Sweet Potato Fries

Just try them.  Sweet.

Sweet Potato Fries

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them in small to medium sized fries.  More like Wendy's size, less like McDonalds.  :)

Toss the potatoes in a bit of cornstarch.  Then dump the potatoes and cornstarch in a baggie.  The cornstarch will help crisp up the fries.

Sprinkle some olive oil and seasoning in the bag and toss together.  I used 5-spice.  The cinnamon was awesome sweetness!

Amounts all depend on how many sweet potatoes you use.  Just use your judgment.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20-30 minutes depending on thickness and turn 1/2 way through.

One tip I saw was that after they are done baking, open the oven door a bit and let sit for 20 minutes.  That is supposed to crisp them up further.    Mine turned out a bit too crispy but you can adjust that if you decide to try it.

Lemon Herb Cauliflower

This is a fresh flavor that would pair well with fish or a lemon pepper chicken breast.

Lemon Herb Cauliflower

1 head cauliflower
2-3 T. olive oil
fresh thyme
fresh basil
salt
pepper
1 lemon

Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss in the olive oil.  add 1 T. fresh thyme and 1-2 T. fresh basil chopped fine.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 

Zest on lemon and then juice it.  Toss it with the rest.

Roast it on a greased cookie sheet at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

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T = tablespoon

Dark Chocolate Brownie Cookies

This recipe was on the side of a Pillsbury Brownie box and I didn't want to lose it.   Not homemade, but who cares when you are talking about chocolate dessert!

Dark Chocolate Brownie Cookies

1 family size dark chocolate brownie mix
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/3 c. chocolate chips

Mix everything together.  Spoon ping pong size balls on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-9 minutes.

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c = cup

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple and Red Onion

I have finally converted the hubby on grilled fruit!   The caramelized pineapple and onion go great with this flavorful pork chop.  Yum.

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple and Red 
Onion

1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 c. pineapple juice (I didn't have any so, I just pureed some pineapple in the food processor)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and much of the ribs removed (you be the judge based on how spicy you like it)
1 T. honey
juice of one lime
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. salt
1 lb. boneless thin cut pork chops, trimmed
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch rings
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2 inch rings
1 T. EVOO

Combine the cilantro, pineapple juice, jalapeno, honey, lime juice, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.  Reserve 1/4 c. for serving.

Marinate the pork chops in the mixture for 5-10 minutes.

Brush pineapple and red onion with the olive oil.

Remove the pork chops from the marinated and season with more salt and pepper.

Grill the pineapple and onion for 4-5 minutes per side and the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side.

Once plated, drizzle the reserved marinated over everything and garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge.

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lb = pound

T = tablespoon

t = teaspoon

Thai Turkey Burgers (or meatloaf!)

Wowsa.  I found this recipe in All Recipes magazine.  It is loaded with flavor--the ginger really pops. I did modify it a bit.  I can't help myself.   (I almost like this better as a meatloaf!)

Top with the cole slaw recipe post from October 2016 for a mild flavor.  Or even better, put this on a thin pita with the sriracha slaw from September 2020.  A nice kick--so good.


Thai Turkey Burgers

1 egg
3 T. soy sauce
1/3 c. minced fresh cilantro
1/4 c. thinly sliced green onion
1 1/2 T. minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1/3 c. bread crumbs

Whisk egg and soy sauce in a bowl.  Add cilantro, green onion, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Add turkey and bread crumbs.  Mix well with your hands and shape into 4 patties.

Cook on the grill or in a non stick skillet over medium heat, turning once.  12 to 15 minutes until 165 degrees in center.

If making it as a meatloaf, form a loaf and bake on an oiled rack placed on a baking pan for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees or until internal temp is 160 degrees.

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T = tablespoon
t = teaspoon
c = cup

Beef Burgers

This is a variation of a recipe I found for a Juicy Lucy burger.  You Minnesotans should know what that is!

Only have a 1 pound package?  No problem.  Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Beef Burgers

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 T. worcestershire sauce
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. pepper

Mix it all together and form 6 1/4 pound patties.

Give them to your grill master to throw them on the grill.

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t = teaspoon
T = tablespoon
lb = pounds