5 Star Chicken

Chicken
4 Boneless Chicken Breast, skin removed, pound to tenderize
1 Handful of Freshly Grated Parmesan
2 cups of Panko Breadcrumbs
1 small bunch of Basil, chopped
Zest of 1 Lemon
1 egg, beaten
1 cup Flour
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

Salad
1 bulb of Fennel, shaved with a mandolin
2 Red Apples, julienned
1 large Grapefruit, peeled and 'supremed'
1 small bunch of Cilantro, chopped
1 tsp Whole Grain Mustard
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

Vinaigrette
1 Tbsp Accacia or Orange Blossom Honey
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 Tbsp Malt Vinegar
2 tsp High Quality Soy Sauce
1 clove of Garlic, chopped
1 cup EVOO
Black Pepper

1. Chicken- Pat dry breasts and season with salt and pepper.- Mix Parmesan, Basil, Zest and Panko together and lay it out on a flat plate.- Coat evenly with flour.- Coat evenly with the beaten egg.- Coat evenly with panko mixture. - Tap more crumbs on the chicken to ensure even coating.- On a hot non stick pan, heat EVOO and sear chicken for 3.5 mins a side until brown and crispy. Keep in mind you do not want to overcook the chicken or undercook it, 3.5mins per side is a good timing for a relatively thick breast(like the one in the picture). - Set aside on a wire rack to cool.
2. Salad- Put everything in a bowl and toss! Use your fairy fingers, be delicate.
3. Vinaigrette- Whisk everything in a bowl.- Taste. Add more soy if required.
4. Putting it altogether:1. Make the vinaigrette.2. Make the salad, chill in fridge.3. Cook the chicken. 4. When chicken is ready, slice it up and immediately serve with salad on top and drizzle vinaigrette.

Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
• 6 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

1. Combine garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Add chicken thighs to bowl and toss to coat with spices.
3. Grill chicken* over medium heat, 5 minutes on each side.
4. Combine honey and vinegar in a small bowl. Brush ¼ cup of the mixture on the chicken thighs.
5. Grill for 1 minute.
6. Turn thighs over and brush the opposite sides with the remaining honey and vinegar mixture.
7. Grill for 1 minute more, or until chicken is done.
8. note: grilling times will be longer if you are using chicken breasts

Marlboro Man’s Favorite Sandwich

1-2 pounds cube steak (tenderized round steak that’s been extra-tenderized
1 large onion
2-3 French/Deli rolls
Butter, man
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Worcestershire Sauce
Tabasco

1. Slice onions and cook in 1/4 stick butter until soft and light brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Slice cube steak against the grain. Season with Lawry’s.
3. Heat 2 TBSP butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown.
4. Add meat in single layer. Cook one side until brown, then flip and cook until brown, about a minute on both sides.
5. Add 1/2 (at least) Worcestershire sauce, 5 to 6 shakes Tabasco, and 2 TBSP butter. Add cooked onions. Stir to combine.
6. Butter halved French rolls and brown on skillet.
7. To assemble, lay bottom half of French roll on plate. Place meat mixture, followed by a spoonfull of juice from the pan. Top with other half of roll, cut in half, and devour!

Balsamic Chicken

1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1/2 lb/750 g)
2 tbsp (25 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) crumbled dried sage or rosemary
1 cup (250 mL) chicken stock
2 tbsp (25 mL) balsamic vinegar
2 tsp (10 mL) liquid honey
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

1. In shallow dish or plastic bag, combine flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken and turn or shake to coat.
2. In large nonstick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium heat; fry chicken, turning once, until no longer pink inside, 12 minutes. Remove to plate and keep warm.
3. Add remaining oil to pan; cook garlic and sage just until golden, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with any remaining flour; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in stock, vinegar and honey; cook until thickened enough to coat back of spoon.
4. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to pan, turning to coat; cook until chicken is glazed, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with parsley.

Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
3. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

(Non American) Sweet and Sour Pork

1/2 lb. pork tenderloin (cut into bite size pieces)
1/2 green bell pepper (about 2 oz. and cut into pieces)
1/2 red bell pepper (about 2 oz. and cut into pieces)
2 stalks scallions (only the white part, cut into 2 inch length)
1 piece fresh/canned pineapple ring (cut into small pieces)
1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
Oil for frying

Marinate:

1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon corn flour
1/2 teaspoon rice wine

Frying Batter:

1/2 cup water
2 oz. all-purpose flour
1 oz. corn starch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 egg
1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 small pinch of salt

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1 1/2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon plum sauce
1/8 teaspoon Chinese rice vinegar (transparent in color)
1/2 teaspoon Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons water

1. Cut the pork tenderloin into pieces and marinate with the ingredients for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mix the sweet and sour sauce ingredients well and set aside.
3. Strain the dry ingredients of the frying batter and then add in the egg, water, and cooking oil to form a thick batter.
4. When the pork is well-marinated, transfer the pork pieces into the batter and make sure they are well coated. In a deep skillet, add in the cooking oil enough for deep-frying. Once the oil is hot, deep fry the pork pieces until they turn golden brown. Dish out and drain on paper towels.
5. Heat up a wok and add in some cooking oil. Add in the chopped garlic and stir fry until light brown, then follow by the bell peppers and pineapple pieces. Stir fry until you smell the peppery aroma from the peppers and then add in the sweet and sour sauce. As soon as the sauce thickenens, transfer the pork into the wok and stir well with the sauce. Add in the chopped scallions, do a few quick stirs, dish out and serve hot with steamed white rice.

Chicken Satay

4 chicken breasts
1 teaspoon of coriander powder
2 stalks lemon grass
6 shallots (peeled)
2 cloves garlic (peeled)
4 tablespoons of cooking oil
1 teaspoon of chili powder
2 teaspoons of turmeric powder (kunyit)
4 teaspoons of Kecap Manis (ABC brand from Indonesia recommended)
1 spoon of Oyster Sauce (Lee Kam Kee brand recommended)
Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 2 hours to avoid burning)
1 cucumber (skin peeled and cut into small pieces)

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

2 tablespoons fish sauce (I use golden boy from importfood.com)
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 fresh lemongrass stalks, tender inner white bulbs only, minced
1 large shallot/onion, thinly sliced
3 chilies, seeded and minced
1 scallion for garnishing

1. In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, garlic, curry powder, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sugar. Add the chicken meat to coat.
2. In a small skillet, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of the water and cook over high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cook without stirring until a deep amber caramel forms. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil and heat until shimmering. Add the lemongrass, shallot, and chilies and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the chicken and caramel and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Transfer to a bowl and top with the scallion. Serve with steamed white rice.

Chicken Scarpariello

1 to 1 1/2 Pound) Chicken Cut Into Pieces
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
Salt & Pepper
1 Teaspoon Oregano
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
3 Cloves Garlic, Peeled & Sliced
1/2 Cup Chopped Onions
1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary
1 Cup Chicken Stock
1/2 Cup White Wine
Juice From 1 Lemon
3 Tablespoons Unsalted, Softened Butter
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1/4 Cup Chopped, Fresh Parsley

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mix together the flour and oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Rinse and dry the chicken pieces, and then dredge them lightly in the seasoned flour mixture. In a heavy, ovenproof skillet, large enough to hold all of the chicken pieces, heat the olive oil, and then brown the chicken well on all sides over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the oil by using too hot of heat. Once all of the pieces are well browned, remove them to a plate. Pour out the left over oil in the pan, leaving just a tablespoon or two with the browned bits at the bottom. Add the onion and cook until soft, and then add the garlic. As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle, add the wine, and stir the browned bits at the bottom while you reduce the wine by half over medium high heat. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Break up the rosemary into pieces, and add it to the sauce. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, and spoon the sauce over top. Bake the chicken until done, about 20 minutes.

Remove the chicken to a warmed platter, and bring the remaining sauce to a boil. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Add the remaining butter to the sauce in the skillet, and mix well. Remove the rosemary pieces from the sauce. If the sauce is thin, stir in a little of the cornstarch and butter mixture, wisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped parsley, and pour the sauce over the chicken on the platter. Serve immediately.

Malaysian Turmeric and Honey Wings

1 lb chicken wings (middle section)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
2 inches ginger (skin peeled)

1. Prepare the ginger by pounding with a mortar and pestle or grinding with small food processor. Extract the juice by squeezing with your hand and discard the ginger.
2. Marinate the chicken wings with the ginger juice and all the seasonings above for 1-2hours. Grill or bake them in oven (at 375 degree F) for 20-25 minutes until cooked or golden brown.
3. Serve hot.

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (Triple Shot of Espresso from Starbucks)
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• pressurized whipped cream
• caramel ice cream topping
  

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, and 1 inch up the sides. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove to cool on a wire rack.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
4. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, beating until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream, espresso and vanilla. Pour batter into the baked and cooled crust.
5. Bake cheesecake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 5 minutes; then turn the oven off, partially open the door and allow the cheesecake to rest for 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven, and run a knife around the edges. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack to room temperature, then cover the springform pan with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
6. To serve, cut the cheesecake into wedges and garnish each slice with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

New York Cheesecake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 1/2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups white sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a 10 inch springform pan with spray oil. Note: You could use a 9x13 inch pan instead.
2. To make the crust: Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1/2 cup butter or margarine. Spread to the edges of the pan. Prick all over with a fork, then bake 15 minutes at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Allow to cool.
3. Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, 5 eggs and the yolks and mix thoroughly. Add cream and mix only enough to blend.
4. Pour filling over crust and bake for 10 minutes at 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Reduce temperature to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) and continue to bake for one hour. Turn oven off, but leave cake in for another hour. Don't worry if it looks a little jiggly in the center.
5. Chill overnight. This is imperative! If desired, top with your favorite fruit or serve plain.

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon white sugar, or to taste (optional)
• 5 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.