January 2016 Recipes

Recipe: Soulful Chicken Soup

No dish is quite as soothing as a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. Slow cookers couldn't have made the road to comfort any easier: Simply toss in the ingredients, switch on, and then walk away. We love old-fashioned, wide egg noodles for this recipe. To make sure they aren't mushy and overcooked, don't leave them in the slow cooker any longer than 10 minutes.

Recipe: Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken

Add a base of basmati rice to complement the honey glaze. You're going to love the sweet and savory flavor combination in our delicious Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken.

Lemon fans will love this silky custard. In a pinch, substitute regular lemon juice for the Meyer lemon, and stir it in at the end to keep the milk from curdling.

Recipe: Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta

Recipe: Three-Bean Cassoulet with Cornmeal Dumplings

A mixture of beans gives this dish contrasting textures and colors.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Parmesan-Herb Pork Loin with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Prep the night before, start cooking in the morning, and it will be ready when you get off work. Or prep it and cook on high for a hearty weekend lunch or dinner in 3 to 4 hours.

Recipe: Skillet Rice with Shrimp and Chicken

Simple substitutions give these hearty dishes flavorful twists: Swap sausage for chicken, crabmeat for shrimp, or make a vegetarian option by subbing vegetable stock and omitting proteins.

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

Hailing from an era when casseroles were king, this Tex-Mex dish still reigns supreme at everything from family dinners to church suppers and neighborhood potlucks. Though not an invention of the famed King Ranch--it's more likely the creation of a ladies' Junior League--the spicy flavors of chili powder, roasted peppers, and toasted cumin never fail to please. Seeded jalapeño and poblano peppers add mild spice, garlic adds bite, and Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and sour cream add richness to the casserole’s creamy texture. If you’re in a rush, use a large rotisserie chicken in place of smoked chicken. It’s hard to mess up this age-old crowd pleaser.

Recipe: Gulf Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter

For these plump Coastal Texas treats, make sure to handle the delicate mixture carefully; the chilling process helps the cakes hold their shape during cooking.

Recipe: San Antonio Beef Puffy Tacos

Original tacos were a little different than the U-shaped tortillas invented by entrepreneur Glen Bell of Taco Bell. The real deal begins with a ball of masa flattened into a thin round that's fried to a golden crispness. The masa puffs up a bit, which is how the moniker "puffy taco" came into play. Ours are stuffed with ground beef that has been seasoned with jalapeños, cumin, chili powder and—if you like—Mexican beer. Then fill it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and enjoy.

Recipe: Texas Sheet Cake with Fudge Icing

Somehow, Texas claimed the sheet cake as its own in the mid-20th century, perhaps because of the pecans, an ingredient that grows in abundance throughout the Lone Star State. The defining element is its shape--and, of course, the icing, which has to be heated and poured on the warm, just-out-of-the-oven cake. The result is a rich, chocolaty treat that's iconic in Texas.

Recipe: Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

The trick to extra-savory veggies is cooking the chicken atop the potatoes and carrots.

Recipe: Pork Chops with Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts

Although you may not expect apples and brussels sprouts to taste so good, trust us – these pork chops are sure to please. Combining smoky flavors of paprika, chili powder, and red pepper with sweet brown sugar and subtle rosemary makes a complex and special weeknight dinner. For the zestiest flavor, rub the chops with the brown sugar mixture the night before, and let them chill overnight. When its time to cook, pull out one pan and you’ll be set. After baking the chops for about 25 minutes, you’ll broil the apples and brussels sprouts on high for a crispy, glazed finish.

Recipe: Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap hoagies in foil, and reheat in a 350° oven for 15 minutes.

Recipe: Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges

Here's the delicious proof that you can serve a complete, no-mess fish dinner in less than 25 minutes. This recipe only uses one pan making cleanup a breeze. Just pile everything on your sheet pan and follow our instructions for perfectly broiled fish that will be on the table in no time.

Recipe: Ancho Chile Flank Steak and Sweet Potato Tacos

For an extra burst of flavor, stir a few tablespoons of pan drippings into your sour cream.

Recipe: Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

Each member of the family can enjoy his or her favorite piece of the bird with this recipe.

Recipe: Chimichurri Beef Meatball Hoagies

These deliciously flavored meatballs served on hoagie rolls or French baguette rolls will be the new favorite at your weeknight dinner table or your neighborhood football party. The sauce makes plenty for cooking the meatballs, and there's even enough to spoon over the sandwiches for a boost of flavor.

Recipe: Coriander-Coconut-Braised Ribs

Serve these ribs over rice, and top with a few jalapeno slices.

Recipe: Braised Fennel, Cannellini Beans, and Italian Sausage

Sweet anise-flavored fennel bulb is paired here with cannellini beans, mild Italian sausage, and bitter radicchio for a hearty fall dish.

Recipe: Andouille Sausage Jambalaya with Shrimp

Traditionally, rice is cooked in the jambalaya liquid, but for this flavorful slow-cooker version, it's best to stir in the cooked rice at the end.

Recipe: Chicken-Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

A little bit of turmeric enhances the color here; it's a bit of a trick that makes you perceive the sauce as cheesier than it actually is.

Recipe: Ginger Shortbread Cookies with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

Add extra flavor to these lemony shortbread treats with cyrstallized ginger and lemon zest.