Corn Grits - Zea's Style

I don't think I know one person who does not like these grits. Can I eat these every day of my life!? I wouldn't check the calories though, just eat and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup yellow grits
• 1/2 pound butter
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 ear grilled corn, kernels removed

Directions

• Bring liquids to a boil. Stir in grits. Add butter. Cook at simmer until thickened. At end, stir in corn.

Note: Sauteed garlic and onions would be delicious in this recipe. Also, be sure to garnish with green onions!

Happy eating!

Macaroni Grill - Chicken Marsala in a box

I am all about quick when it comes to cooking. Rachel Ray had it right, 30 minutes or less! Sometimes, not often I'll try a box or bag of frozen something. Most of the time I'd rather just make it myself, because mixes and boxes always taste "fake" to me. Now I've only had Chicken Marsala once, at Copelands, like 2 years ago maybe. I was hesitant to try this, but glad I did. This is not a gourmet meal. Do not invite guests over or break out the China. This is a quick and easy meal for the fam. The chicken, if done right tastes pretty good, juicy too. I recommend canola oil or olive oil, always skip the veggie oil. Make healthy choices! The sauce is tasty, not too tang. It is a bit scarce though. Maybe for the professional chefs out there you know how to make this go further. They do recommend adding hot water, but something tells me there's a better way. The noodles are just generic box noodles, nothing fancy. The serving size is probabally three average portions. I know I had one meal, a little seconds, then lunch the next day. If you're feeding growing children, buy at least a second box.

Would I get this again? Sure, something quick and tasty? Why not?

*** 3 stars

Zea's

I'm sure we've all been to Zea's. If not, you're missing out. This is my go-to place when I'm fresh out of ideas. They never fail to provide good food and good service. Ok food first. Zea's specializes in rotisserie chicken. Most people who know me, know I do not eat chicken on the bone. Well I did Sunday night. I tried the rotisserie chicken for the first time. I hated it. Now remember, I would hate it anywhere. I felt like the meat was undercooked and I was nauseous the whole time I was eating it. Boo! Now, if you try the balsamic salmon you'll be seducing the waiter just for the recipe. Wow, the salmon is delicious!!! The balsamic sauce is a reduction with brown sugar, yum. AND you must get a side of corn grits. You're an idiot to pass these up. No, seriously. I also really like the Asian Tuna Salad. I like my tuna seared, and it is delicious. The salad comes with crispy noodles and peanut sauce. I'm not a salad lover, but I'll eat this one. I guess I couldn't move on without mentioning the ribs. I haven't tasted them, again the bones issue. You can get them in 3 different varieties, dry, wet, or Thai. I must say they look delicious. Now who's picking the meat off for me? So what's on the drink menu? Zea's brews their own beer. Have I tasted it? No. I'm so stuck on the kiwi strawberry tea, I've never ventured out. BUT, there is a full description and variety for people who prefer Pilsner, Hefe-Weisen, Dunkle, Amber, etc... On to service. It's few and far between I have gotten bad service. I am usually quite satisfied with my service. No complaints. Prices? If you're looking for items in the $9.99 range, there are some. Zea's features many delicious sandwiches, and there is also a daily special. Most prices range from $9.99 - $24. You're paying $24 for seafood and ribs of course.

Well I guess that's it. Happy eating. Check online for coupons. I know half price mall has them all the time.

**** 4 stars

http://www.zearestaurants.com/site3.php

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

There is a soup similar to this one at Olive Garden. I enjoyed it so much I sought out the recipe. I like this recipe, but I would make 3 changes. 1) Add one more garlic and salt and pepper to taste. 2) The gnocchi was a little over cooked. After boiling the gnocchi for 4 minutes, skip the 5 minute simmer. Simmering after the cream is added, is plenty. 3) I used only 2 large chicken breasts. Two seemed like quite enough to me. Well good luck! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 16 ounces of potato gnocchi (found in the grocery aisle with pastas)
• 1 1/2 cups of half and half
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped

Directions

• Saute the onion, celery, garlic, carrot and onion in oil over medium heat.
• Add chicken, chicken broth, and thyme. Heat to boiling, then add gnocchi. Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down to a simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add half and half and heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
• Serve and enjoy!

Rice Pudding (no raisins)

I love rice pudding, just minus the raisins. I'm also a flan and custard fan too. You can thank my mom for that! I don't mind! Really. This recipe isn't gourmet, but definitely hits the spot!

Serving: 4

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups milk, divided
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until cooked.

• In another saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk, beaten egg and raisins. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla. Serve warm.

Note: You must temper the egg before you add it.

Salmon Chowder

Well I made this soup tonight and it is yummy! It was easy to make, and very hearty. Now I will say this, it is not for someone who doesn't like salmon. This dish has an obvious salmon flavor, now I think it's yummy... for the person only so-so about salmon, you may not like it. Anywho - Try it! This soup is great for a cold evening, if we ever get one!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth (I use water and bouillon cubes)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1lb fresh salmon
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can fat free evaporated milk
• (15 ounce) can creamed corn
• 1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place salmon in shallow baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake 30 minutes. Fish is done when mostly pale pink in center.
• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute onion, celery, and garlic powder until onions are tender. Stir in potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, pepper, and dill. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat. Cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
• Using a fork, break salmon into small pieces, separate from skin. Discard skin.
• Stir in salmon, evaporated milk, corn, and cheese. Cook until heated through.

Yo Mama's

Let's get down and dirty about burgers. You can protest that POC has the best burger in NOLA, but that's crap. My burger at POC was so dry I had to put an entire bottle of ketchup on it. Stop waiting in line for hours, and go to Yo Mama's. Yo Mama's is a bar with a very eclectic theme. Some of the decor is New Orleansesque, some S&M, a little carnival, and a spash of velvet Elvis. It's located right across from Pat O's, usually with tons of bikers chilling out front. You can't miss it! The seating is limited, but there always seems to be a good balance, I've never had to wait for a table. Ok burger time. The burgers are big, the burgers are juicy, the burgers are unique! Salsa, avocado, chili, bacon, and yes even peanut butter and usually toppings for these burgers. I will testify that the peanut butter burger is delicious! It has lettuce, tomato, mayo, bacon, and peanut butter. Starve yourself all day, then come gorge on this delicious burger! What makes these burgers so good? I'm guessing the quality of meat plays a large roll, but from what I hear, a hubcap is placed on top of the burgers to keep in moisture. Cool! The sides are awesome too. The burgers come with a loaded backed potato, a huge scoop of potato salad, or a side salad. Most of the burgers range from $9-$12. You can also get a half pink size (plain) for $4.50, which I do from time to time. The prices are very good considering you have a huge plate of food and great quality too. My friends and I eat here quite frequently, and they'll protest there's no burger in comparison. If you're in this neck of the woods, check it out. You'll be hooked.

**** Four Stars

http://www.yomamasbarandgrill.com/