Thursday, May 26, 2016

How to Poach & Shred Chicken the Easy Way - TIPS & TRICKS #1

To learn about the technique, watch the video on How to Poach & Shred Chicken the Easy Way.


– If you are poaching skinless boneless chicken breasts, simmer for 20-25 minutes.
– If you are poaching skinless boneless chicken breasts and cut in half, reduce your simmering time down to 15-20 minutes.
– If you are poaching chicken with skin and bone, increase your simmering time up to 30-35 minutes.

 

Keep in mind that time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts

 

For more info, visit http://clubfoody.com/tips-tricks/how-to-poach-shred-chicken-the-easy-way-2/



 

How to make Chipotle Purée and Chipotle Mayo - TIPS & TRICKS #2

Chipotle mayo is a great condiment that can enhance any dish. The best way to always have some on hand is to freeze it. Here’s how easy it is…


  • Pour the whole can of chipotle in adobo sauce in a blender and purée until smooth

  • By tablespoon measurement, spoon the puréed chipotle on a baking sheet

  • Transfer to the freezer for a few hours

  • When frozen, transfer to a plastic bag and keep in the freezer

When needed, take a frozen tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (or more as needed), place in a bowl and let it sit until it becomes soft enough to mix it. Add a tablespoon at a time of mayo (not Miracle Whip) to the soft chipotle in adobo sauce until it fits your taste. Voilà! You’ve got yourself chipotle mayo anytime you want it…Enjoy!


For more info, visit http://clubfoody.com/tips-tricks/how-to-make-chipotle-puree-chipotle-mayo/


Homemade Graham Crust - TIPS & TRICKS #3

To make a Graham Cracker Crust from scratch can’t be easier. What you need is…

– 1 1/2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs (look below for more info)
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 1 small pinch sea salt
– 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
– 7 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted


FOOTNOTE: If using crackers instead of crumbs (both are available at your grocery store), it’s about 3 full graham cracker sheets for 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs.


If you decide to refrigerate longer than one hour, cover the crust.


For more info, visit http://clubfoody.com/tips-tricks/graham-cracker-crust/

 

How to Cut a Mango - TIPS & TRICKS #4

In this video, I show you 2 different cuts; strips and cubes.

* If you want to freeze mango, cube them and place in a Ziploc. Transfer to the freezer for up to 6 months.


For more info, visit http://clubfoody.com/tips-tricks/how-to-cut-a-mango/


 

Zippy Ranch Dressing Recipe • 2 in 1 Dressing & Dip | Club Foody

Which salad dressing am I talking about? Most people have bottles and bottles of salad dressings in their refrigerator but if you only know how uncomplicated and east it is to make them at home, you would make your own more often. Most salad dressings are typically used to flavor to an otherwise bland salad. However, there is one salad dressing that can do a whole lot more than just dress up a mix of salad greens. 


Which salad dressing am I talking about?

 
Yes, it’s Ranch Dressing of course which is the most popular salad dressing in North America. It can be used not just for salads but as a condiment, marinade, veggie dip and the perfect companion for Chicken Wings and Drumettes
 
My Zippy Ranch Dressing is a spicier version of the standard Ranch and it’s sure to fire up your next meal. What I like about my ranch dressing is that it can be used as a dip and a dressing. I serve it as a dip with veggies or when I make chicken wings and as a dressing for my salad. If you want to use it as a dressing or a dip, there’s one ingredient you’ll have to play with and it is buttermilk. See below and please read the footnote…
 
This dressing keeps very well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if it lasts that long. Every time I serve it, it’s goes fast! The flavors are amazingly well balanced with a slight kick but not too much to overwhelm the dish you’re serving it with.
 
By making your own homemade version, you’re the one in control of the flavor, ingredients and heat. I’m sure you’ll agree that this one just can’t be beat. This is a condiment that you’ll be pleased to make as often as I do…
Bon Appétit!
 
