HAPPY HOUR, FOOD AND FUN

 Ingredients: Pillsbury Biscuits - any variety 9 eggs 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese Salt/Pepper to taste Diced ham Chives Canadian Bacon or Sausage Patty 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter Directions: Prepare biscuits according to directions.  Set aside. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees In large bowl, scramble eggs Add cheese, diced ham, chives, salt and pepper Heat extra large skillet and add olive oil or butter Add egg mixture and sauté for a few minutes until it starts to set Put skillet with egg  mixture into pre-heated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until center of eggs is firm and no longer runny Let cool Use a cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut eggs into circle shapes Slice biscuits in half. Layer biscuits with egg and Canadian bacon. Enjoy! Notes: You can substitute the diced ham with crumbled bacon, sausage or veggies. You can add a slice of cheese to the sandwich. You can also add avocado. You can substitute an English muffin for the biscuit.

  Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken breast or chicken tenderloins - diced 1/2 pound chorizo sausage - diced 1 can diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 cloves garlic - chopped 1 small onion - chopped 2 bell peppers - chopped 1 cup white rice 2 cups chicken broth 2 bay leaves large pinch of Saffron threads Salt/Pepper 1 teaspoon cumin 1 tablespoon Parsley 1 teaspoon cilantro 1 tablespoon olive oil 10 olives with pimento (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in large pot and add diced chicken and chorizo sausage. Saute until browned. Add rice and stir until lightly browned and fragrant. Add all remaining ingredients and still well. Place in pre-heated oven for 45 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is 165 degrees. Enjoy!

  Ingredients: 2 slices Sourdough bread 2 slices prosciutto 2 eggs Butter 1 haas avocado Salt & Pepper Instructions: Smash avocado in small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Toast bread in toaster. Butter one side of the toast. Place toast on griddle or pan, buttered side down, and toast until crisp. Flip toast over on griddle (unbuttered side) and top with prosciutto.  Turn off heat. Season eggs with salt and pepper and fry over easy. Place toast with prosciutto on plate.  Add avocado mash.  Top with eggs. Notes: You can use any bread you like, but crusty breads work best. You can substitute the prosciutto with thinly sliced deli ham.

 Ingredients: 1 whole pork tenderloin 2 sweet Italian sausage links 4 ounces plain cream cheese 1/3 cup chopped mushrooms 3 cloves garlic - chopped Italian seasoning Spray olive oil Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove sausage from casing and crumble into pan. Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook until done. In a bowl, mix cooked sausage crumbles, mushrooms, garlic and cream cheese.  Set aside. Butterfly the pork tenderloin and pound to 1/2 inch thick. Spread sausage mixture on top of pork tenderloin and roll up. Tie with butcher's twine. Place onto cooking sheet and spray with olive oil.  Top with Italian seasoning. Roast in oven for 25-30 minutes, until pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Notes: You can use any type of sausage you like. To butterfly pork tenderloin: Place the pork tenderloin on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make a vertical cut along the lengthwise portion of the pork loin. Stop the vertical cut about 1 inc Place the pork ...

 Ingredients: 2 10-ounce cans chicken breast 2 eggs 1/3 cup parmesan cheese Italian seasoning Mozzarella cheese Pizza sauce Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Drain all liquid from chicken.  You can also squeeze through a towel. Break up chicken into small pieces and place on parchment paper lined sheet tray. Heat in oven for 10 minutes to remove remaining moisture from chicken. Remove from oven and place chicken meat into mixer bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 500 degrees. Add to mixer bowl 2 eggs, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully incorporated. Spread chicken mixture onto pizza pan and spread with rubber spatula. Bake in 500 degree oven for 10 minutes. Add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until cheese in bubbling.

  Ingredients: 1 package of chicken sausage 3 cloves garlic - chopped 1/4 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon basil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon onion powder Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat chicken sausage with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook in oven for 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.  Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, chopped garlic, broth, butter, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and onion powder in a saucepan and heat on medium heat for 10 minutes. Prepare pasta of your choice. Cut sausage into bite-sized pieces.  Place on top of pasta and top with garlic oil. Notes: You can use any type of sausage you have on hand.  I used chicken/kale sausage and it was amazing. You can substitute regular pasta for zucchini noodles for a low carb meal. I did both and they were equally as good.

  Ingredients: 1 small bag of baby carrots 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon sesame seeds Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Transfer to oven-safe pan and roast for 20 minutes until just tender. Enjoy! ** Please note that nutritional details are estimates and actual values may vary. 

