Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe • A Tastier Version! | Club Foody

 

When my brother and I were kids 👧👱‍♂️, we ate what our parents made for us. Whatever was in front of us, we had to eat it. There wasn’t a situation of “no, I don’t like it, I don’t want it”. We weren’t acting like spoiled brats, and actually, it helped us to open up our minds and develop our taste buds for a wider variety of foods.
 
Although I wasn’t difficult (or couldn’t be difficult), there were a few dishes I really didn’t like, and one of them was Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! I’m not sure how my mother made it, but that meal wasn’t my cup of tea. Every fall 🍂, it was on the menu, and each year, it was a painful moment for me. Interestingly enough, David was the same when he was a child, so when we moved in together, we decided to try making a better version than our parents… I’m glad we did!
 
I think most recipes out there lack flavor, and the results are bland 🥱. The filling plays an important role in this dish, and we made sure to amplify its taste. What did we do differently than they did? Not much besides adding hot Italian sausage to the lean ground beef. Is the mild one an option? NO! We also added “seasoned” Panko breadcrumbs – again, more flavor! Now we’re not too sure if our mothers used “Minute Rice” for the stuffing, but we prefer using basmati.
 
Another important ingredient to enhance these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is the tomato sauce. Plain is boring, so we spiced it up a little bit by using San Marzano tomatoes along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, onions, and garlic 🧄. A surprising ingredient added to the sauce is balsamic vinegar – it gives some sweetness as well as acidity.
 
When it comes to seasonings, there’s not an endless list… just some Italian seasoning, brown sugar to balance the sauce, some freshly ground mixed peppercorns, and parsley 🌿. As you see, it’s not a complicated sauce in terms of flavor, but certainly much better than the plain ones…
 
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe makes about 14 rolls, but depending on the size of the cabbage, you might make 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 fewer or more as long as you use up all of the meat mixture. They’re a great comfort food and freeze well for up to 6 months.
Bon Appétit!🍽
 
Here are more tasty comfort food recipes for you to try…😀
– Bouilli du Québec
– Texas Cowboy Stew
– Lamb Keema
– Turkey à la King on Toast
– Swedish Meatballs
– Pepper & Sausage Casserole
– Meat Lasagna
– Coffee Beef Stew
– Fisherman’s Pie
– Meat Lovers Pizza
and for even more comfort food recipes 🥰, click on this link… Recipe Category • Comfort Food

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/stuffed-cabbage-rolls/ 😉

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

Double Chocolate Muffins Recipe • So Scrumptious! | Club Foody

 

Labor Day weekend is an important landmark. It signifies that summer and vacations are generally over, and, for the majority, people are back to work with their normal schedules, while students 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 return to school for another year.
 
It’s also the beginning of frantic mornings. As everyone is rushing out 🏃‍♀️, it’s nice to have a few ‘quick’ breakfast items ready, such as Blueberry Overnight Oats, Apple Cinnamon Bread or Easy Zucchini Bread, Mini Mexican Tortilla Quiche</a>, smoothies, and so on.
 
Muffins and rolls are also a great option. They can be Blueberry, Raspberry Cream Cheese Rolls, Lemon Poppy Seed 🍋🧁, Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Buns, Whole Wheat Banana, Pumpkin & Spice Cream Cheese, a nice savory one called Breakfast Sausage Muffin Cups, etc.
 
Another one that is always a favorite is my Double Chocolate Muffins 🍫! Rich and decadent, these flavorful little guys are perfect to enjoy anytime! Convenient for grab-and-go in the morning, they also make a great treat for lunch or as a mid-afternoon snack!
 
The recipe is very straightforward…
First, the dry ingredients have to be sifted. Trust me, I’m not a sifter… I hate it 😣! However, doing this step not only adds air, making the texture of the muffins lighter, but it also breaks the lumps, especially in the cocoa powder, distributing the ingredients uniformly.
 
