Purple Passion Asparagus | My Meals are on Wheels

Fried Walleye w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus and Roasted Butternut Squash

January 19, 2018 at 5:59 PM | Posted in fish | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Butternut squash, Cooking, Dinner, Fish, Food, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Walleye

Today’s Menu: Fried Walleye w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus and Roasted Butternut Squash

For Breakfast I just had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. I need some printer ink and paper, and had to go to Walmart. I’ve learned through the years to go to Walmart early if you have to use the electric mobility carts. They have very few and very few that work. So I hit the store early. Outside it was 20 degrees and we had a high of 40 degrees and partly sunny! That is a heat wave from where we’ve been temperature wise. It melted some of the snow we have on the ground, finally. I stopped by the Bank and then by McDonald’s to pick up Breakfast for Mom and Dad. Back home all caught up on everything so I grabbed a long nap, very restless last night. For Dinner tonight I prepared Fried Walleye w/Roasted Purple Asparagus and Roasted Butternut Squash

While at Meijer yesterday I seen they had Walleye Fillets on sale, and just couldn’t pass them up, I bought 3 Fillets. I rinsed them off in cold water, sliced into smaller pieces, and put them in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge until ready to use today.

To prepare them I seasoned them with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Pepper Medley. Put the fillets in a Hefty Plastic Bag and added some Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs, sealed the bag and shook till the fillet was well coated. I then fried them in Extra Light Olive Oil on medium heat, about 4 minutes per side till golden brown! I love Walleye, as I do most Fish. Walleye is so meaty and has such a fresh flavor!

I picked up more of the Purple Asparagus at Mejier the Tuesday. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil. To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus.

Then for one another side I prepared some Roasted Butternut Squash, easy recipe for some delicious Butternut Squash! I purchased 1 small package of Diced Butternut Squash at Kroger. They sell packages of it that they dice up. This is a lot easier than peeling and seeding one yourself, especially if you don’t have a good knife to cut it. I’ll need; 1 package of Diced Butternut Squash, Crumbled Bacon Bits, 1 tablespoons Extra Light Olive Oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Grinder Sea Salt, and 1 teaspoon McCormick Grinder Peppercorn Medley.

To prepare it; Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the Squash on a sheet pan and drizzle with the Olive Oil, Salt, and Peppercorn and toss well. Arrange the squash in one layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the Squash is tender, turning once with a spatula. And done, very easy to prepare. With the small amount of Seasoning and Olive Oil, it really brings out the flavor of Butternut Squash! For Dessert/Snack later a bowl of Skinny Pop – Pop Corn with a Coke Zero to drink.

Walleye Nutrition Facts

1 – 6 ounce serving
Calories 148 Calories from fat 17
% Daily Value 1
Total Fat 1.9g 3%
Sat. Fat 0.4g 2%
Cholesterol 137 mg 46%
Sodium 81mg 3%
Total Carbs. 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 30.4g
Calcium 174.9 mg

Fried Freshwater Shrimp w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus, Golden Hominy, and Blackeye Peas

July 7, 2017 at 5:04 PM | Posted in seafood, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Freshwater Colossal Shrimp, Glory Blackeye Peas, Golden Hominy, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Seafood

Today’s Menu: Fried Freshwater Shrimp w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus, Golden Hominy, and Blackeye Peas

To start the day I prepared a Poached Egg, an al fresco Chicken Sausage, and served it all on a toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin. Also had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Started a couple of loads of laundry for Mom after Breakfast. More rain and thunder storms out there today, 87 degrees and the humidity was at 82%. After Lunch I went to a local hospital to see a friend of mine. He’s not doing good at all. He has Stage 4 Lung Cancer. It just tears me up seeing people suffer from Cancer. Not a lot to do at this point but pray for him and the family. Back home not a lot going on. For Dinner tonight its Fried Freshwater Shrimp w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus, Golden Hominy, and Blackeye Peas.

While at Kroger yesterday I picked up some more of the huge Freshwater Jumbo Shrimp, I cleaned them and put them in the fridge until needed for Dinner tonight. To prepare these I’m using McCormick Golden Dipt Cracker Meal Seafood Fry Mix.

Poured about 1 inch of Extra Light Olive Oil into large skillet. Heated the oil to 350°F on medium heat. I then took a 1/2 cup of the Cracker Meal Mix in a Hefty Zip Lock Plastic Bag. Take the peeled shrimp, 3 at a time and place them in the bag and shake until Shrimp had a nice coating on them. Had all the Shrimp coated I then began to fry them. Frying them about 3 minutes the shrimp, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil until light golden brown turning after 1 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towel lined plate . Love using the McCormick Cracker Meal Mix, nice light crust and seasoning!

I prepared 3 side dishes with the Shrimp, Mom and Dad love side dishes! So for one side I picked up more of the Purple Asparagus at Mejier. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil. To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus!

