Happy Cinco de Mayo + Taco Tuesday!

Cinco de Mayo + Taco Tuesday

CincoDeMayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! How fun that this holiday falls on #Taco Tuesday! Here are the #recipes you need to be cooking right now, today, and this week to celebrate the fiesta…along with a few of my other favs including #margaritas, #cocktails, #party ideas – anything and everything to get your #Mexican-style party started. And yes, please enjoy a #Corona or two – quite appropriate at the moment, yes? We’re getting through this together slowly but surely. Might as well celebrate something fun while in #quarantine..have fun and enjoy the day!

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Plan the perfect last minute, stylish Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, StyleCaster 

Blogger, entertaining expert, and all around chicster Athena Calderone of Eye Swoon‘s take on why Cinco de Mayo has caught on in such a big way? “It’s really a time to let loose, think colorfully, and it’s just so festive,” she says. Vibrant colors, music and lighting, make-ahead recipes, gorgeous tablescapes, signature cocktails and the right guest list are just a few things to make the perfect Cinco de Mayo fiesta at home. OR, do a virtual fiesta at home!

get more ideas here

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa – Williams Sonoma 

Easy-to-make, flavorful and made with simple and easy ingredients, these colorful tacos are perfect to start the occasion off with a bang.

get the recipe

Chipotle Braised Chicken Nachos

Chipotle Braised Chicken Nachos, Half Baked Harvest

These extra cheesy, spicy, chicken filled nachos feature chicken breasts braised in a mix of cider beer, chipotle peppers, and enchilada sauce served over tortilla chips with cheddar and pepper jack cheese, topped with a homemade avocado salsa, cilantro and lime. Yum!

Get the recipe 

Taco Pizza

Seriously Delish Taco Pizza

This is a super fun twists on tacos in the form of pizza that’s super easy and seriously delish. The pizza is topped with all the goodies you would make tacos with – salsa, ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans and onions, with a layer of fresh veggies like black olives, tomatoes, jalapenos; and of course plenty of shredded cheddar cheese, then garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and some wavy corn chips for extra crunch.. The crescent dough crust is super buttery and flaky and a delicious canvas for this Taco Monster Pizza creation. You will never be the same!

get the recipe

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

This delicious cheesy casserole is made with ground beef and taco seasoning, onions, garliccorn, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, beef broth and LOTS of cheese, all baked in layers of spicy, cheesy, ooey-gooey goodness with the flour tortillas in a 9-inch pie pan. Then it’s served cut into wedges and topped with some fresh green onions. Serve it with some sour cream and cilantro for extra garnish. 

get the recipe

Roasted Chili Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Roasted Chili Verde Chicken Enchiladas, Cooking Light

These chicken enchiladas skip the store-bought red enchilada sauce and instead are made with a homemade chili verde sauce: tangy tomatillos and roasted poblano chiles and fresh cilantro that give a bright, fresh flavor, then blanketed with gooey, melted cheese. DELISH!

get the recipe

Classic Margaritas

Classic Margaritas – Williams Sonoma

get the recipe along with some other Cinco de Mayo-inspired fun cocktails

Taco Soup

Southern-Style Taco Soup

This Tex-Mex inspired recipe is one of my favs – similar to chili, yet a warm flavorful soup with corn, black beans, kidney beans and green chilies and diced tomatoes. It’s all cooked in one-pot too, then topped with sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Don’t forget the Fritos for extra crunch!

Stovetop recipe

Crockpot version by @girlonbloor

Quesadillas

Easy Quesadillas, Two Peas in their Pod

These quesadillas are loaded with lots of healthy ingredients like beans, avocado, fresh veggies, and cheese as a base but feel free to customize them any way you like with beef, chicken, shrimp,  carnitas, and all the fresh toppings of course. 

get the recipe

Classic Paloma

Classic Paloma Cocktail, The Tidy Mom

This classic Mexican cocktail is another one of my favs and an alternative to margaritas. Made with silver tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and club soda. It’s light, refreshing and absolutely delicious

get the recipe

Taco Mac+Cheese

Taco Mac + Cheese

A twist on a family favorite, this mac and cheese is amped up with chili seasoning, salsa, Velveeta cheese and ground beef. Ooey-gooey and super delish. Perfect for the kids and easy to make.

