Classic French Toast with Strawberries

After last nights dinner, I felt I really needed to redeem myself in the kitchen.  And did I ever!  How could you go wrong with a Martha Stewart recipe.....  The house smelled amazing and it tasted even better. Seriously, try this one.  I used country white sliced sourdough.  She suggested soaking it for 10 minutes but I only did about 5.

http://www.marthastewart.com/333918/classic-french-toast

5-minute Brown Butter Chicken and Crispy Sage

A co-worker mentioned making this recipe and really enjoying it so I gave it try on Friday night.  Maybe because I normally do more elaborate recipes that are saucy, I did not really enjoy this one.  It was decent but too plain for me.  Maybe if it was done with chicken thighs I would have liked it better. :)

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/5-minute-brown-butter-chicken-and-crispy-sage.html

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Oranges and Rosemary

When I got pregnant I had a serious orange craving and stumbled on this recipe.  So glad I did because it's one of our favorites now.  My recipe edits: Marinade, I add fresh squeeze orange juice to the oil-rosemary mixture.  I also drizzle the remaining marinade on the chicken after pan searing so the juices really bake into the meat while cooking.  Serve with risotto and zucchini.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ask-aida/pan-roasted-chicken-with-oranges-and-rosemary-recipe/index.html

Ms. Sicily's Signature Pasta

My life was changed when I discovered Rao's! Expensive jarred sauce but worth every penny. Trust me.

Boil a pot of heavily salted water.
Brown the sausage and zucchini in a saute pan until cooked. Add in sliced roasted red pepper slices and the sauce. Bring to a light boil and simmer while your pasta cooks. Drain your pasta, pour your sauce over it and serve! Mangia-Mangia!

Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Herb Jus and Potato-Vegetable Hash

This one is a show stopper.  Takes a bit of time but great weekend meal! I prefer to make it with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.  I usually double the potato hash because we LOVE it.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robert-irvine/pan-seared-chicken-breast-with-herb-jus-and-potato-vegetable-hash-recipe/index.html

Cuban rubbed pork chops

This is one of my summer favorites.  Mainly because I get to pair it with corn, tomatoes and avocado!  In the recipe he says to remove the pork chops and reduce the sauce, I've found that they are not cooked enough.  So I leave them in the pan while it reduces.

I toss the tomatoes and avocado in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.  The cook the corn on the cob and cut it out.  But you could totally serve it on the cob if you prefer.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/cuban-pork-chops-with-mojo-recipe/index.html

Steak and Potatoes

This my version of steak and potatoes!  I've picked up these recipes from multiple sources and have made them my own.  We try not to eat a lot of red meat so we share just one steak between us.

Steak
Olive oil
Butter
Salt and Pepper
Pull the steak out immediately and let it sit out while you prep everything else.  A steak will not sear properly and cook evenly if it's cooked cold.  Also if you haven't invested in an iron skillet......get one now.

Small yukon gold potatoes
Red bell pepper
Sweet onion
carrots
Olive oil
Salt & Pepper
Cut everything into pieces and toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper.  Spread out on a baking sheet covered in foil.  Bake at 425 for approximately 25-30 minutes or until they are as roasted as you prefer.
While the potatoes are in the oven, heat your iron skillet on high.  Add olive oil and a tsp of butter to the pan.  The olive oil prevents the butter from burning.  Salt and pepper your steak.  Sear it on one side (time depends on how you like your meat cooked) and then turn and sear on the other side.  Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

This is an easy way to know if your steak is cooked!