For a second side dish I opened up a can of one of my favorite side dishes, Kroger Brand Golden Hominy, and its been a while since I’ve any. For those that has never had or heard of Hominy; Hominy is a food made from kernels of corn which are soaked in an alkali solution of either lime or lye. The corrosive nature of the solution removes the hull and germ of the corn and causes the grain itself to puff up to about twice its normal size. There is White and Golden Hominy, my favorite is the Golden Hominy. If you’ve never tried it do, makes a delicious side dish!

For the last side I prepared a can of Glory Foods Blackeye Peas. I just emptied the contents into a medium sauce pan. Then heated to a slow boil and then turned the heat down to a simmer, heated until ready to go. I love Blackeye Peas. For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Purple Asparagus

Purple asparagus is a similar in appearance and flavor to both white and green varieties as its original cultivar came from green asparagus. Its differentiated by its violet hued stems and conical crowned tips, however its feathery foliage is still green. Its attractive violet coloring is only skin deep as its flesh is pale green to creamy white. It is inherently less fibrous thus more tender than other asparagus types. Also, its preferred sweetness is due to its twenty percent higher sugar content than other asparagus varieties. Cooked purple asparagus develops flavorful notes of artichoke, barley and almonds. Purple asparagus has the highest levels of anti-oxidants among the asparagus varieties.

Pan-Fried Oysters Recipe w/ Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Roasted Purple Asparagus

July 2, 2017 at 5:03 PM | Posted in potatoes, seafood | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Hilton's Fresh Farm Raised Pacific Willapoint Oysters, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Red Potatoes, Seafood, Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, Texas Toast

Today’s Menu: Pan-Fried Oysters Recipe w/ Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Roasted Purple Asparagus

I made some Waffles this morning for Breakfast I made them with Bisquick Heart Smart Mix, I also used Egg Beater’s in place of the Eggs. I used Maple Grove Farms Sugarless Maple Syrup to top them with. Then I also prepared a couple of Jennie – O Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links. Also had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. I went out to get the Sunday Morning Papers this morning and it was already very humid out. For the day mostly sunny and 86 degrees, nice but hot and humid. Mom went to Church and I stayed home to keep an eye on Dad. It’s to the point now we can’t really leave him by himself. But its all worth it if we can keep him home instead of a Retirement or Assisted Living Home. Cleaned the house and cleaned up around outside. Had everything done after Lunch so I laid back and watched some TV. For Dinner tonight Pan-Fried Oysters Recipe w/ Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Roasted Purple Asparagus.

I love Fried Oysters, just don’t have them that often. So anyway to prepare my Fried Oysters I’ll need; 12 large-medium Oysters (shucked), 1 tablespoon Flour, 1/4 cup Egg Beaters, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs, Sea Salt and Pepper (to taste), 2 to 3 tablespoons Extra Light Olive Oil. Lemon Wedges, Hot sauce, Seafood Cocktail Sauce are all optional.

I used Hilton’s Fresh Farm Raised Pacific Willapoint Oysters. To prepare them; Place shucked oysters in a colander rinse in cold water and drain. Dredge drained oysters in the Flour, then Egg Beater’s, and then in Panko Crumbs seasoned with Sea Salt and Pepper (coating each oyster thoroughly). Set aside to dry at least 1/2 hour. An easy way to coat the oysters with the Panko Crumbs is to place the Crumbs in a resealable plastic bag, add egg-dipped oysters, seal bag, and then shake.

Next, heat Oil in a frying pan (I like to use my cast-iron frying pan) to 370 degrees F. or until quite hot. Fry oysters until golden brown on one side, then turn over each oysters carefully to brown the other side, approximately 1 to 2 minutes on each side Fry oyster until golden brown and edges are curled. Do not overcook or overcrowd in frying pan. Remove from frying pan and serve immediately. Serve with Lemons Wedges, Tartar Sauce, Cocktail Sauce and/or your favorite hot sauce. I served mine with some Tarter Sauce with a side of my favorite hot sauce Frank’s Hot Sauce. I don’t know why I don’t have these more often! They’re so delicious, golden brown, and with an incredible fresh flavor.

For one side I prepared some Roasted Baby Red Potatoes. Preheated the oven on 400 degrees. Next, I washed and scrubbed the Potatoes off. To prepare them I needed; 1 tablespoon Extra Light Olive Oil, Dried Rosemary, Dried Thyme, McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley. I start by heating up a Cast Iron Skillet on medium heat and as that’s heating up I cut the Baby Red Potatoes in half. Combined all ingredients in a large bowl and added the Potatoes. Toss to coat Potatoes and added them to the Skillet. Fry them about 4-5 minutes and transfer the Skillet to the oven, for about 15 – 20 minutes until they are fork tender. This is why I love using Cast Iron Skillets, from the stove to the oven, and then an easy clean up.

For another side I picked up more of the Purple Asparagus at Mejier. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil. To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus!

I also baked a slice of New York Bakery Lite Texas Toast. First time I’ve tried this, I heard that they had this but could never find it until yesterday at Meijer. It’s fewer calories, carbs, and fat than normal Texas Toast. For Dessert/Snack later a bowl of Skinny Pop – Pop Corn with a Diet Peach Snapple to drink.

Pan-Fried Oysters Recipe:

Ingredients:

12 large-medium Oysters, shucked
1 tablespoon Flour
1 Eggs, beaten or 1/4 cup egg Beater’s
1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs
Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons Extra Light Olive Oil
Lemon Wedges, optional
Hot sauce, optional
Seafood Cocktail Sauce, optional

Preparation:

Place shucked oysters in a colander to drain.

1 – Dip drained oysters in flour, then beaten eggs, shake off excess, and in panko crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper (coating each oyster thoroughly). Set aside to dry at least 1/2 hour. NOTE: An easy way to coat the oysters with the panko crumbs is to place the crumbs in a resealable plastic bag, add egg-dipped oysters, seal bag, and then shake.

2 – Heat canola oil in a frying pan (I like to use my cast-iron frying pan) to 370 degrees F. or until quite hot.

3 – Fry oysters until golden brown on one side, then turn over each oysters carefully to brown the other side, approximately 1 to 2 minutes on each side Fry oyster until golden brown and edges are curled. Do not overcook or overcrowd in frying pan. Remove from frying pan and serve immediately.

Serve with Lemons Wedges, Tartar Sauce, Cocktail Sauce and/or your favorite hot sauce.

Makes 2 servings.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF OYSTERS
Oysters are naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals including protein, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C.

Hilton’s Fresh Farm Raised Pacific Willapoint Oysters

Product Details
Hilton’s oysters are plump, juicy and full of flavor making them superb for cooking purposes in stews, pan fried, casseroles and turkey stuffing during the Holidays plus many more recipes.

Features
Available year around
Low in fat, calories and cholesterol
Fast and easy to prepare
High in protein, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin C
All natural
Product of USA

Ingredients
Fresh Pacific Small Willapoint Oysters

Chopped Bison Sirloin and Sauteed Mushrooms w/ Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Potatoes,….

June 23, 2017 at 5:01 PM | Posted in bison, SayersBrook Ranch | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Buffalo, carrots, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Klondike Gourmet Yellow Skin Potatoes, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, SayersBrook Ranch Bison Chopped Sirloin Steak

Today’s Menu: Chopped Bison Sirloin and Sauteed Mushrooms w/ Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Potatoes, Roasted Purple Asparagus, and Boiled Baby Carrots.

For Breakfast I prepared a favorite that I never fix often enough, Glier’s Turkey Goetta! I love this Turkey Goetta. I sliced a few slices of it off and fried it until browned and crispy on both sides. As usual it was mouth-watering delicious! I also prepared some Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, toasted a slice of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, and my morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Outside, Rain and more rain. It started overnight and went all day today. Lot of local flooding as it poured the rain! We needed a good rain, just not quite this much. So not a lot going on outside. We did have to have Dad at the hospital at 10:00 this morning for some blood work. Back home caught up on a few things around the house and then kicked back and watched some TV. For Dinner tonight its a Chopped Bison Sirloin and Sauteed Mushrooms w/ Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Potatoes, Roasted Purple Asparagus, and Boiled Baby Carrots.

I’m using a favorite cut of Bison for Dinner tonight, SayersBrook Chopped Bison Sirloin. I had it in the freezer so I grabbed a bag of it and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To start I preheated the oven on 400 degrees. To prepare it I’ll need McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley, McCormick Crushed Rosemary, and McCormick Thyme Leaves. I got the Cast Iron Skillet out to prepare it. I first sprayed it with a very light coat of Pam Cooking Spray and then added a tablespoon of Extra Light Olive Oil. Heated it on medium heat. When the pan was heated I added the Chopped Steak. I cooked each side 2 minutes.Then finished it in the oven, at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. It cooked up beautifully, perfect medium rare! Had a nice little char on the outside and moist and juicy inside. These are so tender you could slice them with a spoon and have an excellent taste to them. Just another very good item from SayersBrook Ranch!

I topped the Chopped Steak with some A-1 Sauce Thick/Hardy. Also cooked up some Sauteed Mushrooms.

For a side dish I prepared a new one, Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Klondike Gourmet Potatoes. To make it I’ll need; a bag of Klondike Gourmet Potatoes, 3 Cloves Garlic (minced), 2 tbsp. Extra Light Olive Oil, 2 tbsp. Dried Rosemary, and McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley – to taste.

