Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies

This is a wonderful 30-minute meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you have a craving for some yummy Asian-inspired flavors! Let me know what you think of it.

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken tenders or chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces

2 c. chopped broccoli

2 red bell peppers, cut into chunks

1 c. sugar snap peas

Salt and pepper

SAUCE:

1/4 c. low-sodium soy sauce

1/2 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce

2 Tbsp. honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. fresh minced ginger

Directions:

Step One: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Step Two: Combine sauce ingredients in small saucepan. 

Step Three: Heat on medium heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat.

Step Four: Spray foil-covered baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step Five: Arrange chicken and chopped vegetables on sheet; season with salt and pepper.

Step Six: Drizzle half of sauce over chicken and vegetables and toss to combine.

Step Seven: Bake 10 minutes; toss, then bake 10-15 minutes more.

Step Eight: Drizzle remaining sauce over top; serve over rice.

Sausage Balls

Most Southerners are very familiar with this recipe. When I was growing up it wasn't at all uncommon to see these at parties, receptions, church functions, etc. They are super easy to make and are perfect for any of these occasions or even a brunch. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 lb. cheddar, shredded (do not use bagged pre-shredded cheese; there is a coating on the cheese that will prevent it from melting and combining properly with the other ingredients)

1 lb. ground pork sausage

2 c. Bisquick

1/4 c. milk (if needed)

Directions:

Step One: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step Two: Combine all ingredients in large bowl.

Step Three: Form into 24 golf ball-sized balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step Four: Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and sausage is cooked through entirely. 

Keto Pepper and Onion Smothered Round Steak

 This recipe is one you will want to bookmark if for no other reason than having the recipe for the seasoning mix. It is "Emeril's Essence" that you can make on your own and not have to worry about preservatives and things that go into prepared seasoning mixes that you purchase. It is not only perfect for this dish but for any other roasted veggie or protein you might like. Enjoy!

Emeril's Essence:

1 Tbsp. dried oregano

2 1/2 Tbsp. paprika

1 Tbsp. dried thyme

2 Tbsp. salt

2 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. black pepper

1 Tbsp. onion powder

For the steak you will need:

2 1/4 lb. thin top round steak, in 1/4" strips

1 1/2 Tbsp. Emeril's Essence

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 c. olive oil

3 Tbsp. flour

3 c. chicken stock

6 c. sliced onions

2 c. sliced red peppers

3 tsp. salt

Directions:

Step One: Combine steak with Essence and flour in a mixing bowl and toss to combine.

Step Two: Heat oil in large, high-sided skillet on medium high heat. Brown meat until browned on all sides.

Step Three: Add chicken stock and stir, scraping bottom and sides to loosen any browned particles.

Step Four: Cover and cook for 30 minutes on medium heat.

Step Five: Add onions, peppers, salt and pepper; Cover and cook for 30-45 minutes longer until the meat is very tender and gravy is thickened and flavorful.

"Mountain Man" Sandwiches

This recipe is a huge favorite at our house, especially for my Westerner husband who likes pretty much any dish that involves beef. These sandwiches are so tasty and you won't believe how quickly the recipe comes together. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

1 large or 2 small sweet onions

6 Tbsp butter, divided

2-3 lb. cube steak

Lawry's seasoned salt

1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce

Tabasco sauce, to taste

4 French/deli rolls or 4 onion buns, lightly toasted

Directions:

Step One: Slice onions thinly and cook in 2 Tbsp butter until soft and light brown. Set aside.

Step Two: Slice steak against the grain. Season with Lawry's.

Step Three: Heat 2 Tbsp butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown.

Step Four: Add sliced steak in single layer.

Step Five: Cook one side until brown; flip and cook until other side is brown, about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Step Six: Add Worcestershire, 5 or 6 shakes of Tabasco, and 2 Tbsp butter

Step Seven: Add cooked onions; stir to combine.

Step Eight: Assemble on rolls or buns.

Key Lime Pie

 Being a native Floridian, this dessert is one of my absolute favorites. It always makes me think of my Uncle Joe, who loved it just as much as I do. When it is complete, it will not be a bright green colored pie. If you see key lime pie that is bright green in color, step away... and make this one instead! Enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 c. heavy whipping cream

14-oz. sweetened condensed milk

8-oz. cream cheese, room temperature

2/3 c. key lime juice

Large graham cracker pie crust

Instructions:

Step 1: Beat whipping cream in a stand mixer with whisk attachments until it forms stiff peaks.

Step 2: Scrape whipped cream into another bowl.

Step 3: In stand mixer (no need to clean it out), beat cream cheese for two minutes until creamy.

Step 4: Stream in sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Add lime juice and mix until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Add whipped cream back to mixer bowl and use a rubber spatula to fold it into the other ingredients.

Step 7: Pour pie filling into pie crust and smooth out the top.

Step 8: Chill in refrigerator for four hours or overnight.

Hamburger and Veggie Casserole

I have been making this for years. It is another super simple recipe that I can throw together quickly because it consists of ingredients that I always have in my pantry/freezer. Yummy!

Ingredients:

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 small potatoes, peeled and sliced very thinly (I like to use the slicer on my box grater to get even slices)

1 can green beans, drained

1 can corn, drained

1 can cream of mushroom soup, divided

1 cup milk, divided

Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Brown ground beef and onion; Drain. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

Step 3: Combine cooked beef with green beans and corn.

Step 4: Mix together half of soup and half of milk; Add to beef and veggie mixture. Add a little more salt.

Step 5: Pour this mixture into greased casserole dish. Top with sliced potatoes.

Step 6: Combine remaining soup and milk; Pour over potatoes. Cover with foil.

Step 7: Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are done.

Keto Ground Beef Casserole

 This is another favorite at our house. It is super simple to put together and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

3 oz. chive and onion cream cheesse

1/2 c. beef stock

1/2 c. heavy cream

2 tsp. coconut aminos (this is an excellent alternative to soy sauce)

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 cans green beans, drained

3/4 c. shredded cheddar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

Instructions: 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Brown ground beef seasoned with salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Drain then return to pan.

Step 3: Add cream cheese and stir until melted.

Step 4: Add beef stock, heavy cream, coconut aminos, and pepper.

Step 5: Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.

Step 6: Reduce heat and simmer. Once mixture thickens pour into casserole dish.

Step 7: Add green beans on top, then sprinkle cheese on top of green beans.

Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes.