Cookig Frenzy

I have been on a cooking frenzy lately, trying out all sorts of recipes (mostly on the weekends, because of my new work schedule). There will be a new posting for Shepard's Pie up probably this evening. So far that recipe and the past 2 have been from Rachel Ray's 30 minute comfort food cookbook. At the beginning I was not a fan of Rachel Ray I'm still not a huge fan, but warming up . Since starting my new job. NBC is always on in the waiting room, and at 2 o'clock the Rachel Ray show is on. I kind of want to put it on mute, but I will admit her recipes are pretty darn good, and pretty darn easy. I will soon venture to my other 500 (kidding) cookbooks soon.
Keep an eye out for the Shepard's Pie.

Apricot Chicken

Yummm.... This is a winner dish. Serve with couscous and a squash or zucchini.
::kisses finger:: cest magnific!

Apricot Chicken

3-4 Boneless chicken breast
salt and pepper to taste
1 lg onion, roughly chopped
2 tbsp cider vinegar
12-15 died pitted apricots, chopped
2 cups (or 1 14oz can) chicken broth
1 cup apricot preserve

1. Heat large skillet with a lid over medium high heat, and add olive oil to just cover the bottom.

2. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Lightly brown chicken on both sides.

3. Add onions and cook until tender (about 5 minutes).

4. Add vinegar to the pan and let it evaporate.

5. Add apricots and broth. Lightly boil until liquid reduced by about 1/3-1/2. Stir occasionally.

6. Cover pan, reduce heat to a simmer, and let chicken continue to cook all the way through (about 15-20) minutes.

7. Serve and ENJOY!

Recipe courtesy of Rachel Ray (with minor adjustments)

Pork Chops with Golden Applesauce

Pork Chops with Golden Applesauce

Applesauce

2-3 large Golden delicious apples, chopped
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tsp lemon juice
2 oz raisins
1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
3 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
2 cups apple juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

1. Combine apples and all of the above in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Boil on high until liquid is reduced to about half. Stir occasionally.

3. Once liquid is reduced, take a smasher and lightly smash the apples leaving some chunks.

4. Turn the heat to low, put a lid on it and let it simmer until ready to serve. Keep checking to make the liquid hasn't evaporated too much.

Pork

4-6 center cut boneless pork loin
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
pinch of garlic powder
pinch of ground ginger

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan.

2. Season pork chops on one side. Using tongs put into skillet seasoned side down. Season the other side.

3. Brown and caramelize 2 minutes each side. The reduce heat to medium and cook the rest of the way through. (Using a pan to cover makes the cooking through easier). Occasionally turning the chops.

4. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

5. Top with the applesauce and enjoy!