Cuisine – Chef Tom Cooks ! https://cheftomcooks.com A friendly cooking and recipe blog. Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:19:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8 Brussels Sprout & Carrot Salad with Asian Dressing https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/brussels-sprout-carrot-salad-with-asian-dressing/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/brussels-sprout-carrot-salad-with-asian-dressing/#respond Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:19:03 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=112492 I recently subscribed to Misfits Market which is a delivery service that provides you with fresh organic produce. I’ve been loving it since my first delivery. You get to try out delicious fruits and vegetables, some of which you may have never seen before.

Last night I was preparing for my new shipment so I wanted to make sure I used anything I had left in my fridge. I had these beautiful purple Brussels sprouts, purple carrots and scallions. So I decided to put together a simple but delicious salad with an Asian style dressing.

**If you’re interested in trying out Misfits Market, go to this link and be sure to enter referral code COOKWME-IB0CND and you will receive 25% off your first order.

Asian salad
Brussels Sprout & Carrot Salad with Asian Dressing
Servings6-8 servings
Prep Time20 minutes
Ingredients
Asian Dressing
Instructions
  1. Shred or thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. Discard the tough ends. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  2. Julienne the carrots and cucumber. Transfer to the same bowl along with the sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  3. In a small bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk well until combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Let sit for 5-10 minutes for serving. If you like top with some more sesame seeds.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/brussels-sprout-carrot-salad-with-asian-dressing/feed/ 0 Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/copycat-taco-bell-meximelt/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/copycat-taco-bell-meximelt/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:33:23 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=112470 Were you as upset as I was when Taco Bell discontinued the Meximelt from its menu? It was one of my favorite menu items. I don’t understand why you can’t still order it since they definitely have all the components of this taco readily available. Lucky for you, I’m going to share with you the secret to recreating this dish at home.

Make your own taco seasoning by following this recipe.

Make your own pico de gallo by following this recipe.

Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt
Servings8 tacos
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef then drain it.
  2. Return the beef to the skillet and add the taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water.
  3. Place some of the cheeses on each tortilla. Top with the seasoned ground beef. Top with more cheese. Spoon some of the pico de gallo on top.
  4. Roll each tortilla up and wrap with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 60 seconds. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes

Make your own taco seasoning by following this recipe.

Make your own pico de gallo by following this recipe.

]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/copycat-taco-bell-meximelt/feed/ 2 Taco Seasoning https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/taco-seasoning/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/taco-seasoning/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:20:31 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=112466 Did you know that it’s super easy to make your own taco seasoning at home? Chances are, you already have all the ingredients that you need to prepare it. Make a big batch and store it in a jar for future use.

Taco Seasoning
Servings1 cup
Prep Time5 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to an airtight container. Cover and shake to combine.
  2. When preparing a recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning, use 2 Tablespoons of this spice mixture.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/taco-seasoning/feed/ 0 Spicy Szechuan Sauce https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/spicy-szechuan-sauce/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/spicy-szechuan-sauce/#respond Wed, 22 Aug 2018 17:56:47 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=111923

This spicy sauce is great for all kinds of stir-fry dishes. If you are just using this as a dipping sauce, you can omit the cornstarch.

Spicy Szechuan Sauce
Servings1/2 cup
Prep Time5 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until combined. Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. For more heat, add more red pepper flakes.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/spicy-szechuan-sauce/feed/ 0 Pico de Gallo https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/pico-de-gallo/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/pico-de-gallo/#respond Wed, 26 Jul 2017 18:34:20 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=107445 This simple and fresh pico de gallo recipe is great for putting on tacos, nachos and just about anything.

Pico de Gallo
Servings1 quart
Prep Time10 minutes
Passive Time30 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Season tomatoes with 1 teaspoon salt and toss to combine. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer or colander set in a bowl and allow to drain for 20 to 30 minutes. Discard liquid.
  2. Combine drained tomatoes with onion, chilies, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss to combine and season to taste with salt.
  3. Store for up to 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/pico-de-gallo/feed/ 0 Tzatziki Sauce https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/tzatziki-sauce/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/tzatziki-sauce/#respond Thu, 06 Jul 2017 15:33:01 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=107396

This flavorful Greek sauce is extremely easy to make and is great as a dip or a topping for chicken or gyros.

Tzatziki Sauce
Servings6 servings
Prep Time5 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a bowl mix all the ingredients.
  2. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir well, then place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/tzatziki-sauce/feed/ 0 Roasted Tomatillo Salsa https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/roasted-tomatillo-salsa/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/roasted-tomatillo-salsa/#comments Mon, 03 Apr 2017 22:31:06 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=107318

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Servings6-8
Prep Time15 mins
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Roast the tomatillos, chile(s) and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet 4 inches below a very hot broiler, until blotchy black and softening, about 5 minutes. Flip them over and roast the other side.
  2. Cool, then transfer everything to a blender, including any pan juices. Add the cilantro and 1/4 cup water, then blend to a coarse puree.
  3. Transfer into a serving dish. Rinse the onion under cold water, then shake to remove excess moisture. Stir into the salsa and season with salt, usually 1/2 teaspoon.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/roasted-tomatillo-salsa/feed/ 1 Easy 3 Bean Enchiladas https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/easy-3-bean-enchiladas/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/easy-3-bean-enchiladas/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:55:29 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=107291 This is a weeknight meal because it’s quick and easy to prepare.  You can get creative by using your favorite bean combinations.  Serve with additional sour cream and enchilada sauce on the side if you like.  These enchiladas are very filling.  If you have leftovers these freeze well for a quick snack at a later date.

enchiladas

Easy 3 Bean Enchiladas
Servings6-8 Servings
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and garlic to skillet and saute until tender and translucent, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add all beans, sour cream, cilantro, green chiles, cumin, chile powder, cooled onions, 1 cup shredded cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
  4. Stuff each tortilla with 1-2 tablespoons of bean filling.
  5. Roll tortillas filled with beans and place in a 9"x13" baking dish.
  6. Pour enchilada sauce on top of enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese, and extra cilantro for garnish.
  7. Bake in a 350 oven for about 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and 3 Bean Enchiladas are heated through. Serve with sliced jalapenos on top.
]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/easy-3-bean-enchiladas/feed/ 0 Pan con Tomate https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/pan-con-tomate/ https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/pan-con-tomate/#respond Mon, 16 Jan 2017 19:49:47 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?post_type=recipe&p=107274

Pan con Tomate
Spanish stye grilled bread with tomato and cheese. Garrotxa is a lightly flavored semi-firm goat cheese that is produced in the Garrotxa area of Catalonia, Spain.
Servings4-6 people
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
  2. Brush one side of each bread slice with oil and arrange oiled side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, until golden.
  3. Rub the top of each piece of toasted bread with the garlic cloves, then rub with the tomato halves until all of the flesh is gone; discard the tomato skins.
  4. Season the toasts with salt and black pepper, to taste. Top with shaved cheese, drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Recipe Notes

Use your favorite crusty bread or you can use ciabatta.  Garrotxa can be found in specialty cheese shops.  Feel free to experiment with other semi-firm cheeses if you can't find Garrotxa.

]]> https://cheftomcooks.com/recipe/pan-con-tomate/feed/ 0 Spanish Garlic Shrimp https://cheftomcooks.com/2017/01/10/spanish-garlic-shrimp/ https://cheftomcooks.com/2017/01/10/spanish-garlic-shrimp/#respond Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:09:56 +0000 http://cheftomcooks.com/?p=107264

My girlfriend and I love dining at tapas style restaurants.  Recently we ordered a wonderfully tasty Spanish shrimp dish and instantly I knew I needed to recreate this dish at home.  Simple yet loaded with flavor.  Serve this dish with a couple pieces of toasted crusty bread to dip into the sauce.

Save Print
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Spanish
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: Serves 4-6
 
Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
  1. Add the oil into a large sauté pan then add the garlic and chili flakes. Turn the heat up to medium high. As the pan heats up, the oil will slowly get infused with the flavor of the garlic and chili (don't let the garlic brown).
  2. Once the oil is hot and the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the pan. Season them with the paprika, salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes, until they just turn pink, stirring often.
  3. Add the sherry and lemon juice and cook another 2-3 minutes until the liquid is reduced and shrimp are cooked.
  4. Sprinkle the parsley on top.
 

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