Eggplant Parmesan

One day my husband and I are watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network and it is the Eggplant Parmesan recipe. We that was enough inspiration for me to make it on my own and let me say it worked out good!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 eggplants
• 3-4 cups bread crumbs
• 4 eggs, beatened
• Oil for frying
• 1 lb ground meat (optional)
• 2 - 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasonings
• Garlic powder
• 24 oz mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan

My first step was to make the sauce:

1. Brown ground meat (if you are using it) 
2. Add crushed tomatoes to a ground meat and bring to a boil. 
3. Cover on low heat for 20 minutes 
4. Add salt, pepper, italian seasoning, garlic powder, and anything else you like to add to your sauce and simmer another 15 mins. I also always add a tbsp of sugar to my red sauce

2nd step: Eggplant prep

1. Heat oil in pan to fry 
2. Peel eggplant and cut lengthwise. (I used my electric knife to cut it.) 
3. Dip the eggplant in the egg and then bread crumbs, cover generously on both sides 
4. Fry eggplant in oil until crispy, it takes a few minutes per side 
5. Set eggplant aside or layer as you go. 

3rd step: layering dish

1. In large baking dish, fill bottom with a layer of tomato sauce, eggplant, and then mozzarella cheese, and repeat. After the top layer of cheese is done, sprinkle the parmesan over the top 
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes 
3. Serve and enjoy. I made mine the night before and then reheated it the next day in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. 

It was absolutely delicious and I was amazed it came out so well, especially since it was my first time making it. Next time I make it I am going to try and mix mozzarella cheese and provolone and see how that changes it up.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Are you trying to eat low carb but love mashed potatoes or would you like to incorporate more veggies in your or your families diet? Here is a great recipe for Creamy Mashed Cauliflower, it tastes like mashed potatoes and you can flavor them any way you want!!!!

Recipe for 2:

• Head of cauliflower 
• 1/4 - 1/3 sour cream 
• 1 - 2 tbsp butter 
• salt and pepper to taste 
• shredded cheddar (optional) 
• tsp garlic powder (optional) 

1. Cook the cauliflower until soft (I like to steam it in my electric steamer for 20-25 mins) 
2. Once the cauliflower is cooked, add it to a food processor with the butter, sour cream, spices and cheese (if you want them to be cheesy) and blend until smooth! 
3. Now serve and enjoy! I like to top it with shredded cheese and chives! 

We has this tonight for dinner and my husband said he wouldn't have know if were made from cauliflower if he hadn't helped me cook!

Homemade Chicken Tenders

Tonight's Dinner: Chicken Tenders

Most people buy chicken nuggets and/or chicken tenders from restaurants or at a grocery store in the freezer section. These chicken tenders are usually full of fat and preservatives and may also include meat that is not the best quality. Wouldn't you rather know exactly what is in the chicken nuggets/tenders you are eating? Make them at home with this simple and easy to make recipe that your entire family will enjoy!

Recipe for Two Servings:

• 2 chicken breasts or a package of chicken tenderloins 
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 1-2 tbsp flour (I use wheat) 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• pinch of pepper 
• spices to your liking 
• 2 eggs 
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar for topping 

1. Combine the Parmesan, flour, salt, pepper and your spices of choice into a shallow dish 
2. Whip eggs in another shallow dish 
3. Cut chicken breasts into small slices (about 1/2 in thick) 
4. Dip pieces of chicken into egg and then into the Parmesan mixture to coat with breading 
5. Arrange on a greased baking sheet 
6. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes, flip chicken tenders over and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and bake for another 5 - 10 minutes 
7. Remove and cool for 1-2 minutes and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pancakes from Scratch

Who doesn't love fresh pancakes in the morning for breakfast? Some people make them out of a box and just add water but then you are eating something with preservatives and other ingredients you are unsure of and most of the time cannot even pronounce. Are these ingredients really good for you?? How about we forget the store bought box of pancake mix and make them from scratch? These pancakes are quick and easy and can be made in 20 mins. I first found this recipe on allrecipes.com and have changed it a bit to make it healthier.

Original recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon white sugar 
• 1 1/4 cups milk 
• 1 egg 
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted 

My changed recipe:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour 
• 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon white sugar 
• 1 1/4 cups soy milk 
• 1 egg 
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin organic olive oil 

I also like to add things like chocolate chips, nuts, and cut of fresh fruit into my batter before I cook them. These pancakes are simple, healthy and delicious! Give them a try next time you are in the mood for some pancakes! This morning I made them with blueberries! Mmmmm mmmmm! Yummy!

Welcome

Hello everyone!

Welcome to PB N J Gourmet!  This blog will be all about cooking and baking and going back to the basics of real homemade food.  This blog was inspired by my husband and my love for home cooked food.

One of my husband's favorite sandwiches is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  We have taken the basics and  made it gourmet.  We love to make homemade jam and jellies with flavors that you wouldn't find in a store and mix it with our homemade almond butter and honey wheat bread!  Once you eat one of these gourmet sandwiches it is hard to eat a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

This blog will go through our cooking adventures and what we find is better homemade and worth the time investment versus buying it in a store.  We will share our tips and tricks and delicious recipes!

We hope you enjoy our cooking and baking adventures and pick up good tips to take into your home.

Happy Cooking!

Amy