fast food

French Fries the Ultimate Comfort Food!

Hello Food Friends!

With the holidays being over, we all want to get rid of unhealthy food around our house. I had some white potatoes left over from a holiday meal and needed to use to avoid expiration. To keep them from going to waste, I made some twice fried french fries.

Comfort food made easy…

There is nothing better than a crispy fry with a creamy center. It is something really homey to me about cutting fries and they all don’t come out perfect. It reminds me of my grandma who use to hand cut fries due to my grandfather’s disdain for the frozen kind. I cut some misshapen fries and prepared them for frying. First, they had to soak in water. 

Soaking…

After I soaked them in water for an hour, I dried them thoroughly with a paper towel. If you have time you can soak them overnight. However, I was hungry so I didn’t wait. If you’re a rebel like me it will still taste delicious I promise! 

The first fry…

In a large pot heat some canola oil to 260 F. Using a heat thermometer is crucial when frying to control your temp. I allowed the fries to cook for 8 minutes slowly. Once the eight minutes passed, I placed them on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes. The fries will still be pale in color. 

The first cook is to just let the fries become soft. The resting process will allow the fries to firm and to continue to cook inside a little before the second fry. This is how the fries develop the different textures for a wonderful eating experience. 

The second fry…

After the resting period is complete, heat the pot back to 365 F. Then cook fries for another 4 minutes. Remove from the oil. They will be beautifully brown and crispy. 

Place the fries in a large bowl. Then sprinkle season salt, onion powder, and garlic powder on top. Flip the hot fries until the seasoning has coated. Lastly, I poured them into a serving bowl and garnished with chives.

I also made this quick dipping sauce for the side, try it with yours.

Happy Cooking!

J. Delawcious

One Hour Beef Stew in the Ninja Foodi

My husband’s beef stew is a very special meal for me. It was one of the first meals he ever made while we were dating. Jay’s beef stew is very delicious but it takes a really long time.

This time instead of using the slow cooker method, he used the Ninja Foodi. The Ninja Foodi is a high technology multi-function appliance that will help you eliminate most of your other counter-top gadgets. Its capabilities are pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, rice cooking, dehydrating, and so much more.

It also sautees and bakes! You can make a cake in the Ninja Foodi, wow! Yesterday, I asked my husband to make his famous stew as our first meal and the results were incredible! You won’t believe how easy this device is to use.

Jay used the pressure cooking setting to cook the meal. It was so perfect you would have thought it was pure sorcery. Ninja Foodi has made pressure cooking no longer scary. The home cooks can be completely confident while using it. Inside were well-explained directions on how to use this setting and others. Prior to cooking, we did the pressure test to ensure the device worked.

Ninja Foodi is very transparent about the cooking times and has safety identifiers that communicate to you that you’re using it properly. If you would like to learn more about this device and how it can help you clean the clutter of appliances check it out. This Ninja Foodi post is not sponsored. It is merely a review.

However, if you want them to send me a check let them know! lol

Let’s get into the recipe!

Prep Vegetables:

Jay used an array of vegetables. However, if you’re making this please remove or add whatever veggies you like. He used chopped portabella mushrooms, chopped onions, chopped celery, chopped carrot, green peppers, jalapeno, and frozen spinach. I would suggest keeping the veggies chopped on the bigger side to keep their integrity.

Note: Prep these items first to help with quicker and more efficient cooking.

Prep the Meats:

First, you want to buy a piece of beautiful marbled chuck roast and not so lean lamb. You want to see nice fat lines going through the chuck roast to ensure juiciness. Cut the roast and lamb into 1-inch pieces. Uniform pieces will encourage even cooking.

Beef Chuck Roast Cut Into 1-inch Pieces

Seasoning/Browing the Meat:

Secondly, season the meats with salt, and pepper as desired. Massage the seasoning into the meat as seen here. Massaging the seasoning into the meat will allow it to adhere to the meat during the browning process.

If you don’t necessarily trust yourself with the ability to season well, take the guesswork out of it and buy my seasoning. It’s delicious and only a few shakes will do you!