Here are a few more dressing & vinaigrette recipes…
– Raspberry Vinaigrette
– Blue Cheese Dressing
– Russian Dressing
– Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette with Sesame
– Italian Vinaigrette
– Thousand Island Dressing
and for even more condiment recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Condiments


For ingredient amounts and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/recipe/zippy-ranch-dressing/


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

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Singapore Noodles Recipe • A Flavorful Chinese Dish! | Club Foody


When I first moved to Windsor, Ontario I went to a little Chinese restaurant with a friend of mine and was introduced to 
Singapore Noodles. Oh boy, I was hooked immediately! Every week thereafter, I had to have this dish at the restaurant, for take out or delivery. I just had to have my fix of Singapore Noodles. I tried different locations but always went back to my favorite tiny Chinese restaurant.
 
I moved to different areas in Ontario and unfortunately, never found the same amazing flavor in Singapore Noodles at any location. When I got to the West Coast, one day I was talking to my husband David about how wonderful this dish was and how much I missed it. He just looked at me and asked me to try duplicating the recipe. What a challenge it was! I was in Windsor almost 30 years ago and reaching deep into my memory “box” to recreate flavor and texture wasn’t an easy task.
 
It took me almost a month to think of it but when I got ready, I announced to him that “tonight” was the night we were having “the” Singapore Noodles. I was almost there on my first try. After a couple more attempts, I finally got this dish to “perfection” or if you prefer my Windsor Perfection!
 
Soon after, it was where it should be, I decided to make my own Char Siu Pork. You must think -“she must be kidding me!”. No I’m not and I’ll tell you why. The taste when this pork is freshly made is amazing plus it’s very cheap to buy. C’mon, as a foody, I just had to give it a try and I’m glad I did because it makes the dish tastes even better.
 
It can be a bit challenging and time consuming when making Singapore Noodles but if you do your “mise en place” (read the Footnote for the definition below) before hand then making this dish becomes much easier. Also if there is any Char Siu leftover, here’s another recipe where I use it in… my Udon Noodle Soup!
 
It’s a fabulous recipe and worth the challenge of making it.  After your try it, you’ll realize that this Asian dish will become your favorite too!
Bon Appétit!
 
FOOTNOTE: What does “Mise en Place” mean? It’s a French term that roughly translates into English as “putting in place” which means having everything prepped ahead and being ready before you start cooking. Prep all your ingredients, cut what has to be cut, measure everything, have your spices ready so when you’re ready to start a recipe, there’s no panic in the kitchen as some recipes can go pretty fast! I do my mise en place for each recipe I make because I want to “calmly” focus on making the dish not on freaking out because there is so much going on at once….
 
Check out these other tasty Asian recipes…
– Vietnamese Summer Rolls
– Dakgangjeong – Sweet & Spicy Crispy Korean Chicken
– Wonton Soup
– Chinese 5 Spice Spare Ribs
– Thai Chicken Curry
– Sweet & Sour Pineapple Pork
– Quick & Easy Chicken Chop Suey
and for even more International recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • International

For ingredient amounts and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/recipe/singapore-noodles/


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


Thursday, May 19, 2016

Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip Recipe • Great Anytime! | Club Foody

Relax with a… “jalapeño bacon cheese dip”!

A few times a week, I like to relax and unwind at the end of the day with a cocktail and some finger food… something to munch on while I start dinner. Besides having crudités in the refrigerator to snack on, I like to make quick, easy and tasty dips to accompany them or dips that can be enjoyed with tortilla chips or crackers.
 
There’s also another great aspect to making dips. They are always welcome whenever you have guests over. To me, dips and appetizers are very social. It helps break the ice among your guests and helps keep them satisfied until dinner is ready.
 
As some of you already know, I love spicy, bold and flavorful character in my food so here’s my Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip! Last time I made it, I served it during the Super Bowl party and it was a “touch down”! It disappeared fast because it is ridiculously good! I mean just think about it; the smoky flavor from the bacon combined with cheese plus the spiciness from the jalapeño, makes this dip a winner!
 
In this bacon cheese dip recipe I use my Pickled Jalapeño so if you enjoy canning then you definitely have to try this recipe… It’s easy and pretty straight forward plus you can enjoy them at a lower cost than from the supermarket. I also use my Homemade Mayonnaise in this dip… yum!
 