 Ingredients: 4 thick bone-in pork rib chops 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 2 eggs - scrambled 3/4 cup Crisco or frying oil Salt/pepper to taste Instructions: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper (or Nature's Seasoning). Combine onion powder and garlic powder with flour. Dredge pork chops in flour. Dip pork chops in eggs until both sides are fully coated with egg. Dredge in seasoned breadcrumbs. Heat oil in large frying pan. Fry pork chops for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they have an internal temperature of 145 degrees.  Notes: If you can't find the pork rib chops, you can use any pork chop.  Just adjust your cooking time accordingly. You can make this gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.  It's still really delicious and crispy. If your pork chops start getting too dark in the frying pan, you can avoid burning them by placing them on a baking...

  Ingredients: 5 medium red potatoes 1 tablespoon Olive oil 1 tablespoon Italian bread-dipping herbs 1 teaspoon chives for garnish   Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thinly slice potatoes by hand or with the help of a mandolin Place in large bowl and add olive oil and the bread dipping herbs. Place in a single layer on baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, until crispy. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.   Notes: You can use any potatoes you have handy.   I like red potatoes for their slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have bread-dipping herbs, you can use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried oregano and dried basil.    

 Ingredients: 1 pound stir-fry beef  1/3 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon fish sauce 2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce 3 cloves garlic - pressed or chopped 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 teaspoon honey 1 bell pepper 1/2 cup matchstick carrots 1 medium onion 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 cup basmati rice 2 cups beef broth 1 tablespoon olive oil Instructions: In a large bowl, whisk beef broth, fish sauce, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, honey and garlic.  Add in stir-fry beef and let marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 8 hours. Julienne cut bell pepper and onion.  Set aside. Boil 2 cups of beef broth and add basmati rice. Simmer for 20 minutes or until tender.  Turn off heat and cover. Heat a wok or deep pan to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Add stir-fry beef and mushrooms, matchstick carrots, onions and peppers.  Cook 10-15 minutes until vegetables and beef are fully cooked. Place a half cup of basmati rice on plate and to...

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs 3 cloves garlic - pressed or chopped 2 teaspoons sesame oil Juice of 1 Lime 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari 2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce 1/3 cup beef broth 1 heaping tablespoon peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey  Instructions: Cut chicken thighs into chunks Combine remaining ingredients into bowl and whisk until smooth Marinate chicken thighs in mixture for at least 20 minutes and up to 8 hours Skewer chicken thighs Heat grill to medium high and grill approximately 12 minutes per side, or until reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Notes: You can use chicken breast or pork if you prefer, but chicken breast is a little drier when grilled. You can substitute lemon juice if you don't have lime juice. You can substitute red chili flakes if you don't have sweet chili sauce. You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth if you don't have beef broth Any kind of creamy peanut butter is fine. ** Please note that nutritional de...

Ingredients: Full rack baby back ribs Rib rub (I like McCormick Grill Mates Bourbon and Brown Sugar) Salt/Pepper Barbeque sauce (I like Kinders Honey Hot) Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 210 degrees. Season ribs with Salt & Pepper. Add a good crust of Rib rub and work into both sides of the ribs. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil so no steam can escape. Place wrapped ribs on a baking sheet in oven and cook for 4-5 hours. Remove ribs from oven and unwrap the top part of the aluminum foil. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Add barbeque sauce to the top of the ribs and place in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, place on cutting board to rest for 10 minutes, then enjoy. Notes: You can use the same process on any ribs, not just baby back ribs. You can add an Asian flavor by substituting the barbeque sauce with teriyaki sauce and sweet chili sauce. ** Please note that nutritional details are estimates and actual values may vary . 

  Ingredients: Gluten free pizza dough (I like Bob's Red Mill) 1 cup Mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce 1/2 cup pepperoni red onion Italian seasoning or bread-dipping herbs Olive oil spray Instructions: Follow the instructions on your gluten free pizza mix.  Most of them require that you pre-bake the crust for 7-10 minutes prior to adding sauce and toppings. Remove pre-baked crust from oven and spray a little olive oil on the crust and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Top with pizza sauce of your choice. Next add your cheese.  I like full-fat mozzarella because it is really chewy and delicious. Finally add your toppings.  You can add whatever you have handy - veggies, meatballs, bacon, chicken.  I like pepperoni and onion. Bake your masterpiece at 450 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden. Notes: You can pre-bake the crust in advance, wrap in foil and place in the freezer for when you ne...

Ingredients: 1 pound Ground chicken 1 tablespoon Chili powder 1 teaspoon Ground cumin 1 teaspoon Onion powder Salt/pepper to taste 1 teaspoon tomato paste 1/2 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups shredded lettuce 1 cup diced tomato 1/4 cup diced red onion 1 cup shredded cheddar Taco shells Cholula sauce Instructions: Heat taco shells according to package instructions, then set aside. Place olive oil in saute pan and heat to medium-high heat.  Add ground chicken, chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, salt/pepper, tomato paste and beef broth. Cook for 10-15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.  Turn off heat and cover. Place shredded lettuce, tomato, onion and cheddar on plate. Serve with taco shells and let everyone make their own. Top with Cholula sauce and enjoy! Notes: You can use ground chicken, ground beef, ground pork or shrimp. You can use any taco sauce or hot sauce, but I love Cholula sauce. You can also add sour cream if you like. Taco holders make it ea...

Ingredients:  10 eggs  1/2 cup diced ham  shredded cheddar cheese  1 tablespoon parmesan cheese  1 teaspoon chives (dried or fresh) 1 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoons bacon bits Salt and pepper Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Scramble 10 eggs in a bowl or large measuring cup Add diced ham, parmesan cheese, chives and bacon bits  Salt and pepper to taste Mix all ingredients Heat butter in deep skillet or frying pan Pour egg mixture into pan and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes until mixture starts to bubble Top with shredded cheddar Place pan in oven for 15 minutes or until egg is firm in the center Notes: You can add veggies like onions, peppers and mushrooms This heats up nicely for an easy weekday breakfast You can easily make a frittata breakfast sandwich or bagel You can substitute olive oil for the butter or any nonstick cooking spray you prefer You can use any cheese you like. ** Please note that nutritional details are estimates and actual...

  Ingredients: 1.5-2 lbs boneless short ribs  2 tablespoons steak seasoning     Packaged beef gravy Egg noodles Instructions: Season your short ribs all over with steak seasoning and wrap in aluminum foil. Place wrapped short ribs in a baking pan and cook in a 225 degree oven for 4-5 hours. When done, serve over egg noodles and top with gravy.   Notes: You can use bone-in short ribs as well, or substitute with stew meat. I use Montreal steak seasoning, but any brand is fine. I use McCormick gravy packets that you just add water to, but any is fine.  If you add sour cream to   your gravy, you get a creamy beef stroganoff sauce. You can use any type of noodle you like, including gluten free.  Rice and mashed potatoes are also  g reat.  Be creative and have fun with it. If you prefer to use your slow cooker, you can place seasoned beef in the slow cooker with a cup of beef broth and simmer on low for 5 hours. **  Please note ...

  This is the best-tasting homemade chicken panang curry ever! Ingredients: 1.5 lb. chicken tenderloins  1 tablespoon cooking oil (any kind) 3 tablespoons fish sauce 1 can unsweetened coconut milk 1 small onion 2 bell peppers - any color 2 cloves garlic - smashed or chopped 1-3 teaspoons of panang curry paste (depending on how much heat you like) 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1 handful basil leaves - chopped Instructions: P re-heat oven to 350 degrees Heat oil in a frying pan and toss your chicken tenders with salt and pepper until browned on both   sides.  Put pan in oven for 15 minutes or until chicken tenders reach 165 degrees.  Remove pan from oven and let rest. In a large pot, add a teaspoon of oil and sauté the onions, peppers and garlic. Once cooked, set heat to   low. In a small pan, add fish sauce, coconut milk, peanut butter and panang curry paste.  Wisk until blended and heat to just boiling.  Turn off heat and throw in basil leaves...

Ingredients: 1 pound Raw Shrimp - fresh or frozen 1 cup Casava flour 2 cups Seasoned Gluten free breadcrumbs (I used 4C brand) 2 eggs scrambled 1/2 cup Oil for frying - I used Crisco, but you can use any high smoke point oil you like Directions: 1. Thaw shrimp if frozen and dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture 2.  Dredge shrimp in Casava flour 3.  Next dredge in eggs 4.  Lastly coat well with gluten free breadcrumbs 5.  Heat oil to 350 degrees and drop in shrimp.  Fry until golden brown and Enjoy! I make a quick tartar sauce with pickle relish and mayonnaise. ** Please note that nutritional details are estimates and actual values may vary . 

  Here's a super-easy Charcuterie Board idea for anytime you need a little something tasty to go with your Happy Hour. This one has easy goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in prosciutto, chunks of cheddar, merlot and brie cheeses, fresh grapes, salami, olives, gherkins, sweetie drops miniature peppers (love those) and meatballs with teriyaki sauce - all served on a big wooden cutting board.  Yum! To make the dates, just slice open the dates, stuff with goat cheese, and wrap in prosciutto.  Bake in a 375-degree oven for 10 minutes and enjoy!