I’m a little late posting this. I don't have a calendar with the American holidays on it. I just had the last weekend in May stuck in my head as being Memorial Day...oops! I didn't realize that next Monday was June already.
I had several people send me some delicious recipes for the contest. I just couldn’t choose just one winner.
The first winner is.....
Melanie Russell
Her recipe was so simple yet incredibly yummy and versatile. It has already inspired other dishes. Here is her wonderful recipe:
Pan Seared Chicken
Ingredients:
· Chicken Breast(s)
· Garlic
· Salt
· Pepper
· Basil
· Zucchini and Broccoli (or veggies of choice)
· Tomatoes
· Rice
· Cooking Oil
Directions:
1. Cube chicken into bite sized pieces
2. Chop veggies
3. Prepare rice (however that may be)
4. Pour 1 TBS of oil into 2 different pans.
5. In one pan add the chicken, 1 tsp salt, pinch of pepper, 1tsp basil, 1 tsp garlic and cook till chicken is golden brown
6. In the other pan add veggies and 1tsp salt, pinch of pepper, 1tsp basil, 1tsp garlic, and tomatoes and sauté.
7. Serve over rice
The second winner is...
Alisha Barker
I enjoyed the adventure of using local fruit. Her recipe was exotic and very appropriate for my location. Here is her recipe.
Pork (or chicken) w/ Lychees
Ingredients:
- 1 TBSP oil
- 2 lb pork cut in 1" cubes (you could use chicken too)
- 20 oz. of Lychees 1/4 cup soy sauce ( I think it would still be good even if you can't eat or find this)
- 1/4 cup rice wine
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 small dried chili
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and flattened
- 1 slice flattened ginger
- 2 TBSP cornstarch
- 2 TBSP water
Directions:
Heat oil; add pork & brown; Mix soy sauce, wine, and spices simmer covered for 25 minutes. Add lychees and simmer 10 more minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in water. Add to skillet and stir until thick. Serve over rice and/or with a side of veggies.
The third winner is...
Gale Langley
She gave me two excellent recipes (one is actually from her mom). I loved them both and made them on Election Day. Here they are:
Chunky Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Directions:
1. In large saucepan combine potatoes and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Set potatoes and reserved liquid aside.
2. In the same pan cook onion in butter until tender, stirring often. Stir in flour, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir over medium-low heat 1 minute.
3. Gradually stir in milk and reserved cooking liquid. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
4. Stir in potatoes and cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through and cheese melts.
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
- a small splash of vanilla extract
- 1 large coffee mug
Directions:
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
There are two honorable mentions. They are....
Phyllis Merritt
and
Lydia Tate
Each of these ladies will soon be receiving a special gift from the Motherland. Thank you all who participated. I enjoyed trying your recipes. Just because the contest is over doesn’t mean the recipe exchange has to stop. I hope to post recipes from here from time to time. If you come across a good recipe, please don’t hesitate to send it my way.
Happy Cooking!