I’m convinced you’ll enjoy this bold, spicy and yummy bacon cheese dip! It is quick to make and it can be served for any occasion with the crackers or chips of your choice. Next time you’re not too sure about what to prepare for your guests or family, give this great Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Dip a try…
Bon Appétit!
 
Check out these delicious dip recipes…
– Pumpernickel Spinach Dip
– Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
– Crab Artichoke Pepper Dip
– Six Layer Chip Dip
– Easy Baba Ghanoush
– Sausalito Smoked Salmon Dip
– Middle East Muhammara
and for even more appetizer recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Appetizers


For ingredient amounts and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/recipe/jalapeno-bacon-cheese-dip/


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

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Chipotle Stuffed Bronto Burgers

Certain aromas and smells bring you back to a certain place, time or event in your life.Scents like incense help keep you calm and make you relax. Others like freshly cut grass make you think of summer, picnics and sporting events. Still other smells, like someone in the neighborhood using their BBQ, create a stimulus in your head, makes our mouth water and makes us crave a….BURGER!

I love burgers…but not just any kind of burger…I love my version of a burger! I never enjoyed going to a fast food joint for a burger because I simply prefer mine over the fast food variety. Okay, okay, I am being preferential here but to this day, the only burger I look forward to devouring with all my senses is my own.


As I mentioned in the video, the recipe I’m about to share with you started more than 25 years ago because before that, I never really found burgers that appetizing. One day, I was having a backyard party and of course everyone wanted burgers and hot dogs. I couldn’t wrap my head around these two simplistic menu items so I decided to focus on one and try to make it better. The day after, I came up with the start to this recipe…and it has been modified many times since the original version.


After watching the video and hopefully after you make one or more for yourself at home, there will be no turning back. I guarantee you will never go back to regular burgers again. Of course you can modify this recipe to your own personal taste. What I’m showing you here is a version of what you can do at home and much more. Sorry but I have to run…I’m smelling BBQ and I’m craving a Chipotle Stuffed Bronto Burger. Bon Appétit!


For ingredient amounts and much more, visit http://clubfoody.com/recipe/chipotle-stuffed-bronto-burger/

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Coney Island Hot Dog

If you ask me if I like hot dogs, my initial answer would be “no”. I don’t really care for them…! But in the past it did happen that after bar hours, I stopped with my girlfriends and had an ordinary one. Would I go to the extent to have one…still “no’ unless I’m in Detroit, Michigan.

Now here’s a story. When I was living in Windsor, Ontario, we used to go out quite often to Detroit back in the 80s’. After bar closing, we just headed back to Canada. One night I was out with my dear friend Bill (I miss you man…you left us way too early), he took me to American Coney Island and my opinion about “hot dogs” totally changed that night.


Trust me, it has nothing to do with the cocktails we had that evening…! It was those delicious Coney Island Hot Dogs. Something about them sets them apart from whatever I’ve had in the past. It wasn’t a “chili” hot dog per say because there were no beans in it. It was simply a Coney Island Dog with an amazing flavorful meat sauce, topped with prepared yellow mustard and chopped white onions.


I haven’t had one since my last visit in the 80s’ and one night I was telling David about them and saying that the day we travel and visit Michigan, we have to stop to get a Coney Island Hot dog. As usual, David challenged me and the next thing you know, I recreated a version of it!


Do I have them every month…of course not because I love variety way too much! On the other hand, I appreciated having a pretty similar recipe to the original so I don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount of airfare to enjoy a Coney Island Hog Dog! If you live near the Detroit area, or you’ve visited and tried one, you’ll understand what I am talking about. Now for the rest of you, you just have to try one, they are absolutely amazing and until next time…Bon Appétit!


For ingredient amounts and much more, visit http://clubfoody.com/recipe/coney-island-hot-dog/

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Chickpea Corn Salad

I had chickpeas when I was a child and somehow never really enjoyed them… I couldn’t stand the texture. Therefore growing up and becoming a young lady, each time I came across this legume, I always avoided it.

