{Feed Your Stomach} – Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms from ItsYummi.com

TRUTH:  I'm horrible with leftovers.  Not horrible at creating them, mind you...horrible about using them up before they become science experiments in the back of my fridge.  My mom emblazoned the "waste not want not" mantra into my head, so I save EVERYTHING, you guys.  It's pathetic and a bit embarrassing, really. I may have become a borderline hoarder of empty prescription bottles.

Geez, I can't just throw away perfectly good tiny plastic bottles!!  If I toss them away, I'm absolutely convinced that as soon as I've place them into the recycle bin, I'll find some way to re-purpose them, causing me to have to risk my life as I run like a crazy woman down the street, chasing the garbage truck, screaming at the top of my lungs, "STAHHHHHHP!! I NEED MY BOTTLES!!".  <--- (Longest run on sentence EVER)

Rather than risky tragedies like that from happening, I'll just keep them safely in this plastic bag.  okie dokie?  :)

Now where was I?  Ahh yes...leftovers.  Remember the crab omelette I made a couple of days ago?  Well, I had some of the crab meat left over, plus a few (6 to be exact) mushrooms that needed to be used up, so I thought I'd whip up something quick, easy, and delicious with them.  Cue the stuffed mushrooms, please.  They're about as easy peasy of an appetizer to make as you can think of.  Unless you like peanut butter on toast as an appetizer.  That might be easier to make...but I bet it wouldn't taste nearly as good as these cheesy, crab-filled mushrooms.  Pure bite-sized morsels of goodness.  Give 'em a try and leave me a comment below this post to let me know what you think.  Oh, and if you've got any ideas on ways for me to use up my RX bottles, please pass that info to me too.  Thanks!  I love you to pieces.

5.0 from 2 reviews

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms
 
Created By:

Recipe Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:

 
Mushrooms filled to the brim with crab, cheese, and lots of spices, then baked until they're warm and oozing with goodness.
WHAT'S NEEDED
  • 6 large white mushrooms or 2 portabello mushroom caps
  • 1 Tablespoon sliced scallion (white part only)
  • 1/4 cup mushroom stems, finely chopped
  • 1 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 Tablespoons panko or regular bread crumbs
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ounces fresh or canned crab meat, drained and finely chopped
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp garlic salt

HOW TO MAKE IT
  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. (325 convection oven)
  2. Spray small casserole dish or sheet pan lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
  3. Wipe mushrooms clean with damp paper toweling. Cut off stems and use fingers to remove center from mushrooms to make room for stuffing. Place mushrooms caps cut side up in prepared dish; set aside.
  4. In small bowl, add cream cheese, crab meat, pepper, and garlic salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in small saute pan over medium heat. Add chopped mushroom stems and scallion and saute until softened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in bread crumbs. Add mushroom mixture to bowl with cream cheese mixture; stir to combine.
  6. Use a small spoon to evenly distribute filling into each mushroom cap.
  7. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned and cheese has melted.
  8. Remove from oven and serve.

This recipe is linked up at:

Mediterranean Potstickers

Mediterranean Potstickers from ItsYummi.com #appetizer #recipe

Although the official date was 2 weeks ago, Mr. Wonderful and I spent all of last week celebrating his 55th birthday.  He must have signed up for every birthday club in the known universe, because he had the mother load of coupons for free meals and desserts around town.  Since we don't eat out very often, it was really a fun treat for us both!  We were able to eat dinner at some of our favorite restaurants...places that we couldn't otherwise have afforded.

Although the main entrees were all delicious, I was REALLY looking forward to the appetizers.  Bite sized morsels of love on my tongue... YUMMILICOUS!  One of my favorites are potstickers.  Brian doesn't really care for them too much in their Asian form, but when I told him that I was inspired to make a Mediterranean version with pork, he was all over the idea like a bee to honey.

Mediterranean Potstickers from ItsYummi.com #appetizer #recipe

I decided to make them using the FREE sample of Pompeian™ OlivExtra Premium Mediterranean Blend oil that I received last week from Smiley360.  The products that I've been able to try through the affiliate program have all been outstanding, and the interaction I've had with the other people in the program has been so much fun!

The Pompeian™ Mediterranean Blend is a combination of canola, extra virgin olive, and grapeseed oils.  It's got a really wonderful, rich taste.  A little goes a long way with this oil.  I love that it's high in Omega-3 (850 mg per serving) and it's a great source of Vitamin E antioxidants, too.  My favorite aspect is the higher smoke point of this oil.  Traditional olive oil will burn at temperatures of about 310-340 degrees F, but this oil has a smoke point of 425-450, making it perfect to pan fry or even deep fry with.  You can see the great results I had with these potstickers.  The taste was absolutely wonderful... rich, but not overpowering.

 

Smiley360 sent me a full sized sample to try - FREE!

I could talk a bit longer about the great quality of the oil and how good these potstickers are, but I think the best way to know how great they are would be to make yourself a batch and find out for yourself.  Please leave me a comment below to let me know what you think of these.  I love it when you talk food love to me!!

