Chef Tom's Creations - Cooking & Recipe Blog

2011-11-22T19:38:00.001-05:00

Download the Thanksgiving Cookbook Collection for HALF PRICE for a limited time: http://ping.fm/jAA9W

2011-11-06T19:28:00.001-05:00

Final Chance to Enter to win an autographed cookbook by Chef Todd English: http://tinyurl.com/4xk54s2

2011-11-02T14:04:00.000-04:00

You still have time to enter to win an autographed copy of "Cooking in Everyday English" by Chef Todd English: http://tinyurl.com/4xk54s2

2011-10-31T15:36:00.001-04:00

I am giving away an autographed copy of "Cooking in Everyday English" by Chef Todd English: http://tinyurl.com/4xk54s2

2011-10-27T21:09:00.001-04:00

I am giving away an autographed copy of Todd English's cookbook. Enter to win: http://ping.fm/yij05

2011-09-15T14:09:00.001-04:00

Do you LOVE CHEESE? http://ping.fm/D26Iz foodbuzz

2011-07-26T11:40:00.001-04:00

Just updated my Facebook DJ page: http://ping.fm/ELWsk (check it out!)

2011-07-12T20:07:00.001-04:00

check out the things I cook... http://cheftomcooks.com cheftomcooks

2011-01-31T23:24:00.001-05:00

Check out my new look! http://cheftomcooks.com

2011-01-11T22:27:00.001-05:00

Just Updated my Facebook Page: http://ping.fm/28ZzD

2010-12-31T15:32:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone has a FUN and SAFE New Years Eve! :-)

2010-12-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-23T08:22:00.001-05:00

Win a BrewBot by Tassimo: http://ping.fm/1jOQ8 coffee

2010-12-23T00:14:00.001-05:00

GIVEAWAY: Tassimo BrewBot (Last chance to enter) http://ping.fm/9DZCi tassimo

2010-12-22T10:20:00.001-05:00

Less than 24 Hours left to ENTER to WIN a FREE TASSIMBO BREWBOT: http://ping.fm/nQUj7

2010-12-20T22:26:00.001-05:00

Win a Tassimo BrewBot: http://ping.fm/w1aY4 brewbot

2010-12-16T16:39:00.001-05:00

Download my free Cranberry Cookbook http://ping.fm/rQmFS

2010-11-28T15:34:00.001-05:00

Our official POM Dinner Party Recap is now online! Please check it out along with our photos and video! http://ping.fm/jtVhy

2010-11-25T09:25:00.001-05:00

Happy gobble gobble!!!! Eat well & enjoy the day!!!!!

2010-11-20T21:13:00.001-05:00

get this cookbook cd: http://ping.fm/UWxjI

2010-11-03T01:04:00.001-04:00

visit my Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/cheftomcooks

2010-10-20T20:10:00.001-04:00

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2010-10-06T20:34:00.001-04:00

Listening to http://ping.fm/DZ6JA !

2010-10-05T15:20:00.001-04:00

20 Cookbooks on CD for only 20 bucks: http://ping.fm/JaIYg

2010-09-30T11:05:00.001-04:00

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2010-09-23T16:10:00.001-04:00

Learn How You Can Earn EASY Cash By Sharing Your Videos Online: http://bit.ly/bydcU7

2010-09-12T13:18:00.001-04:00

Get 20 Cookbooks on CD-Rom Shipped To You FREE! http://20cookbooks.com/

2010-08-31T20:55:00.001-04:00

Get the Ultimate Cookbook Collection on CD! http://ping.fm/waSTR Over 20 cookbooks on CD with Free Shipping!

