Herbed Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

View fullsize

Herbed Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Cook Time:  30 minutes  Difficulty:  Easy

For years, my Southern mother-in-law tried to incorporate sweet potato casserole into our Thanksgiving and Easter feasts, and every year my family, including my hubby, would politely and inconspicuously push the sweet potato casserole off to the side of their plate. Sneaky family;)

I actually liked the casserole (score one for the daughter-in-law:).  My husband actually said, "There's no way you will get me to like sweet potatoes".  Well friends, I LOVE a good challenge like the next person, so guess who won?  

I was on a mission, sweet potatoes or bust, so I took a leap of faith again (I often do that with my family and cooking), and made a savory version of this healthy root vegetable...baked sweet potato fries!  I used oil, Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, Thyme, and Rosemary.   Delicious!

I was shocked...the fries were devoured by everyone, including dear hubby:)  We now have these fries at least once a week.  So, make these easy, tasty, savory fries for your family today!  Your family will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch wedges
• 2 Tablespoons oil (we tested with Olive Oil)
• Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning to coat (can substitute Cherchies® Garlic "n Herbs Seasoning Blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) pepper
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) Thyme
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) Rosemary

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Wash the potatoes with a vegetable brush and warm water.  Peel the potatoes and slice into 1/2 wedges.  

View fullsize

Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, pepper, Thyme, and Rosemary.   Mix the potatoes by hand to ensure all the potatoes are covered with the oil and the spices.  Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until potatoes are cooked.   The potatoes should be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.  

Serve with your favorite burger, our Herbed Corn on the Cob, and our Strawberry Spinach Salad for a complete meal.  Enjoy!

View fullsize

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!

View fullsize

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.  

View fullsize

Happy Entertaining!