Surf and Turf – Bay Scallops (Surf) and 5 oz. Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (Turf)

Dinner Tonight: Surf and Turf – Bay Scallops (Surf) and 5 oz. Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (Turf) w/ Baked Potato





For Breakfast this morning I heated up a Jimmy Dean Simple Scrambles Cup - Turkey Sausage, Egg Whites, Cheddar Cheese. I really love these they are only 150 Calories and 3 Carbs per cup, can't beat that! I also had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. We ended up with around 5 inches of snow but

light rain overnight got rid of some of it. Had a high of 34 degrees.  After Lunch it had cleared up long enough for me to go to Menard's. I needed to buy a Window Blinds for my bedroom window. After that watched Football the rest of the afternoon. For Dinner tonight I prepared a Surf and Turf – Bay Scallops (Surf) and 5 oz. Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (Turf) Dinner.
 







I’ll be using Bay Scallops for the Surf part of the meal, purchased from Kroger Seafood Department. To make the Scallops I’ll need; 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bay Scallops (rinsed and patted dry), parsley, Cayenne Pepper, McCormick Grinder Sea

Salt and Peppercorn Medley. To prepare them; in a small skillet sprayed with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray add a 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, heat on medium heat. As the skillet was heating I rinsed the Scallops off in cold water and patted dry with a paper towel. I then seasoned them with Cayenne Pepper, Sea Salt, and Peppercorn. Then added a tablespoon of the Butter to the skillet, when the Butter was melted I added the Scallops. Cooked them for a total of 3 1/2 minutes, turning them after 1 1/2 minutes. The scallops should feel firm to the touch, but still slightly soft, like well-set Jello; do not overcook or the scallops as they become tough and chewy. These came out perfect and delicious! I just love the fresh taste of Scallops.


For the Turf part I’ll be using Wild Idea Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (5 oz.). To prepare the Steak; I rubbed the Steak with a 1 teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Then seasoned it with

McCormick’s Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn. As the Steak rested I preheated a small Cast Iron Skillet on medium heat. When the skillet was heated I added my Buffalo Sirloin, I cooked it 4 1/2 minutes per side to a beautiful Medium Rare! The Wild Idea Buffalo Steaks are just incredible. So tender and juicy and the best flavor of any Steak, Beef or Buffalo, I’ve ever had. I also prepared some Sauteed Baby Bella Mushrooms to top the Steak.






I also had a baked Russet Potato. Seasoned that with the McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and

Peppercorn Medley, and topped with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. Perfect side for a Surf and Turf Meal! For Dessert/Snack later a bowl of Skinny Pop - Pop Corn with a Diet Dr. Pepper to drink.














Wild Idea Buffalo – 5 oz. Petite Top Sirloin Steak

Famous for their flavor, these juicy steaks are perfect for the grill. The small size makes for a great meal for one. 5 oz.

http://buy.wildideabuffalo.com/collections/premium-steaks/products/petite-top-sirloin-steaks












Scallops

Scallops are mollusks that have two beautiful convexly ridged, or scalloped, shells. They consist of two shells hinged at one end which is why they are known to marine biologists as bi-valve mollusks.

The edible portion of the scallop is the white muscle that opens and closes the two shells and is called the “nut.”

Similar to oysters and clams, scallops are filter feeding bivalves (two shells) that can be influenced by the contents of the surrounding waters. Certain plankton and the presence of scallop roe can influence the color of some scallop meats.

Why they’re healthy: Scallops are more than 80 percent protein. “One 3-ounce serving provides 20 grams of protein and just 95 calories,” says Bowden. They’re also a good source of both magnesium and potassium. (Clams and oysters provide similar benefits.)

"Meatless Monday" Recipe of the Week - Beer-Battered Portabella Strips......