2010-08-02T11:50:00.001-04:00

visit me on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/337ow32

2010-07-23T14:36:00.001-04:00

I can create you a custom landing page that will really Enhance your Facebook Page... http://ping.fm/RYYqi

2010-07-20T14:09:00.001-04:00

CT Recipe Newsletter: Oven Barbecue Chicken + Blackberry Jam" - http://grsnip.com/leMo

2010-07-15T19:17:00.001-04:00

updated my Facebook page..join me: http://tinyurl.com/3x9yo6n

2010-04-30T10:37:00.001-04:00

Why not listen to this while you enjoy this beautiful day? http://ping.fm/q68LE

2010-04-26T21:07:00.001-04:00

Just posted my latest DJ Mix... Why not have a listen?? http://ping.fm/arajk

2010-04-20T14:51:00.001-04:00

As promised... here is my new cookbook featuring 21 SUMMER DRINK RECIPES! http://ping.fm/fnE33

2010-04-07T08:50:00.001-04:00

Become a fan.. http://ping.fm/vKXZy (p.s. tell your friends too!)

2010-04-06T15:57:00.001-04:00

are you a fan? http://tinyurl.com/ye8d883

2010-04-05T01:21:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter/weekend... I'm beat...off to bed!

2010-03-29T22:05:00.001-04:00

taking a break... Watching Law & Order.

2010-03-16T11:25:00.001-04:00

Free Cookbooks For Everyone! (yes, It's back!) http://ping.fm/CUzuT recipes

2010-03-14T00:19:00.001-05:00

massive recipe forum. http://tinyurl.com/ybp5lso

2010-03-08T17:03:00.001-05:00

Did you know that I'm giving away a FREE 5-Pack of Cookbooks? http://ping.fm/WYSaJ

A Slice Of Cherry Pie: Sunday Cake

2007-03-19T17:40:00.000-04:00

A Slice Of Cherry Pie: Sunday Cake

This blog has moved...

2007-02-08T11:39:00.000-05:00

Chef Toms Superbowl Chili

2007-01-31T15:21:00.000-05:00

Its that time.. Time to plan our SuperBowl Sunday parties! What comes to mind? Wings, ribs... how about some CHILI !?!?!

Makes 8 servings

2 Tbs olive oil
2 cups onions, chopped
Salt, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste
1 1/2 lbs stew meat, cubes
1 lbs lean chop meat
1 Tbs chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
Crushed red pepper, to taste
2 tsp dried oregano
2 Tbs garlic, chopped
3 cups crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
8 cups beef stock
2 Tbs masa (corn) flour
4 Tbs water
1 cup canned dark red kidney beans
1 cup canned white beans

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and saute for 3 - 5 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper.
Stir in the stew meat, ground beef, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Brown the meat for 5-6 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
Simmer the liquid, partially covered for 1 1/2 hours. Be sure to stir and skim off the fat occasionally.
Mix the masa and water together. Slowly stir the mixture into the saucepan, add the beans and continue to cook for about 30 minutes. Season again with salt and cayenne pepper if necessary. Serve hot !

Serve with:
Tortilla chips or brown rice
Pumpernickle bread
Grated Cheddar cheese
Sour Cream
Jalapenos

Maple Walnut Rolls

2007-01-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

This makes a great after dinner treat that will satisfy anyones sweet tooth!

6 - 7 Cups All Purpose Flour
3 Tbs Sugar
2 packages active dry yeast
1 tsp Salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup water
3 eggs, lightly beaten

Filling:
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbs maple syrup
5 cups ground walnuts

Icing:
2 cups confectioners sugar
2 - 3 Tbs milk

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat sour cream, butter and water to 120-130 degrees; add to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes longer. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. About 1 1/4 hours. Punch dough down; divide into four portions. Roll each portion into a 14" x 12" rectangle.

In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar and syrup; stir in walnuts. Sprinkle 1 cup over each rectangle. Roll up each, jelly roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over rolls.

Makes 4 rolls.

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How to Make Quick and Easy Meals For Your Family

2007-01-26T01:06:00.000-05:00

Where has the family dinner hour gone? There once was a time when we would all come home from a long day and sit down with our family for a nice home-cooked meal. In today’s fast paced world, we need more bonding time with the family. One might say that in today’s day where people pile way too much on the plate of life, that it is impossible to have a family dinner everyday. I disagree. Wouldn’t you like to get back to the way it used to be?