Jay seasoning the meat prior to browning

Ninja Foodi does have a sautee setting, however, a hard sear is required for this recipe so we opted to brown the meat in a cast iron. Cast Iron skillets are wonderful tools to brown meat due to their ability to hold even heat throughout the pan.

12 inch Cast Iron Pan Cooking Chuck Roast Beef

You want to cook the meat cubes on medium-high heat for 2 minutes each side. While the beef and lamb are cooking try not to mess with them so they can develop a deep sear on the meat. Once you’re done, you should have a piece of meat with a nice browned not burned crusty exterior.

Sear beef in a 12 inch cast iron pan
Seared Beef

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Crowding will encourage steaming and not searing. Cook the meat in batches for good browning. After all the meats are browned, use a tsp of condensed beef broth and red wine to deglaze the pan. Scrap the bits from the bottom of the pan and then add water.

Stir for 2 minutes and pour into a measuring cup then sit aside.

Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooking:

Pour the deglazing liquid into the Ninja Foodi along with the meat and any accumulated juices. Put on the pressure cooker lid on and cook for 20 minutes. Once the 20 minutes is up, release the pressure by turning the valve to vent. The steam will release into the air. Allow all steam to release and then safely remove the lid.

Note: Do not remove pressure cooker lid until all steam has been released. This is the safest way to handle this machine while using this setting. Be patient and wait. The timer will appear once you release the pressure. The timer just counts up as it switches to a warming setting.

Second Pressure Cook:

Add in your vegetables, roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well. Then place the pressure cooker lid back on and cook for an additional five minutes.

After five minutes you will come out with this:

Beef and Lamb Stew Complete

This stew can be served with noodles or rice. It’s your preference. You do whatever makes you feel good.

This dish brought back wonderful memories and it didn’t take all day to do. I give the Ninja Foodi a 10 out 10 I would recommend.

Want me to test more recipes? Leave a comment down below and I will.

Happy Cooking!

J. Delawcious

This recipe is printable down below. Share with friends and me on Instagram @jdelawcious

Print

One Hour Beef Stew

by:

3.0 rating based on 6 ratings
Ninja Foodi Easy Beef Stew
  • Difficulty:Easy
  • Prep Time:15 mins
  • Cook Time:45 mins
  • Serves:6
  • Freezable:Yes

Nutrition per portion

Ingredients
  • 2 Pounds of Beef Chuck
  • 2 Pounds of Lamb
  • 1 Large Chopped Onion
  • 2 Chopped Green Peppers
  • 1 Chopped Carrot
  • 1 Pint of Sliced Portabella Mushrooms
  • 1 Sliced Jalapeno
  • 2 Stalks of Chopped Celery
  • 2 Tbsp of Garlic Paste
  • 1 Tsp of Salt
  • 1 tsp of Black Pepper
  • 1 Tsp of Garlic Powder
  • 1 Can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes
  • 1 Small Carton or Can of Tomato Puree
  • 1/2 Cup of Red Wine
  • 1/2 Cup of Water
  • 1 Tsp of Condensed Beef Broth (Better than Bouillon)
  • 2 Tbsp of Canola Oil
Method