An ingredient that is added to the dry mix is instant espresso coffee, which will intensify the rich flavor of the chocolate. The slight bitterness of the coffee amplifies the chocolate notes, counteracting the sweetness in the sugars. Don’t worry, this added ingredient won’t make the muffins taste like coffee ☕.
 
When it comes to wet ingredients, there are eggs 🥚, sour cream, whole milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract. I use 5% sour cream instead of full-fat because the recipe already contains (canola oil). Don’t use low-fat or fat-free; replaced with water, they both lack milk fat, resulting in a dry, rubbery texture.
 
Dry and wet are stirred 🥄 together until just combined before adding semi-sweet chocolate chips. Using a portion scoop as it makes the job go faster and neater, the paper liners are filled almost to the top. If you don’t have liners, simply grease the muffin pan with cooking spray.
 
Just before transferring to the oven, I sprinkle the tops with more chocolate chips, about 5 to 6 per muffin. It’s optional, but they make them look prettier 😍, plus it gives that extra pop of chocolate goodness. Additionally, when they come out of the oven, they’ll be slightly glossy, making them more appealing!
 
At first, the muffins are baked at 425°F for 5 minutes before reducing the temperature to 350°F. This time, they’re baked for 16 to 18 minutes ⏰, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
 
They’re removed from the heat and cooled in the pan for a good 10 minutes ⏳ otherwise, if you try to take them out too soon, they will collapse. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
 
These Double Chocolate Muffins don’t last that long in our house. For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. They also freeze very well for up to 3 months 📆 in the freezer.
 
With the beginning of another year of chaotic mornings, these scrumptious Double Chocolate Muffins are simply amazing! They’re convenient, there’s no cleanup 🧼 to do when made ahead, and they can be frozen for later. These are also perfect as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk.
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Here are more scrumptious breakfast recipes for you to try… 😀
– Pumpkin Pancakes
– Mushroom Quiche
– Shakshouka
– Breakfast Sausage Croissant Casserole
– Farmer’s Sausage Skillet
– Soft Boiled Eggs
– Denver Omelet
– Coconut Waffles
– Ham & Asparagus Crêpes with Cheese Sauce
– Georgian Cheese Bread • Khachapuri
and for even more breakfast and brunch recipes 🍳🥞, click on this link… Recipe Category • Breakfast & Brunch

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/double-chocolate-muffins/ 😉

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

Country Boil Recipe • A Tasty One-Pot Seafood Dish! | Club Foody

 

Years ago, David and I went on a 24-day road trip 🚙 across 11 states – actually 12 because we were at the Four Corners Monument, which is where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.
 
If I describe the trip in a few words, it was a spectacular National Lampoon’s Vacation! I’m not kidding you… Everything was scheduled to a “T”. The length of time from point A to point B was calculated 🧮, as well as the amount of time visiting each site. Every morning, we got up incredibly early, packed and went to our next destination. If the SUV had broken down, the trip would have been ruined!
 
Our final official stop before getting home 🏡 the next day was in Portland, Oregon, right at the border of Washington State. We went for our “last road meal” at Joe’s Crab Shack, located right by the Columbia River in Washington State – Portland is straight across the river.
 
We ordered the Joe’s Classic Steampot for two, which had Dungeness crab, sweet snow crab 🦀, shrimp, and smoked sausage along with corn and potatoes. It was borderline okay and needed serious seasoning. Typical me, at the end of that summer, I made my own version… now that was tasty!
 
Country Boil, also known as Seafood Boil, is a popular casual dish from the East to the Gulf Coast. Dungeness, blue or snow crab, crawfish, prawns or shrimp, lobster, littleneck clams, or mussels are ingredients that can be found in this dish. What differentiates it from one area to another are the local ocean gems used and the way they are prepared. The basics remain the same: corn 🌽, sausage, and red potatoes.
 
This is the perfect recipe for gatherings, big events, or parties 🥳. It’s really easy to make, and the preparation is quite simple; roughly chop some ingredients and voilà… done! It’s unpretentious! Add some lemon wedges, melted butter, seafood cocktail sauce for dipping, and that’s pretty much it. Of course, garlic bread is certainly a delicious item to add to this meal.
 
Although known as American in origin, if we go back in time, I lean more towards Canadian 🍁. This dish is quite popular in the Maritime Provinces where seafood is abundant therefore, when the Cajun people migrated to the southern part of the states, they would have certainly introduced this popular recipe.
 
As I mentioned above, the recipe varies from region to region, and so does mine. First, I season my broth a lot. I find most people don’t do this enough, which makes it “blah”, and boring food is not a possibility for me. I use Creole seasoning, Old Bay, cumin, white wine, clam juice, etc., along with onions 🧅 and garlic… lots of it. The end result is so delicious!
 
Second, I like to use either my homemade Garlic Sausage or Andouille; Kielbasa can be another option. When it comes to seafood, prawns 🍤 always go in the pot, then whatever else is in season. If I make it at the end of September, I definitely use lobster, but in August, I normally opt for crab legs. Depending on how I feel and if they’re available, clams are also another ingredient I like to add to my Country Boil.
 
Third, to make sure nothing is overcooked, I add the ingredients in stages. I put potatoes 🥔, onion, garlic, all the liquid, and most seasonings in first, cover, and let it go for 10 minutes. Then sausage and corn, along with a couple more spices go in second; covered and cooked for 10 minutes as well. The third stage is when the seafood and lemon 🍋 go in, but the cooking time is now reduced to 4 minutes.
 
Lastly, butter and parsley 🌿 are added, then covered again and cooked for a couple more minutes. Everything is cooked perfectly and is also very flavorful. That’s what makes my Country Boil such a hit!
 
After transferring the ingredients to a serving plate, big bucket, or simply spreading them on the table lined with newspapers 📰, I pour what’s left in the pot through a colander sitting over a bowl. Never throw the broth out; keep it because it’s perfect for making seafood chowder.
 
With a well-seasoned broth and great ingredients, this Country Boil is a succulent one-pot dish perfect to enjoy this summer. There’s nothing fancy about it, but the flavors marry so well together. It’s a fun meal to share with friends and family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Besides this mouthwatering dish, here are similar ones to try, like Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise, Spanish Paella or Paella de Marisco, and Cioppino.
Bon Appétit!🍽
 
Here are more incredible seafood recipes for you to enjoy…😀
– Baja Shrimp Tacos
– New England Lobster Rolls
– Garlic & White Wine Steamed Clams
– Shrimp Martini with Robuchon Mashed Potatoes
– New England Crab Cakes
– Lobster Newberg
– Scallop Pineapple Ceviche
– Oysters Rockefeller
– Moules Marinière
and for even more seafood recipes 🦑🦪, click on this link… Recipe Category • Seafood & Fish

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/country-boil/ 😉

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

CREOLE SHRIMP & ANDOUILLE SKEWERS

 

Skewers are always trendy during BBQ season!

There’s no doubt in my mind that when it comes to cooking, summer is all about barbecuing 🔥. There’s such a wide variety of sweet and savory recipes that can be made on the “barbie”. There’s something about grilling over open flames that makes the food taste better. To me, just the smell of grilled food triggers my appetite, plus, who wants to cook inside when the temperature goes way up?
 
When it comes to barbecued food, I have a lot to choose from: Grilled Marlin Steaks, Grilled Fish Tacos, Rotisserie Chicken 🐓, Tarragon Limoncello Halibut, Grilled Tuna Steaks, and many more.
 
Another type of summer food that I enjoy is kebabs 🍢! I think of Yakitori Chicken Skewers, Turkish Kebabs, Greek Ouzo Pork Kebabs, Shawarma Chicken Kebabs, etc., including this one… Creole Shrimp & Andouille Skewers!
 
This is “the recipe” you simply have to make this summer! It’s packed with flavorful ingredients, plus it takes only 30 minutes ⏰ from start to finish… you have to love that! It’s easy to make with delicious results! Each time I serve these Creole Shrimp & Andouille Skewers, they’re always a hit!
 