One way to make family dinners easier to prepare is by planning ahead. Often times I find myself going to the grocery store every other day to pick up needed items, and this is how family time gets lost. Spend a little time planning out dinner ideas for the coming week. Pick meals that are quick and easy for your dinners during the week and save the more time consuming recipes for the weekend. Did you know that software has been developed that makes meal planning a breeze? With a click of the mouse you can organize your recipe collection into daily meal plans complete with nutrition facts and shopping lists. With the computer generated shopping list you won’t have to worry about forgetting a needed item when you go grocery shopping.

Another great way to ensure that your family eats together most nights of the week is to share the responsibility of preparing dinner. It can be difficult for one family member to be responsible for cooking everyday. Each member of the family can take turns cooking each night. This is also a good way to add some new flavors to your meals since each member may have a different cooking technique. For those family members who don’t cook often, this can prove to be a great learning experience. Review each family member’s weekly schedule and delegate the meal preparation tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and clean up. Working as a team is a great way to build strength as a family.

“Not meatloaf again!” I’m sure everyone has heard the complaints from that same meal being served week after week. Keep your family dinners exciting by trying different variations of your favorite recipes. An even better idea would be to test out some new recipes. Surprise your family with a delicious new dinner tonight and they will be sure to come back to the dinner table tomorrow.

Nothing is more important than your family. It’s worth the effort to make sure that your family eats together daily. Besides the needed nutrition, this time spent together will help open the lines of communication and make your family bond stronger.

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Mini Spinach Calzones

2007-01-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

I was surprised at how good this recipe was. This makes a great snack or appetizer.

5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
2 tbs green onion, finely chopped
1 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
10 ounce package pizza dough
1 tbs milk
water
pepper, to taste
Spaghetti or marinara sauce, for dipping

Prep time: 30 mins :: Baking time: 8 mins :: Standing Time: 5 mins

To make filling:
In a medium mixing bowl stir together the spinach, cream cheese, green onion, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Set aside.

Unroll pizza dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-inch square. Using a knife, cut into 25 three inch squares.

Spoon 1 rounded tsp of filling onto each dough square. Brush edges of each square with water. Lift a corner of each square and stretch over the filling to the opposite corner, making a triangle. Press edges of dough well with a fork to seal.

Line a baking sheet with foil; lightly grease the foil. Arrange the calzones on the baking sheet. Prick tops of calzones with a fork. Brush milk over the calzones.

Bake at 425 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with sauce. Makes 25 mini-calzones.

Nutrition Facts: 38 calories, 2 g fat, 1 g sat. fat, 4 mg cholesterol, 63 mg sodium, 5 g carbs, 1 g protein

Chicken Fingers with Honey Sauce

2007-01-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

I made this recipe last week for dinner and it was a hit! Its also a great healthy alternative to fried chicken.

12 ounces boneless, chicken breasts
2 beaten egg whites
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup honey
4 tsp mustard or dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder

4 Servings :: 15 mins prep. :: 11 mins baking

1. Rinse chicken; pat dry. Cut into strips about 3 inches long and 3/4 inch wide.
2. In a small mixing bowl combine the egg whites and the 1 tablespoon honey. In a shallow bowl combine the cornflake crumbs and pepper. Dip chicken strips into the egg white mixture, then roll in the crumb mixture to coat.
3. Place in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake chicken in a 450 degree oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until fully cooked.
4. For the sauce, in a small bowl stir together the 1/4 cup honey, mustard, and garlic powder.

Nutrition Facts
230 Calories 2 g total fat 1 g saturated fat 45 mg cholesterol 275 mg sodium 31 g carbohydrate 1 g fiber 19 g protein

Lomo Saltado

2006-12-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

1 Tablespoon Oil
2 medium Onions-sliced
1 teaspoon Oregano
2 cloves Garlic-minced
1 medium Tomato-chopped
1 medium Green Pepper-sliced
1/2 pound Sirloin Steak-cut into thin strips
4 medium Potatoes-cut into french fries
2 Tablespoons Rocoto (Peruvian Red Hot Pepper)
(or any hot pepper you can get)

1- Fry french fries then set aside to add to dish later.
2- Season steak strips with salt and pepper.
3- Heat oil in pan and sauti garlic.
4- Place steak strips into pan, add rocoto (hot pepper),
cook until brown, stirring occasionally.
5- When steak strips are cooked, add onions, green pepper,
tomato, oregano.  Stir.
6- Cover and let sauti for approx.. 5-7 minutes.  Do not
over cook.  You do not want your vegetables to be too soft.
7- Add french fries. Stir.
8- Serve over white rice.  Enjoy

Chilied Peanuts & Pumpkin Seeds

2006-11-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

Halloween is over, time to make use of all those pumpkins!

