1 Tbsp oil
12 oz andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-in slices
12 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in pieces
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups long grain white rice
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with liquid
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups chicken broth
2 small bay leaves or 1 large
Parsley chopped, to garnish
1/2 cup shallots thinly sliced, optional

1. Rub shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and set aside.
2. Press 'Sauté' and add oil to inner pot of Instant Pot. Add Andouille sausage, and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add chicken, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add shrimp and briefly saute for just a few seconds, adding a teaspoon of oil if required. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. You can choose to not sauté the shrimp at the beginning. Just add it in raw at the end, and the juices will get absorbed by the rice, without the shrimp drying out.
5. Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir until onion is translucent.
6. Add thyme, Cajun seasoning, salt, rice and stir to coat, about 30 seconds.
7. Stir in tomatoes, Worcestershire, chicken broth and bay leaves. Stir in the reserved sausage and chicken.
8. Cook on 'Manual' setting for 7 minutes. Make sure steam release handle is in the ‘Sealing’ position. Do a Quick Release and open the Instant Pot.
9. Carefully stir in shrimp. Close the Instant Pot and allow the shrimp to finish cooking in the residual heat for 10 minutes.
10. Open the Instant Pot and add parsley. Gently stir the jambalaya. Garnish with shallots, if using. Serve with hot sauce on the side.

6 servings


Instant Pot®

2-1/2 to 3 lbs chicken wings
Seasoning or sauce, optional

1. Add 1 cup of water to the inner liner of the Instant Pot.
2. Put the wing pieces in a steamer basket, vertically, and set on the trivet/rack in the Instant Pot.
3. Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
4. Press the Manual button, then the + or - button to choose 5 minutes.
5. After cooking cycle ends, let Naturally Release the steam for 10 minutes. Then manually release the remaining steam. Open the lid after the pin drops and it is safe to do so.
6. Spread the wings on a baking sheet and let air dry for a few minutes.
7. Add the wings to a large bowl and add seasoning or sauce. Stir them around to coat well.
8. You can serve them at this point, or even better, bake them in a 400˚ oven for 5 minutes per side.

6 dinner servings or 12-18 appetizer servings


Simply Happy Foodie

1 cup pecan halves, toasted
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp brown sugar
1-3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt Flour, for dusting work surface 1 lb. puff pastry (or 1 17.3-oz. package), thawed 1 large egg, lightly beaten


Combine the pecans, sugars, cinnamon and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is very finely chopped and resembles coarse sand.

On lightly floured parchment paper, roll the puff pastry out into an 11 x 20-inch rectangle (or two smaller separate rectangle if pastry doesn't easily seal together). Transfer the rolled out pastry on the parchment to a baking sheet, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes.

Remove the dough from the fridge. Brush the dough evenly with the beaten egg. Sprinkle the pecan-sugar mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently into the dough. Starting with the short side of the dough (or long side if two separate sheets), roll up into a spiraled log to enclose the filling. Roll the log tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes (stays well overnight in fridge as well).

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the dough into slices about 3/4-inch thick. Generously sprinkle a work surface with sugar (or cinnamon sugar – your call). Use a rolling pin to roll each slice to a diameter of about 6 or 7 inches (about 4 inches if two separate rolls), adding more sugar as needed to prevent sticking. Place the rolled cookies on parchment lined baking sheets, 3-4 per sheet (or more if smaller cookies). Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cookies are light golden, about 18 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets slightly. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool before serving.


12 large cookies or 2-3 dozen smaller cookies


Quick & Easy Recipes

1-1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 cups crisp rice cereal
1 lb milk chocolate chips or bar


In a large kettle, combine the peanut butter and butter and heat over low heat until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla, sifted powdered sugar and cereal. Stir to combine. Roll into 1" balls or use Pampered Chef Small Scoop, and place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. If they are sticking to your hands, run your hands under cold water—it helps! Freeze or refrigerate until firm. Note: For nicely shaped balls, freeze for about 10-15 minutes, then remove from freezer and roll again into smooth balls. Return to freezer until firm.

Using a double boiler or a metal bowl placed over a kettle of boiling water, melt the chocolate and wax (if using). Wax helps make a traditional glossy, thin, easy coating. Just chocolate will be thicker. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and dip each ball into the chocolate until coated. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets to cool. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.