There are two ingredients that I utilize in this recipe. One is my Creole Seasoning Mix, and the other is my Homemade Andouille Sausage. The spiciness from the Creole blend 🥫, along with the smokiness and spiciness from the sausage, gives this dish a real Creole flair.
 
Incredibly delicious, easy, and quick to prepare, this is unquestionably a recipe you just have to add to your grilling list. You’ll see how much your guests rave about this Creole Shrimp & Andouille Skewers 🍤 recipe at your next backyard party! I like serving them with my Herb & Butter Rice… yum!
Bon Appétit!🍽
 
Here are even more delicious grilling recipes for you to enjoy…😀
– Polynesian Pork Ribs
– Caribbean Jerk Rotisserie Chicken
– Kansas City Style Pork Ribs
– Blue Cheese Burgers
– Hawaiian Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs
– Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
– Shish Tawook
– Caribbean Jerk BBQ Pork Chops
– Pacific Coast Salmon on the BBQ
– Elotes • Grilled Mexican Street Corn
and for more great BBQ recipes 🔥, click on this link… Recipe Category • BBQ & Grilling

For ingredient amounts, directions, and much more, visit ➡ https://clubfoody.com/cf-recipes/creole-shrimp-andouille-skewers/ 😉

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
 

Caprese Skewers Recipe • A Fresh & Tasty Appetizer! | Club Foody

 

When we get close to September, there’s a plentiful amount of fresh produce especially tomatoes 🍅! They’re perfect for stocking a few jars of marinara sauce, making your own sun-dried tomatoes or salsa, a refreshing gazpacho, bruschetta, and more.
 
David and I like growing them 👩‍🌾👨‍🌾, particularly cherry tomatoes. They’re sweet, the plants don’t take too much space on our patio, and they’re so versatile. I like using them in salads like Pasta Primavera, Israeli Salad, Mixed Tomato Salad, or in my Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Creole Shrimp & Andouille Skewers, Mediterranean Fish Fillet with Tapenade, etc.
 
Another recipe I like making is Caprese Skewers! Quick and easy to make ⏳, this is a delicious Italian appetizer to enjoy! With cherry tomatoes, mini bocconcini, and seasonings along with a beautiful balsamic glaze, this is another tasty way to enjoy these little guys!
 
Besides the fact that it takes only 5 minutes to make them, this is a great recipe when entertaining. This classic appetizer is perfect to serve for any occasion 🎄. Although I make them more often at the end of the summer, they’re still a good choice throughout the year.
 
It doesn’t need too many ingredients to make it so tasty as well as healthy. There are tomatoes, mini bocconcini, extra virgin olive oil, basil leaves, Italian seasoning, salt 🧂, and pepper. For the finishing touch, I drizzle on some balsamic glaze.
 
First, I mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and stir until well-coated before skewering 🍡 the tomatoes and cheese balls. For a nicer presentation, I use different colors of tomatoes, like red, yellow, and orange.
 
To elevate these Caprese Skewers, I drizzle on my Homemade Balsamic Glaze on top but. Before I do that, I also enhance the condiment by adding a touch of cayenne pepper – hot paprika is another option. It gives a “je ne sais quoi”, an extra layer of yumminess 🥰 to that sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
 
Quick to make and easy to assemble, these Caprese Skewers are a fabulous appetizer! They make a healthy 💚 hors d’oeuvre and are perfect to serve for any party, potluck, picnic, or when you simply want to enjoy them!
Bon Appétit! 🍽
 
Check out these other great appetizer recipes… 😀
– Spanakopita
– Middle East Labneh
– Ceviche de Pescado – Fish Ceviche
– Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip
– Gougères aka Cheese Puffs
– Stuffed Dates with Gorgonzola
– Greek Dolmades with Avgolemono Sauce
– Vietnamese Summer Rolls
– Easy Baba Ghanoush
and for even more Italian recipes 🍝, click on this link… Recipe Category • Italian Cuisine

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube