Tim the Younger

Kitchen Equipment

In order to cook for yourself, you’re going to need some equipment. Hopefully, this list will help you when you’re setting up your own first kitchen. Remember, the goal here isn’t to buy/obtain the best equipment (so buy cheap when you can), but simply to have enough stuff that most recipes will be within yourContinue reading “Kitchen Equipment”

Peanut Butter Pie

9-inch prepared graham cracker pie crust 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/3 cup confectioners sugar 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed Optional: Chocolate-covered peanut butter cups (broken up into medium-sized pieces) or chocolate chips Directions: In a bowl, add cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and peanut butter; mix well. Fold whippedContinue reading “Peanut Butter Pie”

Cajun Chicken (or Shrimp) Alfredo

2 large chicken breasts (or 1 pound shrimp, peeled and de-veined) 1 to 2 jars (15 ounce) alfredo sauce 1 pound package fettucine noodles 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, separated Directions: Cook noodles according to the instructions on the box. (Note: You want theContinue reading “Cajun Chicken (or Shrimp) Alfredo”

Fish Taco Sauce

4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup Mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred) 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice 1 tablespoon sriracha 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin Directions: Stir all ingredients together with a whisk or fork. If time allows, refrigerate forContinue reading “Fish Taco Sauce”

Italian Herb Pizza Dough (Bread Machine)

2-1/4 teaspoons (1 package) dried yeast 3 cups bread flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (or 1 tablespoon oregano and 1 tablespoon basil) 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup and 2 tablespoons luke-warm water Directions: In a small mixing bowl, whisk togetherContinue reading “Italian Herb Pizza Dough (Bread Machine)”

Sausage & Potato Soup

2 lbs Tennessee Pride Hot Country Sausage 5 lbs red potatoes, cut into roughly 1-inch chunks 2 large sweet onions, chopped 3 quarts (12 cups) water 1 quart (4 cups) whole milk 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese 12 chicken bullion cubes 3 tablespoons dried chives 3 tablespoons dried celery flakes 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoonContinue reading “Sausage & Potato Soup”

Savory Baked Chicken Breasts

3 to 4 chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to approximately 3/4 inch thick Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub (2 to 3 tablespoons) Chili Powder or Paprika or Ground Cheyenne Pepper (1 to 2 teaspoons) Cooking Oil, high smoke-point Directions: Preheat oven to 450 deg F. Pour oil evenly in 9×13 inch casserole dish. Place chicken inContinue reading “Savory Baked Chicken Breasts”

Breakfast Croissants

3 cans croissant dough (8 per can; 24 total) 24 small breakfast sausage links, frozen 12 eggs, scrambled 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated 3 slices American cheese, halved 2 tablespoons dried chives, chopped 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons butter, melted Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. Place sausages evenly (inContinue reading “Breakfast Croissants”

Jambalaya

2 chicken breasts, beaten (tenderized) & cubed 14 ounces (1 package) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces 28 ounces salad shrimp (pre-cooked, frozen; do not thaw) 1 onion, diced 4 teaspoons garlic, minced 1 can (14.5 ounces) tomato, crushed 1/2 pound green peas, frozen 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoonContinue reading “Jambalaya”

DIY: Pork Chops, Pork Loin, & Extras

Here in Kentucky, it’s not very difficult to find a grocery store that sells whole pork loins… and I do mean whole–I can usually find about 3-foot-long sections of pork loin for less than $30 somewhere. If you’re smart about it, you can make quite a few meals from one loin. Alright, let’s get started.Continue reading “DIY: Pork Chops, Pork Loin, & Extras”