Meatloaf

Well, I'm finally putting out my meatloaf recipe. A lot of people have been asking for this one. The problem was I didn't have one written down. I'm a little bit of this, a little bit of that type of cook so I had to make this one a few times until I got it perfect. Hopefully you enjoy!

3 Lbs ground chuck
1 Cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 packet onion soup mix
1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
1/4 Cup ketchup
2 Eggs blended
Salt
Pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix.  I like to shape my meatloaf free form on a baking sheet with a rack instead of in a loaf pan.  It seems to cook faster and the grease drains away from the loaf.

Cook the meatloaf in a 350 degree oven for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours hours or until it is around 160 degrees. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 5-10 mins before slicing it.

I served mine with cheesy mashed potatoes, beef gravy and steamed cauliflower.

If you try this recipe out let me know in the comments what you liked or didn't like about it. You can also check me out on Instagram at shinis_grub, on Twitter @shinisgrub or on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ShinisGrub/
Hope you enjoy and Happy Eating!

Banana Bread

I have a freezer full of mashed bananas so I decided to make banana bread tonight.  I love this recipe because the bread comes out moist with tons of banana flavor. I made 5 small loaves but I will give you the time for an individual loaf as well.

2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup (1 stick) Butter softened
3/4 Cups Brown Sugar
 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 Eggs
2 1/3 Cups Mashed Super Ripe Bananas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease your loaf pan. In a large bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt. In another bowl or the bowl of a mixer cream together the butter and brown sugar. When it's light and fluffy like this.

Add vanilla and one egg at a time beating well after each addition.  When that is incorporated stir in bananas, mixing well. Pour banana mixture into flour and fold until just moistened.

Spoon into prepared loaf pan(s) and bake in prepared oven. 35-45 minutes for small loaves, 50-60 minutes for a large loaf pan. Check to see if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean it is done.

Take loaves out of oven and cool on wire rack.

If you decide to make this recipe let me know what you think, I hope you enjoy!

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Tonight's dinner is one of my hubby's favorites, grilled chicken Caesar salad. I like to marinate my chicken overnight. you can use whatever chicken marinade you like. I have a Greek vinaigrette that I like to use but I also use bottled balsamic vinaigrette. On to the recipe.

2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated)
1 Head romaine lettuce chopped
Croutons homemade or store bought
Parmesan Cheese

Caesar Dressing
1 Cup Mayonnaise (I use Hellman's but you can use any kind you like or homemade)
2 Cloves garlic minced 
1 Teaspoon Anchovy paste
1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Make this ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.

Grill chicken until no longer pink and registers 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it and arranging it on top of your greens. Drizzle with dressing and top with croutons and a sprinkle of cheese.

Sudden Thunderstorm stopped me from being able to use my outside grill so I had to break out my Foreman grill.

Lemon Chicken

Hi everyone, Jen here or Shini as most of my online friends know me.  Welcome to my blog, where I plan to put all of my experiments with food. I love to cook and try new and different things.  I hope you enjoy my recipes and they inspire you to get in the kitchen and cook great food.

The first recipe I am posting was something I came up with to try to jazz up plain baked chicken. After a couple tries I think I finally got the flavors right, hope you enjoy.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 Cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 Cup chicken broth
4 cloves of garlic minced
1 Tablespoon of honey
2 Tablespoons of butter
2 Tablespoons of olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While oven is preheating melt butter with oil in a pan. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, then place in hot pan.

  While your chicken is browning, mix the lemon juice, chicken broth, garlic and honey together.

  After chicken is browned on both sides move to an oven safe dish and add the sauce.

Bake in the oven 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

I served it tonight with orzo and seasoned, roasted broccoli. If you try this recipe out, let me know what you think.

You can also check out my culinary adventures on my Instagram: shinis_grub 

Happy Eating!