It All Starts with Ham

by ⋅ Leave a Comment
ham dishes

Kathryn once again prepares Easter Bread from an old family recipe from Poland. Kathryn also prepares various dishes from ham provided by Circle B Ranch Pork.

Bochenek Easter Bread
Print Recipe

Bochenek Easter Bread Recipe

From Chris & Mary August handed down from Chris’s Mother, Marianna Louska Bochenek. Permission to use. This recipe is so close to my Grandmother Stella Bochenek's Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 qt Milk
  • 1 lb Salted Butter
  • 5 lb All Purpose Flour
  • 12 Egg Yolks
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 heaping tsp salt
  • 2 tsp Vanilla depends on taste, add less or more
  • 1 1/2 cups Golden Raisins
  • 2 Packets Fast Rising Yeast
  • ¾ cup hot tap water about 104° to 110°

Instructions

  • (For yeast Preparation) in a small bowl pour two packets of yeast an add water stir and let sit

Directions

  • Pour flour in a large Baking Pan – I used an Extra Large Pan and then make a hole in the center and add prepared yeast and sprinkle with a little flour. In a another bowl add softened butter and use mixer and cream butter add sugar and beat until smooth then add salt and vanilla and gradually add milk. Mix thoroughly and add golden raisins and fold into the mixture.
  • Pour wet ingredients into the flour and start kneading until the dough comes off your fingers easily and the sides of the pan. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubles about 1 1/2hour. The take-off cloth and punch down thoroughly all over the risen dough in the pan. Then cover and let rise again until it doubles. Grease and flour pans.
  • Meantime Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, divide the dough equally into pans equally and then cover and let rise again until it doubles. Make and egg wash and then use a brush and brush wash on top of each individual bread. Place Pans in Oven I did three in the back of the shelf and two in the front. And midway through the baking time I moved the ones in the back to the front. I baked my bread for 45 to 50 minutes or until using a long wooden skewer comes out clean. Put bread on cooling racks for 10 minutes. Take out of pans and serve with butter or jam. Delicious!!!!
    Bochenek Easter Bread loaves
Ham Sliders
Print Recipe

HAM SLIDERS WITH PIMENTO CHEESE SPREAD

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 4 oz. jar pimento peppers, drained and chopped
  • ½ pound Circle B Ranch Hickory Smoked sliced ham
  • 4 Tbsp. cream cheese softened
  • 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. coarse salt
  • 12 mini rolls
  • 4 Tbsp. butter melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Make the pimento cheese spread. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Cheddar, pimento peppers and cream cheese. Stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, lay down the bottom halves of the mini-rolls. Spread the pimento cheese spread on top of the bread and evenly lay ham slices on top of the pimento layer. Top with more pimento spread, then place the other halves of the rolls on top. Brush the bread with melted butter. Sprinkle with poppy seeds, garlic powder and salt. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt and rolls are golden. For a more toasted bun, uncover the pan during the last few minutes of baking.
ham Salad
Print Recipe

Best Ham Salad Recipe

With permission to use from Circle B Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 2 Pounds of Circle B Ranch Hickory Smoked Ham
  • 1 Cup Sweet Pickle Relish I used bread and butter pickles I had made
  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp Celery Seeds
  • 1 ½ tsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp Refrigerated Horseradish
  • ½ tsp PT Garden Lemon Pepper
  • 1 French loaf to Make Crostini optional

Instructions

  • Cut the ham into cubes, place in a food processor and process until coarsely ground. Stop occasionally to scrape the sides. Place ground ham in a bowl, stir in pickle relish and remaining ingredients. Serve on crostini or crackers.
Split Pea Soup
Print Recipe

THE BEST SPLIT PEA SOUP RECIPE WITH HAM

Course: Soup

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 1 cup diced carrot 1/4-inch dice
  • 1 cup diced celery 1/4-inch dice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper plus additional to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic* minced (*not in mine)
  • 1 pound dried split peas rinsed and sorted
  • 1 large bay leaf or 2 small
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 8 cups chicken stock Homemade is best
  • 1 cup leftover Circle B Ranch Hickory Smoked ham

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter until foaming subsides. Add onion, carrot, celery, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened and just beginning to brown, 5-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until aromatic. Stir in split peas.
  • Add bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Stir in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until split peas are cooked down and soup is thickened to desired consistency. (Stir more frequently as the soup begins to thicken and add a little additional stock or water if it gets too thick for your tastes.)
  • Add diced ham during the last 15 minutes of cooking. When ready to serve, remove and discard bay leaf. Season to taste with salt, if needed.

Easter Treats for Kids

by
Fun Easter recipes with Terry Young, Katelyn, Rosilynn, and Kathryn

In this episode of “The Chef, You and I Show” guests Rosilynn and Katelyn join Kathryn as they get ready for Easter, They prepare lots of interesting things that Rosilynn and Katlyn enjoy getting their hands into. Together we made a Bunny Snack (aka Easter Bunny Bait), Easter Egg Fruit Pizza, Purple Rice Krispies Bunny nests with Candy eggs, and Candy carrots in a pot. We had so much fun so check it out, and enjoy the recipes. We also found some pastel-colored eggs that we made into some deviled eggs and also created a lovely vegetable tray with a dip in a “bunny” bowl. 