To prepare it; I preheated the oven to 425°F. Next I placed the Potatoes in a Ziploc bag and added Olive Oil and the Garlic. Tossed until coated. Then poured them onto foil lined baking sheet. Sprinkled with the Rosemary, Salt and Pepper. Roasted in the oven for about 25 minutes, until Potatoes were fork tender. I always like trying new Potato dishes and this one came out delicious! I found the recipe on the Klondike Potato website.

For another side I had some of the Purple Asparagus leftover in the fridge that I prepared. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil. To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus!

Finally I had a small bag of Baby Carrots in the fridge that I’m preparing. I used a small sauce pan, filled 3/4 up with water, and heated to a boil. With the water boiling I added the Carrots and boiled until fork tender. Seasoned with Salt, Pepper, and Dried Parsley. Mom and Dad had Cubed Steak and used the sides I prepared with their meal also. That’s the main reason I prepared that many sides, I would have been happy with just the Mushrooms. For Dessert later a bowl of Skinny Pop – Pop Corn and a Diet Dr. Pepper to drink.

Chopped Bison Sirloin

SayersBrook Ranch Bison Chopped Sirloin Steak

If you like the flavor of the sirloin, love the Bison Burger but want to take it up a notch, then the Chopped Sirloin Steak is for you! 4 lbs (4 packages each with 2-8oz chopped sirloin steaks).
Great flavor of the sirloin but also extremely tender and juicy.

http://www.sayersbrook.com/bison-chopped-sirloin-steak-4-lbs/

Klondike Gourmet Yellow Skin, Golden Flesh

Small, oblong, smooth yellow skinned – yellow fleshed potatoes in a 1.5 lb. convenience package. It is the perfect size for a family of four. The packages include recipes, serving suggestions, nutritional information and website information to provide you with the most convenience when it comes to potato preparation.
http://www.klondikebrands.com/Products/klondike-gourmet-yellow-skin-golden-flesh

Cumin Spiced Pork Chop w/ Fried Potatoes and Purple Asparagus

June 20, 2017 at 4:56 PM | Posted in Pork, potatoes | 2 Comments
Tags: Baking, Cast Iron Skillet, Cooking, Cumin, Dinner, Food, Gourmet Red Potatoes, Pork, Pork Chops, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Spices

Today’s Menu: Cumin Spiced Pork Chop w/ Fried Red Potatoes and Purple Asparagus

It’s Bacon and eggs this morning for Breakfast! I fried up some of the Jennie – O Turkey Bacon, 1 Egg Sunnyside Up, toasted 2 slices of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, and a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Love a good Breakfast! Mostly sunny and 82 degrees out today! Did some light cleaning of the house and then cleaned up a bit outside. After Lunch I got the cart out to enjoy this beautiful day! Went around the neighborhood and then down by the lake for a while. For Dinner tonight I prepared a Cumin Spiced Pork Chop w/ Fried Red Potatoes and Purple Asparagus.

I picked up a large Center Cut Pork Chop from the Meijer Meat Department Counter. I really love the Meijer selection and quality of all their meats, and all their products and produce.

To prepare my Chop I’ll need; The Cumin Spiced Rub which consists of; 1 tbsp Roasted Cumin, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian Paprika, 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. To prepare it preheat oven to 400°. Combine all the ingredients; rub it all over the pork chop. Let stand 20 minutes. I’ll be using a Cast Iron Skillet for the Chop. I love using Cast Iron Skillets, not only do the heat up evenly and retain that heat but you can also go from using it on the stove and right into the oven. So I start by heating the Extra Virgin Olive oil in the Cast Iron Skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Chop to pan; cook 3 minutes, browning both sides. From the stove to the oven and bake at 400° for 15 minutes until the thermometer registered 145° (slightly pink), turning after 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Fantastic combo of Spices, which gives a fantastic flavor and perfect browning to the Chop. The inside being so tender and moist! Love this seasoning on Pork. The Chop was huge, plenty leftovers for Breakfast and Lunch!

Also while at Meijer I picked a bag of Gourmet Red Potatoes. I can’t remember the last time I prepared Fried Potatoes but Mom made some the other night and they looked so good I had to have some. To prepare them I’ll need; the Red Potatoes, McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley, Dried Parsley, and Extra Light Olive Oil.

I started by washing the Potatoes off in cold water and drying them with a paper towels. Next I got a Cast Iron Skillet and sprayed with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray. I then added a 2 tablespoons of the Olive Oil and heated the skillet on medium heat. As the skillet was heating I sliced the Potatoes up and putting the slices in a large bowl. I then seasoned them with Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley and Parsley. With skillet heated I added the Potatoes. I then covered the skillet with a lid and let them fry. After about 5 minutes I took a spatula and flipped them over. After about 4 minutes I flipped them over again and let them finish cooking. I’m a Potato Freak anyway and these came out delicious! I love Potatoes anyway you can prepare them.

For another side I picked up more of the Purple Asparagus at Mejier. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil.

To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus!

Pork Facts….