This week's "Meatless Monday" Recipe of the Week is Beer-Battered Portabella Strips with Spicy Dipping Sauce. Meat, what meat? You'll never miss it with this week's recipe! Beer - Battered Portabella Mushrooms along with a Spicy Dipping Sauce. You can find this recipe at one of my favorite recipe sites, CooksRecipes. The Cooks site has recipes that will please all tastes and cuisines. Enjoy and Eat Healthy!   http://www.cooksrecipes.com/index.html

Beer-Battered Portabella Strips with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Recipe Ingredients:

3 cups beer or ale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 quarts mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
24 Portabella mushrooms, slice about 3/8-inch thick (about 2.5 ounces each; stems reserved for other use)
Lemon zest, for garnish as needed

Cooking Directions:

1 - Whisk together beer and flour; let sit at least 2 hour
2 - To make sauce, mix mayonnaise, zest, lemon juice, cilantro and cayenne pepper until well combined; reserve.
3 - Dip Portabella strips into reserved beer batter.
4 - Deep fry until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes.
5 - Serve with 1/4 cup Spicy Sauce on the side. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.
Makes 24 servings.
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/mless/beer-battered_portabella_strips_with_spicy_dipping_sauce_recipe.html

Surf and Turf – Sea Scallops (Surf) and 5 oz. Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (Turf)

Dinner Tonight: Surf and Turf – Bay Scallops (Surf) and 5 oz. Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (Turf) w/ Baked Potato




Started off my morning with Hash Browns and Turkey Sausage! I used Simply Potatoes Hash
Browns and Jennie - O Turkey Sausage Links (my favorite). After that I ran the vacuum inside and ran the leaf blower outside. Still getting a lot of leaves and debris from the work behind us. After that just did some odd and ends jobs around the house. For dinner tonight my version of a Surf and Turf Dinner. I prepared Sea Scallops (Surf) and 5 oz. Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (Turf).






I'll be using Bay Scallops for the Surf part of the meal. To make the Scallops I’ll need; 2 tablespoons

Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bay Scallops (rinsed and patted dry), parsley, Cayenne Pepper, McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Peppercorn Medley. To prepare them; in a small skillet sprayed with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray add a 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, heat on medium heat. As the skillet was heating I rinsed the Scallops off in cold water and patted dry with a paper towel. I then seasoned them with Cayenne Pepper, Sea Salt, and Peppercorn. Then added a tablespoon of the Butter to the skillet, when the Butter was melted I added the Scallops. Cooked them for a total of 3 1/2 minutes, turning them after 1 1/2 minutes. The scallops should feel firm to the touch, but still slightly soft, like well-set Jello; do not overcook or the scallops as they become tough and chewy. These came out perfect and delicious! I just love the fresh taste of Scallops.





For the Turf part I’ll be using Wild Idea Buffalo Petite Top Sirloin Steak (5 oz.). To prepare the
Steak; I rubbed the Steak with a 1 teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Then seasoned it with McCormick’s Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn. As the Steak rested I preheated a small Cast Iron Skillet on medium heat. When the skillet was heated I added my Buffalo Sirloin, I cooked it 4 1/2 minutes per side to a beautiful Medium Rare! The Wild Idea Buffalo Steaks are just incredible. So juicy and the best flavor of any Steak, Beef or Buffalo, I’ve ever had. I also prepared some Sauteed Baby Bella Mushrooms to top the Steak.




I also had a baked Russet Potato. Seasoned that with the McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and
Peppercorn Medley, and topped with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Perfect side for a Surf and Turf Meal! For dessert/snack later some sliced Cracker Barrel 2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Ritz Whole Grain Crackers.












Wild Idea Buffalo – 5 oz. Petite Top Sirloin Steak

Famous for their flavor, these juicy steaks are perfect for the grill. The small size makes for a great meal for one.
oz.ttp://buy.wildideabuffalo.com/collections/premium-steaks/products/petite-top-sirloin-steaks









Scallops

Scallops are mollusks that have two beautiful convexly ridged, or scalloped, shells. They consist of

two shells hinged at one end which is why they are known to marine biologists as bi-valve mollusks. The edible portion of the scallop is the white muscle that opens and closes the two shells and is called the “nut.”



Similar to oysters and clams, scallops are filter feeding bivalves (two shells) that can be influenced by the contents of the surrounding waters. Certain plankton and the presence of scallop roe can influence the color of some scallop meats.



Why they’re healthy: Scallops are more than 80 percent protein. “One 3-ounce serving provides 20 grams of protein and just 95 calories,” says Bowden. They’re also a good source of both magnesium and potassium. (Clams and oysters provide similar benefits.)