 
Candy Bunny Carrots in Crushed Oreo cookies
Print Recipe

Easter Pudding Treats

Ingredients

  • 1 6 ct Chocolate SUPER Snack Pack
  • 1 lb Large strawberries rinsed and dried*
  • Skewers for dipping Strawberries
  • 1 pkg orange candy melts
  • 6+ Oreos crushed to look like dirt

Instructions

  • Melt the orange candy melts in the microwave according to the directions on the package. Then dip the strawberries into the orange melts, scrape off any excess, and lay them wax paper or a baking rack sprayed with cooking spray. Put some of the melted orange candy melts into a zip-top sandwich bag. Cut off the corner and drizzle a zig-zag line across the orange strawberries for a “carrot”-type look.
  • Crush some Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. About 1 Oreo per pudding cup.
  • Open the Snack Pack Pudding cups with the easy open lid and sprinkle some Oreo “dirt” into the top of each pudding cup. Dip a “carrot” strawberry into them and enjoy!

Notes

*There is enough candy melt to dip 1lb of strawberries, although you will only need 6 strawberries for the 6 count SUPER Snack Pack.
Original recipe found at Dessert Now Dinner Later (https://www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com/carrot-easter-pudding-cups/)
Bunny Food or Bunny Bait
Print Recipe

Bunny Food or Bait- Fun Eatable Snack

Ingredients

  • 3 cups to 4 cups of White Popcorn I used Store Bought
  • 1 cup thin Stick Pretzels break them in half
  • 1 Bag of Melting Cream White Chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups Corn Chex Cereal
  • 4 Tbsp Pink Sprinkles
  • 16 oz-bag Easter M&M’s Half of the 32 oz bag

Instructions

  • Melt candy, Add Popcorn to large bowl add all other ingredients pour melted candy to the mix and stir all ingredients together. Then Spoon out mixture onto a large cookie sheet and wait until dries then you can break them apart to eat.
The Fruit Bunny Pizza
Print Recipe

Easter Egg Fruit Pizza

Ingredients

  • 16 oz sugar cookie dough
  • 1 1/4 containers Cream Cheese Icing or you can make your favorite
  • Assorted fruit berries, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, and/or bananas to decorate

Instructions

  • Roll out your cook dough in the shape of an egg and bake the cookie until a very light tan. Make sure you put it on a flat sheet pan or round stone Pizza Pan because when it is cooled you will be icing it.
    Ice the cookie generously. Starting at the top arrange pieces of your sliced fruit in rows until you come to the bottom. Have fun with it. Like making a pizza with fruit.
Purple Easter nests with Colored Eggs
Print Recipe

Edible Easter Egg Nests with Candy eggs

Ingredients

  • 1 Jar Marshmallow Cream or Fluff or bag of small marshmallows*
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Purple food coloring

Instructions

  • Add 4 to 5 drops of food coloring to Marshmallow cream mix well.
  • Add to Rice Krispies mix well. Spray a large Muffin Tin that holds 6 muffins.
  • Take the rice Krispie Mix and form a half a small nest in the muffin tin. In the center of the nest add green frosting in a tube use just about a teaspoon or two.
  • Take out of freezer and add Colored candy eggs maybe four.

Notes

*If you are using marshmallows:
Alternate method:
4 Tbsp Butter, melted
Add 1 bag of mini marshmallows
once melted, remove from heat and add the vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt, and food coloring.  Then stir in the rice cereal until well coated and then continue as directed above.

Shepherd’s Pie

by ⋅ Leave a Comment
Chef Kathryn and Chef Terry with the Old English Show

The Chef You and I Show with Kathryn Raaker & Terry Young as they prepare Kathryn’s recipe for her favorite from England – Shepherd’s Pie. They also prepared a Greek salad with glazed carrots and mini pies for dessert.

Chef Kathryn's Old English Shepherd's Pie
Print Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie – Chef Kathryn’s Version

Ingredients

  • 8-10 Large Golden potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 lb. Ground Beef 80 to 90% Fat free
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 16 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 medium onion chopped fine
  • ½ cup frozen Peas
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1 jar Beef Gravy

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 18 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, and sour cream and add egg yolk and mix into the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add Beef Gravy, tomato paste and tomatoes. Stir into the mixture then add shredded carrots and peas Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Spread the ground beef mixture with carrots and peas in an even layer on the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. We used a 360 Pan from Oven to table Top with the mashed potato mixture under Broiler and let potato mixture become light brown take out and top with shredded cheese.
Honey Carrot Coins
Print Recipe

Chef Terry Young’s Honey Coin Carrots

Ingredients

  • 5 carrots sliced into ¼ rounds
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 Tbsp Honey

Instructions

  • Add water to cover the carrots – we microwaved them for 5 minutes. Then take out add carrots add melted butter and honey serve as a side dish.
Chef Kathryn's Americano Greek Salad
Print Recipe

Chef Kathryn Americano Greek Salad and her own dressing

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce -pre-washed and torn into bite size pieces
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion cut into thin slivers
  • 1/2 cup black olives -pitted
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles

Dressing

  • ¼ cup lemon olive oil
  • ¼ cup fig balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Salad

  • Into a medium size serving bowl the following: Torn lettuce leaves, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sweet onion black olives and shake the dried oregano on top then mix all ingredients and top with Feta Cheese.