2 Cups unsalted roasted peanuts
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp chili powder (ancho, guajillo, arbol, etc)
1 tsp salt
1 cup hulled pumpkin seeds

1. Toss peanuts with lime juice until all are moistened. Sprinkle with chili powder; toss until nuts are evenly coated. Spread nuts in shallow layer on baking sheet; bake at 250 degrees until chili powder forms a light crust on the nuts, 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle generously with salt.

2. In large skillet over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds. When one pops, stir constantly until all have popped from flat to round, about 5 minutes. Toss with peanuts, then transfer to a serving bowl.

Makes 3 cups.

Broccoli Casserole

2006-11-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

2 Eggs, lightly beaten
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10 3/4 oz)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbs butter, melted
1 package frozen broccoli cuts, thawed (16 oz)
1 package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed (10 oz)
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients.
Fold in broccoli.
Transfer to a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Yield: 8 servings

Italian Chicken Bowtie Pasta

2006-10-24T16:05:00.000-04:00

1.5 lb boneless chicken breast, chopped into bite size pieces
2 shallots, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 small squash, chopped
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 tbs olive oil
Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, salt pepper - to taste
16oz can chopped tomatoes
1 lb bowtie pasta, cooked

1. Heat a large pan with olive oil. Add peppers and shallots and saute for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add chicken, garlic, squash and mushroom and continue to cook until tender and chicken is cooked through.
3. Season with spices, then add chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix in pasta until hot and combined.
5. Serve on plate and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Jello Shots !

2006-10-23T00:50:00.000-04:00

PARTY SHOTS - JELLO SHOTS - PARTY IDEAS!

Jello shots are pure fun for those of legal drinking age. Easy to make and they pack a punch! Here I have put together a few of my favorite party shots. Enjoy!

ELECTRIC KAMIKAZE

Makes 20 shots

8 ounces water

1 (3oz) package lime Jello

5 ounces citron vodka

2 ounces blue curacao

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

2. Pour the lime jello into a medium heatproof bowl and add the boiling water, simmer until the gelatin is dissolved. Let cool

3. Add the vodka, curacao, and lime juice to the cooled mixture, stirring until well combined.

4. Pour the mixture into twenty 2-ounce paper cups and refrigerate for about 4-6 hours.

COSMO A LA JELLO

Makes 20 shots

8 ounces water

1 (3 oz) package cranberry gelatin

5 ounces vodka

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce Triple Sec

1 ounce Limoncello liqueur

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

2. Pour the cranberry jello into a medium heatproof bowl and add the boiling water, simmer until the gelatin is dissolved. Let cool.

3. Add the vodka, lime juice, Triple Sec and Limoncello to the cooled mixture, stir until well combined.

4. Pour the mixture into twenty 2-ounce paper cups and refrigerate for about 4-6 hours.

TROPICAL BLISS

Makes 20 shots

6 ounces water

1 (3 oz) package pineapple gelatin

5 ounces Malibu coconut-flavored rum

1/2 cup mandarin or orange sorbet

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

2. Pour the pineapple jello into a medium heatproof bowl and add the boiling water, simmer until the gelatin is dissolved. Let cool.

3. Add the sorbet, stir until dissolved and then let cool.

4. Add the Malibu rum to the cooled mixture, stirring until well combined.

5. Pour the mixture into twenty 2-ounce paper cups and refrigerate for about 4-6 hours.

ENERGIZER

Makes 40 shots

16 ounces water

1 (3 oz) package cranberry gelatin

1 (3 oz) package peach gelatin

8 ounces Southern Comfort

8 ounces Red Bull energy drink

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

2. Pour the cranberry and peach jello into a medium heatproof bowl and add the boiling water, simmer until the gelatin is dissolved. Let cool.

