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April 23rd, 2020

4/23/2020

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Grilled Mediterranean Steak Kabobs

SERVINGS: 6-8
DIETARY: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
DIFFICULTY: Beginner
PREP/COOK TIME: 45 min/8 min

Steak Kabobs

2 lbs. sirloin steak, cubed
24 oz. cherry tomatoes
4 green bell peppers, cut into 1" squares
4 red bell peppers, cut into 1" squares
2 red onions, cut into 1" squares

Marinade

6 cloves garlic, diced finely
3 tbsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. dried basil
1 tbsp. dried mint
2 tbsp. crushed red pepper
3 lemons, zest and juiced
1/4 c. olive oil
salt and pepper

Start by mixing all of the marinade ingredients together in a bowl and whisk until uniform. Add the steak kabob ingredients into the marinade and mix until all ingredients are coated. Marinade for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the grill and oil the grate. I used a Ninja Foodie Deluxe Grill (high heat and set timer for 6-8 min).
If using wooden skewers, dunk them in water so they don't burn. Put the kabob ingredients on skewers in any order desirable. Salt and pepper each skewer.
Once skewers are assembled, place them on the grill and cook 3-4 min on each side. Let the skewers rest for 2 min then enjoy!

"Me Cuisine" Tips

The marinade is just a template. There are so many different Mediterranean spices, such as savory, marjoram, sumac, tarragon, etc. Try some new combinations to tailor to your palette!
I like my steak RARE, so I only grill on high for 2-3 min on each side. You can replace the steak with chicken or pork as well. Fish is not preferred since it cooks much faster compared to the veggies.
You can meal prep all the skewers the night before as well. Really easy meal prep.

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April 14th, 2020

4/14/2020

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Slow Braised Coke Pork Carnitas

SERVINGS: 12
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DIETARY: Gluten-Free (without tortilla), Dairy-Free (without cheese)
PREP/COOK TIME: 10 min/8 hrs

Slow Cooker Coke Carnitas

6 lbs. pork shoulder, fat slightly trimmed
1 sweet onion, sliced thin
12 fl. oz. Coke, preferably Mexican coke

Carnita Rub

2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. onion powder
2 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. ground cayenne
3 tbsp. salt
3 tbsp. pepper

Prepare a 6-8 qt. slow cooker. Put the rub ingredients in a bowl and mix together with a fork until uniform.
Take the carnita seasoning and rub all over the pork shoulder until completely covered. Set aside.
Pour the Coke into the slow cooker along with the sliced onion. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions.
Cook on low heat for 10-12 hrs for best results or until it is easy to shred with a fork. You can put these carnitas in burritos, tacos, or really anything!

"Me Cuisine" Tips

The best tortillas to use in my opinion are flour tortillas so the juices don't make the tortilla soggy. The flavors and textures work together perfectly.
This is just a really simple base recipe anyone can do! All you need is a slow cooker or a large pot to fit everything.
If it is too sweet, add less brown sugar to the rub.

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April 14th, 2020

4/14/2020

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Fudge Brownies with Walnuts

SERVINGS: 9
DIFFICULTY: Beginner
DIETARY: None
PREP/COOK TIME: 15 min/20 min

Fudge Brownies

1/2 c. unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp. neutral cooking oil (not olive oil)
1 1/4 c. white granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 c. all purpose flour
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
8 oz. chocolate chips
8 oz. walnuts, chopped and toasted
pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Lightly grease an 8-in. square baking pan with cooking spray (also makes it easier if the pan is non-stick).
Combine melted butter, oil, and sugar together in a bowl. Whisk for about 1 min. and add the eggs and vanilla. Beat until the color turns lighter.
Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Over mixing will turn the brownies dense so be careful in this step.
Pour in the chocolate chips and walnuts and fold them in until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake for about 20-25 min or until the center is barely set. You can stick a toothpick in the middle and if it comes out clean you are good to go (I actually like the center a little under cooked).
Remove the brownies and let them cool. Cut into 9 separate squares and enjoy with some vanilla ice cream.