ENJOY :)

 

Mediterranean Potstickers
 
Created By:

Recipe Category: appetizer
Serves: 4 (4 pieces each)
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:

 
Traditional potstickers have been amped up with flavors of the Mediterranean. They make a rich and delightful appetizer!
WHAT'S NEEDED
  • 1/2 cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 lb lean pork, ground
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon white wine
  • 1 Tablespoon green onion (scallion), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Pompeian™ Mediterranean Blend oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 16 wonton or egg roll wrappers
  • 2 Tablespoons Pompeian™ Mediterranean Blend oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • DIPPING SAUCE
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

HOW TO MAKE IT
  1. Sprinkle salt over shredded cabbage; place in a strainer for 5 minutes; squeeze out excess liquid.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cabbage, pork, Worcestershire, wine, scallion, 1 teaspoon oil and garlic.
  3. On each wrapper (keep them covered with a damp cloth so they do no dry out) place about 2 tsp of the mix and seal the edges, use a bit of water on the edge, try to press out all the air and ensure they are tightly sealed.
  4. In a large skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons oil over medium-high heat; fry dumplings for 1 minute or until golden on one side. Add 1/4 cup of stock into the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 7 minutes without turning, until the dumpling is translucent and most of the liquid has evaporated. Uncover and increase heat to medium, then cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the bottoms are dark brown. Drain on a paper towel, then place on a platter and keep warm.
  5. Mix the dipping sauce in a small bowl and serve with warm or hot dumplings.

 

Fire Roasted Tomato Vegetable Soup

fire roasted tomato vegetable soup

I cleaned out my fridge today.  I highly recommend it... especially if you're in the mood for soup or casserole.  There's very little that CAN'T be put into either of those treats.

I had lots of little baggies of leftover veggies.  Bits of this and that... plus a few tomatoes that were aching to be used quickly, so I pulled out some of the vegetable stock that I made last week and went to town on this soup!

Fire Roasted Tomato Vegetable Soup

Rating: 51

10 minutes

30 minutes

Fire Roasted Tomato Vegetable Soup

This soup is healthy, delicious, and a great way to use up veggies from your garden and/or refrigerator!

WHAT YOU\'LL NEED

  • 1 pound (about 4) Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 1/2 medium bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 medium carrots, bias cut or sliced thinly
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn niblets
  • 1/2 cup green beans
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
  • salt, pepper, red pepper flake to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

HOW TO MAKE IT

Heat oven to 425

Lay tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring after 5-7 minutes to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly

Melt butter in a 3 quart saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot and saute for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Add stock, remaining vegetables, and all seasonings and stir to combine. Let simmer over medium low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until all vegetables are soft.

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can substitute any vegetables of your choice. Adding cooked rice or noodles makes a great addition, too!

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Come share in the tomato love at the Tomato Love Recipe Exchange, hosted by Gimme Some Oven & Bake Your Day, and sponsored this week by Kitchenaid.  Also visit Recipe for Change to learn more about how to support tomato farmers.

New Year’s Eve Munchies

122911_1549_NewYearsEve2.jpg

I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely delighted to say goodbye to 2011 and ring in a fresh new year. 2011 has been a difficult one for my family and I. Unemployment, loss of family members, financial burdens and income challenges, and even physical and emotional illnesses have all been unwelcome visitors inside the walls of my home. I'm SO delighted to know that my Creator has promised that He will make His mercies new every morning. Lamentations 3: 22-24 gives me that hope. If you're not a Christian and/or you don't like reading Godly "gobbledy gook", fear not…. I'm just going to say one thing and then I'll share some wonderful recipes with you

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,
'therefore I will hope in him.'
" -Lamentations 3.22-24

In other words, there's hope for a better tomorrow…and for a wonderful 2012. I look forward to seeing what great things my God has in store for me. Until then, I think it would be best to live for today and plan for a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration! Here are some of the recipes that I think would be perfect to help bring a smile to the faces of your party-going friends and family. Some are my recipes, and others are from insanely talented cooks, chefs, and/or food stylists. My cup of love for them overflows on a daily basis. I aspire to be as talented as their pinkie fingers are…and one day, with LOTS of practice (and a better camera), I may come close!

 

Bacon Wrapped Scallops w/ Maple-Jack Glaze

With the word bacon in the title, how can you possibly go wrong with this recipe? Well, I suppose if you saw the bacon and then proceeded to drool all over your scallop that would be wrong. But if bacon love is wrong, I don't want to be right. Oh, and of course, the obligatory party food booze can definitely be omitted if you're a non-drinker like I am. Party on, Wayne….

 

(Recipe from Chef Abbey Steffens, Republic Chophouse)

 


Photo credit: Grazing for Girls

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Maple-Jack Glaze

Rating: 51

Tender, decadent scallops drizzled with a sweet maple-whiskey glaze. An INCREDIBLY tasteful treat!

WHAT YOU\'LL NEED

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 12 each fresh sea scallops (u-10 size)
  • 12 each applewood smoked bacon
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE IT

Lay bacon on a sheet pan and place in a 350°F oven and bake for 10 minutes. The bacon should be slightly cooked, and still jiggly.