One serving of pork is 3 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. An image of the portion size is important because a thick pork chop can be twice that size and without realizing it you can eat double the calories. You’ll get 137 calories and 4 grams of fat from a 3-ounce pork chop. Pork is similar to chicken, with 3 ounces of chicken breast containing 140 calories and 3 grams of fat. A pork chop has 65 milligrams of cholesterol, compared to 72 grams in chicken breast, but they both have just 1 gram of saturated fat.

Purple Asparagus

Purple asparagus is a similar in appearance and flavor to both white and green varieties as its original cultivar came from green asparagus. Its differentiated by its violet hued stems and conical crowned tips, however its feathery foliage is still green. Its attractive violet coloring is only skin deep as its flesh is pale green to creamy white. It is inherently less fibrous thus more tender than other asparagus types. Also, its preferred sweetness is due to its twenty percent higher sugar content than other asparagus varieties. Cooked purple asparagus develops flavoral notes of artichoke, barley and almonds. Purple asparagus has the highest levels of anti-oxidants among the asparagus varieties.

Fried Freshwater Shrimp w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus, Golden Hominy, and Baked Potato

June 8, 2017 at 5:03 PM | Posted in seafood, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: Baked Potato, Baking, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Freshwater Colossal Shrimp, Golden Hominy, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Russet Potato, Seafood

Today’s Menu: Fried Freshwater Shrimp w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus, Golden Hominy, and Baked Potato

To start of this 8th day of June I prepared a Poached Egg, al fresco Chicken Sausage, and served it all on a toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin. Also had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Started a couple of loads of laundry for Mom. Then got our old sweeper out of the closet and worked on it to get it running again. Took the roller brushes out and cleaned them and lightly greased the casings. It seems to working again. Then outside took my Hoveround Chair out and cleaned it up, much needed! For Dinner tonight its Fried Freshwater Shrimp w/ Roasted Purple Asparagus, Golden Hominy, and Baked Potato.

While at Kroger yesterday I picked up some more of the huge Freshwater Colossal Shrimp, I cleaned them and put them in the fridge until needed for Dinner tonight. To prepare these I’m using McCormick Golden Dipt Cracker Meal Seafood Fry Mix.

Poured about 1 inch of Extra Light Olive Oil into large skillet. Heated the oil to 350°F on medium heat. I then took a 1/2 cup of the Cracker Meal Mix in a Hefty Zip Lock Plastic Bag. Take the peeled shrimp, 3 at a time and place them in the bag and shake until Shrimp had a nice coating on them. Had all the Shrimp coated I then began to fry them. Frying them about 3 minutes the shrimp, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil until light golden brown turning after 1 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towel lined plate . Love using the McCormick Cracker Meal Mix, nice light crust and seasoning!

I prepared 3 side dishes with the Shrimp, Mom and Dad love side dishes! So for one side I picked up more of the Purple Asparagus at Mejier. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil.

To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus!

For a second side dish I opened up a can of one of my favorite side dishes, Kroger Brand Golden Hominy, and its been a while since I’ve any. For those that has never had or heard of Hominy; Hominy is a food made from kernels of corn which are soaked in an alkali solution of either lime or lye. The corrosive nature of the solution removes the hull and germ of the corn and causes the grain itself to puff up to about twice its normal size. There is White and Golden Hominy, my favorite is the Golden Hominy. If you’ve never tried it do, makes a delicious side dish!

For the last side I prepared a Baked Potato. It was a small Russet Potato that I had leftover. Seasoned it with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley, and topped with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Purple Asparagus

Purple asparagus is a similar in appearance and flavor to both white and green varieties as its original cultivar came from green asparagus. Its differentiated by its violet hued stems and conical crowned tips, however its feathery foliage is still green. Its attractive violet coloring is only skin deep as its flesh is pale green to creamy white. It is inherently less fibrous thus more tender than other asparagus types. Also, its preferred sweetness is due to its twenty percent higher sugar content than other asparagus varieties. Cooked purple asparagus develops flavoral notes of artichoke, barley and almonds. Purple asparagus has the highest levels of anti-oxidants among the asparagus varieties.

Seasoned Gulf Coast Grouper w/ Smashed Potatoes and Purple Passion Asparagus

May 23, 2017 at 4:53 PM | Posted in fish, potatoes | Leave a comment
Tags: Baking, Cooking, Fish, Food, Grouper, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Zatarain’s Seafood Breading Mix

Today’s Menu: Seasoned Gulf Coast Grouper w/ Smashed Potatoes and Purple Passion Asparagus

For Breakfast this morning I prepared a Scrambled Egg that i topped with Sargento Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese and a few drops of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Then I fried 2 Jennie – O Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links, toasted 2 slices of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, and a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Outside it was 48 degrees this morning and its partly cloudy and had a high of 76 degrees. Gave Mom a hand with laundry and then outside and cleaned. After Lunch I got the clippers out and trimmed the vines alongside the driveway. Got the cart out later and took a ride around the neighborhood. For Dinner tonight its Seasoned Gulf Coast Grouper w/ Smashed Potatoes and Purple Passion Asparagus.