Dressing

  • Add to salad and serve.
Small Pastry shells with Filing
Print Recipe

Mini Pudding Dessert

Ingredients

  • Athens Phyllo Shells
  • Store made Pudding

Instructions

  • Put about a tablespoon of pudding into the shells and then added different toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup whatever you desire for a topping.

Marty’s Favorites

by ⋅ Leave a Comment

This time on “The Chef, You, and I,” Kathryn, and her friend Marty prepare some comfort food recipes. Watch as they prepare Ritz Cracker Casserole, Roasted Cauliflower, fruit salad, and Marty’s favorite brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

Print Recipe

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Permission to use recipe by Marty Schultes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 Rotisserie Chicken
  • 2 cans 10 oz Cream Chicken Soup or One 20 Oz Can
  • 16 oz Sour Cream
  • 1/2 cup Silvered Almonds
  • 8 oz Sliced water chestnuts
  • 1 Stick of unsalted Butter
  • 2 sleeves Ritz Crackers Crushed

Instructions

  • Pre Heat oven to 375
  • Directions
  • Grease bottom of Casserole Dish
  • Cut up Rotisserie Chicken or Boil Chicken Breast with Celery and Onion until chicken is tender
  • Then Cut it up. In a bowl mix soup with sour cream add chopped water chestnuts
  • then add soup sour cream, cut up water chestnut’s and add Chicken and blend it all together. Add Mixture to the greased casserole dish. Crush Cracker and add to top of mixture then add melted butter to the top of the dish put in oven for about 35 to 40 minutes it will start bubbling then take it out and serve with Cauliflower.
Print Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower

Marty Schultes Permission to use and she taught us how to make it on the show

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Head of Cauliflower
  • ½ cup of Mayonnaise
  • 1 16 oz package of provolone cheese slices
  • 8 oz container of shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 10 oz Package of Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

  • Take the Cauliflower and turn upside down Trim the Core but leave some it on so it will sit on the baking dish or flat pan Trim the leaves off Boil water and Then Place Cauliflower in Boiling water for about 5 to6 minutes. Carefully take out Cauliflower and put on a Prepared Baking sheet lined with Parchment Paper I Spray my Pan with Duck Fat Spray and then put the parchment down. Once the Cauliflower cools a little spread Mayonnaise on top of the Head of Cauliflower to cover it completely then sprinkle Parmesan Cheese Mozzarella cheese and then take the slices about four and cover the head completely.
  • Place in oven at 400 degrees till the top of the cauliflower is light Brown and bubbly from the Cheese. Take out of the oven and then wait a few minutes slice in long slices and serve.
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Fruit Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 Kiwi Sliced
  • 3 Tangerine Peel and taken apart
  • 2 apples Peel and chop in small pieces
  • 20 Red or Black seedless grapes cut in half
  • 1 Banana Sliced
  • 10 Strawberries Sliced
  • 1 pint Raspberries
  • 1 Mango cut into small pieces
  • ½ cup orange juice

Instructions

  • In a medium size bowl assemble all the cut-up fruit toss and add the orange juice to the fruit and toss
  • Refrigerate for at least ½ hour then put in serving dishes and top with Cool Whip

Cakes and Texas Chili Recipes

by ⋅ Leave a Comment
Chef Kathryn from the JD's Chili show

Join with Kathryn as she prepares these recipes on this episode of “The Chef, You, and I ,” where she will whip up a couple of cakes and prepare a special recipe using JD’s Chili made with ground beef from Circle C Ranch and using her 360 cookware. Sometimes Kathryn loves to bring up old recipes to make them new and this recipe for German Apple cake is one of those. In addition to the German Apple Cake, Kathryn also makes one of her favorites, Pistachio Lemon cake with cream cheese frosting. Lastly, Kathryn tries a recipe from JD’s Chili and pairs it with a Potato Pancake. Join with Kathryn as she prepares these recipes on this episode of “The Chef, You, and I.”

