Cooking In The Grove

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Burritos!!!

My meatloaf and potatoes were awesome! Jon really liked them too!

Last night I had planned to make a sausage dish from the left over sausage from Monday night. Jon called and said he "really needs some pizza." Of course, I gave in, it's hard to say no to him :) Plus, he needed some desperate sleep, so it was way faster to pick up pizza instead. And come on, DJ's Pizza is awesome. I picked up 1/2 a veggie sub and it was pretty good too.

Tonight I called Jon and asked him what he wanted: Sausage or Burritos. He said burritos, so I was happy. I'm not a huge sausage fan when its by itself. If it's mixed in other meat, that's fine.

My burritos were so good! I don't always like them when I make them, but I totally made them perfect tonight! No more changing that recipe!

1 can green enchilada sauce
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 taco seasoning mix
2-3 large chicken breasts, cooked
Flour Tortillas
Cheddar Cheese
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder)
Drizzle of Oil
Extras of your choice (I like green peppers in my burritos)

Jon likes his burritos plain. No frills, just chicken with cheese and sauce on top. I enjoy peppers, onions, and rice in mine. When I'm home I usually just do the chicken and some peppers.
I used frozen chicken breasts. I cooked them first in a pot with salted water. While those were cooking I heated up my enchilada sauces and 3/4 of my taco seasoning packet. I have a recipe for homemade taco seasoning which I plan to make soon.
Once the chicken was done cooking, I shredded it. I didn't really know how to do it, but the way I did worked great. I placed one fork in the middle of my chicken breast, and kind of dug at the chicken with the other fork. It created really nice small strandish pieces of chicken. I seasoned the chicken then put in a fry pan. I poured a small amount of my sauce in to get it just all coated. Once it was all coated, I put it on a plate and stored it in the microwave.
In the same fry pan, I drizzled just a dab of oil to coat the bottom. I sliced up my green peppers and cooked those for just a few minutes. I scooped those out and set them to the side.
Next, I took my tortilla and placed each side in the oil for just a few seconds. I saw this done on Rachel Ray so I thought I would do it too.
Lastly, I stuffed my shells with the chicken. I didn't put any sauce or cheese in the actual burrito. I rolled those babies up and placed them seam side down. I covered them with cheese, my sauce, and more cheese. Into the oven they went for 10 minutes at 400 degrees; just enough to melt the cheese.
Holy smokes were they so good! They were by far the best burritos I ever made. I scarfed it down, not leaving any time for a picture.

Let me know if you make them and how they turn out!

Monday, May 3, 2010

First Posting!


I don't always follow directions. I don't always measure. I like to make my own mistakes. I like to invent new creations. I like to cook.
Here is a meatloaf and potato recipe. They go hand in hand. I made the meatloaf recipe by myself and my mom handed down the potato recipe. A lot of my cooking skills are from her. We don't write things down, we taste as we go. I hope you enjoy!

Tasty Meatloaf
1 lb. ground beef
½ lb. ground pork sausage
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tbsp onion, chopped (save 1 tbsp for the potatoes)
1 tbsp celery, chopped
Sprinkle of dried herb mixture, Basil, Oregano, marjoram
Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
Salt, Pepper, Seasoning Salt

Topping
1/4 Cup Ketchup
1 tsp. Mustard
1 tsp. Brown Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

First, I like to chop up all my veggies. The above ingredients are approximate. I tend to not measure. If I’m feeling the garlic, I put lots in. Sometimes I like more onion. It’s all about how you feel.

Then I added my meat mixture. I’m saving the other half of my pork sausage to make my potato sausage casserole for tomorrow. (More to come on that.) Next, I sprinkle my spices and my herbs on my meat.

Then comes the bread crumbs and Worcestershire Sauce. Lastly is the egg. I mix the creation lightly, just enough to get everything blended. The food network says over mixing makes the meat tough. So I totally don’t over mix.


I grease my bread pan, and press the mixture into it. I’m cooking it for about an 1 1/2 hours.

Then I mix the 3 topping ingredients together. Spread over the meatloaf for the last 15 minutes of baking.


Right after I put the meatloaf in, I get started on my Party Potatoes! They are so yummy!
Party Potatoes for Two
2 large potatoes, I use Russet
1 carton of cream cheese-I use the whole thing, you may want less depending on your love of cream cheese
1 tbsp onions, from above
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Seasoning Salt, Salt and Pepper.

Okay this one is super easy!
Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces. Place in a pan filled with cold, salted water. The smaller they are, the faster they cook!
Once the potatoes are soft, easily broken with a fork, then it is time to drain!
Place the potatoes back in the pan, USE A METAL PAN! Those work best with the beaters!
I put my seasoning directly on the potatoes first. Then I throw the cream cheese on next. I place my cream cheese on the stove while the potatoes are finishing up so it softens and is easier to work with. I use my mixer to mix it up just so its blended, about 30-45 seconds. Time to taste! Should be thick, and depending on your preference, super cream cheesy or just a hint. I then add the butter, a dash more of salt, and the milk. My mom always says to add the milk last, because if you add to much in the beginning... well good luck! Mix together and continue to taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
Spray a casserole dish and transfer the potatoes to it. Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper on top. I cover mine for 20-25 minutes, then take the lid off and continue baking until the top is golden like.