I love Fish and Seafood, especially this Florida Gulf Coast Grouper my friends keep bringing me back up from Florida! I had a fillet of it in the freezer, laid it in the fridge overnight to thaw. To prepare the fillets I seasoned them with just a bit of Sea Salt and put the fillets in a Hefty Zip Plastic Bag where I then added the Zatarain’s Seafood Breading Mix Seasoning. Shook until the fillets were well coated. Shook off the excess. Then got the Cast Iron Skillet out, sprayed it with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray and added a tablespoon of Light Olive Oil. Heated the skillet on medium heat. When the skillet was ready I added the Grouper Fillets, frying about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Grouper is so meaty and flavorful. Love Fish and Love this Grouper!

For a side dish I prepared Rustic Smashed Potatoes with Sea Salt. I’ve made Smashed Potatoes before and thought I would give this recipe a try. I came across this recipe on the Swift Premium site while reading about the Shoulder Roast I’m having tonight. I’ll need the following to prepare the dish; Yukon gold new potatoes, Blue Bonnet Light Butter (melted), Extra Light Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, and McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley Pepper.

To prepare the dish; Cook potatoes in gently boiling heavily salted water for 12 to 15 minutes or just until tender. Drain well and cool slightly. Transfer the potatoes to a large baking sheet lined with foil. Gently press each potato with the bottom of a cup until slightly crushed and flattened, but not falling apart. Next preheat oven broiler. Combine the butter, oil and garlic powder. Brush half of the butter mixture on potatoes. Broil 3 inches from heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and slightly crisp. Carefully turn potatoes over using a wide spatula. Brush with butter mixture; lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil for another 2 to 4 minutes or until golden. Let cool and serve! Excellent Smashed Potato Recipe!

For another side dish I had picked up some more of the Purple Passion Asparagus at Meijer. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil.

To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like the Purple Asparagus over the Green Asparagus! What a Dinner tonight! For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Grouper – Firm texture, white meat with large flake and a mild flavor. Extra lean fish.

NUTRITION
Nutritional values for approximately 4 ounces (114 grams) of raw, edible portions
* Calories 110
* Calories From Fat 20
* Total Fat 2 g
* Saturated Fat 0 g
* Cholesterol 55 mg
* Sodium 65 mg
* Total Carbohydrates 0 g
* Protein 23 g

Fried Shrimp w/ Roasted Butternut Squash and Purple Passion Asparagus

January 12, 2017 at 5:56 PM | Posted in seafood, shrimp | Leave a comment
Tags: bacon, Baking, Butternut squash, Cooking, Dinner, Food, Fresh Water Shrimp, McCormick Cracker Meal Seafood Fry Mix, Pecans, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Shrimp

Today’s Menu: Fried Shrimp w/ Roasted Butternut Squash and Purple Passion Asparagus

For Breakfast this morning I made a favorite, Skillet Potatoes and Ham. I used 1 package of Simply Potatoes Steakhouse Seasoned Diced Potatoes and a package of Meijer Diced Ham to prepare it. Just cook the Potatoes according to the package instructions and with about 5 minutes of cooking time left add the Diced Ham. I topped everything with a sprinkle of Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Sharp Cheddar and a fried Sunny Side Up Egg. After Breakfast I had to get ready to go to the Funeral Home. A friend of mine I used to work with had passed away. Warm weather out there to be January. Raining but the low was only 54 degrees overnight and had a high in the low 60’s! For Dinner tonight I prepared Fried Shrimp w/ Roasted Butternut Squash and Purple Passion Asparagus.

While at Kroger yesterday they were just bringing out more of the huge Freshwater Shrimp, and i just can’t pass those up! I rinsed them off in cold water and removed the shells, they were already deveined. To prepare these I’m using McCormick Golden Dipt Cracker Meal Seafood Fry Mix, first time I tried this one.

Poured about 1 inch of olive oil into large skillet. Heat oil to 350°F on medium heat. I then took a 1/2 cup of the Cracker Meal Mix in a Hefty Zip Lock Plastic Bag. Take the peeled shrimp, 3 at a time and place them in the bag and shake until Shrimp had a nice coating on them. Had all the Shrimp coated I then began to fry them. Frying them about 3 minutes the shrimp, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil until light golden brown turning after 1 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towel lined plate . The McCormick Cracker Meal Mix was excellent! Nice crunch and seasoning!