German Apple Cake
Print Recipe

German Apple Cake

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German Foods
Calories: 208kcal
Author: kraaker

Ingredients

  • 4 small apples
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice 3 large eggs
  • 4 eggs room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp milk
  • ½ cup Powdered sugar to sprinkle on the cooled cake

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the bottom of a 9- or 10-inch springform
  • Peel, quarter, and core the apples. Make a ¼ “slice in each apple quarter lengthwise but not all the way through the apple
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add sugar and mix until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time and beat for 30 seconds on high speed after each addition.
  • Add vanilla sugar (or extract), salt, and lemon juice. Beat until combined.
  • Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer running on low speed add half of the flour, then 1 tbsp milk, followed by the remaining flour, and then the remaining milk. Beat until just combined. Don’t overmix!
  • Transfer batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Take each quarter of the apples and turn them upside down so you see the slices. the apples all around the cake and then put next apples into inner circle on top of the batter in a circular pattern until all the apples are gone. Bake in the lower third of the oven for 45 minutes, until lightly browned and a skewer comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and remove the springform ring. Let cake cool on the bottom of the springform pan to room temperature. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled cake and serve with sweetened whipped cream.
Pistacho Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Print Recipe

Lemon Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 cup shelled roasted pistachios crush them in food processor for about 30 seconds or less
  • ½ cup of pistachios more for topping – Crushed
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1½ cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • 3 eggs room Temperature

Frosting

  • ¾ cup ¾ cup Cream Cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream or 2 Tbsp of Half and Half
  • 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice

Instructions

Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line the bottom of a buttered 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then butter the paper. Place pistachios and lemon zest into a food processor bowl; pulse until finely ground (but not pistachio butter). Transfer mixture into a bowl. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk to combine; set aside. Whisk together sour cream, vanilla and milk in a small bowl; set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. With mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients (in 3 additions) and the wet ingredients (in 2 additions), starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan; smooth the top. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Carefully remove cake from pan, peel off the parchment paper, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the frosting: Combine all frosting ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix just until smooth, being careful not to overmix or curdle the frosting. Frost the cake, then sprinkle on extra chopped pista­chios. Serve or refrigerate until serving. Makes 8 servings.

Frosting

  • In a small bowl combine the Cream cheese 1 cup of powdered sugar and blend together I used my mixer on low and blended them add Whipping Cream and lemon zest, lemon juice and kosher salt. I increased the speed to medium on my mixer and whipped it till it was smooth. Then proceed to spread your icing on top of the cooled cake after icing sprinkle Lemon zest and crushed pistachios
Jd's Chili and Potato Pancakes
Print Recipe

Best Chili Ever- Served over Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

Diana Anderson's Best Chili Ever

  • 1 ½ lbs of ground pork (from Circle B Ranch go to www.circlebranchpork.com to order.)
  • 1 Jar JD’s Chili Tequila Lime Chili Fixins (to order https://www.jdschiliparlor.com/shop/)
  • ½ to ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup yellow pepper I used the mini peppers
  • ¼ cup red pepper I did not have the yellow pepper so added more of the red.
  • ¼ cup orange Juice
  • 2 tbsp Avocado Oil- I sprayed my pan with Corn Huskers Gourmet Duck Fat Spray
  • 1 1/2 shallots chopped (Diana uses ¼ onion diced)
  • 1 clove garlic chopped (I omitted the garlic)

Potato Pancakes

  • 3 – 3 1/2 cups Frozen Shredded Potatoes for Hash Browns (I used Paper towels to get most of the moisture off potatoes and put them in the refrigerator for the next day.)
  • 2 eggs Beaten
  • 2 Tbsp Flour
  • ¼ tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 ½ tsp salt

Instructions

Chili

  • Sautee onion and garlic and peppers in avocado oil add pork and continue to cook until pork is no longer pink, drain off any excess fat. Add one jar of JD’s Chili Fixin’s Tequila Lime then add water, simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, add sea salt to taste and serve over Potato Pancakes or Fritos.

Potato Pancakes

  • Put the potatoes in a bowl and the Beaten eggs, flour, baking powder, salt mix well. If you need a little extra flour to add it to the mixture.Since we were using this as a base for our Chili dish, the chili was warming, and we put 1 to tablespoons of Olive Oil into the electric frying pan when it was hot add the potato mixture about 3 tablespoons for each Pancake, we made two pancakes. They need to be light brown on each side.

Serve

  • We put them on a plate then used about 2 ladles of Chili on top of the Pancakes to serve. Add Mexican cheese to the top. And then served.

Notes

Put the potatoes in a bowl and the Beaten eggs, flour, baking powder, salt mix well. If you need a little extra flour to add it to the mixture.
Since we were using this as a base for our Chili dish, the chili was warming, and we put 1 to tablespoons of Olive Oil into the electric frying pan when it was hot add the potato mixture about 3 tablespoons for each Pancake, we made two pancakes. They need to be light brown on each side.
We put them on a plate then used about 2 ladles of Chili on top of the Pancakes to serve. Add Mexican cheese to the top. And then served.

Valentine’s Day 2022

by ⋅ Leave a Comment
Valentine's Day

In this episode of “The Chef, You, and I,” Kathryn gives you ideas for a special Valentine’s Day menu. Recipes include Tomato Mozzarella Appetizer, Sausage stuffed Mushrooms, and Marinated Pork Chops with Lemon Pimento Asparagus. Kathryn prepares a light Angel Food dessert with Strawberries and Raspberries for dessert.

Tomato and Mozarello Salad
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Tomato and Mozzarella Appetizer

Ingredients

  • 1 Lg Heritage Tomato cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil*
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 to 6 Leaf Lettuce Pieces butter is good, but any leafy lettuce is okay.
  • 2 Tbsp fresh basil leaves chopped
  • Freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  • Arrange the Lettuce in an outer circle around a Round Dinner Plate. Arrange a slice of Mozzarella Cheese in Center of the plate and starting from the top of lettuce leaf add slice of cheese then add slice of tomato alternating cheese and then tomato slice do this until you reach the other side of the plate. Mix Lemon Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar and pour over the tomato and mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle the chopped Basil leaves on each slice of tomato and cheese. Serve as an appetizer or as a side dish with the main meal.

Notes

*Note: Extra Virgin Lemon Olive Oil is a nice substitute
Stuffed Mushrooms
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 4 to 8 Lg Button Mushrooms
  • 8 oz Ground Pork Sausage I used Circle B Ranch Pork
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 sm onion diced
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp Fresh Basil and Parsley Chopped
  • ½ cup Philadelphia Garden Cream Cheese
  • ½ cup Panko Crumbs
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan
  • Ground Kosher Salt and Ground Peppercorns to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Clean mushroom caps: Remove stems from mushrooms and use a spoon to scrape out the gills. Arrange mushroom caps on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • In a sauté pan over medium heat, brown the sausage. Remove from pan. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the onions season with salt and pepper. Add all ingredients fresh parsley and basil, sauté for 30 seconds. Add the Add the sausage back into the pan, stir. Simmer for at least 10 minutes to let flavors combine.
  • Spoon sausage mixture into the mushrooms, top with shredded cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and mushrooms are tender. Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese, if desired.
Asparagus and Pok Chop
Print Recipe

MARINA’S PORK MARINADE WITH MARINA’S CRANBERRY CHUTNEY

PERMISSSION WAS GIVEN TO USE MARINA’S RECIPES ON OUR TV SHOWS AND ON OUR WEB SITE

Ingredients

  • 1 sm onion diced
  • 2 Circle B Ranch Pork Chops
  • 2 Tbsp Peach Apricot Marmalade
  • 2 Tbsp Marina’s Cranberry Chutney
  • 2 Tbsp low salt soy sauce
  • 1 piece ginger diced
  • 2 Tbsp white wine should be one you would drink
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Whisk all ingredients together and add salt and pepper. Pierce the Pork Chops with a fork then put the pork chops in a plastic bag. Pour the marinade into the bag and squish around so that it is fully incorporated into the meat. Marinade Pork chops for 1 hour or longer, Preheat the Oven to 375 Degrees. Take the Pork Chops out of Marinade and Pat Dry Then heat the Frying Pan up and Seare Meat on Both sides. Put the Pork Chops in a greased Pan I Added a little of the Marinade which I poured over the meat. Place in the pre-heated oven until the read thermometer reads 140 to 145 degrees. Place on Platter and Garnish.
Asparagus and Pok Chop
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Lemon Balsamic Asparagus

Ingredients

  • 1 Bundle Fresh Asparagus Trim tough ends
  • ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • ¼ cup Lemon Olive oil* see note
  • 2 Tbsp lemon Juice
  • 7 oz jar chopped pimento
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions

  • Pre-Heat oven to 400 degrees. Clean asparagus and snap tough ends off. Lay asparagus onto the Cookie sheet sprayed with non stick cooking spray (I used Corn Huskers Gourmet Duck Fat Spray).
  • Mix all the Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Oil, and Lemon juice in a small jar (or bowl) and pour over the Asparagus. Next, sprinkle the pimentos over the asparagus.
  • Bake at 400 Degrees for 10 minutes.

Notes

*note: If you don’t have lemon olive oil, grate the lemon before juicing and add to the oil/vinegar mix.
Valentine Dessert
Print Recipe

Light Angel Food dessert with Strawberries and Raspberries

Ingredients

  • 4 to 8 Strawberries sliced (leave two strawberries whole for topper)
  • 8 oz Raspberries
  • Angel Food Cake I used a store bought
  • 8 oz carton of Light Cool Whip

Instructions

  • First, break up two slices of Angel Food cake into small pieces. Next, put a couple of tablespoons of Cool whip into the bottom of the dish. The next layer is slices of strawberries and a few raspberries followed by some of the Angel Food cake on top. Repeat. For the final layer, add a thin layer of cool whip and in the middle place the whole Strawberry.

Pork and Saurkraut

by
Kathryn Raaker, The Chef, You, and I

Kathryn prepares her childhood favorite, Pork & Sauerkraut for this episode of The Chef You and I Show. She also prepares her version of Cheesy Stacked Potatoes, as well as, a delicious side salad. Kathryn will prepare a Pork Roast from Circle B Ranch Pork using her 360 Cookware and CornHuskers Duck Fat Gourmet Cooking Spray, which added a great deal of flavor. All in all, these recipes are fun and easy to clean up afterwards. I hope you will enjoy these recipes as much as we did. If you are intrested in purchasing the 360 Cookware, use the code KRaaker20 and get a 20% discount!