I’ve always loved being active and at some point I was so involved in fitness that I started to modify my eating habits. After reading many books and researching health and fitness, I discovered that legumes were excellent for you, which somehow I kind of knew but preferred to dismiss. Of course chickpeas were on the list so to give these little guys a second chance I decided to mix them with a bunch of other preferred vegetables. This is how this salad was created.


Till this day, I’m not a big fan of legumes but I make an extra effort to incorporate them along with other healthy choices in our diet. They are packed with protein, fiber, manganese and folate. In certain cuisines such as Indian, chickpeas are very popular.


For those of you who are vegetarian or vegan, you know all about legumes and their benefits. For the rest of us, we have to learn how to incorporate more of them into our diet which is a clever move, if you ask me. Give these healthy little guys a try…you won’t regret it. Bon Appétit!


For ingredient amounts and much more., visit http://clubfoody.com/recipe/chickpea-corn-salad-2/

Thursday, May 5, 2016

El Pollo Cinco de Mayo - Mexican Chicken

A few years ago, we purchased a slow cooker and although it is such a convenient little kitchen appliance, we didn’t use it as often as we should.

 Recently, I received a request from a lady I’ve met on social media. She’s a sweetie and I just love her personality. Unfortunately, she has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for over 30 years and cooking has been a challenge for her. Her request was if I had any super-easy recipes on hand that I would like to share with her. This is when my slow cooker popped into my head. As little as I used it in the past, it was time to remove the dust and cook with it again.

 

As I am writing this, I don’t have a vast collection of slow cooker recipes but the ones I have are amazing. My first slow cooker recipe I’ll be sharing with you is “El Pollo Cinco de Mayo” because it was inspired by Mexican ingredients and cuisine. It features chicken of course, Jalapeno pepper, Ancho and Chipotle chili powders and cilantro for a little Mexican caliente.


 I hope this recipe is easy enough for you to try and especially for my friend on social media.This is my way to celebrate Mexican Latin culture and hope you will join the celebration too. Bon Appétit!


For ingredient amounts and much more, visit http://clubfoody.com/recipe/el-pollo-cinco-de-mayo-mexican-chicken/


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Energy Berry Bites Recipe • The Perfect Healthy Snack! | Club Foody

I love golfing, cycling, rollerblading, walking and… shopping – who knew! a woman who likes shopping… lol! Not always but sometimes in the middle of the afternoon after exercising, I want a little something to keep me going until dinner time. I’ve never really been crazy about the store-bought energy bars. They don’t taste fresh although the package mentions all the natural ingredients in it. My question is this – “if they are as natural as they state, how can they sit on the shelves for weeks?” Exactly!

 
What I look for in an energy snack is great ingredients that are good for me and nourish my body. I don’t need artificial sugars and flavors. I want something that Mother Nature provides us. I don’t want to feel guilty or feel less energetic because my body is trying to break down some additives or chemical ingredients.
 
What I am about to share with you today is my Energy Berry Bites! It is a beautiful recipe that I enjoyed a lot when I was going to the gym 6 days a week. It gave me just enough fuel to continue until my next meal. As a friend of mine once told me – “these energy berry bites look healthy, taste healthy and feel healthy!”. Lori-May wasn’t too far off… they are quite healthy!
 
These Energy Berry Bites are all natural and if you don’t keep these energy bites in the fridge, they won’t do very well after a couple of days on the counter. Their “shelf life” is short so I trust this is a good indication that homemade is much better than other “health bars” on the market. You have no excuse for not making them; they take next to no time to make and taste amazing! It’s a pretty straight forward recipe that puts TLC in your body! So let’s be healthy…
Bon Appétit!
 
Check out these healthy snack recipes…
– Homemade Apple Sauce
– Powerhouse Cookies
– Sesame Snaps
– Healthy Homemade Granola
– Lemon Raspberry Muffins
– Yogurt Bars with Fruit & Nuts
and for even more healthy recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Healthy


For ingredient amounts and much more, visit https://clubfoody.com/recipe/energy-berry-bites/


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