking some flour in butter and add milk, whisking in to make your roux.

Add cheeses

Add the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, some French grey sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and whisk together until you get a luscious creamy cheese sauce.

baked Parisian pasta

Spray a casserole dish with some cooking spray and start layering the pasta with caramelized onions and ham. Pour the cheese sauce over the casserole and mix together so sauce coats the pasta evenly, top with additional Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Top with croissants and broil

Top with torn croissants, turn the oven up to a high broil and cook for about 2 minutes until the croissants are crunchy and browned (being careful not to burn!)

Parisian Pasta with Gruyere + Caramelized Onions

Top with minced chives and parsley, serve immediately. Pair this luscious baked dish with a light white crisp wine (Sauvignon or Sancerre) and a mixed greens salad with a Champagne-Dijon vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for brunch or a cozy Fall dinner!

Parisian Pasta with Gruyere and Caramelized Onions

Bon Appetit!

Parisian Pasta Bake w/ Ham, Gruyere + Caramelized Onions

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Serving Size: 1 cup

This is a heavenly Parisian-style baked pasta dish made with a cheesy creamy mornay sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and delicious Frick's cooked ham, baked into a pot of melty goodness, then topped with crunchy browned croissants and fresh chives and parsley. Perfectly paired with a light white crisp wine (Sauvignon or Sancerre) and a mixed greens salad with a champagne-dijon vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dried pasta (Trivelle, Rotini, Campanelle, or Cavatappi)
  • MORNAY SAUCE:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted premium butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Fontina, Comte, Emmental)
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon French grey sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, sliced thin
  • Pinch of French grey sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ---
  • 1 cup Frick's Cooked Ham, chopped into small lardons
  • 1 large croissant, torn
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley and chives, minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water for 8 minutes (cook 1-2 minutes less than recommended package directions, al dente), drain, toss with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and set aside).
  3. Make the Mornay Sauce:
  4. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute to make a roux, being careful not to burn or brown.
  5. Slowly add the milk, whisking occasionally, until you get a smooth sauce consistency.
  6. Add the garlic and simmer for about 5 minutes, remove smashed garlic clove.
  7. Stir in both of the cheeses, whisk until melted and you get a thick, creamy cheese sauce. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to get a thinner sauce until thickness and consistency is to liking. You can also add more butter and flour (equal parts) to make the sauce thicker. Season with grey sea salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and reduce heat to low.
  8. Make the caramelized onions:
  9. Melt butter in a small saute pan over medium heat.
  10. Add the onions and cook until lightly browned, then turn the heat down to low, add salt and pepper, and slowly cook onions for about 30 minutes, until sweet and caramelized.
  11. Make the casserole:
  12. Grease a medium casserole dish with oil spray or butter.
  13. Add cooked pasta, top with cooked Frick's ham, caramelized onions and Mornay sauce. Stir together until sauce is coating all the pasta.
  14. Top with additional shredded Gruyere and Parmesan cheese and bake for 15-17 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  15. Turn oven up to a broil, add the torn croissants on top of the casserole, and broil on high for about 2 minutes until the croissants are browned and crunchy (be careful not to burn!)
  16. Remove casserole from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes on a trivet. Add the fresh chives and parsley, serve immediately.

Notes

I used Gruyere and Parmigaino-Reggiano cheese in this pasta dish but you can also substitute any good melty cheeses such as Comte, Fontina, Emmental or Edam, or White Cheddar. Serve with a mixed greens salad with a Champagne-Dijon vinaigrette dressing and a crisp French white wine like Sauvignon or Sancerre.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/10/parisian-pasta-w-ham-gruyere-caramelized-onions/

For more information on Frick’s Gourmet Ham, check out their website, Facebook, or Instagram

#fricks #smokedmeats #itsfrickingood

Note: This is a sponsored post in which I received product samples from the sponsor (Frick’s Quality Meats) in order to create an original recipe and blog post for the Blogger Challenge. All photos, recipes, text and opinions are my own.

Parisian Pasta with Ham + Caramelized Onions

Truffle Steak Au Poivre + Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks

I recently did some recipes for my client 7 Barrels for their holiday promotional marketing and social media campaign. Featuring their Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, White Balsamic Vinegar and White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I created this delicious Truffle Steak Au Poivre and some amazing Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks. Perfect for a chilly Winter evening, special occasion or holiday celebration! Truffle Steak Au Poivre This steak is so tender and melts in your mouth! This Truffle Steak Au Poivre has a crust made with crushed black peppercorns, cooked in butter and 7 Barrels White Truffle Oil, then drizzled with a luscious pan sauce made with 7 Barrels traditional balsamic vinegar, shallots, beef broth and more butter, sprinkled with coarse sea salt and chopped fresh herbs. Divine! Truffle Potato Stacks These Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks are so delicious and cute you won’t be able to eat just one. Thin sliced potatoes stacked and roasted in a muffin tin with luscious butter, truffle oil, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese and garlic, topped with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and coarse sea salt. YUM!

Truffle Steak Au Poivre + Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 4

These delicious steaks and cheesy potato stacks are made with luscious 7 Barrels truffle oil, traditional balsamic and white balsamic vinegar. The perfect combination for an elegant holiday dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

  • Truffle Steak Au Poivre Ingredients:
  • 2 (8-ounce) NY Strip Steaks, 1 inch thick, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (Maldon or Fleur de Sel)
  • 2 tablespoons cracked peppercorns (black or mixed)
  • 1 tablespoon Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup shallots, finely chopped
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Seven Barrels Traditional Dark Balsamic vinegar
  • Coarse sea salt and chopped herbs, for garnish (optional)
  • Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks Ingredients:
  • 4 medium potatoes (Russet, Idaho or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar, finely shredded
  • Coarse sea salt, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped, for garnish (thyme, parsley or rosemary)
  • 1/4 cup Seven Barrels White Balsamic, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Make the Steak:
  2. Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt evenly.
  3. Crack the peppercorns with the back of a heavy skillet or spice grinder (coarsely ground) and press onto both sides of the steaks.
  4. Add Seven Barrels Truffle olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the cast iron skillet; swirl to melt and coat the pan.
  5. Place the steaks in the heated skillet and cook 3 minutes on each side (for medium-rare), drizzling olive oil and butter from the pan over the top of the steaks with a spoon while cooking to get a nice brown sear. Remove the steaks from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes to let juices resettle, then cut each steak in half.
  6. While the steaks are resting, add the shallots to the pan and sauté for a minute or two until slightly tender and golden.
  7. Stir in the beef broth and Seven Barrels Traditional Dark Balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan to loosen the browned bits. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes and reduce liquid by half. Remove from heat; stir in remaining tablespoon of butter to make the balsamic pan sauce. Garnish with additional coarse sea salt and fresh herbs, if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with a side of vegetables (mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus or green beans), a simple mixed greens salad with Seven Barrels olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a glass of full-bodied red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon).
  9. Make the Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks:
  10. Preheat the oven 400 degrees F.
  11. Wash potatoes and cut them into very thin slices (about 1/8-inch), leaving skins on. You can do this by hand, or use a mandolin to make slicing easier and faster.
  12. In a large mixing bowl, add the potatoes, dried Italian seasoning, garlic, melted butter, Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil, kosher salt and black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss together.
  13. Layer half the potatoes stacked in layers into a non-stick 12-cup muffin pan (or lightly grease a muffin pan), sprinkle half the shredded cheddar on top. Then layer the other half of the potatoes, stacking them to the top and add remaining shredded cheddar on top.
  14. Cover with foil and place on a baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking another 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy golden brown on edges and cooked through. Run a small knife around the edges of the of each stack to release them from the muffin pan.
  15. Serve potatoes hot with a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped herbs, and drizzle them with Seven Barrels White Balsamic vinegar. Note: You can pre-bake these a day or two ahead and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes on 350 degrees F.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/01/truffle-steak-au-poivre-cheesy-truffle-potato-stacks/

Porcini Linguine w/ Spicy Beef + Mushroom Ragu

Porcini Pasta

So Fall is finally here guys! My absolute favorite time of the year – cooler temperatures, the leaves changing, sweaters, jeans and boots, leather jackets, crickets late in the day along with spectacular sunsets… and especially the FOOD!

Porcini Pasta

I had some gorgeous porcini linguine that I bought at the Rochester Downtown Farmer’s Market on hand, and thought a Spicy Beef and Mushroom Ragu sauce would be the perfect compliment for a savory tasty Fall pasta dish.

Porcini Pasta

I added some Crushed Hot Chili Pepper Spread  to the beef and mushroom mixture sautéed with shallots and garlic, which took the flavor and heat up just a notch…then added a little spicy marinara sauce, but not too much…

Porcini Pasta

After I cooked the pasta, I mixed the beef and mushroom ragu back into the pot, and tossed it all together with some of the reserved pasta water and  lots of parmesan cheese, just because.

Porcini Pasta

Of course I topped it all of with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and torn mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper… and it happily made my day.

Porcini Linguine w/ Zesty Beef + Mushroom Ragu

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4-6

This pasta dish has a savory umami flavor from the porcini mushroom linguine, along with a spicy beef and mushroom ragu zested up with some red chile pepper paste, shallots and garlic. Super healthy and delicious with some crusty Italian bread and olive oil and a glass of red wine.

Ingredients

  • * 1 pound porcini mushroom linguine
  • * 2 tbsp olive oil
  • * 3/4 pound ground beef
  • * 6-8 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • * 2 shallots, sliced thin
  • * 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • * 2 tablespoons spicy hot chili pepper paste (Colavita)
  • * 3/4 cup marinara sauce
  • * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • * Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • * 2-3 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water for about 9-10 minutes until al dente, drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauce pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, about 5-7 minutes, drain and set aside.
  3. Add the additional tablespoon of olive oil and cook garlic, mushrooms and shallots for another 5 minutes or so until soft and cooked through. Mix into the cooked ground beef mixture and add spicy chili pepper paste and marinara sauce with some of the reserved pasta water until it's soft and mixes together into a sauce (but not overly saucy). Feel free to add more sauce and water to your liking for the desired consistency and thickness / thinness of the sauce.
  4. Toss the meat ragu in with the cooked pasta, add parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve pasta with fresh torn mozzarella and chopped fresh parsley.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/09/porcini-linguine-w-spicy-beef-mushroom-ragu/

Porcini Pasta

So easy and delicious with all the flavors of Fall. Enjoy!