Red Pepper And Feta Crostini

During September I was able to hit Ravinia and experience the first ever Food Network In Concert event with John Mayer and Phillip Phillips--great fun to say the least, plus, great food and a chance to watch the celebrity chefs firsthand.  Of course, Chicago featured some of its top restaurants, including a tent 'Efis' that was all about Greek.

Raul Midon

Phillip Phillips

John Mayer

As with all major events, you get a lot of little trinkets, but Efis was handing out a little pamphlet on using feta.  Couldn't help myself...and so, I modified the infrastructure on the Red Pepper & Feta Crostini.  See what you think, but I'd say it was quite delicious as an appetizer before dinner.  Just the sort of thing Jon loves. And so fast to assemble!

Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Crostini

Equipment:

Toaster Oven

Ingredients:

Ciabatta or French Bread

Olive Oil, for drizzling

1 clove garlic, halved

1 jar Roasted Red Peppers, sliced vertically into strips

4-8 oz fresh feta, crumbled 

Oregano, for sprinkling

1/2 lemon, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Drizzle your bread with olive oil and toast.

3. Rub garlic over slices of bread.

4. Cut and layer your strips of red peppers onto the toasts.

5. Add crumbled feta.

6. Toast until cheese is golden brown.

7. Drizzle with olive oil.

8. Sprinkle with oregano and lemon juice.

You might not even need supper tonight!

The Burger Alternative Greek

Stumbled upon this idea at work when a new place opened up called 'Hash' on N. Western in Chicago, IL right around the corner from our office.  Simple, different, tasty menu, including a variation of this one.  So, I figured why not?  We have the building blocks from previous blogs.  Time to practice some of those skills.  The Burger Alternative--Greek Chicken Sandwich.  It's better for you, less fat, big taste, and fun to make with a bunch of friends around the table.  Who doesn't like a 'make-it-yourself' meal?

Remember the Bandilicious Chicken Marinade. You will simply add fresh or dried oregano to the base marinade, and use thinner chicken breasts for quicker cooking.  This will be a cinch if you get the chicken marinating before you head to class.  Pick up the condiments on your way home.  Make the quick mayo-tzatziki spread.  Call your friends.  Sear the chicken. Put it all out on the table.

Skill Level:  Freshman Level, but several steps and planning involved.  Must be able to organize thoughts and actions.

Cost:  $15 / 4-6 servings

Equipment:

Non-stick skillet

Meat Mallet / Tenderizer, if pounding chicken

Marinating dish or tupperware (large enough to hold all chicken breasts)

Ingredients:

3-4 large chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4" thickness and marinating

2 Tbls fresh oregano, chopped

Tzatziki-Mayo:

1 cup Greek Plain Yoghurt

2 Tbls mayonnaise

1/3 cup shredded cucumber

Salt and pepper

1 tsp Lemon juice

Condiments:

Feta Cheese, crumbled

Red Onion, thinly sliced

Cucumber, thinly sliced

Tomato, thinly sliced

Lettuce

Capers, optional

Vinagrette, optional

Sesame Buns, toasted with butter

Instructions:

Step A:  Make The Marinade & Pound The Chicken

--review blog Bandilicious Chicken Marinade

--add 2 Tbls of fresh oregano to marinade (or 2 tsp dried oregano)

--pound chicken to 1/4" thickness or slice large chicken breasts CAREFULLY in half lengthwise

--marinate for several hours

--let meat come to room temperature and pat dry before searing or grilling

Step B:  Make Tzatziki Mayo

--combine greek yoghurt, mayo, and cucumbers

--set aside

Step C:  Prep Condiments and Set The Table

--Slice and  plate all of the veggies

--toast and butter the buns

Step D:  Sear The Chicken

--if grilling or using a non-stick skillet, make sure the pan is 'HOT' with a little oil

--sear 1/4" chicken breasts 3-4 minutes on each side.

--leave the chicken alone while you are searing.  It should release from the skillet easily if properly seared.

Step E:  Assemble everything. Make good conversation.  Listen well.

--repeat again next week.

Hamburger Helper Homemade

My mother never cooked from a box, and I have tried to emulate her and prepare food that's fresh, healthy, and delicious from scratch.

For college students branching out on a budget, both money and time-wise, it is tempting to opt for processed, prepackaged microwave meals--I'd encourage you to steer clear except on rare occasions when things have simply gotten too busy.

Evidence suggests that cooking with fresh ingredients is cheaper, healthier, more environmentally friendly, and above all, tastier.  You don't need to be a chef, but a few kitchen skills and ingredients will take you a long way.

Today's recipe is great for having friends over. I personally like this recipe with garlic and red pepper flakes.  Try it out this week.  Total approximate cost: $12-15 for 2-4 servings.  (Adapted from a rarely disappointing blog site: www.alexandracooks.com recipes)

Equipment:
5-quart sauce pan for boiling pasta
Large skillet
Slotted spoon, optional (just drain meat in bowl with paper towel)
Chopping knife

Ingredients:
1 lb of elbow or penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 1/2 -2 cups onion, diced
2-3 Tbls extra-virgin olive oil
Oregano, dried or fresh
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

1 Tbls ketchup
2 tsp tomato paste (I recommend getting it in a tube so that you have a way to easily store it)
15 oz tomato sauce (Hunt's is recommended)
Salt & Pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands and read the recipe.
2. In a sauce pan, boil pasta, drain, and set aside.

3. Prepare you skillet with 1-2 Tbls of olive oil on MEDIUM-HIGH heat.

4. Brown meat until "almost" done.  Add garlic if you are using.  Drain and set aside.

5. Use the same skillet to saute onions until translucent and slightly browned.

6. Add meat back to onions.

7. If you have oregano, add a 1 tsp of dried oregano or 1 Tbls of fresh oregano

8. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup. Add red pepper flakes if using.

9. Add pepper.

10. Remove skillet from heat and add your cheeses.  Combine well.

11. If your skillet is not large enough to add cooked pasta, use a large mixing bowl to combine the two.

12. Add some garlic bread and a salad.
13. Let everyone dig in and enjoy a homecooked meal with great conversation.
14. Remember your childhood.