"Me Cuisine" Tips

Dried cherries work perfectly in this recipe and add a nice textural difference.
Add parchment paper to the baking pan to ensure the brownies do not stick.
The hotter the melted butter is, the fudgier the brownies will be. For more cakey brownies, add colder butter.

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April 14th, 2020

4/14/2020

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Corned Beef and Cabbage

SERVINGS: 6
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DIETARY: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
PREP/COOK TIME: 30 min/6 hrs

Corned Beef

4-5 lbs. corned beef (in a package with seasoning)
salt and pepper

Cabbage and Veggies

3 carrots, medium dice
3 stalks celery, medium dice
8 yellow potatoes, quartered
1 sweet onion, medium dice
8 oz. white button mushrooms, halved
1 head of cabbage, chopped roughly
4 cloves garlic
4 sprigs thyme
4 bay leaves
3 sprigs rosemary
salt and pepper

This recipe works best with an 8 qt. slow cooker. Begin by rubbing the salt and pepper and seasoning packet on the corned beef. Set aside.
Take all of the veggies (minus the cabbage), garlic, potatoes, and herbs and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Salt and pepper generously.
Place the seasoned corned beef on top of the veggies and pour the stock inside. Set the slow cooker on low-med heat and cook for about 4 hrs.
After 4 hrs, place the cabbage inside the slow cooker around the corned beef and on top. Cook for an additional 2 hrs.
Check the temperature of the beef. If it reads 135 F degrees, then it is done or if it is warm and dark red in the middle when cut.
Slice the corned beef in 1/4 in. slices and serve the veggies in the stock on the side.

"Me Cuisine" Tips

It is best to sear the corned beef before placing it in the slow cooker. Just add a small amount of oil in a large pan on high heat and sear both sides until slightly brown.
Corned beef seasoning typically consists of pickling spices, such as mustard seeds, crushed bay leaves, coriander, crushed red pepper, and anise seed.
This could work in a pressure cooker too! Just be sure to follow the instructions on your machine.

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April 14th, 2020

4/14/2020

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Herb Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Veggies

SERVINGS: 1-2
DIFFICULTY: Beginner
DIETARY: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
PREP/COOK TIME: 20 min/30 min

Herb Roasted Chicken

2 chicken thighs (I prefer skin and bone, more flavor)
4 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs rosemary
1 tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

1 sweet potato, cut into 1/4 in. sticks
1 tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper

Roasted Veggies

1/2 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 carrot, medium dice
1/2 red onion, medium dice
2 cloves garlic, diced fine
1 tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper

Start by preheating the oven to 375 F degrees. Generously salt and pepper each side of the chicken thighs. Place 1/2 tbsp. olive oil on the side of the chicken without the skin. Place the chicken on a sheet tray/roasting pan skin side down and place the herbs on top of the chicken. Cook for about 10 min.
Next, mix the sweet potato sticks with the oil and salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the veggies, garlic, oil, and salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the oven and place the sweet potato and veggies on the pan in different sections.
Place the pan back into the oven and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 160 F degrees and the sweet potato fries are crunchy.

"Me Cuisine" Tips

You can use a different variety of herbs for the chicken. Sage is a perfect pairing for chicken and add a strong, earthy flavor.
One pan dishes are very forgiving. When one of the sections are done, you can remove it until the others are finished cooking.
If you don't have a meat thermometer, then cut into the bone and make sure the juices run clear and there is no red or pink.

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recipes

April 23rd, 2020

Grilled Mediterranean Steak Kabobs

April 14th, 2020

Slow Braised Coke Pork Carnitas

April 14th, 2020

Fudge Brownies with Walnuts

April 14th, 2020

Corned Beef and Cabbage

April 14th, 2020

Herb Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Veggies

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