Prep vegetables by chopping largely and sit aside. Cut the beef and lamb into one-inch cubes. Season meats with salt and pepper as desired then sit aside. In a large skillet add canola oil on medium-high heat. Once you see a small puff of smoke line beef and lamb cubes in the skillet with space. Back heat down to medium to control heat retained once it is up to temp. Cook the meat in batches 2 minutes each side. Place meat into a bowl and set aside. Add the garlic paste to the hot skillet and then stir until fragrant. Then pour the red wine in and scrap the skillet with a wooden spatula. Scrap all the bits off the bottom until it feels smooth. Add the condensed beef broth and water. Stir for two minutes and then sit aside. Place the meats and the accumulated juices into the Ninja Foodi pot. Pour the deglazed liquid on top and stir gently to incorporate. Then place the pressure cooker lid on top of the Ninja Foodi to lock in place. Once the lid is locked, switch the valve to seal.
On the display panel, select the HI pressure setting. Change the time to 15 minutes and press start. The Ninja Foodi will show cycling lights on the display to show the machine is coming up to pressure. During this process, you will see some steam escape but not to worry it is how the machine works. Once the machine is up to pressure the time will begin. After the Ninja Foodi is done pressure cooking, you will use an oven mitten and switch the valve to vent. Then the steam will release. Once it is done releasing you can remove the pressure cooker lid. When you open the lid the meat will be perfectly tender. Add your chopped vegetables, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato puree, and seasonings (salt and pepper). Then mix well. Place the pressure cooker lid back on the pressure cooking setting for five more minutes on HI. While your meat and veggies are pressure cooking you can make any rice or noodles to accompany your stew. You can also eat this plain and it will be just as delicious. After the five minutes of cooking time simply repeat the same steps by turning the valve to vent, releasing the steam completely and then removing the pressure cooker lid.  

Healthy Chicken Kabobs

It’s Grilling Time….

The weather is getting warmer and it is time to break out those grills for some healthy chicken kabob! Chicken kabob are yummy, easy, and fun to eat. The combination of veggies or meats/veggies are endless. Today I am going to show you my no fail chicken kabob recipe.

All you need is a few simple ingredients and you have a very satisfying meal. For all my veggie friends this recipe works for you too! I would use veggies like zucchini, potatoes, carrot, onions, etc to make your kabob. Follow the recipe and just skip the meat and use your favorite veggies. Just make sure you cut them large enough to hold up to the grill. Anyway, let’s jump right in to this chicken kabob recipe!


What you will need:

4 Cubed Chicken  Breast

8 Portobello Mushrooms

4 Bite Sized Chopped Onions

10 Cherry Tomatoes

Spice Mix:

1 tbsp of Onion Powder

1 tsp of Pepper

1 tsp of Salt

1 tsp of Ground Mustard

1 tsp of Crushed Red Pepper

Oil Dressing:

4 Tbsp of Avocado Oil

2 Fresh Minced Garlic Cloves

2 tsp of Fresh Thyme

2 tsp of Fresh Parsley

3 tsp of Fresh Oregano

Tools:

Skewers Metal or Wood (please soak wood skewers for at least 45-60 minutes prior to use)

Cooking Brush


Assemble:

Preheat grill.

Mix the spice blend and sit aside. Mix the oil dressing and sit aside.

Separate chicken, onions, mushrooms, and cherry into different bowls. You can place veggies and chicken as instructed in the video below or in your own pattern. These veggies are interchangeable as well. Please use whatever veggies or meats you like best.

Vegan Friendly Option:

If  you are going vegan or vegetarian, use sturdy veggies that can hold up to the heat, I would use veggies like zucchini, potatoes, carrot, onions, etc to make your kabob. Follow the same steps and grill until veggies are tender. I would pre-boil potatoes for about 6 minutes prior to placing on the grill. This way it will cook at the same pace as the other veggies you choice. 

Cook:

Once all the meats and veggies are on the skewers place on a hot grill. Sprinkle generously the spice mix over the top of the veggies and chicken. After the first 3 minutes turn brush on the oil based dressing on top and turn over.

Sprinkle the other side with spices and brushes on the oil dressing. Cook kabob on each side for about 3 minutes or until an internal temp of 165F.

Remove from the grill and brush the remaining dressing and spices on top.

Serve:

You can serve this with salad, rice, or a nice pasta. The sides are endless!

I hope you enjoy!

xoxo

J. Delawcious


Watch the full tutorial here:

No Guilt |Taco Bell Naked Chicken Chalupa

Taco Bell’s Version

No Guilt |Taco Bell Naked Chicken Chalupa…

The Naked Chicken Chalupa made everyone lose their minds when they found out they could eat a taco shaped chicken nugget stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado ranch sauce. I also  fell in line with the masses and ran to Taco Bell to try this HUGE nugget. When I tasted it, I won’t lie I wasn’t over the moon for the calorie intake for one damn taco. How am I still hungry, after taking in damn near 500 calories?