Kathryn's Saurkraut and Pork with Potatoes
Print Recipe

BEST EVER PORK ROAST AND SAUERKRAUT

PERMISSION TO USE THIS RECEIPE FROM MARINA BACKES OF CIRCLE BRANCH PORK

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb Boneless Port Loin Roast I used Circle B Ranch brand
  • 2 lb sauerkraut I do not rinse mine
  • 1 Tbsp caraway seeds you can omit this if you hate caraway seeds but for me it makes the dish
  • 1 cup sweet onion chopped
  • 1 Granny Smith apple Peeled and chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup water optional
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil I used Cornhusker Duck Fat Spray

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325F, rack in the middle. Pat the pork dry and sprinkle the entire roast with salt, pepper and smoke paprika. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium0high heat and add in the olive oil. When the olive oil starts to simmer carefully place the pork roast in. Sear on all sides until golden brown – 5-8 minutes per side. Sauté onion and then apples in the same pan.
  • In a lidden 6 qt Dutch Oven, place the sauerkraut all over the bottom. Sprinkle over the caraway seeds, onions, apples, and brown sugar. Place the seared pork roast on top nestling it in the sauerkraut. If you’ve drained your sauerkraut, add the water. If you did not, you do not need the water. You want at least a cup of liquid in the pot.
  • Cover tightly with a lid and bake for about 2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads between 145F-150F. While it is cooking, check the pot to ensure that it is not drying out. If needed, add more water. I have never had to but I always add at least a cup of liquid. Remove from the oven once the thermometer reads 145F-150F. Carefully remove the roast from the pan and place on a cutting board covering loosely with foil.
Cheesy Potato Stacks
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Cheesy Potato Stacks

Equipment

  • Muffin Pans

Ingredients

  • 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes scrubbed, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup freshly grated gruyere cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1/4 stick butter
  • 1 tsp dried Thyme finely chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon Pepper
  • ½ cup half & half
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400F
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add: butter, thyme, half & half, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat until butter is melted and cream is warm, about 3-4 minutes.
  • While the herb cream warms, slice the potatoes. I used a slicer or sharp knife, thinly slice potatoes using a knife glove or a guard. Place in a large bowl. Pour herb cream over sliced potatoes and add half of the gruyere and pecorino Romano cheese. Toss the sliced potatoes until they are fully coated.
  • In a non-stick muffin pan (if you don’t have non-stick, lightly grease), start stacking the potato slices all the way to the top of the muffin tin. Take the remaining herb cream and evenly disperse over the stacks. Top with the remaining cheese.
  • Cover the muffin pan with parchment paper followed by foil (the parchment will keep the cheese from sticking). Place muffin tin in a sheet pan and place in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil/parchment and roast an additional 20 minutes until tops are browned and bubbling.
  • Once the potatoes are done cooking, use a knife or spoon to loosen around the sides and carefully scoop out of the tins.
Chef Kathryn's Pear and Fruit Salad
Print Recipe

Chef Kathryn’s Pear and Fruit and Lettuce Salad with Feta Cheese

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 head Red Leaf Lettuce Torn in pieces
  • 1 Cup Strawberries cut in half
  • ½ cup Blueberries
  • 1 cup Seedless green grapes cut in half
  • 1/4 cup pecan Pieces
  • 2 to 3 Bartlett Pears Slice in small pieces
  • 1/2 small red onion Slice in half moon pieces
  • ¼ cup feta cheese

Dressing

  • 1 to 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions

Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar. (You can also add ingredients to a small mason jar and shake until combined.)

Salad

  • Prepare your salad I tear the lettuce in medium pieces then add, all the sliced fruit and onion, toss the salad and then sprinkle the nuts and feta cheese to the salad. Add prepared dressing and serve.

Mexican Recipes for Fall 2021

by ⋅ Leave a Comment

Chefs Kathryn and Father Umberg prepare some of their favorite dishes using Chef Mex Poquitto Mas Flour Totillas. 