3. Add the Southern Comfort and Red Bull to the cooled mixture, stirring until well combined.

4. Pour the mixture into twenty 2-ounce paper cups and refrigerate for about 4-6 hours.

Witches Fingers

2006-10-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

Gross everyone out with these creepy cookies.

1 cup		Butter, softened
1 cup		Icing sugar
1		Egg
1 tsp		Almond extract
1 tsp		Vanilla
2 2/3 cups		Flour
1 tsp		Baking powder
1 tsp		Salt
3/4 cup		Almonds, whole blanched
1		Tube red decorator gel
		(optional)

1	In bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla. Beat in flour, baking soda, and salt. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remainder refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoonful of dough into finger shape for each cookie. Press almond firmly into 1 end for nail. Squeeze in centre to create knuckle shape. Using paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle.
2	Place on lightly greased baking sheets; bake in 325F (160C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for 3 minutes. Lift up almond, squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place, so gel oozes out from underneath.
3	Remove from baking sheets and let cool on racks. Repeat with remaining dough.

Servings: 5

Yield: 5 dozen

Send me a picture of your creepy creation !

Halloween Recipes - Black Cat Cupcakes

2006-10-20T18:47:00.000-04:00

Everyone has a sweet tooth when it comes to Halloween! Only days away and the perfect time to cook up some spookily delicious treats! I'll be posting some great Halloween recipes over the next week. Here is one to start it off!

Black Cat Cupcakes

1 1/4 cup		Oreo® cookie crumbs
18 1/4		ozs chocolate cake mix
24		pcs Halloween Oreo® cookies
16		ozs milk chocolate frosting
		black string licorice
		jelly beans
		semisweet chocolate chips

1	Preheat oven to 350.
2	Prepare 24 - 2½" muffin cups with cooking spray and flour; set aside.
3	Prepare cake mix according to package directions; stir in cookie crumbs.
4	Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 25 minutes.
5	Remove from pans; cool on wire rack.
6	Make cat faces on each of the remaining 24 cookies: using some frosting, attach 4 - 1½" licorice strings for whiskers, 2 jelly bean halves for eyes and 2 chocolate chips for ears.
7	Let set at least 30 minutes.
8	Frost cupcakes with remaining frosting.
9	Stand cat faces on edge on each cupcake.
10	Place 3" piece licorice string on back half of each cupcake for tail.

Servings: 24

Yield: 24

Preparation time: 10 minutes

If you have a favorite Halloween recipes, please leave it in the comments.

Italian Sausage & Spinach Soup

2006-10-20T00:28:00.000-04:00

1 Package Sweet Italian Sausage
64 oz Chicken Broth
1 Small Onion
1 Large Can Chopped Tomatoes
1 Cup White Rice
Handful of Baby Spinach

Remove sausage from casing and saute with onions over medium-high heat until cooked. Break the sausage apart as it cooks. Add chicken broth and heat until almost boiling. Add tomatoes and rice; reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes. Add spinach and cook until spinach takes on a vibrant green color. Serve immediately. Garnish with cheese and serve with crusty bread.

Mustard Baked Chicken

2006-09-21T10:49:00.000-04:00

This dish always gets raving reviews at the dinner table!

Serves 4

8 Chicken Pieces with bone
4 tbs butter, melted
4 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tbs lemon juice
1 tbs brown sugar
1 tsp paprika
3 tbs poppy seeds (sometimes I use sesame seeds)
3 1/2 cups pasta shells
1 tsp olive oil
salt & pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400F

2. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a large ovenproof dish.

3. Mix the butter, lemon juice, mustard, sugar and paprika together in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Brush this mixture over the top surfaces of the chicken and cook for 15 minutes.

4. Remove the dish from the oven and turn the chicken over. Coat the top surfaces of the chicken with the remaining mustard mixture. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

5. While its cooking, cook pasta shells in boiling water for 8-10 minutes.

6. Drain pasta and transfer to plates. Top the pasta with one or two pieces of chicken. Pour the mustard sauce from the pan over the chicken and serve.

