CLUELESS Club Chicken Casserole

http://www.businessinsider.com/romney-middle-income-2012-9


Once again, an ill-advised response to a simple question.

CLUELESS Club Chicken Casserole

Makes 6 servings

Even the most inexperienced cooks will have success preparing this deliciously simple casserole.

2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 can reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup (do not dilute)

4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup light mayonnaise

1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained

1 green pepper, chopped

3 green onions, sliced

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375°F.

Mix rotini, chicken, soup, bacon, milk, mayonnaise, tomatoes, peppers and onions in greased 2-qt. casserole dish.  Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. 

THE DONALD Duck

http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/30/trumped/


http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-attacks-obama-on-solyndra-but-trump-steals-the-spotlight/2012/05/29/gJQAvma9zU_story.html


THE DONALD Duck
Makes 4 servings


Rich and spicy, this dish always steals the show.

1/2 c. sugar

1 tbsp. wine vinegar
1/2 cup orange juice

Zest from 1 orange

1 minced chipotle chilie in adobo sauce

1/2 c. Grand Marnier

1/4 tsp. each salt, pepper

2 fresh duck breasts

1 Tbsp. barbecue seasoning blend (e.g., WHAM)

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Combine sugar and wine vinegar in medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat until sugar melts and begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

Add juice, zest, chipotle, Grand Marnier, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally until reduced and slightly thickened; set aside.

Heat oven to 400°F.  Season duck breasts with seasoning blend.

Heat olive oil in large oven proof skillet.  Add duck breasts, skin side down.  Sear 4 to 5 minutes or until deep golden brown.  Turn breasts; place pan in oven.

Roast duck 10 to 12 minutes or until just pink in center.  Remove pan from oven, cover with foil and let rest 5 minutes.  Slice ½” thick.  Serve with sauce.

Note:
http://www.willinghams.com/
Best barbecue seasoning!

Concealed Capital Chicken Pot Pie

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-using-ethics-exception-to-limit-disclosure-of-bain-holdings/2012/04/05/gIQARcVmxS_story.html

Concealed Capital Chicken Pot Pie

The richness is under the flaky crust, and the flavor is exceptional.

3/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite size pieces

2 Tbsp. olive oil

4 oz. reduced fat cream cheese

2 Tbsp. flour

½ cup chicken stock

2 Tbsp. white wine

2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed, drained

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (1/2 of 17.3-oz. pkg.), thawed

1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 400°F. 

Heat oil in large skillet.  Add chicken; cook 2 minutes.  Add cream cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until melted.  Stir in flour until well blended, then add broth, wine, vegetables and garlic powder; stir.  Simmer 5 minutes or until thick, creamy and bubbly.  Pour into 9 or 10-inch deep-dish pie plate.

Unfold pastry sheet; place over chicken mixture. Fold under edges of pastry; press onto top of baking dish to seal. Brush with egg. Cut several slits in pastry to permit steam to escape. Place dish on baking sheet.

Bake 30 min. or until crust is deep golden brown. Let stand 5 min. before serving.

Tip:

Substitute turkey tenderloins, cut into bite size pieces, for chicken.

Occupy Walleye

Nobody represents the 99% better than the folks who occupy the state of Wisconsin.  

OCCUPY WALLEYE

Take residence at the dinner table tonight...Wisconsin-style!

1 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 shallot, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. paprika

4 walleye pike fillets (2 lb.)

1/4 cup fresh dill sprigs

Heat grill to medium.  Whisk together butter, olive oil, lemon juice, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper and paprika in small bowl.

Place 1 walleye fillet in the center of large sheet heavy duty aluminum foil.  Spoon one-fourth of the lemon-butter mixture evenly over fish.  Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. fresh dill sprigs.  Fold foil sheet to make packet.  Repeat with remaining fillets and lemon-butter mixture. 

Grill 6 to 8 min. or until fish flakes easily with fork. Carefully open foil packets and serve immediately.

Tip:

You can replace the walleye with any mild-flavored white fish, such as cod, haddock or perch.

Riveting Mandate Debate Risotto

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding whether or not the health care mandate is constitutional.  Who's winning the debate, liberals or conservatives?  

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/why-the-healthcare-law-might-stand-at-the-supreme-court/2012/03/27/gIQA1JwWeS_blog.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/a-very-bad-day-for-obamacare/2012/03/27/gIQAkv4OeS_blog.html?hpid=z2

Riveting Mandate Debate Risotto
Makes 6 servings

Your taste buds will be defenseless!


2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

½ cup finely chopped onion

4 Tbsp. butter, divided

2 cups arborio rice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 quart chicken stock + 1 cup water

1/2 cup dry white wine

4 oz. goat cheese

1/2 cup grated or shredded Parmesan Cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Heat oven to 400°F.  Toss tomatoes gently with 1 Tbsp. olive oil on baking sheet.  Spread into single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Roast 15 to 20 minutes or until soft; set aside.  

Meanwhile, heat stock and water in small sauce pot.  In medium to large sauce pot, sauté onion in remaining olive oil and 2 Tbsp. butter 2 minutes.  Add rice, cooking and stirring until grains glisten, about 1 minute.  Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.  

Stir in 1 c. hot stock and cook at medium simmer until stock is absorbed, stirring constantly.  Repeat, adding ½ cup of stock at a time until rice is tender but firm and consistency is creamy. Stir in wine with last addition of broth.

Stir in remaining butter, goat cheese and Parmesan Cheese.  Add tomatoes and basil; stir just until heated through.  Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.


Tip:
Add 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper for a little flavor kick.

Party Rift Rigatoni

Republican candidates are in Illinois in advance of the GOP primary tomorrow.  If Santorum can win a big northern state, he might have a chance.  The source of the division in the party seems to be primarily religion and money.  Santorum's support comes from folks who describe themselves as very conservative, evangelical Christians, and make less than $100K per year, while Romney's supporters are moderately conservative, not necessarily religious and tend to make more than $100K a year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/santorum-romney-battle-reveals-stark-divide-in-the-gop/2012/03/17/gIQA7S79IS_story.html 

Party Rift Rigatoni

Party?  That means pasta!  No difference of opinions here!

1 lb. rigatoni pasta
4 slices bacon, chopped

 1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 can (28 oz.) Italian style diced tomatoes

1/4 tsp. each salt, sugar

1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
10 basil leaves, chopped

Cook pasta as directed on package.


While pasta is cooking, prepare sauce:  cook bacon in large skillet on medium-high heat; remove bacon with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 Tbsp. drippings. Add olive oil and onion; cook, stirring, 5 minutes or until tender.  Add garlic and red pepper; cook and stir 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant. 

Add tomatoes, salt, sugar, and 1 cup water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Stir in bacon and basil.

Drain pasta and toss with sauce and cheese.  Serve immediately.

Tip:

Substitute 4 oz. bulk Italian sausage, crumbled, or pancetta, diced, for bacon (use 2 Tbsp. olive oil if using Italian sausage; there will be less than 2 Tbsp. rendered fat).

Slow Simmered Salmon

The GOP primary will not be over anytime soon…

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/with-neither-romney-nor-santorum-scoring-a-knockout-gop-race-becomes-a-crawl/2012/03/11/gIQApy5N5R_story.html

Slow Simmered Salmon

Although the primary season is moving along slowly, this healthy weeknight dinner will be ready in minutes.

 

1 Tbsp. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can diced tomatoes

1 lb. salmon filets

¼ tsp. Kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Lemon wedges

Heat oil in large skillet.  Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute or until fragrant (do not brown.  Add tomatoes.  Bring to a simmer.

Add salmon, skin side down.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cover skillet and cook on medium heat 6 to 8 min. or until desired doneness.  Squeeze lemon over fish.

Tip:

Serve with a tossed salad, crusty Italian bread to sop up the tomatoes, and a glass of red wine for your heart.

Countdown to Super Tuesday Tuscan Chicken

‎"We now have six days, 23 hours, and 59 minutes to find a replacement for this robotic plutocrat who couldn't hold the attention of cats with a can of tuna." -- 

Stephen Colbert on Mitt Romney http://on.cc.com/Ay54zn

Countdown to Super Tuesday Tuscan Chicken

Makes 4 servings

Time flies when the food is good.

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup flour, divided

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1 each red and green pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup white wine

4 cups baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz. whole wheat pasta, cooked

Heat oven to 375°F.  Season chicken with salt and pepper, then coat with 3 Tbsp. of the flour.

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in large skillet.  Cook chicken on medium-high heat 2 min. or until golden brown; turn chicken and brown other side.  Transfer chicken to 9x13-inch baking dish.  Bake 15 min. or until 165°F.

Meanwhile, prepare sauce:  Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in same skillet.   Add peppers.  Cook and stir on med.-high heat until peppers are crisp tender, about 2 minutes.  Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute or until fragrant.  Add remaining 1 Tbsp. flour, stirring constantly for about 1 min..  Add wine and cook until bubbly, then add baby spinach and stir until wilted.  Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; cook and stir until slightly thickened.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Push veggies to one side of pan and add pasta, tossing gently with sauce until coated.

To serve, layer coated pasta, chicken, veggies and sauce on serving platter.  Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tip:

Substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Peace Corps Pasta & Meatballs

On this date in 1961, President Kennedy established the Peace Corps.  It was authorized by Congress on September 22, 1961, with passage of the Peace Corps Act (Public Law 87-293). The act declares the program's purpose as follows:

To promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower.

Since 1961, over 200,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps and have served in 139 countries. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Corps

Peace Corps Pasta & Meatballs

Makes 6 servings

The best service is FOOD service...mangia!

Sauce

2 Tbsp. olive oil

4 cloves minced garlic

3 cans (14 oz. each) whole peeled plum tomatoes (do not drain)

1/2 tsp. each salt, black pepper, sugar

8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Meatballs

1 pound ground beef

1/3 cup panko (or other plain breadcrumbs)

1 egg

2 cloves minced garlic

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 lb. spaghetti or other pasta

____________________________

Heat large pot of water to boiling for pasta.

Heat oil in medium saucepot.  Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute or until fragrant (do not brown).  Add tomatoes; puree using immersion blender (alternately, blend tomatoes in blender, then add to oil and garlic).  Stir in salt, pepper and sugar.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20 min.; stir in basil off heat. 

Meanwhile, make meatballs.  Heat oven to 375°F.  Mix together beef, panko, egg, garlic, salt and pepper.  Divide mixture evenly into 12 portions and roll each portion into a ball.  Place meatballs on foil-lined baking sheet.  Bake 15 to 20 min. or until no longer pink.

While sauce is simmering and meatballs are baking, cook pasta in boiling water as directed on package; drain.  Toss pasta gently with 1-1/2 cups of sauce, then pour remaining sauce over.  Top with meatballs.  Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

If you don’t have fresh basil, substitute 1 tsp. dried basil.

This is very saucy pasta.  Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the sauce!