Mexican Lasagna
Print Recipe

Mexican Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 24 oz salsa- homemade Salsa About 3 cups
  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • ¾ onion diced
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 16 oz jar salsa
  • 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 pkg 8-inch soft tortillas I used Chef Mex Poquitto Mas Flour Totillas
  • 3 Green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a casserole dish and set aside. – I used Cornhuskers Duck Fat Spray
  • In a large skillet add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add chili powder and cumin.
  • Add diced onions and peppers and sauté for another 3 minutes.
  • Add black beans, diced tomatoes and 3/4 of the jar of salsa to skillet and mix to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cut tortilla in halves or quarters. Spread a small amount of salsa on bottom of casserole dish. Add one layer of cut tortillas and then layer some of the chicken mixture and some cheese. Repeat layers until casserole dish is filled.
  • Top with leftover salsa and cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese starts to brown and bubble.
  • Top with chopped green onions and your favorite toppings. Delicious!!!!
Chef Kathryn's Beef Enchilada Casserole-web
Print Recipe

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 to 2 tsp pepper
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 cab of Black ripe olives chopped
  • 1 16 oz of Marinara Sauce
  • 4 oz green chili peppers chopped
  • 6 flour Chef Mex Paquito Mas flour tortillas
  • 8 oz Mexican blend cheese grated, or cheddar jack
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  • In a Large Skillet (I used an Electric Skillet) cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Drain well. Stir the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, olives, tomato sauce, and chili peppers into the meat mixture. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. I sprayed the 13×9 dish with Cornhuskers Gourmet Duck Fat Spray. Then alternate layers of lightly buttered tortillas, the meat mixture, and shredded cheese, ending with cheese sprinkled over top. Add water, and cover with lid or foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Garnish with ripe olive slices, chopped green onions, and fresh chopped tomatoes.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Chicken Quesidillas-web
Print Recipe

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients

  • 1 Roasted Chicken from Store Chopped into pices (about half a chicken or two breasts)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock
  • 8 Med size Chef Mex Flour Tortillas
  • 5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup scallions green onions, chopped
  • 1 15 oz can green enchilada sauce optional
  • 1 4.5 oz can chopped green chiles
  • Salsa and sour cream

Instructions

  • Sprinkle the Chicken with the Put the Taco seasoning and one third cup of chicken broth into a bowl and add chopped chicken mix chicken into it and then take the Tortilla put into the Tortilla maker and lay it down on ( I used a Quesadilla Electric maker) You can do it your skillet to the tortilla add a handful of cheese, then a pinch of scallions, then about 1/2 cup cooked chicken mixture. Moving quickly, spoon over a couple spoonsful of the cooked sauce and green enchilada sauce Top with another handful of cheese and top with another tortilla in the Electric Tortilla maker wait until the light is off and take it out of the Maker.

Vegetarian Recipes II

by ⋅ Leave a Comment
Kathryn and Marty-Vegetarian Cooking II

I love cooking with my friend, Marty Schultz and this time on The Chef, You and I, we will be preparing some of her favorite recipes. 

Vegetable Ring
Print Recipe

Puff Pastry Veggie Crown

Ingredients

  • 3 Zucchini
  • 12 oz Campari Tomatoes Sliced or quartered
  • 8 oz Feta Cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 8 oz Pine nuts

Instructions

  • Cut Pastry Sheet into Large Circle slicing six three-inch cuts from the center of the circle outwards makes star shape. Brush Egg wash over entire pastry circle. Cut Zucchini into long ribbons. Cut mi nature to mates in half, arrange zucchini ribbons on the outside of the pastry circle place tomatoes around the ribbons crumble feta cheese around the zucchini and tomatoes, sprinkle pine nuts also and then fold over each triangle to end of Puff Pastry brush triangle with egg wash. Bake at 400F 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Potato Soup
Print Recipe

Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 Large onion diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots sliced thin
  • 1 lb bacon chopped
  • 2 Stalks celery finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 russet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups chicken broth Make sure potatoes are completely covered
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1 tsp dried tarragon
  • 1/3 cup kale can use frozen thawed Kale as well stems remove and chopped fine
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a dutch oven until done. Remove the bacon, drain off all but 1/4 cup of the bacon grease. Cook celery, carrot and onion in the 1/4 cup bacon grease until soft. Stir in the minced garlic, cook for 1 minute more. Add cubed potatoes, toss to coat. Saute the potatoes 3 or 4 minutes. Place the fried bacon back in the pan. Add enough chicken broth to the pan to cover the potatoes, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.
  • In a heavy duty saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, cook and whisk the mixture for 2 minutes to remove the flour taste. While still whisking add the cream in a slow stream to the flour mixture. Cook and whisk until mixture thickens, add the Tarragon and Kale to the pot. Stir the cream mixture into the potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Notes

Inspired by Bunny’s Warm Oven Recipe
Apple Turnovers
Print Recipe

Marty’s Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

Permission Granted to use the Recipe

Ingredients

  • 5 medium Granny Smith Apples cut into small pieces
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • Cinnamon to taste

Instructions

  • Peel apples and chop into small pieces mix Cinnamon with sugar
  • Combine apples with sugar mix. Cut Pastry Sheets into 9 equal pieces
  • In the middle of each square place apple mixture fold over forming a little pocket place on parchment paper. Wisk the eggs brush each pocket with egg mixture Bake at 415F -15 minutes or until golden Brown. Let Cool dust with Powered Sugar and serve.

Thanksgiving 2020 Recipes

by ⋅ Leave a Comment
Thankgiving Dinner 2020

Please enjoy this encoure of our 2020 Thanksgiving show. We are hoping that this year, 2021, you are able to gather with friends and family to celebrate another Thanksgiving holiday.  

