Saturday, February 26, 2022

Fruity Pebbles and Bacon Grilled Cheese (Melt)


 This recipe is the truth.  It's wacky, but believe me when I say, this flavor profile works beautifully.  All the components of what make something 'taste good' are there.   This unconventional approach contains crunchy, crispy, creamy, ooey gooey, stretchy, smoky, salty,  sweet, savory, sour and heat, all in one.  I challenge you to try this mashup and see for yourself.  The Grilled Cheese/Melts Game is now armed and equipped with one of the most  memorable versions, something new for 2022. 

Recipe:

Honey Wheat or desired bread

Butter and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Mayonnaise for an extra golden and crispity crunchy) 

Fruity Pebbles

Crumbled Bacon, precooked or home cooked

Dried Cranberries, optional, but Optimal for tart factor

Korean Hot Pepper Flakes

Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Muenster slices

American Cheese, (it's the Rule)

Now, Get your ass in the kitchen and create Magnificence!!!

Tag your photos to @tennellio with hashtag #fruitypebblesgrillcheese,  so I can see your reactions and/ creations!! 



Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Duck Off!


 I've fallen hard for duck eggs.  One of my work associates mentioned that their family does organic chicken eggs and they also have duck eggs on occasion.  I jumped at the opportunity to experience them in my repertoire. I am in love already.  They are so versatile and provide the same nutrients, actually more, than  the eggs of a chicken.  They are  humongous, providing enough for substituting at least 2 mediums easy, providing  a wonderfully richer and creamier presentation, full of egg forward flavor. 

Duck eggs make for great baking and are EGGcellent for custards, quiches and souffles, possessing a higher yolk to whites ratio.  These eggs have a lower water content, so keep in mind that they are easier by comparison to overcook.  Duck eggs are high in valuable nutrients like Selenium, B1, B2,  B12, B6, B7,B9, virtually all of the B vitamins, Iron and protein.  The yolk presents darker, which indicates a higher antioxidant value.  Also, there is more Omega 3's and twice as much vitamin A as chicken eggs.  Duck eggs have a much tougher shell than its counterpart, so you have to give it more of an UMPH to crack it  and you won't be 'walking on egg shells' to avoid breaking one! Please don't mistake me, I still love my hauls of organic deliciousness brought courtesy of my brother Ken, of Dominique eggs he and my sister in law bring in droves.  

The nutrients duck eggs possess are fantastic for your bones, hair, skin, muscles and overall health.  Being eggs, they do however contain cholesterol, so try not to overshadow its goodness, by consuming too many in a week's time.  Moderation is the key to keeping them in your diet.  

For my first experiences with these mega eggs or MEGGS, I went with a simple country style fried on my Blackstone Griddle and also Sunny Side up.  I love the way they turned out.  I'm especially digging the way they cover the whole toast or biscuit, egg in every bite!  

Don't be intimidated by the size of these beauties, you can always use a kitchen scale to weigh out the exact amount needed, a large chicken egg is about 2 oz., so you can gauge the amount needed for use.  

Next on my list is an array of Pound Cakes, featuring the lovable goodness of the egg that is Duck.  I'm excited for you to get your hands on some (if you haven't already) and let the creating begin.  If someone tries to talk you out of this culinary gem, simply tell them to Duck Off! and get some anyway. Until next time, Happy Eating!


Zesty Pesto Ranch Chicken Tenders


Looking for a boost in your boring chicken game with little effort and a big return? Well, look no further.  With a couple of store bought items and few minutes of marination time, you can turn ordinary chicken into an extraordinary and versatile meal option and wake up your sleeping taste buds.  The leftovers from this recipe can be used the next day for a fabulous centerpiece on a delicious salad, for work lunch or healthy dinner for the tweens and teens.  
The tenders may additionally be served alongside a starch like veggie filled rice or potatoes, or even cauliflower rice and  sweet potato fries.  Why not toss them in a nice warm flour tortilla and go Greek with some greens, Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, red onion and tzatziki sauce for a burst of flavors and satisfying crunch.  With food costs rising in unprecedented proportions, we as consumers could use ingredients that are interchangeable and able to be diversified, saving where we can.  
The two ingredients are a packet of Ranch seasoning (1 oz.) and a jar of Pesto (6.5 oz.).  I used 1/2 packet of the seasoning and 2/3 of the Pesto for about 1 1/2 lbs. chicken tenders.  The flavor profile of the items combined is enough to cover many taste bases at once. I blended these items using mayonnaise (1/4 cup) as the binder, but feel free to use full fat or fat free sour cream or even Greek yogurt for the healthiest version possible, the choice is yours.  Fold the protein into mixture and let sit covered in the fridge for 15 minutes and up to 24 hours.  
Using tongs, lift the protein out of the marinade and onto a sheet pan covered with parchment paper.
Execution is  worry free and able to be prepped ahead time for maximum marination time, then baked off in a 375* F oven or zapped in your air fryer, saving even more precious time and energy.  Chicken tenders can be quite expensive at times, so substituting boneless cuts of pork or boneless skinless chicken thighs will fit the bill just fine. 
Next time you need a quick and delicious meal fix, give these a try and let your taste buds have a little fun for a change.