Za Jiang Mein (Pork & Bean Chinese Noodles)

Submitted by randilicious

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 lb ground pork
¼ c. brown bean sauce 2 tbsp sugar
¼ c. beer 1 lb Chinese noodles (non egg-based)
¼ c. chopped scallions ½ c. shredded cucumbers
3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp red pepper flakes
¼ c. bean sprouts (optional) 1 pkg tofu, chopped into small pieces (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in the wok. When oil is ready, add the garlic, then the pork. Brown evenly. If so desired, add tofu after pork has been browned.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix beer & brown been sauce. Blend well.
  3. Add the bean sauce mixture to the ground pork.
  4. Sprinkle sugar & red pepper flakes into sauce. Stir until the sauce is piping hot. Reduce heat & allow to simmer uncovered.
  5. As sauce simmers, in a separate pot, boil noodles in water for approximately 3 minutes. Drain the noodles.
  6. To serve, put noodles into a bowl, then spoon sauce over noodles. Garnish generously with scallions, bean spouts, & cucumber on top.

Chef’s Note: You can find the brown bean sauce in most Asian grocery stores.

Meatballs

Submitted by Caaien
Serves Approx. 24

Ingredients

1lb. ground sirloin 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg ½ c. Italian bread crumbs
¼ c. shredded Romano, Parmesan, & Asiago cheese blend 1 tsp McCormick California Style Crushed Garlic
salt & pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
  3. Roll into ½” balls.
  4. Place on greased sheet or shallow pan.
  5. Bake 10-12 minutes, until no longer pink.

Moroccan Lamb & Fruit Stew

Submitted by serenityn0w
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

1-2 tsp crushed dried red pepper ¾ tsp ground turmeric
¾ tsp ground ginger ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ c. tsp salt 2 lbs. well trimmed, boneless leg of lamb, cut into
2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil 1″-1½” pieces
2 large onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 14 oz. can beef broth 1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water 1 c. pitted dates
1 c. dried apricots Hot cooked couscous or rice
¼ c. toasted slivered almonds Orange peel curl (optional)

Directions

  1. In a shallow mixing bowl combine crushed red pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, & salt. Coat meat with seasoning mixture. 
  2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown meat, one-third at a time, in the hot oil. Transfer meat to a 3½ or 4 qt. electric slow cooker. Add onions & garlic; stir to combine. Pour beef broth over all.
  3. Cover & cook on low-heat setting for 7-9 hours or on high-heat setting for 3½-4½ hours or until meat is tender. 
  4. Skim fat from the surface of the juices in the slow cooker. Stir cornstarch into the cold water; stir into crockery cooker.
  5. Add dates & apricots; stir to combine. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Cover & cook for 30 minutes more or until mixture is slightly thickened & bubbly.
  6. To serve, spoon stew atop hot couscous or rice. Top with almonds. If desired, garnish with orange peel curls.

Halibut Fingers

Submitted by Carli

Ingredients

1lb. Halibut, cut into 1″ by 3″ strips 1 stick melted butter
1 tbsp garlic powder 2 c. saltine cracker crumbs
½ c. Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Combine garlic powder with melted butter. 
  2. Combine Parmesan cheese with the cracker crumbs. Dunk halibut fingers into garlic butter mixture, then dredge into cracker/cheese coating. 
  3. Bake on foil lined cookie sheet at 425°F for 5-10 minutes.

Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

Submitted by randilicious
Serves 6

Ingredients

6 (5 oz.) salmon fillets 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp white wine 1 tsp honey
1/3 c. balsamic vinegar 4 tsp Dijon mustard
salt & pepper to taste oregano to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, & spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Coat a small saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook & stir garlic until soft, about 3 minutes. Mix in white wine, honey, balsamic vinegar, mustard, & salt & pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for about 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  3. Arrange salmon fillets on foil lined baking sheet. Brush fillets with balsamic glaze, & sprinkle with oregano.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until flesh flakes easily with a fork. Brush fillets with remaining glaze, & season with salt & pepper. Use a spatula to transfer fillets to serving platter, leaving the skin behind on the foil.
  5. Serve one fillet on a bed of steamed rice with some lightly sautéed vegetables (good with asparagus & green beans) on the side.