Kathryn's Special Sweet Potatoes
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

  • 20 oz can Yams or Sweet Potatoes (I use Bruce’s Yams)
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 red apple chopped into small cubes
  • 8 oz can crushed pineapple drained and reserve liquid
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie spice*
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • ¼ cup dried dates chopped
  • ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 Tbsp Butter melted (Reserve 2 Tbsp for topping)
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions

  • Drain the Canned Yams pour into a bowl and Mash with Potato Masher add melted butter and spices add the juice from the crushed pineapple blend into the potatoes. Then add chopped apple and crushed pineapple and dried dates fold into the mashed potatoes. Spray a Casserole dish I used an 8” square dish. Add Mashed Potatoes to Casserole Dish smooth the top and then pour graham croaker crumbs over the top of the Potatoes sprinkle the nuts on top and then add melted butter. Put in the Microwave Heat on high for 7 to 8 minutes and serve.

Notes

*Note: You can make your own pumpkin spice by combining the following ingredients and putting them in a small mason jar. Use ONLY 1 tsp of this mixture.
4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Pork in the Pumpkin
Print Recipe

Kathryn’s Pork in the Pumpkin or Pig in the Pumpkin

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 lbs. Pork Butt or shoulder boneless, cut pork into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher salt
  • ½ to ¾ tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Freshly Ground Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds crushed
  • 1 ¼ cup shallots thinly sliced-divided
  • 3 to 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 volleyball-sized pumpkin (Type to make Pumpkin Pies)

Instructions

  • Pre Heat oven to 350° F
  • To prepare the Pumpkin, insert the tip of a knife at a 45-degree angle into the top half of the pumpkin. Slowly cut all the way around to remove the ‘lid’. Scrape seeds and fibers off the bottom of the lid and inside of the pumpkin using a large spoon or ice cream scoop.
  • Cut pork into large chunks. Place in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, fennel seeds, rosemary, Lemon and Pepper and shallots. Mix thoroughly then Add Flour and mix thoroughly to coat the meat.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork in 2 batches until browned, about 3 minutes to 4 minutes per side. Gradually put the Meat inside the Pumpkin until it fills the Pumpkin. Then pour the Wine and Apple Cider into the Pumpkin then add the additional sliced shallots to the top of the meat and then put the top on the Pumpkin. I used a 9X13 Baking pan which I had sprayed with Pam.
  • Place the Pumpkin in the Center of the Pan and Bake for 3 ½ Hours. Meat will be very tender.
  • Once the Meat is out of the Pumpkin, slice the Pumpkin and serve with the Meat.
  • Serve with Vegetables such as Brussel Sprouts or Peas.
Fr Umberg's Carmel Apple Salad
Print Recipe

Father Umberg’s Carmel Apple Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 Granny Smith Apples chopped in cubes
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 3 Tbsp craisins
  • 3 Tbsp Carmel Syrup

Instructions

  • Chop up the apples add to a bowl add chopped pecans and then add the craisins
  • mix together and add the Carmel Syrup and mix and serve.
Fr Umberg's Scorched Brussel Sprouts
Print Recipe

Fr Umberg’s Scorched Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients

  • ½ large bag Brussel Sprouts
  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Garlic
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 oz water

Instructions

  • Cut the knobs off Brussel Sprouts and quarter them.
  • In a frying pan add butter and oil heat on low heat add garlic and onions
  • Sauté the onions and garlic for one minute
  • Add the Brussel Sprouts you want to scorch the Brussel Sprouts (they turn a little Brown)
  • Add flavor to the Roasted Brussel Sprouts by adding Hoisin Sauce and 6 oz. of water to the pan.
  • Pour contents of Pan in a Serving Bowl.
Fr Umberg's Sautéed Kale-web
Print Recipe

Father Umberg’s Sautéed Kale with Garlic

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches Fresh Kale remove stems & chop
  • 2 Tbsp Virgin Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
  • 2 ½ tsp salt Divided
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 Cloves garlic minced
  • 2 qts Water for blanching

Instructions

  • In a large pan, bring the water to a boil. Once it is at a boil, add 1 tsp salt and the chopped kale. Blanch the kale for about 3 minutes and drain. Kale should look bright Green.
  • Heat a Sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Next, add kale and crushed red pepper. Add pepper and salt to taste. Sauté the kale for about 3 or 4 minutes moving it around turn the stove off. Put into a Serving Bowl.
Father Umberg's Carrot Coins
Print Recipe

Father Umberg’s Coin Sweet Carrots

Ingredients

  • 5 Carrots peeled and sliced into 1/8 inch “coins”
  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 to 1 1/2 Tbsp Molasses
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Heat the oil and butter in med to low until the butter melts then add carrots & salt. Sauté carrots until they turn a brighter range about 3 or 4 minutes. Add Molasses and heat for a minute until the carrots are covered and molasses becomes liquid. Turn off the Stove and Add the Parsley leaves pour into a serving bowl.