get the recipe

Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas

Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas, Gimme Some Oven

This crispy flavorful pork mojo carnitas are made in a flash in the Instant Pot – giving you more time to drink and eat and celebrate the holiday with friends and family! Serve the pork in tacos or burritos, or in a quesadilla or salad, along with chips and salsa, margaritas, refried beans, guacamole or with some Mexican Street Corn Elote dip. Heavenly!

get the recipe

Micheladas

Micheladas, Leite’s Culinaria

For a Mexican-style Bloody Mary – a michelada is calling your name. Made with Mexican beer (cerveza), tomato juice, Tabasco, garnished with a rim of sea salt, a wedge of lime and ancho chile powder. It’s bubbly, spicy, and refreshing and hits the spot on this special day. YOWZA! 

get the recipe

Cowboy Queso Dip

Loaded Cowboy Queso Cheese Dip, The Cookie Rookie

Who doesn’t love a cheesy delicious queso dip? This one is loaded with black beans, shredded monterey jack cheese, Velveeta, tomatoes and cilantro and sausage…all cooked together in the slow cooker and served with homemade taco tortilla chips. What’s not to love? 

get the recipe

Mexican-Fajita-Steak-Salad

Steak Fajita Salad, The View From Great Island

This delicious and healthy salad is the combination of a cool, crisp romaine salad with juicy steak marinated in a homemade fajita seasoning along with seared peppers and onions, topped with juicy corn, tomatoes, cheese and crunchy tortilla strips. Healthy, filling and the perfect mix of flavors. YES PLEASE.

get the recipe

Enchiladas Chicken Mole

Chicken Mole Enchiladas

These Oaxaca-style enchiladas are served bubbling hot with a melted layer of Chihuahua Queso cheese, velvety mole sauce (made with chili peppers and rich dark chocolate) and shredded chicken with onions inside corn tortillas, baked to perfection. Inspired by a fav Mexican restaurant I used to go to in NYC. Spicy, complex, cheesy and delicious. 

get the recipe

Air Fryer Mini Chimichangas

Air Fryer Mini Chimichangas, Taste of Home

These little cuties are mini bite-sized chimichangas that you can make in your air fryer for less mess, but twice the flavor. Made with taco seasoned beef, chilies, Monterey jack cheese all tucked up inside mini egg roll wrappers and air fried to perfection, served with salsa and sour cream for dipping. Love!

get the recipe

Spinach, Bacon + Leek Quiche

Spinach Bacon Leek Quiche

Spinach Bacon Leek Quiche

For Easter this year I decided to make this lovely Spinach, Bacon + Leek Quiche. I love baking pies and tarts and quiches, especially around the holidays, and with so much time on my hands at home lately (a.k.a. #quarantinecooking) what perfect time then to bake up a comforting pie to devour for our holiday brunch.

For the sake of time and also using up some things we had in the freezer, I used a frozen ready-made pie crust shell but you could certainly make your own pie crust from scratch (which is basically a short-crust pastry made with flour, butter, salt and water ) and roll it out into a 9-inch pie pan. Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes first if you want a crispier pie crust (topped with parchment paper and filled with dried beans or pie weights).

Pour Egg Custard

Simply cook your bacon, drain and crumble or chop it up and set aside. Make your egg custard with some sour cream and whole milk (or heavy cream if you wish for a richer custard), dried or fresh sliced leeks and seasonings. Add the shredded cheese. Then whisk it all together by hand until well blended and airy. Layer the spinach and cooked bacon on top of the cooked or uncooked pie shell. Pour the egg custard on top and bake for 35-45 minutes until the eggs are set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges start getting too dark, roll some foil over the edges while baking to prevent them from burning.

Spinach Bacon Quiche

Take the quiche out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then slice and serve warm, with a side of fruit and salad and mimosas. Perfect Easter brunch!

