Recipe: Puttanesca Burger Bites

You may have heard about  a large retailer recently cutting their personnel in their warehouse stores.  And, by personnel – I mean the wonderful people who gave out samples of the food while you go about your shopping.  My husband really misses the sample people.  Shopping isn’t the same for him anymore.  Well – a couple of evenings ago I was cleaning out my office and organizing stuff to go in the attic etc. etc. etc. and found a recipe card that I picked up from one of the sample people and that I thought was lost because it fell into the black hole a.k.a. my home office.  Upon reading the recipe my mouth was watering and I remember how down right tasty these little suckers were.  And, you know me – easy – easy – easy.  I had to share.  Here ya go!

Big Box Retailer Recipe for Puttanesca Burger Bites
Serves 16  Preparation Time: 25 mins – yields 50

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (use the good stuff people)
8 slices provolone cheese
16 slices french bread
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes w/green chilies, drained
Weber Grill Creations Gourmet Burger Seasoning
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Manzanilla Spanish Olives, diced

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add garlic and Italian seasoning.  Stir for about 30 seconds, then add olives.  Mix well and saute’ for 1 minute, then add Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.  Simmer 5 to 7 minutes longer.  Lower heat, cover and keep warm.

2.  Divide ground chuck into 1 oz. portions and form into 1/4″ thick patties.  Dust both sides with Gourmet Burger Seasonings.

3.  Heat another skillet over medium heat and spray with olive oil spray or use a little liquid olive oil; add burger patties and cook for 2 minutes on each side.

4.  Top each burger with a spoonful of olive topping and a half-slice of Provolone cheese.   Cover skillet, turn off heat and allow to sit for one minute.  Place burgers on french bread slices and enjoy.

These little babies were really yummy and it was embarrassing how many times my husband went back for a ‘sample’.  Aww – the sample people.  You will be missed.

I will post the PERFECT side dish recipe to go along with this tomorrow.  Yes – another sample people recipe from that day.  Same card.  Wish I had some right now. 

Y’all Enjoy!

Recipe: Classic Swiss Steak for the Crock Pot

I don’t know about you, but my time in the kitchen has been greatly limited since taking on a new job. I’m out the door at 7:00 AM and arrive back home around 6:00 PM every day. Given my new schedule, i’ve had to find more recipes that allow me to whip up something in 30 to 40 minutes or throw something in the crock pot before leaving for work each morning. All I can say is “Thank heaven above for the person who invented the crock pot”!

This is a classic Swiss Steak recipe. Turns out tender and moist every time.

Classic Swiss Steak – Crock Pot Style
1 round steak (you can use cubed steak if you like)
2 cup flour
1/4 tbsp. butter
4 oz. tomato sauce
1 onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced

Cut steak into serving portions. Combine flour, salt, and black pepper in medium-size bowl. Roll cut steaks in flour mixture, coating both sides. Melt shortening or butter in a hot skillet. Brown round steak on both sides, but do not cook. Place in Crockery Pot and add tomato sauce, onion, and green pepper. Cook on low for 6 to 12 hours (high up to 6 hours).

Y’all Enjoy!

Recipe: Noodle Mess

My husband loves ‘noodle mess’. His mother made this for him a lot when he was a kid. He thought the recipe was something complicated and I’m so ‘whatever! It can’t be that difficult. It’s noodles’. So I asked her what ‘noodle mess’ was one day and she just laughed and said ‘Whatever I have in the pantry, plus ground beef, tomatoes, and noodles’. (seriously) And, since I’m all about the easy-to-make, quick, down and dirty cooking method – on top of which the hubster loves this stuff – I’m all over it. I make this at least twice a month. Throw a little salad and buttery, toasted bread on the side and viola – dinner!

Mem’s Noodle Mess

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or whatever pasta you prefer (I’ve made it with all kinds)
1 pound ground beef, or turkey, or sausage – your choice
1 can of diced tomatoes (season or not – your choice)
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic – chopped

Now – I’ve been known to add corn, red beans, diced green paper, mushrooms – whatever. If you have it in your pantry or frig and it sounds good, throw it in there. I bet replacing the tomatoes with Rotel would be really good too if you want to spice this up a bit.

Brown the meat, throw everything else in and season to taste with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to directions and drain. Add to the meat mixture and stir and that’s Mem’s Noodle Mess.

Throw a little grated cheese on top for kicks.

Y’all Enjoy!