You invest a lot of time and money into the steaks for a special occasion and when dinner time comes, they are tough. What happened? How can you cook steaks as tender as your favorite restaurant? The first step to cooking a good steak is to choose the right grade of steak. The top quality beef is graded USDA Prime and commands top prices. USDA Prime grade meats are sold to the restaurant industry and specialty markets and are not as likely to be found at your local grocery chain. The next grade of beef is USDA Choice. USDA Choice is tender, flavorful and only slightly lower in quality than USDA Prime. The meat is well marbled with fat and will be tender and juicy when properly prepared.…read more
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Creamy Fresh Leek Soup
August 11, 2020 1547 ViewsTime-saver tip: Cook up a double batch and freeze half for another dinner. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup diced potato 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (scallions) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano leaves 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 11/2 pounds white leeks, sliced (about 9 cups) 1 cup white wine or water 11/2 cups low fat milk Directions: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add potatoes, onions, garlic, salt, thyme and pepper; cook, stirring often, until onions just begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add leeks, broth, and wine; bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove 1 cup of the…read more
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Top 10 Best Chili Dishes
August 9, 2020 1090 ViewsThere’s something about eating a nice, hearty bowl of chili that warms us down to our toes. Doesn’t matter what time of year – anytime is chili time! It’s amazing how many varieties of chili recipes exist in the cooking universe. Here’s a small sample of some great chili recipes. Award Winning Chili – Made with beef brisket, garlic, V8 juice, jalapeno pepper, spices, beer and your commitment to making great chili. You’ll win awards in your own kitchen after making this delicious chili. Authentic Texas Chili – Made with top round beef, garlic, green peppers, dried chilies, beef stock and hot sauce. This chili brings you a taste of the old Southwest – open prairie, a…read more
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California-Style Buttered Pasta
July 24, 2020 1662 ViewsCalifornia and Italy have much in common, which explains why many simple Italian dishes featuring fresh ingredients are popular in the Golden State. One dish that deliciously merges the Old World with the new is California-Style Buttered Pasta. While red sauce is the most familiar match for Italian pasta, as you move into Northern Italy the tomatoes and olive oil give way to creamy butter as a popular pasta topping. Northern Italy is a major dairy region, much like California, which is the largest milk and butter producer in the U.S. This delicious dish couldn’t be simpler to prepare, combining cooked pasta with the rich natural taste of California butter. The dish comes together as…read more