60


Penzeys


Servings 30; Serving Size 2 peanut butter balls (38g); Calories 200; Calories from fat 110; Total fat 13g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 80mg; Carbohydrate 20g; Dietary Fiber <1g; Sugars 15g; Protein 4g

1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar


In large bowl, mix oil, chocolate, granulated sugar and vanilla. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls (or I use Pampered Chef small scoop) into powdered sugar; roll around to coat and shape into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly in center. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.


5 dozen


Betty Crocker


Calories 70, Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 10mg, Sodium 35mg, Potassium 20mg, Total Carbohydrate 10g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 1g

For the chicken:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek-style yogurt
2 tablespoons oil, separated
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 large clove garlic, minced

For the sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 large white onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Penzey’s New Curry
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger or ginger paste
1 1/2 cups canned tomato purée
1/2 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup water
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Use a fork to prick the chicken breasts all over on both sides. Arrange the chicken breasts on a large sheet of plastic wrap, spacing them apart from one another, then cover with a second large sheet of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin, beat the chicken until the breasts are an even 1/2- to 3/4-inch thickness.

In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 tablespoon oil, lime juice, and garlic. Place chicken and marinade in a plastic bag, rubbing the marinade over the meat. Set the chicken aside while you make the sauce.

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until light brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium then stir in the curry spice and ginger. Add the tomato purée, water, half-and-half, salt, and pepper, and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat and gently simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

While the sauce simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the chicken in two rounds, turning them to brown gently until chicken is cooked through, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Chop into bite sized pieces and add the chicken to the sauce and heat through, stirring occasionally until desired consistency.

Serve over naan or with Indian rice.


4 servings


Modified from Epicurious.


Calories 551, Carbohydrates 16g, Fat 36g, Protein 43g, Sodium 727mg, Fiber 4g,

1 cup ditalini pasta
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cups chicken broth
16-oz can tomato sauce
15-oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp dried thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15-oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15-oz can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot. Stir in garlic, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Whisk in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, Italian sausage and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in pasta and beans until heated through.
6. Serve immediately.

8 servings


Damn Delicious

1 medium onion
1 medium green pepper
3 links hot Italian sausage (12 oz)
2 garlic gloves, pressed
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
3-1/2 cups water
26 oz jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 oz (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1. Dice onion and bell pepper. Remove casings from sausage. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2 in. nuggets. Place sausage into (Pampered Chef) 12 inch skillet. Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Add onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add pressed garlic and pepper flakes; cook 10-20 second or until fragrant. Stir in pasta, water, sauce, salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook 14-16 minutes or until past is tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove Skillet from heat. Stir in cream cheese until incorporated. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover and let stand 2-3 minutes or until cheeses are melted. Garnish with chopper parsley.

6 servings


Pampered Chef Weekday Dinners – Done!

3 cups cavatappi pasta
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup half and half, or more, as needed
2 oz cream cheese
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or mix of cheeses)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bacon, optional
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

1. Preheat oven to 375˚F.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Within the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add cauliflower; drain well.
3. Melt butter in a 9-inch oven-proof skillet over medium high heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half and half, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream cheese, Dijon and garlic powder until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more half and half as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Stir in pasta and cauliflower; gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
6. Sprinkle with cooked bacon pieces, if desired.
7. Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.

6 servings


Damn Delicious

4 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 medium onion, diced
1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced


In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.


6-8 servings


Food Network (Alton Brown)

3 Tbsp unsalted butter
6 cups (28 oz) corn kernels, frozen, slightly thawed
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
4-1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise
4-1/2 Tbsp crumbled cotija cheese
3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder (or regular chili powder)
1 large clove garlic, pressed
Juice of 1 large lime


Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add corn kernels and jalapeño, and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.

Cool corn slightly, then stir in mayonnaise, cotija, cilantro, chili powder, garlic and lime juice.

Serve immediately.


8-10 servings


Damn Delicious

1 pkg Costco St. Louis ribs
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce


Preheat oven to 325˚F. Wrap each slab of ribs in heavy-duty foil and seal. Place both packets on large cookie sheet or baking dish. Place in oven on center rack and bake for 3 hours.

Preheat grill to medium. Remove ribs from foil and place on grill meat side up. Baste top with BBQ sauce and grill for 5 min. Flip, baste again and grill for about 5 min. until nice grill marks appear. Flip and grill for 2-3 min. just to caramelize sauce on bottom.


6-8 servings