Italian Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs are super easy to make and you can adapt them to have whatever herbs and seasonings that you like….plus there’s no preservatives.  I had a problem using full containers of them before I thought they were too old and just taking up valuable shelf space so I ended up tossing them.  I made these with Italian seasonings and am using them for pork and chicken.  Shown below is sirloin pork chops.

 

 

 

Italian Bread Crumbs

4 slices of bread – white or wheat

½ tsp parsley

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp oregano

¼ tsp thyme

1 ½ tsp salt

 

Place the bread on a baking sheet and place in over for  10 minutes at 325°.  Allow to cool.  Tear up the bread into smaller pieces and pulse until they are the size you want to use.  Add in the spices and herbs and pulse until blended.  Store extras in an airtight container.  

Poultry Spice Rub

It was raining on Sunday (a total of 1.5") and that's when I wanted to grill a turkey breast.  Since it wasn't going to let up anytime soon, I opted for the crock pot.  It worked out great and the meat was still very moist with a crispy, spicy skin shell.

Poultry Spice Rub

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp chili powder]

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Rub 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil on your turkey breast or chicken that has been rinsed and patted dry.  Apply the spice rub.  Place in your crock pot or a pan and bake until the temperature of the poultry is 165°.

Turkey Spice Rub

Dreams of doing anything outdoors this holiday weekend are only going to happen if you dress warmly.  My deck cushions remain in the garage just waiting for warmer weather.  Along with the cushions, the grill awaits.  I had originally planned on cooking this turkey breast on the grill but cold winds made using the crock pot an excellent back up plan.

Turkey Spice Rub

2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper, fresh ground
1 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp sage
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dark brown sugar

Mix all the spices and sugar in a small bowl.  Rinse off turkey breast (or turkey) and pat dry.  Pat spice rub onto the turkey and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°.

Mexican Pie

I admit I've never tried my hand at making a pie crust.  I only eat pie crusts with savory filling and sweet ones normally get left on my plate.  I'm certain I could do it since I've made other crusts and they have turned out well, it's just a matter of time management.  This recipe uses two of my previous recipes ~ refried (healthy) beans in the crock pot and my salt-free taco seasoning mix.

Mexican Pie

1 baked pie crust (homemade or dough/frozen)
1 cup refried beans
1 # extra lean ground beef
1/4 cup onions, diced
2 tbsp taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Tomatoes, Lettuce, Sour Cream or any other of your favorite toppings

Place refried beans at the bottom of your baked pie crust.  Cook ground beef with onions, adding in the taco seasoning at the end.  When fully cooked, place beef on top of refried beans and bake at 350° for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and top with shredded cheese.  Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting.  Top with your favorite toppings.

Taco Layer Dip

This is a perfect game day treat while watching the football playoffs. 

Taco Layer Dip

3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1/3 small onion chopped
1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning mix
1 1/4 cup refried beans
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Mexican cheddar jack shredded cheese blend
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
taco sauce

Spread softened cream cheese at the bottom of a pie pan.  Refrigerate while you cook the ground beef and onions.  Stir in taco seasoning mix and let cool slightly.  Spread out evenly over cream cheese.  Cover with refried beans.  Top with sour cream, cheese and black olives.  Serve with taco sauce and chips.

Taco Seasoning

1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp  oregano
1 tsp pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp salt

Place in a sealable plastic bag or container that's airtight and mix well.