Pecan Sandies - Can be made Vegan!

Down at Sweet Sue's Bakery in North Beach, MD they make the best Pecan Sandies.  Unfortunately, I got the urge and I am not down at the beach.  So I had to make my version of these delectable cookies.  They taste even better than the Keebler version, but not quite as good as Justin's at Sweet Sue's!  To make these you will need:
1/2 cup butter (Vegan - Earth Balance), softened
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg (Vegan - Egg replacer or 1/4 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar for decoration


1.)  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.)  In a large bowl, cream together the margarine, vegetable oil, 1 cup white sugar and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the pecans. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll each ball in remaining white sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. 
3.)  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Easy Thai Peanut Vingarette

I found this recipe online years ago.  I don't even remember who authored it.  But it's our favorite salad dressing.  You can also use this as a sauce for barbequed Chicken, fish or steaks.  I have even used it as a vegetable dip. Incredibly delicious! 

For ease, you can do it in a blender or with an immersion blender (my choice...less clean up!)

Ingredients
¼ cup water
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup of canola oil
2 tablespoons of sugar or Stevia equivalent
4 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoons of soy sauce (I used low-sodium)
1 teaspoon Sesame oil
¼ teaspoons Ground cumin
Optional:   3 tablespoons Of cilantro leaves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
*For more heat, add ¼ tsp. Red pepper flakes





1.)  Add all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Using a hand blender, mix everything until well incorporated (approx. 30 seconds). If mixing by hand, whisk everything until fully incorporated.
2.)  Toss with your favorite salad and enjoy!

Spiced Rubber Pork Chops with Apples

This is an easy and delicious recipe for weeknight pork chops.  This dish comes together quickly, truly making it a midweek keeper.  I use dried herbs for the ease of rubbing the chops.  To make this recipe you will need:
1 Tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pound pork tenderloin cut into a 8 chops

2 tablespoon olive oil1 medium onion thinly sliced
1/4 cup white wine
2 granny smith apples, thinly sliced
1 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon brown sugar



1.)  Mix the flour, salt and all the spices in a small bowl.  Sprinkle both sides of the chops with the mixture and rub in.  Let it sit for a few minutes.
2.)  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Brown the pork chops on both sides.  Remove the chops from the skillet.
3.)  Add the onions and cook until the onions are tender.  Add the wine and let it absorb into the onions.  Add the apple and cook for 5 minutes.
4.)  Stir in the apple cider, the brown sugar and remaining seasoned flour until well mixed.  Return the pork chops to the skillet, and bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to low.  Cook for another 5 minutes.  Serve and enjoy!

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu - California Style

What's not to love?  Grilled chicken,  ham, cheese, tomato, avocado?  All the best flavors.  About the Rosa Maria seasoning.  I buy the Dean Jacobs blend from Amazon or from a gourmet store.  You can make it yourself by mixing together some rosemary, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano and black pepper.  To make this you will need:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, slightly pounded
Pam
Rosa Maria seasoning mix
1 large tomato sliced
8 slices of honey ham (I use Healthy Choice)
8 slices of ultra thin Pepper Jack cheese
2 avocados sliced thin, skin removed


1.)  Lightly spray both sides of the chicken breasts with Pam.  Sprinkle some Rosa Maria seasoning mix on both sides of the breasts.  Refrigerate for an hour.
2.)  Set the grill to medium heat.  Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-10 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your breasts.
3.)  Towards the last few minutes of cooking the breasts, top each breast with two tomato slices, 2 slices of ham and the pepper jack cheese.  Once the cheese has melted remove from the grill.  Top each with the sliced avocado and serve.

Lower Calorie Shrimp and Grits

When you live on the Mason Dixon Line, you need to add some true southern dishes to your rotation.  I lightened it up a bit by using part chicken stock and part fat free half n half.  A quick and delicious dinner.  To make this you will need:

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 ounces of Prosciutto, chopped

1 bunch of green onions, chopped (save the tops for serving)

1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half 

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

quick-cooking grits

1.)  In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the prosciutto, onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 3 to 5 minutes.

2.)  Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the white wine and let it bubble until it is mostly evaporated.

3.)  In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the chicken broth and stir until dissolved. Add the mixture to the skillet along with the half-and-half. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes.
4.)  I have not posted an amount for the grits as some like more grits than others look on the package and then cook the grits according to the package directions.