Mexican Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper and Orange Zest

Here's a little something to warm up these cold Winter Days, Mexican Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper and Orange Zest. Hot Chocolate spiced up with a touch of Cayenne Pepper! You can find this recipe on one of my favorite recipe websites, http://www.cooksrecipes.com/index.html. The Cooks website has a great selection of recipes for all cuisines so check it out soon!

Mexican Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper and Orange Zest

Hot chocolate is spiced up with a touch of cayenne pepper and grated orange zest.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/4 cup water
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup Splenda® Granulated No Calorie Sweetener
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 1/2 cups skim milk
2 cinnamon sticks
1/8 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions:

Whisk water, cocoa powder and Splenda® Granulated Sweetener in a saucepan. Slowly bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until mixture thickens and resembles a syrup.
Mix in remaining ingredients and heat. Do not boil. Serve hot.
Makes 6 (8-ounce) servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe; 8 ounces): Calories 110 | Calories from Fat 10 | Fat 1.0g (sat 0.5g) | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 170mg | Carbohydrates 16g | Fiber 3g | Sugars 12g | Protein 9g.

http://www.cooksrecipes.com/diabetic/mexican_hot_chocolate_with_cayenne_pepper_recipe.html

Pepper of the Week - Cayenne Pepper

The cayenne pepper, also known as the Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, red hot chili pepper, aleva,

A large red cayenne

bird pepper, or, especially in its powdered form, red pepper, is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum related to bell peppers, jalapeños, paprika, and others. The Capsicum genus is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is a hot chili pepper used to flavor dishes. It is named for the city of Cayenne in French Guiana.

The fruits are generally dried and ground, or pulped and baked into cakes, which are then ground and sifted to make the powdered spice of the same name.

Cayenne is used in cooking spicy dishes, as a powder or in its whole form (such as in Korean, Sichuan, and other Asian cuisine), or in a thin, vinegar-based sauce. It is generally rated at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. It is also used as an herbal supplement, and was mentioned by Nicholas Culpeper in his Complete Herbal, 1653, as "guinea pepper", a misnomer for "guiana pepper".



Most cultivated varieties of cayenne, Capsicum annuum, can be grown in a variety of locations and need around 100 days to mature. Peppers prefer warm, moist, nutrient-rich soil in a warm climate. The plants grow to about 20–39 in in height and should be spaced 3 ft apart. In gardens, the plants may be planted as close as 1 ft apart in a raised bed. This may reduce the yield of an individual plant, but will increase yields per unit area.

Chilis are mostly perennial in subtropical and tropical regions; however, they are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates. They can be overwintered if protected from frost, and require some pruning.



Cayenne pepper, by weight, is relatively high in vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B6, vitamin E,

Thai peppers, a cayenne type pepper

vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, and manganese. However, given the very small amount of cayenne pepper typically consumed in a serving, it makes a negligible contribution to overall dietary intake of these nutrients.

Cayenne pepper consumption dilates the blood vessels and speeds the metabolism due to the high amounts of capsaicin. With the consumption of cayenne peppers, the amount of heat the human body puts off is influenced. In animal studies, capsaicin has the ability to boost metabolism, which in turn causes weight loss. This increases circulation and blood flow to all major organs, facilitating oxygen and nutrient delivery. Capsaicin may support a healthy energy balance while suppressing appetite. Capsaicin has been shown to increase energy expenditure, so acts as a metabolism booster and is beneficial in long-term weight loss. A correlation has been shown between substrate oxidation and capsaicin. Capsaicin treatment sustained fat oxidation during weight maintenance, but did not affect weight regain after modest weight loss.

Cayenne pepper is also claimed to be an aphrodisiac because it contains capsaicin. It has also been shown to aid in the oxidation of adipose tissue, regulate high blood pressure, promote healthy liver function and tissue production, help regulate the digestive system, and promote healthy mucus production in the membranes that line internal organs.

Capsicum frutescens

Cayenne is a popular spice in a variety of cuisines. It is employed variously in its fresh form, dried and powdered, and as dried flakes. It is also a key ingredient in a variety of hot sauces, particularly those employing vinegar as a preservative. Cayenne pepper is often spread on sandwiches or similar items to add a spicy flavor.

Baked Glazed Pork Chop in Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce w/...

Dinner Tonight: Baked Glazed Pork Chop  in Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce w/ Cayenne and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes and Sugar Snap Peas

An extra tasty dinner tonight, Baked and Glazed Pork Chop  in Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce w/ Cayenne and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes and Sugar Snap Peas. I was at Jungle Jim's Market last week and came across the JB's Fatboy Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce. First time I've ever seen this Sauce from JB's Fat Boy and it looked too good to pass up. Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce, it just sounds like it was meant for Pork!


First I preheated the oven to 400 degrees. I then rolled my Chops in flour that was seasoned with Sea Salt and Black Pepper. I placed the Chops in a small broiler pan with a wire rack and baked until the temperature of the Chops reached 165 degrees. I turned the Chops over after 15 minutes of baking and with a small basting brush basted on the Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce. Continued baking until done. The Chops came out moist and full of great flavor. The Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce is a perfect Glaze or Dipping Sauce for Pork! Love this Sauce like the rest of the JB's Fat Boy sauces. The Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce is a great combo, you can taste the Mustard and the Apple Cider and then there's a sneaky hint of heat to it. Great Sauce! I think it would go well for Chicken also, I'll find out soon.


For sides to go with my pork Chops i prepared Cayenne and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, and Aunt Millie's Light Whole Grain Bread. First time making the Cayenne and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes. The recipe came from the Simply Potatoes web site but I'm not really a fan of their Mashed Potatoes, love their other Potato products, so I used Bob Evans "Down on the Farm" Mashed Potatoes. I microwaved the Mashed Potatoes for a total of 5 minutes and when done added a 1/ teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper and 1/2 cup of freshly shredded Murray's Light White Cheddar. Stirred until well mixed and served. I love Potatoes and this Potato recipe is fantastic!! The Cayenne and white Cheddar really lights the Mashed Potatoes up! You have to give this one a try. I left the original recipe and web link at the end of the post. I also had Walmart Marketside Sugar Snap Peas and Whole Grain Bread. For dessert later some Breyers Carb Smart Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Smucker's Sugarless Hot Fudge Topping.

JB's Fatboy Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce

Product Details
JB's Fat Boy uses the finest quality, all natural ingredients to create products that will enhance the taste of each prepared meat product, so that each meal will be a pleasured, memorable experience.

Give the crowd something to buzz about when you add Apple Cider Honey Mustard Sauce to all your meat products. Serve directly as a condiment or coat on grilled meats during the last few minutes of cooking time. Also works great as a 'Dip' for any meat or chicken strips. 12 oz.

Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Vinegar, Apple Puree, Mustard, Honey, Habanero Pepper, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Onion, Garlic, Spices, Filtered Water


Nutrition
2 Tbsp

50 Calories
40mg Sodium
12g Carbohydrates




Cayenne and White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy, peppery mashed potatoes pair well with roasted chicken for a great weeknight meal. An easy 5-minute mashed potato recipe.

1 package (24 ounces) Simply Potatoes® Traditional Mashed Potatoes
1/2 cup Crystal Farms® Wisconsin White Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper


1. Peel film at corner of Simply Potatoes package to vent and heat on high for 3 minutes in microwave.

2. Completely remove film and stir.

3. Microwave on high for 1 additional minute.

4. Stir cayenne pepper and white cheddar into cooked mashed potatoes and mix well.

http://www.simplypotatoes.com/recipes/recipeView.cfm?RecipeID=8007a&from=t&spMailingID=40940066&spUserID=Mjc4NDQzMDIzODgS1&spJobID=176795080&spReportId=MTc2Nzk1MDgwS0

The Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts

Well I seen these on the Food Network yesterday with Nigella Lawson, The Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts. During the show she mentioned where these are at you'll go and sit at the bar and they give you a bowl of these and once they do you can't stop eating them, she's right! I made some earlier today and word of warning don't prepare these before you dinner! They have a hint of heat with the  Cayenne Pepper and then a hint of sweet with the Dark Brown Sugar, along with the melted Butter and chopped Rosemary just for good measure. Really a great snack. The recipe along with the web link is below.
 




The Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups (18-ounces) assorted unsalted nuts, including peeled peanuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and whole unpeeled almonds
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons Maldon or other sea salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Toss the nuts in a large bowl to combine and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt and melted butter.

Thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in the spiced butter and serve warm. And once you eat these, you will never want to stop.


http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/the-union-square-cafes-bar-nuts-recipe/index.html