Archive for the ‘#1 Go-To Recipes’ Category
Chicken Nugget Casserole II
I made this on 28 Sep 2022, and it is incredibly good! Family absolutely loved this. Links to the Shortcuts are listed in the Notes section.
Equipment
- Baking Pan (9x13 inch)
- Foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 kilo frozen chicken nuggets, you will not use them all, (2 lb)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce, Shortcut
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Italian seasoning, as desired, Shortcut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F), grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Place frozen chicken nuggets in the prepared dish in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce over all the nuggets.
- Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese, then top that with Italian seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the nuggets are heated through and the cheese melted. Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes to just lightly start to brown the cheese on top. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy with sides of your choice.Excellent side dish ideas are pasta (classic), mashed potatoes (another classic), fresh salad, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or Saffron rice.
Notes
Fair cost per per serving based on the cheese used.
Shortcuts: Spaghetti/Pasta Sauce, Italian Seasoning.
Beef Chow Mein
Chow mein is a stir-fried noodle dish and is one of the most popular dishes in China. The most common noodles used in various chow mein dishes is egg noodles. This recipe comes from a friend in Sichuan, China. I made this on 27 Sep 2022, and it is delicious, family loved this! I doubled the recipe so the photos will show more of all the ingredients than what is stated.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flank steak, cut into 2 inch long strips
- 3 bell peppers, 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 250 grams egg noodles, can be fresh or dry, (8 oz)
For the Beef Marinade
- ½ tablespoon light soy sauce
- dash black pepper
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-fry Sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- pinch sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the Beef Marinade Ingredients and stir together, then add the beef strips. Stir in one direction until they become slightly sticky. Set this aside.
- In another small bowl, add all the Stir-fry Ingredients, mix together, then set this aside.
- For the bell peppers, you are only going to use half of each. Cut each pepper from stem end to the bottom. Set one half of each color aside, and wrap the other halves in plastic wrap and place back in the fridge. Remove the seeds.
- Cut each pepper half into strips, set these aside. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom, thinly slice each half and separate the pieces. Mince the garlic.
- In a saucepan, add enough water to cover the noodles, bring to a boil, then add the noodles, fresh noodles takes about 3-4 minutes, for dry noodles, cook until just tender. For fresh, just drain, for dry, drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a wok, wok pan, or large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of oil on medium high heat, add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Increase heat to high then add the beef mixture and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds. Remove beef to a bowl, leaving the liquid in the pan.
- Add the peppers and onions, stir-fry until until just softened but crisp.
- Add the noodles, beef, and Stir-fry Sauce to the pan. Mix together well, remove from heat.
- Serve hot, and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Spam, Spam, Spam
This comes from a good friend, and chef, and this is easy to make and so much better tasting than the canned spam. Ingredients are listed in two groups, for those in Asia, and for those in the US, instructions are the same for either set of ingredient. (Morton Tender Cure and Lobo NS-Mix are two separate items, their use will be clarified in the ingredients and instructions.)
Equipment
- Meat Grinder , plus a Medium plate (5 mm holes).
- 2 Loaf Pan (5x9 inch) , one is used for baking, the other is used as a weight after baking.
- Parchment Paper
- Foil
- Baking Sheet
- 2 20 oz / 565 g canned goods , used for weights after baking.
- Oven
- Instant Read Thermometer
Ingredients
For those in Asia using Lobo brand NS-Mix Curing Salt
- 1.15 kilo pork shoulder, (2½ lb)
- 226 grams smoked ham, (8 oz)
- 4½ teaspoons NS-Mix Curing Salt, (Lobo brand)
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons corn starch
- ½ cup ice cold water
For those in the US using Morton brand Tender Quick Curing Salt
- 2½ lb pork shoulder, (1.15 kilo)
- 8 oz smoked ham, (226 grams)
- 2 teaspoons Tender Quick, (Morton brand)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, (fine grind)
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons corn starch
- ½ cup ice cold water
Instructions
- Set up your meat grinder, use a Medium plate with 5mm holes. Preheat your oven to 120° C (250° F). Line one loaf pan with parchment paper. Line the baking sheet with foil, make sure the edges are raised all around the sheet - this is to catch any fat that could run out of the pan while baking.
- Cut the pork shoulder and smoked ham into cubes that will fit in your grinder hopper.
- Run the cubed meat through the grinder into a mixing bowl.
- For Asia using NS-Mix: add the NS-Mix, sugar, and corn starch to a small bowl, then add the ice cold water. Mix together well.For US using Tender Cure: add the Tender Cure, salt, sugar, and corn starch to a small bowl, then add the ice cold water. Mix together well.
- Add the water mixture to the ground meat and use your hands to mix thoroughly. Mixture will like a thick paste.
- Pack the parchment line loaf pan with the meat mixture.
- Cover with tightly with foil. Place the foil covered sheet in the oven then place the loaf pan on the sheet. Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, start checking with the instant read thermometer at the 2 hour mark, internal target temp is 68° C (155° F).
- When the spam loaf has reached the target temp, remove from the oven place on a heatproof plate, and if oozing some fat, place some folded paper towels on the plate first.
- Place the second loaf pan (I use Pyrex) on top of the Spam loaf pan, and place canned goods in the pan for additional weight (two 20 oz / 565 g, works perfect). Let the Spam loaf pan cool to room temp.Once cooled, place everything in the fridge (the Spam loaf pan, the top pan, and the canned goods), to set overnight.
- The next day, remove the Spam loaf from the fridge. Remove the foil, and now you have Spam. Run a butter knife around the sides and invert the pan onto a plate. Use for any recipe calling for Spam. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- This is an end piece sliced off for the taste test, and for those that like the jelly, this makes that too! Appearance wise, it looks exactly like sliced canned Spam. Taste wise, this is many times better than the canned stuff!
- And another view of how this looks.
Notes
Lower cost than canned Spam in Thailand, and this makes 2 to 2½ of the big cans of Spam.
340 g (12 oz) equals 1 regular size can of Spam.
Used in Recipes Listed on this Site:
- Spam Pie, made it, GO-TO recipe.
- Squaw Corn, made it, GO-TO recipe.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
This recipe is from a social media friend who specializes in slow cooker dishes. I made these on 4 Sep 2022, and these are excellent mushrooms, juicy and full of flavor, I and the family really enjoyed these! This will be a regular now.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (3½+ quart)
Ingredients
- 750 grams button mushrooms, (1½ lb)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- ¼ cup olive oil, or a tablespoon less
- 3 cloves garlic, mince, or 1½ teaspoons powdered garlic
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix
- ¾ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Trim the stems off the mushrooms and quickly rinse, shake off any water, and place in your slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients to to the slow cooker. I was out of fresh garlic so I used garlic powder.
- Mix together. Cover, and set to Low for 3-4 hours.
- The mushrooms will be tender and juicy, you can also spoon the sauce over the mushrooms when served.
- Serve as a side dish with any meal.
Tuna Macaroni
I came up with this on a whim, and it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 250 grams dry macaroni, (8 oz)
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken mushroom soup, (10½ oz / 298 g)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cans tuna in oil, drained, (185 g / 7 oz each)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- black pepper, as desired
Instructions
- Heat a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the macaroni, cook until just tender.
- Drain the macaroni and return to the pot. Add the soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir together.
- Add the drained tuna and peas. Stir together.
- Place on low heat and simmer until warmed through, stirring often.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Chicken Nugget Sandwiches
I just kind of winged this to use chicken nuggets, and they are good! I made these on 6 Aug 2022 and they were very well liked by the family. For myself, I made one with lettuce and one with sweet pickle relish, both are equally good!
Ingredients
- 1 package soft rolls, can be soft rolls, dinner rolls, or even hamburger buns
- chicken nuggets, figure 1 nugget for each small roll, and 3 nuggets for average rolls, and 1-2 sandwiches per serving (I made 6 sandwiches and used 18 nuggets)
- Ranch dressing, as desired
- butter, as needed to toast the rolls
Additional Items - As Desired
- lettuce
- cheese slices, your choice
- dill pickle slices
- sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Fry the nuggets in a non stick pan until crispy, remove to paper towels to drain.
- Split each roll in half, butter the cut sides. Heat a non stick pan on medium heat, when hot, place the rolls, buttered side down and toast until browned. Work in batches if needed.