Then for one side I prepared some Roasted Butternut Squash, easy recipe for some delicious Butternut Squash! This has quickly become a family favorite. I purchased 2 small packages of Diced Butternut Squash at Kroger. They sell packages of it that they dice up. This is a lot easier than peeling and seeding one yourself, especially if you don’t have a good knife to cut it. I’ll need; 2 packages of Diced Butternut Squash, Crumbled Bacon Bits, 2 tablespoons Extra Light Olive Oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Grinder Sea Salt, and 1 teaspoon McCormick Grinder Peppercorn Medley.

To prepare it; Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the Squash on a sheet pan and drizzle with the Olive Oil, Salt, and Peppercorn and toss well. Arrange the squash in one layer and season and sprinkle with the Crumbled Bacon. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the Squash is tender, turning once with a spatula. And done, very easy to prepare. With the small amount of Seasoning, Bacon and Olive Oil, it really brings out the flavor of Butternut Squash!

For a side dish I had picked up some more of the Purple Passion Asparagus at Meijer. Second time we’ve had this. It tastes like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil.

To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! Comes out tender and that slight sweet taste to it. Really like this over the Green Asparagus! For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

McCormick Cracker Meal Seafood Fry Mix

Cracker Meal Seafood Fry Mix adds extra crunchiness to fried and baked foods. All ingredients have been specially selected to provide a superior coating that seals in natural juices for fish, seafood, poultry, meats and vegetables.

Ingredients
Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, And Folic Acid), Whey (Milk), Dextrose, And Soybean Oil.

Serving size
1/4 cup Mix (32g)

All You Need
1/2 cup Cracker Meal
1 lb. Fish or Seafood*
Water or Milk
Vegetable Oil
Directions
1. POUR Cracker Meal into shallow dish or large plastic bag. Moisten fish, cut into serving-size pieces, or seafood with water or milk. Shake off excess.
2. COAT fish, several pieces at a time, evenly with Cracker Meal. Let stand 5 minutes. Discard any remaining Cracker Meal. Fry as directed below. Serve with McCormick® Cocktail Sauce or Tartar Sauce. Use the entire package to coat 4 lbs. fish or seafood.

*Best with tilapia, trout, catfish, shrimp, or scallops. Also try with shucked oysters and clams, or soft-shell crabs (pierce several times before coating).

Pan Fry: Pour oil to a depth of 1/4 inch in a large skillet; heat to 350°F on medium heat. Fry fish, in batches, 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain on paper towels.

Oven Fry: Cover bottom of shallow baking pan with melted butter. Arrange fish or seafood in a single layer in pan; turn to coat with butter. Bake in preheated 425ºF oven 10 to 20 minutes until golden brown around edges and fish flakes easily with a fork.

Flavorful Tips:
• For a thicker coating, dip fish in a mixture of 3 tbsp. milk and 2 beaten eggs before coating with Cracker Meal.
• Coat boneless skinless chicken breast halves or chicken parts as directed. Bake in 400ºF oven 20 to 30 minutes for chicken breast halves or 45 to 50 minutes for chicken parts.
• Use Cracker Meal instead of bread crumbs when making meat loaf or meat balls.
http://www.mccormick.com/spices-and-flavors/seafood/breading-and-batters/cracker-meal-seafood-fry-mix

Cumin Spiced Pork Chop w/ Purple Passion Aspararagus and Savory Herb Potatoes

January 4, 2017 at 5:52 PM | Posted in pork chops, potatoes | 2 Comments
Tags: Butternut squash, Cooking, Cumin, Cumin Spiced Pork Chops, Dinner, Food, Little Potato Company, Pillsbury French Bread, Pork, Purple Passion Asparagus, recipes, Spices

Today’s Menu: Cumin Spiced Pork Chop w/ Purple Passion Asparagus, Roasted Butternut Squash, and Savory Herb Potatoes

For my Breakfast I toasted an Eggo Waffle, topped it with a Poached Egg, and had that morning cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. Big change in our weather again. We went from a high near 60 degrees yesterday, to a high of 30 with a snow flurries and high winds today. Ohio weather is never boring! After Breakfast I headed up to McDonald’s and picked up Breakfast for Mom and Dad. Finished up cleaning out the “junk drawer” and then started on the pantry. So for dinner tonight I prepared a Cumin Spiced Pork Chop w/ Purple Passion Asparagus, Roasted Butternut Squash, and Savory Herb Potatoes.

While at Meijer I picked up a Center Cut Pork Chop from the Meijer Meat Counter. I really love the Meijer selection and quality of all their meats.

Then to prepare my Chops I’ll need; The Cumin Spiced Rub which consists of; 1 tbsp Roasted Cumin, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian Paprika, 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. To prepare it preheat oven to 400°. Combine all the ingredients; rub it all over the pork chop. Let stand 20 minutes. Start by heating the Extra Virgin Olive oil in a Cast Iron Skillet over medium-high heat. Add Chops to pan; cook 3 minutes, browning both sides. From the stove to the oven and bake at 400° for 15 minutes until the thermometer registered 150° (slightly pink), turning after 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Fantastic combo of Spices, which makes one incredible Crust on the Chop with the inside being tender and moist! Love this seasoning on Pork.

