Mother's Day with Father Umberg
 

The Chef, You and I Show with Kathryn Raaker and her guest Chef Father Andrew Umberg, as they prepare some favorite items for Mother’s Day. Today’s menu is Healthy Blooming Onions, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Shredded Pork BBQ, Arugula Date Salad, and Desserts. All combine Kathryn’s and Father Andrew’s favorite recipes. We want to thank our sponsors, Circle B Ranch Pork, 360 Cookware, and Corn Huskers Duck Fat Spray.

Shredded Pork BBQ

Chef Kathryn Raaker

Ingredients

  • 64 oz Chicken Broth
  • 2 Tbsp Parsley Flakes
  • ¾ Tbsp Celery Salt
  • 2 tsp Pepper and Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Dry Onion Flakes
  • 6 Shallots Finely Chopped
  • Corn Huskers Gourmet Duck Fat Spray

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients on top of the Pork roast pour chicken broth into the pan fill pan up over the Roast and then cook the Pork Butt or Pork Roast in a slow cooker for 3 to 4 hours or until the pork falls apart. Then let roast cool and then shred the pork spray Baking Pan I sued 360 Pan and spray with Duck Fat Spray and then put shredded meat into the Pan I then used a prepared Barbeque sauce and covered all the meat and then put in oven for about 20 minutes to heat at 350 and then served on Buns.

Blooming Onions

by Father Andrew Umberg

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 White Onions- Peel them whole
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup Tabasco Sauce
  • 1 tsp Pepper per onion

Instructions

  • Pre-Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Clean the Onions then cut diagonally till you have the onion
  • completely cut all the way around
  • do not cut them all the way thru.
  • Then place them in a flat dish – like a corning ware dish with a top
  • We sprayed the bottom of the dish with Cornhuskers Gourmet Duck Fat
  • Pour Olive oil into each Onion
  • Use 10 to 12 drops of Tabasco Sauce in each onion
  • About 1 teaspoon of black Pepper in each onion
  • 1 tablespoon of soft butter on the top of each onion
  • Cover onions with Aluminum Foil
  • Bake for 45 minutes and serve

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.

Arugula Salad with Fresh Dates

Ingredients

Salad

  • 20 Green seedless grapes cut in half
  • ½ to ¾ cup chopped walnuts- optional if you are allergic to nuts or you could substitute Blueberries optional if you are allergic to nuts or you could substitute Blueberries
  • ¾ cup Dates
  • ¼ to ½ cup fresh goat cheese crumbled
  • 1 box Arugula about 5 cups
  • Directions
  • Add Arugula chopped grapes and walnuts, chopped dates, mix well the add crumbled goat cheese

Balsamic Dressing

  • 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 /2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Himalayan Salt
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper

Instructions

Salad

  • Add Arugula,chopped grapes and walnuts, chopped dates, mix well the add crumbled goatcheese  

Balsamic Dressing

  • In a small bowl or small Mason Jar, mix all the ingredients and pour over salad and serve.
The Chef, You, and I with Kathryn Raaker

The Chef, You and I Show with Kathryn Raaker watch her as she prepares some interesting dishes that include honey provided by Bee Healthy Honey Farms, Inc. Kathryn’s first recipe was Pork Loins with her new Garlic-Free Honey Barbeque. Next, she prepared Spicy Ground Beef Rice Bowls, adding honey to the meat. Next, she made Asian Salad with Dressing made with Honey. These recipes were all straightforward and Healthy. Thanks to our sponsors, 360 pans, Corn Huskers Gourmet Duck Fat Spray, and our newest sponsor, Bee Healthy Honey Farms, Inc.

Kathryn’s Garlic-free BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

  • 4 ½ cups organic ketchup
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (Add 1/4 more if you prefer your sauce sweeter
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp ground pepper fresh
  • 1 ½ Tbsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp Lemon Pepper

Instructions

  • Mix all together and store it in a tight-fitting glass container.

Notes

I double the recipe if I am making a number of dishes.

 

Sweet and Spicy Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Organic Ground Beef
  • 2 Tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Tamarin
  • 1 tsp sea salt or more to taste
  • ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 4 cups basmati rice cooked (kept warm)
  • 1 small English cucumber sliced in rounds
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions white and light green parts, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tsp Lemon and Pepper See the recipe below

 

Kathryn’s Asian Salad Dressing

Provided by Sunkist Oranges

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • minced onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salad

  • 2 cups napa cabbage cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup purple cabbage cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado pitted, peeled and sliced
  • 4 mandarins peeled and segmented
  • 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup slivered or sliced almonds

Instructions

Dressing

  • Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

Salad

  • Prepare the salad: Combine cabbage, carrots, green onions, avocado and chicken in a large bowl. Toss well to combine, then add the mandarins, cilantro and almonds.
    Kathryn combines the ingredients for her Asian Salad
  • Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Makes 2 to 3 servings. ds, for garnish (optional)

 

 

Fall Subs and Pumpkin Treat

 

Fall Subs and Pumpkin Treats

Join Kathryn Raaker as she prepares breakfast, lunch/dinner, and a dessert, which are delicious dishes for fall. First, Kathryn prepares Praline Pumpkin Dessert, Pumpkin Pie Pancakes, and Pumpkin Pie Spice. She prepared the Pumpkin Pie Pancakes on her grill using the Grillmat by Grillight. Then she prepared a side dish to go with the sub sandwich she made. The side dish contains potatoes, onions, carrots, and squash using the same Grillight Mat. The Sub Sandwiches were made with Italian Sausages and grilled thin sliced steak.  Thanks to our sponsors: Cornhuskers Gourmet Duck Spray, Grillight Products, 360 Cookware, and CircleB Ranch & Marina Kitchen.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  • Blend together and store in tight fitting Jar

Notes

The beauty of homemade spice mixes is that you control the ingredients and thus are assured there are no fillers.

Praline Pumpkin Dessert

by Betty Crocker
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 can 15 oz pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box 15.25 oz Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™,Yellow Cake Mix, or Delights Super Moist™ Spice Cake Mix
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ¾ cup butter or margarine melted
  • Whipped cream if desired
  • Additional pumpkin pie spice if desired

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease or spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan. In medium bowl, beat pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice with wire whisk until smooth. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle with pecans. Pour melted butter evenly over top. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes. To serve, cut dessert into 4 rows by 3 rows. Serve warm or chilled with dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice. Store covered in refrigerator.
    Praline Pumpkin Dessert-serving

 

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

by Betty Crocker

Ingredients

  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 ¼ cups fat-free skim milk
  • 2 cups Bisquick Heart Smart® mix
  • ½ cup canned pumpkin not pumpkin pie mix
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • Real maple syrup if desired

Instructions

  • Into medium-large bowl, mix all ingredients except syrup until smooth. Batter will be thick. Spray griddle with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form around edges. Turn pancakes; cook about 3 minutes or until golden brown on bottom. Serve pancakes with maple syrup.

Notes

Note: Chef Kathryn cooked the pancakes on GrillMat by Grillight

Kathryn prepares recipes using pork from Circle B Ranch
https://youtu.be/1jSD11fLc9M

Join Kathryn as she prepares great food with pork and recipes from Circle B Ranch and Marina’s Kitchen to serve to her guests. First, on the menu, Kathryn prepares a simple but delicious Pork Scaloppini with Mushrooms and Marsala. Next, Kathryn prepares Italian Herb Lemon Pork Cutlets. Lastly, she finishes the menu with her favorite Caprese salad with fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese. It was a delicious dinner, made better because she used her favorite cooking spray, Cornhuskers Kitchen Gourmet Duck Fat, and prepared the food using her pans from 360 Cookware. 

Pork Scaloppine with Mushrooms and Marsala

Permission From Marina’s Kitchen -Original recipe from Lida’s Italy

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound or a little more Circle B Ranch boneless center-cut pork loin
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or more
  • 6 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or more if needed
  • 5 Tablespoons butter or more if needed
  • 2 Tablespoons finely chopped shallots
  • 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms large white Mushrooms
  • 1 cup dry Marsala
  • 1 cup light stock chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth, or more if needed
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Instructions

  • Trim the pork loin, leaving only a thin layer of fat, and cut it crosswise into twelve equal slices. Using a meat mallet (or other heavy implement), flatten and spread the slices into scaloppine about 1/4 inch thick. Season lightly on both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. Dredge the scaloppine in the flour, coating both sides, and shake off the excess.
  • Meanwhile, put 4 Tablespoons of the olive oil and 2 Tablespoons of the butter in the skillet, set over medium-high heat. When the butter begins to bubble, lay four or more scaloppine in the skillet – as many as can lie flat without crowding – and let them sizzle in place until the underside is opaque and tinged with brown, about 3 minutes. Flip them over and color the second side for a couple of minutes; then lift out the slices, let the fat drain off, and put them on a platter. Add a bit more olive oil and/or butter to the skillet if it seems dry, and fry the rest of the scaloppine in the same way.
  • When all of the pork is browned, pour off the frying oil but leave any crusty caramelization in the skillet. Put in the remaining 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and 3 Tablespoons of butter, and return to medium-high heat. When the butter is foaming, drop in the shallots and sage leaves, and cook, stirring for a minute. Scatter the sliced mushrooms in the pan, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and stir continuously as the mushrooms sizzle and start to release their juices. Cook, tossing and stirring, until the moisture has evaporated and the mushroom slices are shrunken, soft and caramelized, 6 minutes or more.
  • Pour in the Marsala, raise the heat, and stir until it boils. Let the wine bubble and reduce for a minute or two, then stir in the stock. Bring to a boil, and cook at a gentle bubbling pace until the sauce is slightly viscous but loose, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • One by one, slide the scaloppine into the simmering sauce, and pour in any juices accumulated on the platter. Shake the pan, spoon sauce over the scaloppine, and flip them over once or twice, until they are heated through and glistening with sauce on both sides. If the sauce is too dense to coat all the meat, loosen it with a bit of stock. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the parsley all over, and serve.

Italian Herb Lemon Pork Cutlets

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 Pork Cutlets
  • 2 tbs butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs beaten

Seasoned Bread Crumbs

  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 4 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Sauce

  • 2 tbs butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock/broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • 4 tbs fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbs Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F

Bread Crumbs

  • Mix all seasoned bread crumb ingredients in a large bowl.

Prepare Pork Cutlets

  • Melt 1 tbs of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Dredge the pork chops in the flour, then dip in the beaten egg and the seasoned bread crumb mixture.
  • Brown chops on both sides; remove from pan and place on a rack inserted in a baking sheet. Melt remaining 1 tbs butter and repeat.
  • Bake chops in preheated oven for 20 minutes; meanwhile make sauce.

Sauce

  • In the same pan, melt the 2 tbs of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the stock, lemon juice, and the cream. Heat until it begins to bubble.
  • Add the cheeses and stir until they are melted. If the salt/pepper is needed, add it now.
  • Add the parsley and continue cooking until sauce is reduced about 25% (It should be the consistency of a thinner gravy).
  • Sauce may be poured over the cooked chops or served on the side like a gravy.

Kathryn Raaker makes grilling easy with Circle B Marina’s Kitchen recipes for Coffee Molasses Marinated Pork Chops* (*Please note, the recipe calls for fresh thyme, not dill), and Blackberry Cobbler, Chef Kathryn’s Cucumber Appetizer, Grilled Potatoes, and Sweet Onions, Fresh Watermelon salad, and a fresh Summer Fruit Tart. Our sponsors make this show possible, so please visit Corn Huskers Duck Fat Spray, vaporless cooking with American-made pans from 360 Cookware, and the amazing sustainable pork from Circle B and Marina’s Kitchen (BTW, did you know it is also Keto, Gluten-Free, and Nitrite-Free?) Healthier food for Healthy Grilling.

My recipe for Garlic-free Lemon pepper is below.

I want to thank my sponsors, and if you are interested in their products, please click on their images. 

 

Coffee-Molasses Marinated Pork Chops

Permission to use Recipe Provided by Circle B Ranch and Marina Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee cooled
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 6-7 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp minced garlic fresh or jarred -Optional
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tea lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 Circle B Ranch pork chops 1 inch thick, bone-in

Instructions

  • Start by brewing coffee. You want it strong, but not too bitter as the bitterness will cause the chops to be bitter. Set aside 3/4 cup to be cooling while you whip up the marinade.
  • Why should you marinate? Four good reasons include enhancing the meat’s flavor, keeping the meat moist and juicy, creating a beautiful, crisp crust on the meat, and improving overall health by reducing unhealthy HCAs (possible carcinogens created when meats are cooked at high temperatures). The next eight ingredients make up part of the marinade, so mix them together before adding the cooled coffee.
  • Next, and this is very important, do not use all of the marinade for the meat! You will be using a portion to make a glaze to put on right before serving, so don’t use it all or you will have to make more. Simply remove 1/2 cup of the marinade and place it into a zip top bag. Then insert the pork chops, seal the bag and give it a good squish. Place in the fridge (I like to put it in a bowl or pan so that it doesn’t move around too much) for at least two hours. If you can let it go overnight, the flavors get even richer. Place the remaining marinade-that-will-become-a-glaze in a covered container in the fridge until needed.
  • About twenty minutes before you put your pork chops on the grill, pull out your leftover marinade and place it in a saucepan. You want to cook this on medium heat until it reduces by half, roughly 10-15 minutes. Remove the thyme stems before using. Turn off or keep on low until ready to use.
  • When it’s grilling time, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Then use some oil-soaked paper towel to oil your grill a little. I find it helpful to grip the paper towel with tongs to avoid getting burned, setting things on fire and the like. You just don’t want those pork chops getting stuck. Grill 3-4 minutes per side until they reach doneness and an internal temperature that you prefer. Typically, this is 145 degrees for medium rare and 160 degrees for medium. Then place the meat on a plate to rest for approximately five minutes before spooning the glaze over the chops.
  • If you would prefer to broil instead of grill these delicious chops, broil 4-5 inches from the heat source for 4-5 minutes per side.

Blackberry Cobbler

Inspired by Marina’s Kitchen and Southern Living

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1 ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – optional
  • Whipped cream or Cool Whip or Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Stir together blackberries and sugar in a medium bowl. Let stand 25 minutes or until some liquid is released and sugar turns pink. Whisk together flour and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter until blended. Spread batter in an ungreased 8-inch square pan. Spoon blackberry mixture over batter; sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 375° for 45 to 50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream. You can also serve this with Vanilla Ice Cream. Enjoy!

Kathryn’s Raaker’s Fresh Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups seedless Watermelon
  • 2 cups fresh Mozzarella pearls I used BelGioioso
  • ¼ cup Goat Cheese or Feta crumbled
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil green chopped
  • cup virgin Olive oil
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 to 3 cups mixed baby greens
  • ½ cup blueberries optional
  • 1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar Optional

Instructions

  • Toss together the watermelon, mozzarella, basil, green onion, blueberries, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or Arugula. Drizzle your favorite Balsamic vinegar on the top and serve.

Kathryn’s Cucumber Appetizer

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 Persian or mini English Cucumbers cut in half lengthwise and clean seeds out
  • 8 oz tub Whipped cream cheese you may also use one 8 oz blocks at room temperature
  • 6 Sweet Cherry Tomatoes cut into small pieces.
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 6 green olives or capers minced (Optional)
  • 1 Tbsp olive juice omit if using capers and use 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh dill chopped

Instructions

  • Clean out seeds with a small spoon.
  • Combine all the ingrediens, except tomatoes, into a small bowl and whip together until smooth.
  • After combining mixture put into a small zip lock bag cut off one corner or use a piping bag and pipe into the cucumber boats.
  • Sprinkle with the diced tomatoes and some fresh dill sprigs. Refrigerate and serve as an appetizer or a snack.

Summer Fruit Tart

Recipe from the Costco Connection – Author Jeanine Donofrio LoveofLemons .com

Ingredients

Pie Crust

  • 6 oz Graham Craker Crumbs or 9 Graham Crackers
  • 5 Tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Filling

  • 2 8 oz cream cheese soften to room temp (You can microwave 30 to 40 seconds to soften)
  • cup powdered add another ⅓ cup if necessary
  • 2 to 3 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 large lemon juiced, you will need 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 ripe Nectarines pitted and sliced
  • 1 ½ cups Raspberries
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup cashews raw and unsalted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Line the bottom of a 9-inch Tart pan with circular parchment paper use a Tart pan that has removable bottom. To Prepare the crust of I used Graham Cracker Crumbs and I added to that the Coconut oil, brown sugar and cashews, lemon juice or limoncello and salt do this in a food processor just for a 10 to 15 seconds if you are using 9 Graham Crackers then pulse altogether the ingredients.
  • Press the mixture into prepared pan and using the back of the measuring cup press it firmly onto the bottom and completely up the sides of the tart pan. Freeze for 30 minutes. Prepare the filling: In a high-speed blender, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cashews, lemon juice or limoncello, zest and vanilla extract; blend until creamy. Spread the filling onto the crust. Refrigerate the tart overnight. Top with nectarines and raspberries’ and serve. 8 Servings

Kathryn’s Garlic-Free Lemon Pepper

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Lemon Zest about 9 small lemons (Only the yellow part of the lemon)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 ½ Tbsp Ground Black Pepper Fresh ground is best.
  • 1 tsp Turmeric optional
  • 1 tsp Coriander optional
  • 1 tsp Ground Himalayan or Kosher salt (NuSalt is a good alternative if you are on low salt diet)

Instructions

  • Zest 9 lemons on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread out the zest with a fork then put in a 170-degree (or the warm setting) pre heated oven for about 30 minutes. Let it cool completely and then add all ingredients together and put it in an airtight container.

Freeze Those Lemons

  • Remember to save those lemons! Just pop them into a freezer bag and when you are ready to use one, just thaw it in the refrigerator the day before. Then juice as normal. Great way to preserve any citrus when they are in season.
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 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 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.

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.

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.
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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.
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!

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.

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 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.

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

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!!!!

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 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.
Chef Kathryn's Peach Salad-web
I love cooking with my granddaughter, Cassie during a recent visit. Come and watch as we prepare some of her favorites.

This summer my granddaughter and I prepared a few desserts before I made some pork recipes courtesy of Marina’s Kitchen and Circle B Ranch pork.

Cassie making Brownie

Ingredients

  • 1 box of Chocolate Brownie Mix (We used Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 Tbsp Water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven 350 degrees
  • Add two eggs and beat lightly add oil and water then add the mix slowly if you are not using a mixer mix well and keep adding dry ingredients when smooth pour into a well grease 9×13 pan and bake for 20/25 minutes check with toothpick and when it comes out clean brownies are done.
  • Put brownies aside to cool

Kathryn’s Edible cookie dough

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups flour In a Microwave safe bowl (microwave for 1 minute)
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar tightly packed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ Tbsp milk
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  • Add butter add brown sugar add sugar mix then add milk, vanilla, salt and then flour use mixer and mix until you have no clumps. Fold the chocolate chips into the mixture. Make a ball with the cookie dough then press down on the brownie square in the center add brownie ball into the center of brownie then take the brownie lifted on the side till you cover the cookie dough, until all the brownies are made into lls with the cookie dough. Then roll until you have balls then dip the balls into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper then place in the refrigerator

Smore cookies – Kathryn Raaker’s Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 Marshmallows
  • 8 double graham crackers
  • 10 Hershey Chocolate Bars Squares
  • Hershey’s cookies dough

Instructions

  • Use parchment line a cookie pan then place 6 graham crackers on the sheet in rows. Place a graham cracker then top it with chocolate square add marshmallow on top of chocolate and press down a little on the marshmallow then take cookie dough and make a dome on top of each square then when finished put into a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes cookies will then be done. Let cool and serve

CIRCLE B RANCH PORK PORK LOIN WITH PEACH BASIL BOURBON GLAZE

PERMISSION TO USE RECIPES FROM MARINA’S KITCHEN

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 2 Pork Tenderloins
  • 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper
  • 10 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 2 shallots-small dice
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 large peaches pitted and halved*
  • 1/4 cup of light brown sugar only needed if using fresh peaches

Instructions

  • Stir until the liquid has begun to reduce (about 2-3 minutes) and add in the brown sugar or the peach syrup, cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and the whole basil leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. Add in the last Tbsp of butter and stir. If using the canned peaches, add them. Spoon the delicious bourbon glaze over the tenderloin and enjoy!

CIRCLE B RANCH Pork Chops with Peaches and Fresh Basil

PERMISSION TO USE RECIPES FROM MARINA’S KITCHEN

Ingredients

  • 2 bone-in Circle B Ranch pork chops 4-6 oz. each
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 peaches pits removed, cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 2 tsp. zest from 1 lemon plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • Pinch of dried red chili flakes
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

  • Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until lightly smoking. Add the pork chops and cook until first side is nicely browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until the internal temperature registers 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Do not wipe out skillet.
  • Lower heat to medium low and add the peaches, lemon zest, sugar, salt, and dried chili flakes. Stir gently until the peaches begin to soften but don’t lose their shape, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Place the 2 pork chops on separate plates. Pour any juices from the plate back into the skillet and add butter and lemon juice. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and swirling pan until butter is melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in half of basil.
  • Divide the peaches between the two plates of pork chops and then pour the pan juices on top. Sprinkle with the remaining basil.
  • Serve immediately.