Cooking Tip: How To Revive Wilted Lettuce

Cooking Tip- How To Revive Wilted Lettuce

Poor sad wilted lettuce, it didn't ask for this!  I hate wasting food, don't you?  I picked up a glorious head of lettuce two days ago, forgot about it, and when I returned to fulfill my salad quest, the lettuce looked at me and begged, "Please make me pretty again."  

My friends, not all is lost (except for the fact my lettuce is talking to me...that's creepy;)  There is a simple solution to reviving most greens on a "stalk", such as lettuce, kale, celery, broccoli, swiss chard, etc.  Water!

Simply place your wilted greens in a large bowl, add water, ice, and allow the lettuce to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.  I've read that some add lemon juice, but I don't feel that is necessary.  This system has always worked for me, and "if it's not broke, don't fix it", right?

After a couple of hours, remove your lettuce from the bowl, lay it out on paper towels, and gently roll up the paper towel with the lettuce.  Place the lettuce in a resealable bag and place back in the refrigerator.  Your lettuce should remain "pretty" for a couple more days.  *Note: This method does not work well for those boxed mixed greens.

So now you have the tools to revive your wilted greens when they start talking to you.  Ha!

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Fiesta Chicken and Sausage Stew over Polenta

Fiesta Chicken and Sausage Stew over Polenta Recipe

Cook Time:  30 minutes  Difficulty:  Easy

This tasty recipe has comfort written all over it.  Creamy Monterey Jack polenta topped with a spicy tomato chicken and sausage stew! Oh my! 

I wasn't sure how the kiddos would react to eating polenta, but they enjoyed this dish immensely.  A definite must have in your recipe repertoire!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

• 2 Italian sausage links, sliced into 1 inch pieces

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp Olive oil (I use coconut oil)

• 3 Tablespoons (Tbsp) Cherchies® Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend

• 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup chopped Cilantro

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 3 - 3 1/2 cups water

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) pepper

• 5 tbsp Butter

• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

• 4 - 4 1/2 cups water

• Chopped Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preparation

In a large dutch oven, add the onions, chicken, sausage, Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend, and oil.  Cook until chicken and sausage are no longer pink (about 15 minutes).   As chicken and sausage are cooking, prepare the polenta.

Add chicken broth or white wine to the dutch oven, making sure to scrape the bottom to loosen any bits that may have stuck.  This is flavor you don't want to miss in your dish.  Add the tomato sauce, garlic, cilantro, and greek yogurt.  Stir and simmer on low until polenta is finished.

In a large high sided skillet add water and milk. Bring to a boil and slowly whisk in polenta. Once all the polenta has been added turn the heat down to low and slowly whisk until thick. On my stove this takes about 7 minutes.  Once creamy and cooked remove from heat and stir in butter, cheese and salt.

Add polenta to the bottom of a bowl and top with the stew.  Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.  One dish comfort!  Enjoy:)

Asiago Cheese & Spinach Dip Recipe

Asiago Cheese & Spinach Dip Recipe

Cook Time:  30 minutes*  Difficulty: Easy  *Note- Dip is best if made ahead

Unexpected company coming for dinner?  Grab a packet of Asiago Cheese & Spinach Dip, add some mayonnaise and sour cream, some veggies and crackers, and voila...instant Hors d'oeuvre.  Easy peasy!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (we used light)

• 1/2 cup Sour cream (we used light)

• 1 packet Terrapin Ridge Farms Asiago Cheese & Spinach Dip Mix

• 1 small can of water chestnuts, chopped (optional)

Combine the mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl and add one packet of Asiago Cheese & Spinach Dip. Add water chestnuts if desired.  Stir.  Refrigerate the dip for at least a half hour.  The longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more the flavors marry. Serve with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies.  

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Happy Entertaining!

Cherchies® Gift Basket Giveaway

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Gift Basket Giveaway

Enter our Gift Basket Giveaway!

Win a whole colander full of Cherchies products! Valued at $45, it includes Cherchies® Lem’n Dill Seasoning, Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning, Cherchies® Champagne Mustard, Cherchies® Pretty Hot Peppers, and Cherchies® Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup Mix all packed in a handy colander. 

How to Enter the Giveaway

Comment on this blog post by telling us... Which Cherchies recipe would you like to make? If you have a favorite you've tried before, mention it! 

PS. Don't forget to leave your name. 

One winner will be chosen at random from the comments posted on this blog. Winner will be selected and announced here on our blog Saturday, April 30, 2016.

Void where prohibited, US residents only.

***This giveaway is now closed.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WINNER**