Bourbon Chicken

2006-04-09T22:11:00.000-04:00

INGREDIENTS:

4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 large clove garlic, minced or put through a garlic press
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chicken broth
2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a heavy skillet. Sauté the garlic and onion until onion is transparent. Remove garlic and onion from skillet with a slotted spoon. Brown the chicken breast halves on both sides. Return garlic and onion to skillet, add the chicken broth and bourbon. Cover and cook over very low heat until chicken is tender and done, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 2 to 4 servings.

Pizza Egg Rolls

2006-03-27T16:02:00.000-05:00

YIELD: 13 EGG ROLLS

1 LB ITALIAN SAUSAGE, CHOPPED
1 GARLIC CLOVE MINCED
3/4 CUP DICED GREEN PEPPER
1 CAN CRUSHED TOMATOES (15 OZ)
1/4 CUP TOMATO PASTE
1/2 TSP DRIED OREGANO
1/2 TSP SALT
1/4 TSP SUGAR
1/8 TSP DRIED ROSEMARY
1/8 TSP THYME
PEPPER TO TASTE
8 OZ MOZZARELLA CHEESE CUT INTO 1/4 INCH CUBES
13 EGG ROLL WRAPS
1 EGG, LIGHTLY BEATEN
OIL FOR FRYING

IN A LARGE SKILLET, COOK SAUSAGE, GREEN PEPPER AND GARLIC OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL MEAT IS NO LONGER PINK. DRAIN. STIR IN THE TOMATOES, TOMATO PASTE AND SEASONINGS. BRING TO A BOIL. REDUCE HEAT; COVER AND SIMMER FOR 10 MINUTES. REMOVE FROM HEAT, COOL FOR 20 MINUTES. STIR IN CHEESE.

PLACE 1/3 CUP SAUSAGE MIXTURE IN THE CENTER OF EACH EGG ROLL WRAP. FOLD BOTTOM CORNER OVER FILLING. BRUSH REMAINING CORNER WITH EGG, ROLL UP TIGHTLY TO SEAL.

IN A SKILLET OR DEEP FRYER, HEAT 1 INCH OF OIL TO 375. FRY EGG ROLLS IN BATCHES FOR 1-2 MINUTES ON EACH SIDE UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN. DRAIN ON PAPER TOWELS.

Fun & Easy Pizza Muffins

2006-03-25T09:06:00.000-05:00

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 CAN DICED TOMATOES (14 OZ)
2 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1 TSP SUGAR
3 TSP BAKING POWDER
1 TSP DRIED OREGANO
1/2 TSP SALT
1 EGG
1/4 CUP BUTTER, MELTED
1/2 CUP SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
2 TBSP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE

DRAIN TOMATOES, RESERVING 1/4 CUP LIQUID. IN A BOWL, MIX THE FLOUR, BAKING POWDER, SUGAR, OREGANO AND SALT. IN A SEPARATE BOWL, COMBINE EGG, BUTTER, TOMATOES AND RESERVED JUICE. STIR INTO DRY INGREDIENTS JUST UNTIL MOISTENED. STIR IN 1/4 CUP MOZZARELLA CHEESE AND 1 TBSP PARMESAN CHEESE.
FILL GREASED JUMBO MUFFIN CUPS 2/3 FULL. SPRINKLE WITH REMAINING CHEESES. BAKE AT 350 FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL A TOOTHPICK COMES OUT CLEAN. COOL IN PAN FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING.

Rosemary Red Potatoes

2006-03-23T10:56:00.000-05:00

Yield: 4 Servings

1 3/4 lbs small red potatoes, quartered
1 small onion, quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic salt
2 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

In a bowl, combine onion, potatoes, oil, garlic, garlic salt and rosemary. Toss to coat evenly. Line a 15x10x1 baking pan with foil. Bake uncovered at 425 for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are brown and tender.

Home Cooking Is What I Like

2006-03-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon this blog today. If you like home cooking, you will love this blog! Home Cooking Is What I Like I'll be trying the Hashbrown Sausage Bake this week.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER ???

2006-03-21T17:44:00.000-05:00

Chef Tom here again with a question for my readers. I ask you: WHAT'S FOR DINNER? Share with us what you are cooking for dinner tonight.

BEEF & BEAN CHILI

2006-03-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

1 1/2 LBS CHOP MEAT
1 RED PEPPER
1 GREEN PEPPER
1 LARGE ONION
2 LARGE CANS OF RED KIDNEY BEANS
2 CANS OF WHITE KIDNEY BEANS
2 LARGE CANS OF TOMATO SAUCE
2 TBSP CHILI POWDER
2 TBSP GARLIC POWDER
2 TBSP SALT
2 TBSP PEPPER
3 CUPS GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE

CHOP PEPPERS AND ONIONS VERY FINE AND SAUTEE WITH OLIVE OIL UNTIL TENDER. REMOVE FROM PAN AND PUT ON THE SIDE. BROWN MEAT IN THE PAN. IN A LARGE POT COMBINE BROWNED MEAT AND SAUTEED PEPPERS & ONIONS ON MEDIUM-LOW HEAT. DRAIN AND ADD BEANS TO POT. SEASON WITH SALT, PEPPER AND GARLIC POWDER TO TASTE. START WITH 1 TBSP OF CHILI POWDER AND ADD MORE TO TASTE. ADD 2 CANS OF TOMATO SAUCE. LET SIMMER FOR 2-3 HOURS WHILE STIRRING PERIODICLY.

SERVING SUGGESTION: SERVE OVER WHITE OR BROWN RICE WITH GRATED CHEESE ON TOP. ALSO GOES GREAT WITH RYE BREAD.

SIMPLE POTATO PANCAKES

2006-03-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

PREP TIME: 20 MINS :: MAKES 4 SERVINGS

3 CUPS SHREDDED POTATOES
2 TBSP ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
2 EGGS, BEATEN
1 1/2 TSP WATER
1/2 TSP SALT
3 TBSP BUTTER, MELTED
1 TBSP VEGETABLE OIL

RINSE POTATOES AND DRAIN THOROUGHLY. IN A LARGE BOWL, COMBINE POTATOES, FLOUR, EGGS, BUTTER, WATER AND SALT. MIX WELL.

HEAT OIL IN A LARGE SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT. DROP BATTER IN 1/3 CUPFULS INTO THE OIL. FRY UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN ON BOTH SIDES. DRAIN ON PAPER TOWELS.

STUFFED PEPPERS

2006-03-21T00:58:00.000-05:00

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

6 GREEN PEPPERS
1 LB CHOP MEAT
4 CUPS WHITE RICE
3 CUPS TOMATO SAUCE
2 CUPS MOZARELLA CHEESE
2 TBSP SALT
2 TBSP PEPPER
2 TBSP GARLIC POWDER
2 TBSP PARSLEY

COOK RICE, DRAIN AND LET COOL. PREHEAT OVEN TO 350. CUT THE TOP OFF OF EACH PEPPER AND DISCARD THE SEEDS FROM INSIDE. IN A LARGE BOWN, COMBINE THE CHOP MEAT, RICE AND SPICES. STUFF PEPPERS WITH THE FILLING THEN PLACE THEM IN AN OVEN SAFE PAN OR TIN. POUR TOMATO SAUCE OVER THE PEPPERS. COVER PAN WITH FOIL AND BAKE IN THE OVEN FOR 45MINS TO AN HOUR OR UNTIL THE PEPPERS ARE TENDER. 3 MINUTES BEFORE TAKING THEM OUT, REMOVE THE FOIL AND PUT THE MOZARELLA CHEESE ON THE PEPPERS. ONCE THE CHEESE MELTS THEY ARE READY TO SERVE!

Welcome to Chef Tom's Creations !

2006-03-20T15:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog! I am Chef Tom of New York City. I have been a chef at many prestigious restaurants in both Florida and New York. Visit my blog frequently for many of my exciting creations! I appreciate your feedback. Send me some of your own creations--I'll be selecting one recipe a week to be featured as our Readers Recipe of the Week!