- On the bottom rolls, spread Ranch dressing as desired, I topped one with lettuce and one with sweet pickle relish, the top with nuggets. I used 3 nuggets per roll.
- Spread more Ranch dressing on top of the nuggets.
- Top with a slice of cheese. I was going to use sliced Gouda I had in the fridge, that was dried out so went with the back up of processed cheese slices that we have on hand for the family when they make grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Top with the top bun, serve and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
This recipe comes from a social media friend and it is delicious! The pasta is cooked and added at the end so there is no chance it can get soggy.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (4+ quart)
Ingredients
- 750-1000 grams ground beef, or pork, (1½-2 lb)
- 1 can corn, drained, (15 oz / 425 g, or 2 cups frozen)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, (20 oz / 565 g)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can diced green chilies, (7 oz / 198 g)
- ⅓ cup taco seasoning, (1 packet), Shortcut
- 3 cups sour cream, Shortcut
- 340 grams dry rotini pasta, (12 oz)
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a non stick pan, cook the beef until no more pink remains. Drain.
- Butter, or use non stick spray of your choice, the inside of the slow cooker. Add the browned beef, corn, tomatoes, onion, green chilies, and taco seasoning.
- Mix together, cover, and set to Low setting for 4-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water until just tender, drain.
- To the slow cooker, add the sour cream and drained pasta, mix everything together.
- Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and let cheese melt.
- When the cheese has melted, serve and enjoy.
Notes
Fair cost per serving if using beef.
Shortcuts: Taco Seasoning, Sour Cream.
Updated on 1 September 2022.
Hot Crab Dip
This is an excellent hot crab dip, easy to put together and common ingredients. I made this on 20 Jul 2022 and it is very well liked by the family. Link to the Shortcut is listed in the Notes section.
Equipment
- Casserole (2 quart)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 500 grams lump crab meat, four 6 oz cans drained is 4 oz each, perfect, (1 lb)
- 250 grams cream cheese, softened, (8 oz)
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons spring onion, sliced, green and white parts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, Shortcut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160° C (325° F), get out a 2 quart casserole.
- To a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients except the crab.
- Mix together well.
- Gently fold in the drained crab meat.
- Add mixture to the casserole and spread out evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
- Serve hot as an appetizer with crackers or even as a side dish. Enjoy.
Notes
Shortcut: Old Bay Seasoning.
Crockpot Goulash
This is an American Goulash and is from a social media friend. I made this on 16 Jul 2022 and modified it slightly to what I have available to me. Wonderful goulash, excellent flavor!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (3½+ quart) (6 quart if doubling the recipe)
Ingredients
- 500-600 grams ground beef, (1-1¼ lb)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups water
- 2 cubes beef stock
- 2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained, (565 g / 20 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, Shortcut
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, or more as desired
Instructions
- Heat a non stick pan and cook the beef, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook until no pink is visible, drain and add to the slow cooker.
- To the slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients except the dry macaroni and cheese, those will be used later.
- Stir together then cover and set to High for 2 hours or Low for 4-5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the dry macaroni and stir together. Cover and continue cooking on Low, check the macaroni at 15 minutes, and cook until just tender. Remove the bay leaves and discard those, then add the cheese and stir together.
- When the cheese is melted, serve and enjoy.
Notes
Fair cost per serving based on beef used and the amount of cheese you use. The cost of the beef will depend on if you can source locally and grind yourself, or store bought ground beef.
Shortcut: Italian Seasoning.
Variants: 1. Use ground pork or chicken in place of beef. 2. Use bulk Italian sausage in place of beef. 3. Stir in a packet of taco seasoning. 4. Use small shell pasta in place of elbow macaroni.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Cocktail Sausages
I prepared this on 26 Nov 2022 exactly as written, and wow is this good! Excellent flavor, great combination of ingredients. This is now my go to cocktail sausage recipe to use.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (3½+ quart)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 kilo cocktail sausages, (2 lb)
Instructions
- To your slow cooker, add the first 5 ingredients, stir to mix together.
- Add the cocktail sausages and stir to coat.
- Set your slow cooker to Low setting for 3 hours, quickly stirring once an hour.
- Serve with sides of your choice, enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Variant: 1. Use chili sauce in place of ketchup.
