Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Candied Carrot-Beef Stir Fry

1 pound boneless top sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups shredded carrots
1 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
1/3 cup stir-fry sauce
1/3 cup orange marmalade
4 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced diagonally (I did not use)

1.  In a large bowl, combine beef and cornstarch; mix well.  In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over high heat.  Working in batches, add beef in single layer and cook  until meat is no longer pink.  Remove from skillet.

2.  Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to skillet.  Heat over medium-high heat.  Add carrots and ginger; stir-fry about 2 minutes or until veggies are tender-crisp.  Add stir-fry sauce and marmalade; bring to boil. Return beef to skillet.  Stir-fry about 1 minute or until sauce is slightly thickened.

SURVEY SAYS:  keeper!!!  Ethan even liked it!  (Except for the carrots)

I found this recipe from "The Complete Cookbook" by Sandra Lee

Monday, August 15, 2011

Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
12 ounces (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
Ground black pepper to taste

Bring 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, the macaroni, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened, 9 to 12 minutes.

Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, the cornstarch, mustard and hot sauce together in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet. Continue to simmer slightly thickened, about 1 minute.

Off the heat, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce (I didn’t need any additional water when I made it). Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Ham and Pea Variation
Follow the recipe, adding 4 ounces deli-style baked ham, diced medium, and 1/2 cup frozen peas to the skillet with the cornstarch mixture in step 2.

SURVEY SAYS:  OK...  I had used our cheddar cheese for another recipe the night before so I used another kind of cheese instead... needless to say it didn't taste right.  I want to make this one again using the right kind of cheese:)

Easiest Crock Pot Chicken Burritos

Easiest Crock Pot Chicken Burritos
given to me during a ward recipe exchange

3 - 4 frozen boneless chicken breasts
2 cups salsa
1 can black beans or pinto beans
flour tortillas
sour cream
grated cheddar cheese
lettuce
chopped tomatoes, etc.

Place chicken breasts in the crock-pot. Cover with salsa and put lid on pot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. When chicken is done, shred it with a fork and add beans and more salsa. Serve in flour tortillas with sour cream, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and any other toppings you want.

SURVEY SAYS:  keeper:)  We had the missionaries over when I made this and we ate it all!  And it is super easy to make.