For a side dish I had picked up some Purple Passion Asparagus at Meijer the other day. I had never tried this before so I was looking forward to giving it try! They said it like Green Asparagus but it’s less fibrous and sweeter due to a higher sugar content. I prepared it the same way as the Roasted Asparagus I’ve made before. I’ll need; 1 bunch of Purple Asparagus (fibrous bases removed), 1 Tablespoon of Crumbled Bacon or Bacon Bits, Ground Garlic Salt, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 1 tbsp Extra Light Olive Oil.

To prepare it is easy; Preheat the oven to 400F. Place asparagus in a baking tray sheet. Add the bacon, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a couple of minutes and serve! I’ll have to get more of this, really like it. It came out tender and had a slight sweet taste to it.

I hadn’t planned on Roasted Butternut Squash but its one of Mom’s favorites so I prepared a package of that also. I had purchased 2 small packages of Diced Butternut Squash at Kroger and had them in the fridge.. They sell packages of it that they dice up. This is a lot easier than peeling and seeding one yourself, especially if you don’t have a good knife to cut it. I’ll need; 2 packages of Diced Butternut Squash, 2 tablespoons Extra Light Olive Oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Grinder Sea Salt, and 1 teaspoon McCormick Grinder Peppercorn Medley.

To prepare it; Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. I baked this as I was baking the Asparagus. Place the Squash on a sheet pan and drizzle with the Olive Oil, Salt, and Peppercorn and toss well. Arrange the squash in one layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the Squash is tender, turning once with a spatula. And done, very easy to prepare. With the small amount of Seasoning and Olive Oil, it really brings out the flavor of Butternut Squash!

While at Meijer I picked up a package of the Little Potato Company Savory Herb Potatoes. I had these a few times now and really enjoyed them. The Potatoes come in a microwavable tray. Just pop the tray in the microwave for five minutes and mix in the seasoning pack and you have a nutritious and tasty Potato Dish. These are definitely a good item to have in the pantry! So easy to prepare and no clean up. I really enjoyed this Dinner, doesn’t get much better than this! For Dessert later a Weight Watcher’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar.

Pork Facts….
One serving of pork is 3 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. An image of the portion size is important because a thick pork chop can be twice that size and without realizing it you can eat double the calories. You’ll get 137 calories and 4 grams of fat from a 3-ounce pork chop. Pork is similar to chicken, with 3 ounces of chicken breast containing 140 calories and 3 grams of fat. A pork chop has 65 milligrams of cholesterol, compared to 72 grams in chicken breast, but they both have just 1 gram of saturated fat.

the Little Potato Company – Savory Herb
HERBS AND SPICES, WITH A HINT OF BACON

Evoking all the cozy feelings of home-cooking, the Savory Herb flavor combines a fun mix of red and yellow Creamer potatoes with a comforting blend of savory herbs, earthy spices and just a hint of bacon flavor.

Simply pop the tray in the microwave for five minutes and mix in the seasoning pack and voila! – you have a nutritious taste of home. This is cozy dish on its own, or combine it with other ingredients to take your meal to a whole new level of down-home goodness.

You may also want to try our Garlic Parsley or Zesty Italian flavors.

*CALORIES PER SERVING 85
* GOOD SOURCE OF POTASSIUM
* SOURCE OF FIBER
* SOURCE OF VITAMIN C
* NATURALLY FAT-FREE

Microwave

In three easy steps, you have perfectly steamed and seasoned potatoes!

1. Simply remove the cardboard sleeve and seasoning pack. The plastic film stays on to aid in steaming the potatoes.

2. Place the convenience tray in the microwave. Cook on high for 5 minutes*.

3. Let the tray rest for 2 minutes then carefully remove plastic film and stir in seasoning pack. Caution – the contents will be very hot. If desired, add 1 tbsp. of butter or olive oil.

Serve and enjoy!
*Cooking times may vary.

Nutritional Information
Serving Size
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 85
Fat 0%
Saturated / Trans Fats 0%
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 175 mg 7%
Potassium 510 mg 15%
Carbohydrate 20 g 7%
Fibre 2 g 8%
Sugars 2 g
Protein 2 g

http://www.littlepotatoes.com/en/products/savory-herb/

Purple Passion Asparagus

Purple asparagus is a similar in appearance and flavor to both white and green varieties as its original cultivar came from green asparagus. Its differentiated by its violet hued stems and conical crowned tips, however its feathery foliage is still green. It is inherently less fibrous thus more tender than other asparagus types. Also, its preferred sweetness is due to its twenty percent higher sugar content than other asparagus varieties.
Purple asparagus’ color comes from the high levels of anthocyanins in the spears. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidant flavonoids that have protective and preventative health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.