Wrap scallops with bacon and secure with tooth picks.

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan or griddle over medium-high heat.

Place scallops flesh side down in pan/griddle and sear until a golden crust is developed. Flip and repeat.

Remove from heat. If desired, scallops can be finished in the oven.

Drizzle with Maple-Jack glaze.

FOR THE GLAZE

1 cup maple syrup

1-2 shots Jack Daniels whiskey

½ tbsp soy sauce

½ tbsp Dijon mustard

Combine syrup, mustard, and soy sauce in a bowl. Place whiskey in a pan and burn off the alcohol.

Once alcohol is burned off, remove from heat and whisk into maple syrup mixture.

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Curried Deviled Eggs

I don't like making resolutions because, well, let's face it…I'm lazy and I give up a lot when I'm not perfect. Truth is, nobody's perfect, so why bother trying to be? There, I said it. Don't judge. But if I DID make a resolution, it would be to eat as many of these as possible because they're creamy and dreamy and loaded with protein and eggy goodness. Never mind the fat or calories. They don't count when you're having a party, and you can always make a resolution to exercise…oops. Let's move on.


 

Curried Deviled Eggs

Rating: 51

Easy to make and beautiful, too. Deviled eggs are a treat at any get together.

WHAT YOU\'LL NEED

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

HOW TO MAKE IT

Place eggs in a pot large enough to hold them with some space remaining. Fill pot with cold water to cover eggs by 1 inch.

Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and let eggs sit in hot water, off heat, for 25 minutes.

Fill a large bowl with half ice and half cold water. Transfer eggs to ice water and allow them to cool for 10 minutes.

Crack each egg and return to ice water. Remove the shells.

Cut each egg in half lengthwise and remove the yolks. Force yolks through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.

Add mayonnaise, mustard, curry powder and salt. Stir until blended and smooth.

Use a small spoon to fill each egg white with equal amounts of filling. (Alternatively, fill a pastry bag fitted with a star or plain tip and pipe filling into shells. Or use a zip top bag with a small piece of a corner snipped off to pipe the filling.)

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Hot & Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Dip


Photo & Recipe Credit: Jessica Merchant

Jessica doesn't know this, but we're twins. The mailman totally did it. We were born 20 years apart, but we're identical. Except for the fact that she's completely gorgeous and thin and stylish and I'm so not. But we're absolutely identical and I won't take no for an answer.  Anyway, my point is that everything she makes and then takes photos of instantly turns to love on my tongue when I make it. Like this dip. Oh. Em. Gee. I'll take cheesy goodness in volumes, please. You can bake it in a beautiful crock like Jessica did, or put dollops of this amazing dip mixture into pieces of puff pastry dough, then make pastry purses around the dip and bake them. Then I double dog dare you not to eat 24 sheet pans full of them before your guests arrive.

 

Cheesy Ham & Pineapple Bundles


Photo Credit: Pillsbury.com

More cheese and pork products, all wrapped up in an easy to eat form, which means there's a less likely chance that these will fall off someone's plate and end up smooshed (yes, that's a word) into your carpeting during the party. What's not to love?

 

 

Last but certainly not least, you can't forget about dessert. Well, you can, but I can't.  It says so on my drivers license right next to the spot for organ donation.  It says "This woman must have dessert at any given opportunity."  Really it does.  My crazy obsession for mint and cheesecake blended together into a fudgy, chewy brownie = pure love.

Mint Cheesecake Swirl Brownies


Mint Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Rating: 51

20-24 brownies

Fudgy brownies meet cheesecake and chocolate mint cookies. Sinfully wonderful!

WHAT YOU\'LL NEED

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/3 cups coarsely chopped mint cookies

HOW TO MAKE IT

Heave oven to 350 degrees F (325 convection ovens).

Spray the bottom and sides of an 8-inch metal baking pan with non-stick spray. Put a long piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan, letting the parchment extend up two sides of the pan and overhang slightly on both ends. (This will make it easy to remove the bars from the pan after they have baked.) Spray the parchment.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in sugar and bring to a boil, whisking frequently; boil 1 minute. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined, about 1 minute.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder and salt; whisk until combined.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs until combined. Whisk in melted butter-sugar mixture until well combined. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, then stir in the mint cookies.

Spread half of brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, followed by cream cheese layer. Distribute the remaining brownie mixture in 8 dollops over the cheesecake layer and spread evenly. Swirl in with a knife or spatula.

Bake for 24-28 minutes, until brownies and cheesecake are set. A knife inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean and the edges will be lightly browned.

Let cool completely in pan on a cooling rack before lifting out the parchment paper to remove the brownies.

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If none of those recipes floats your boat, you might be need of some major artillery. Don't panic. The wonderful Michelle can help you with that… she's got at least 60 more celebration-worthy recipes to share with you.

No matter what you decide to serve, be sure to serve up your dishes with a smile, and don't forget to find someone to kiss at the stroke of midnight.


 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!