I was not here for that. So I decided to make my own version without the deep-fried oil, some substitutions in prep, and lastly more nutritional ingredients.

My version of Taco Bell’s Naked Chicken Chalupa is healthier and just as delicious. I must admit to you this was no easy task like most of my other recipes. You must have a taco mold and be patient in the process. Lastly, I repeat for this recipe to go smoother than mine did make sure your chicken taco shells are frozen hard. That is the most important tip I can give you when attempting this recipe.

When I filmed this recipe for you all one of my shells fell apart. At that point I truly wanted to give up. I was like this is simply ridiculous. Then my husband gave me a much need cooking pep talk and told me to finish. I pieced the chicken taco shell back together and placed back in the freezer. In total I had them in the freezer for about 4 hours uncovered. In the end it all worked out and that is why I am here giving the recipe to you. Now if you are brave enough to try it, please tag me on Instagram @Jdelawcious so I can see what you did. This recipe can also be made fried but that would defeat the entire purpose lol. So let’s get started!


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This recipe will make 4 taco shells

What You Will Need:

2 Pounds of Ground Chicken Breast

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Pepper

1 Tbsp Paprika

1 Tbsp Cumin

1 Tbsp Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp Oregano

1 Tbsp Parsley

1 Tbsp Coriander

1 Tsp Ground Mustard

1/3 Cup of Panko Bread Crumbs

1/2 Cup of Egg Whites

Dredge Station:

1/3 Cup Egg Whites

1 Beaten Egg

2 Cups Flour

2 Cups Panko Bread Crumbs

Tools:

Parchment Paper

Taco Shell Mold

Cooking Spray

Spatula

Plastic Gloves

Blender

Fixings:

Chopped Romaine

Monterey Jack Cheese

Fresh Salsa

Prepared Avocado Ranch Sauce

Avocado Ranch Sauce:

1 Chopped Avocado

2 Tsp Avocado oil

1/4 cup Water

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Pepper

1 Tbsp of light sour cream

1 Tbsp of Ranch Dry Mix

Juice of Half of a lime

1/2 cup fresh cilantro


Preheat Oven to 365F.

Prep:

In a large bowl add chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, coriander, ground mustard, panko bread crumbs, and egg whites. Wearing the plastic gloves, mix well until ingredients are incorporated. Sit aside.

Mold:

Spray the taco mold with cooking spray evenly. Then fit individual pieces of parchment paper over each shell mold. The paper will stick to the mold. Next spray cooking spray lightly on top of the paper. This will help the chicken shells move away easily once frozen. Then evenly divide the chicken mixture in the bowl into four parts. Then place one section of the four divided parts on top of the shell mold. Mold and shape the chicken as best you can to make it look like a shell. Repeat this step until all four taco molds are shaped. Once all shaped and molded place the chicken shells in the deepest part of the freezer for 4- 6 hours.

Sauce:

Add avocado,  avocado oil, water, salt, pepper, sour cream, ranch dry mix, lime juice, and cilantro to a blender. Blend until smooth. Then sit in the fridge until ready for use.

Dredge:

You will need pour the egg whites and one whole egg beaten into one large bowl. Pour the bread crumbs into another large bowl. Lastly pour the flour into another large bowl. Remove the frozen shells from the freezer. Remove one chicken shell from the mold and delicately coat  the outside in flour. Shake the access flour and then dip the outside of the chicken shell in the egg mixture. Coat evenly and then dip into the Panko. Coat the bread crumbs all over the outside and shake the access. Put the chicken shell back on the mold. Repeat these steps for each one. Once you have completed the coating of the shells. Place back in the freezer for 20 minutes for the coating to adhere.

Cook:

Remove the shells from the freezer and place in the oven for 24 minutes. After baking let cool for 15 minutes.

Serve:

Add your desired or suggested fixings and enjoy!

Happy Cooking

xoxo

J. Delawcious

Watch the full tutorial: