Ingredient: Olive Oil Cooking Spray

Baked Chicken Provo

This is an easy riff on Chicken Parm. Sun Dried Tomatoes along with some Provolone Cheese fill the breasts’ deep pockets.

The breasts get a thorough egg dip and a generous roll in flavored Panko Bread Crumbs before they bake in a hot oven. This makes the crust extra crunchy enough that you won’t miss the frying. A thick coating of provolone melts under the broiler, sealing the deal.

This is a lighter version of the classic that will make a tasty star appearance on any plate. Whether accompanied by Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Caramelized Zucchini as shown here or a side of pasta and a crisp salad, or any other sides you want to present, it is a quick and easy Weeknight Supper.

Baked Chicken Provo
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Baked Chicken Provo
Print Recipe
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cut a deep pocket into the thick side of each breast. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
  2. Chop up the tomatoes and 2 slices of the cheese fairly finely. Add the onion and garlic powder along with the italian seasoning, Let it sit for 10 minutes or so.
  3. Divide the tomato mixture between the two breast pockets. Do not overfill, the breasts should still close. secure with a toothpick if necessary.
  4. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Pour the panko crumbs into another shallow bowl.
  5. Dip each breast in the egg, coating well. Place each in the bowl of panko crumbs and coat well, pressing the crumbs into each breast.
  6. Place the breast in a shallow baking dish that has been coated with the cooking spray. Coat the tops of the breast well with the cooking spray.
  7. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes or until cooked through.
  8. Top with the remaining 2 slices of cheese and broil for 3 -5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and serve.
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Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Smothered Pork Chops
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat a small cast iron skillet over high heat. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning on both sides of the pork chops. Spray the skillet with the cooking spray. Add the pork chops and sear 3 minutes on each side. Remove the chops from the pan and set aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the olive oil to the skillet. Add the onions, leeks, and garlic to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and continue to cook slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown.
  3. Add the flour to the skillet. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly add the broth and milk stirring to keep everything smooth. Add the thyme sprigs and continue to cook until the gravy begins to thicken, 5 minutes or so.
  4. Return the chops to the pan and turn several times to coat them with the gravy. Top with a generous dose of cracked black pepper. Place the skillet in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake 20 - 30 minutes until the are cooked. Remove the thyme stems. Allow to cool slightly before plating.
Spinach Polenta
  1. Saute 2 cups of chopped spinach in a little olive oil with a clove or two of minced garlic. Set Aside
  2. Cook 1/2 cup polenta according to the package directions using equal parts of milk and chicken broth. When the polenta is the consistency you like, add the spinach mixture, 1 small pat of butter, and a small handful of Romano cheese. Serve.
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Italian Turkey and Zucchini Burgers

Italian Turkey and Zucchini Burgers
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Italian Turkey and Zucchini Burgers
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Place the sausage meat and the zucchini in a large bowl. Toss lightly. Grate the onion and garlic directly into the bowl. Add the pepper flakes and fennel seeds and mix lightly again.
  2. Add the bread crumbs and cheese, tossing once again. Add the beaten egg and stir one last time until everything is completely incorporated. Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 hours or as long as overnight.
  3. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and form into 4 large patties. Place each patty on a piece of wax paper, cover and chill for 2 hours. You can also put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
  4. Heat the grill to high. Spray a grill pan with cooking spray and allow it to heat up on the grill. Place the burgers on the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and allow to cook for 6 minutes or so.
  5. Turn the burgers. If they stick let them cook another minute or two until they flip easily and are golden brown. Top each burger with two thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Put the lid on the grill and cook for another 6 - 7 minutes.
  6. While the burgers continue to cook, place the tomatoes and onions in a foil pan. Season with some Italian herb blend and a drizzle of olive oil. Place the pan on any vacant space on the grill.
  7. Spray the cut sides of the rolls with cooking spray and add them to the grill the last 3 minutes of cooking. In the meantime, toss the lettuce with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Assemble the sandwiches: Divide the lettuce mixture between the bottoms of the rolls. Top each with half of the tomatoes. Place the burgers on top of the vegetables. Top with the remaining tomatoes. Add the top part of the roll and serve.
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Meatless Minestrone for Mondays and Beyond

Meatless Minestrone for Mondays and Beyond
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Meatless Minestrone for Mondays and Beyond
Print Recipe
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and carrots and a pinch of salt. Cook for several minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and the bay leaves to the pot and cook another minute or two, stirring frequently.
  3. Pour in the can of tomatoes, juice and all and the vegetable stock. Bring up to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook covered for 20 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. At this point you can cool the stock and refrigerate until the next day. You can also complete the recipe at this time if you want.
  4. Coat a non-stick pan with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the artichoke hearts and cook for 5 - 6 minutes or so turning once until lightly browned on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Repeat the above process with the zucchini slices.
  6. When you are ready to complete cooking the soup, (re)heat the stock to a simmer. Add the chickpeas ans pasta and cook for 5 minutes, stirring it once or twice.
  7. Add the green beans and cook for 4 minutes or until they are the amount of tender crisp you like.
  8. Add the browned artichokes and zucchini and simmer everything gently until it is all heated through. This should only take a couple of minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Ladle into four soup bowls and top each with two of the toasted bead slices (recipe follows) and a drizzle of olive oil.
Cheese Toasts
  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat the bread slices on both sides with olive oil cooking spray and place them on a foil lined baking sheet. Toast for 8 minutes, turning once. Top with the cheese and return to the oven set on broil and cook until the cheese is melted and slightly brown.
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Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin

Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin
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Servings
6
Servings
6
Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin
Print Recipe
Servings
6
Servings
6
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. To blanch the vegetables: Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower. Cook for 2 minutes (for the broccoli) and 3 minutes (for the cauliflower).
  2. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon and immediately put them in a bowl of ice water. When cool drain completely and place in a gratin dish that has been coated with olive oil cooking spray.
  3. In a medium saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the flour and cook and stir for several minutes. Slowly pour in the milk stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the mustard.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar and blue cheese. Once the cheeses have melted, pour the sauce over the vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Melt the remaining butter in a small pan. Add the Panko crumbs and smoked paprika and toss until the crumbs are coated.
  8. Sprinkle the crumbs over the casserole. Spray the top of the casserole liberally with olive oil cooking spray. Bake in a 375 degree oven until the vegetables are tender, the top is golden, and the sauce is bubbly. This should take 30 to 40 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 - 15 minutes before serving.
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