Chef’s Note: The quiche can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven (covered in foil) for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Can also be served at room temperature.  You can also substitute the veggies by using onions or scallions, broccoli or zucchini, bell peppers or mushrooms.. and whatever cheese you like! Swiss or Gruyere are great melty cheese for quiche and go great with the spinach and bacon flavors. Prosciutto or pancetta or sausage would be equally delicious instead of bacon. Or leave meat out all together for a delicious vegetarian quiche.

Spinach, Bacon + Leek Quiche

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 wedge

This is a lovely quiche for a brunch or special occasion meal. Made with three cheeses, bacon, spinach and leeks in a ready-made pie crust. So easy and delicious and perfect for Easter brunch or Mother's Day!

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or half and half
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried leeks
  • 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning (unsalted)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust, frozen and defrosted or homemade

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cook bacon in a large frying pan, drain and crumble, set aside.
  3. Roll out pie crust and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Cover with parchment paper and fill with dried beans. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and set aside.
  4. Combine the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning and dried leeks in a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
  5. Layer the spinach, bacon, and cheese in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top.
  6. Bake for and additional 35 minutes until the egg mixture is set. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  7. Cut into 8 wedges and serve.
  8. Great with a side of green salad and fresh fruit and mimosas for a perfect brunch.

Notes

Note: The quiche can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven (covered in foil) for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Can also be served at room temperature.  You can also substitute the veggies by using onions or scallions and broccoli or zucchini and use whatever cheese you like. Prosciutto, ham, pancetta or sausage would be equally delicious instead of bacon. Or leave it out all together for a meatless vegetarian quiche! 

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

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https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/04/spinach-bacon-leek-quiche/

Straw + Hay Pasta

Straw and Hay Pasta

This is a lovely #Spring #Italian pasta dish, Straw and Hay Pasta, featuring green peas, garlic, scallions, crispy pancetta, heavy cream and parmesan cheese over spinach linguine and egg linguine. The flavors are bright and fresh with a velvety cream sauce topped with freshly cracked black pepper and fresh parsley. And best of all, you can do it all in one pot mixing the cooked pasta in with the sauce in a large saucepan.

Easy pea-sy. (no pun intended 🙂

You can also substitute fettuccine for the linguine and you can try some crispy bacon or prosciutto in place of the pancetta….or throw in some asparagus spears and leeks if you wish, too. Any way you make it I guarantee it will be delicious and easy to make for a Spring weeknight dinner.

For another variation on this recipe try my Homemade Spring Fettuccine with Peas, Pancetta and Asparagus #recipe I created for #KitchenAidIt’s a little more labor intensive but equally delicious and so worth the wait!

Cheers and Happy Weekend, friends!

Kristen Hess

Straw + Hay Pasta
 
Recipe Type: pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Kristen Hess
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 30
This is a lovely Spring Italian pasta dish featuring green peas, garlic, pancetta, cream and parmesan cheese over spinach linguine and egg linguine. The flavors are bright and fresh with a velvety cheese cream sauce topped with freshly cracked black pepper and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen baby peas, defrosted
  • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) diced pancetta
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 pound dry egg fettuccine or linguine
  • 1/2 pound dry spinach fettuccine or linguine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Trim the scallions and slice into thin strips and then crosswise about 3 inches long. Add the scallions to the pan and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the diced pancetta, and cook for about 5 minutes or so until it gets crispy and browned.
  5. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the sauce to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the heavy cream and continue to simmer another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir the pasta into the salted boiling water and let return to a boil, then cook for 9 minutes until al dente (slightly firm and chewy).
  7. Remove the cooked pasta from the water with a slotted spoon and add to the sauce in the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook over high heat until liquid reduces to a creamy sauce.
  8. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Garnish with black pepper and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
  9. Recipe adapted from Splendid Table
 

 

Other Spring Pasta recipes you might enjoy: 

Creamy Spring Pasta

Cacio e Pepe with Prosciutto and Arugula

Pasta with Ramp Pesto and Guanciale

Pasta with Asparagus, Sage and Peas

Pesto Penne with Shrimp and Peas

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.

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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 – Cheddar, Swiss, Muenster, Monterey Jack. Would also be delicious with chopped jalapeños 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.

 

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

JSL Foods recently invited me to participate in their 2nd Blogger Recipe Challenge, and guess what? I won the GRAND PRIZE and $1500 for my Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon recipe! And I am so thrilled to share it with you!

Fortune Noodle Udon

I decided to use their delicious Fortune Chicken Udon Noodles as the base for this amazing dish. 

Fresh Ingredients

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken is a traditional Vietnamese dish made with chicken thighs, shallots and red chili peppers,  jalapeños, and cilantro..

chicken and caramel sauce

tossed in a luscious caramel sauce made with brown sugar, fish sauce, vinegar,  red chili garlic sauce, fresh garlic, ginger and freshly ground black pepper, 

Cooked Chicken + Black Pepper Caramel Sauce

all mixed together and reduced in a pan into a gorgeous sticky spicy sweet glaze to coat the chicken.

Cooked Udon Noodles

The noodles are cooked separately, then drained and sprinkled with the packaged chicken-flavored seasoning,

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

then tossed back into the pan with the cooked chicken and sweet savory Black Pepper Caramel sauce.

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

For serving I topped the dish with a dash of Everything Bagel seasoning (you could also just use white or black sesame seeds if you like), a few sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro for an extra kick of heat and bright flavor.

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

You guys, this noodle dish is to die for!  These Udon noodles are precooked so they only need to be reheated for a few minutes before serving. And they’re perfectly durable for holding this gorgeous thick glaze on the chicken, and full of ALA Omega-3’s, are non-GMO, zero trans fats, with only .5g of fat and 5g of protein in each serving!

Fortune Udon Noodles

You can also try this recipe using their Mushroom or Original Shoyu Udon Noodles for another layer of flavor to mix it up. Try pairing it with an oaky Napa Chardonnay or grassy Marlborough NZ Sauvignon Blanc to balance out the spiciness and sweetness of the dish. Superb!

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

Absolutely delicious…Hope you enjoy! And feel free to comment below and please share this post on social media with the hashtags @artfulgourmet @jslfoods #fortunenudonoodles #cheftyaki #udonsoups

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon Noodles

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4

This is a traditional Vietnamese Chicken dish made with a sticky spicy and sweet caramelized sauce with shallots, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger and coarse ground black pepper. The chicken thighs are cooked right in the sauce then tossed with Fortune Chicken Udon Noodles and garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for extra heat and bright flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 package JSL Foods Chicken Udon Noodles
  • 1 1/3 cups water
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger)
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Asian chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil
  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 fresh red chili pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Everything bagel seasoning, garnish Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
  • Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add JSL Foods Chicken Udon Noodles. Cook for 5-6 minutes, and sprinkle with the packet of Chicken seasoning, mixing throughout cooked noodles. Keep warm, and set aside.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce; stir together to make black pepper caramel sauce. Set aside.
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok pan. Add the shallot and red chili pepper and sauté over medium heat until soft, about 4 minutes. Remove from pan; set aside to add back in with chicken and sauce at the end.
  4. Add the black pepper caramel sauce mixture and the chicken to the pan; simmer over high heat until the chicken is cooked through and sauce is caramelized for about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shallots and hot chiles and cooked Chicken Udon Noodles coating them with the sauce and mixing in the chicken evenly throughout.
  5. Transfer Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon Noodles to serving bowls, garnish with everything bagel seasoning, fresh cilantro and sliced jalapenos (if using).

Notes

Pairs well with an oaky Napa Valley Chardonnay or grassy, fresh New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine to balance out the spicy-sweet flavors of the dish.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/02/black-pepper-caramel-chicken-udon/

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

As an added bonus, Chef Yaki is offering a special discount to my readers by joining their Noodle Club online! Click here get the coupon for special discounts and free offers! 

Chef-Yaki-and-VoidedCoupon

You can purchase Fortune Udon noodle products at Target and Walmart as well as these groceries stores online:   

Learn more about all the other great noodles, sauces, wrappers and other Asian specialties that JSL Foods offers:

Website: http://www.jslfoods.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JSLFoods/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JSL_Foods

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jslfoods/

This post is sponsored by JSL Foods for The 2nd Fortune Udon Noodle Blogger Recipe Challenge. All reviews, opinions, photos, recipes and written content expressed in this post are my own.  

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/

Lasagna Bolognese + Lambrusco = perfect Sunday Supper

Happy Friday friends! I’ve found the perfect pairing for a delicious Sunday Supper – and I present to you my super delish Lasagna Bolognese and Lambrusco.

Lasagna Bolognese + Lambrusco

The Lasagna Bolognese takes a little bit of time to make and a bit of a labor of love, so make sure to set aside a few hours to make this lovely creation over the weekend or when you have some time and patience to make it… It’s totally worth the wait!

Concerto Lambrusco

My secret ingredient to the bolognese is adding some Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco DOC 2017 (Medici Ermete) to the sauce and letting it cook down for a couple of hours to give a voluptuous flavor. Not only is it absolutely delicious in the sauce, but as a pairing to drink with the Lasagna Bolognese as well.

Concerto Lambrusco

Concerto is a dry and flavorful red sparkling wine, made in the Emilia Romana region of Italy, and its lively bubbles are achieved through natural fermentation. Concerto is the world’s first single vineyard vintage Lambrusco, intensely brilliant and pure in both its ruby red color and aromatics, the wine shows a fresh strawberry, raspberry and cherry character.

Lasagna + Lambrusco

On the palate, it is dry yet fruity, round, fresh and its lively notes are delectably harmonious. Acidity and tannins are perfectly balanced and the finish is clean. For food pairings, it is delicious with cured pork meats such as salami or mortadella or a variety of pasta dishes such as tortellini or lasagna.

Lasagna Bolognese + Lambrusco = perfect pairing

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Yield: 12 servings

A delicious Lasagna made with a red wine Bolognese sauce, rich with layers of three different cheeses.

Ingredients

  • Bolognese sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 stick celery
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small glass of Lambrusco sparkling wine
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Italian seasoning, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Lasagna:
  • 1 box Barilla Gluten Free (no-boil) lasagna sheets
  • 4 cups Bolognese sauce
  • 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 8 ounce bag mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Bolognese sauce:
  2. Chop the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute over medium high heat for a few minutes in the olive oil until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the ground Italian sausage and beef and saute until cooked through, no longer pink.
  4. Turn up the heat and pour in the Lambrusco wine and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and reduces.
  5. Add tomato puree and tomato paste, stir together.
  6. Add italian seasoning, salt and pepper (to taste) and beef broth, reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least and hour, up to 2-3 hours until sauce thickens and flavors meld together in the sauce.
  7. Keep the bolognese on low heat, covered, while making the lasagna.
  8. Make the Lasagna:
  9. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  10. In a mixing bowl, mix egg and salt and pepper to taste with the ricotta cheese, set aside.
  11. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
  12. Spread 1 cup of bolognese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  13. Place four sheets of lasagna side by side, slightly overlapped.
  14. Top the lasagna sheets with 1 cup of bolognese sauce, 1/4 of the mozzarella, 1/4 of the ricotta, and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese.
  15. Repeat for 3 more layers, making sure lasagna sheets are fully covered with sauce (they need this to cook properly).
  16. Spread the remaining sauce on the top layer, sprinkle with any additional mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan cheese.
  17. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes.
  18. Let rest 15 minutes before cutting, garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/03/lasagna-bolognese-lambrusco-perfect-sunday-supper/

Lasagna + Lambrusco

Serve the lasagna with a glass of Concerto Lambrusco, and maybe a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and some toasted garlic bread for the perfect cozy weekend meal.

For more information on Concerto Lambrusco, check out their website and social media pages: 

Concerto Medici Ermete website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

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